1999 Isuzu Rodeo Consumer Reviews

Terrible car

Written by: chels on 03/18/2009

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr S V6 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo last August, this car has given me so much trouble. I have had to replace the starter, tires several times, 2 door latches, EGR valve, throttle position sensor, headlight assembly kit. I have tried to keep up the maintenance on this car and it is a money pit. I love driving it, and I love the comfort of the interior, but this is just not a reliable car. Also, the car idles very high around the 3 rpm's in park and around 2 in drive and reverse.

Favorite Features

interior

Suggested Improvements

better build

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Reliable but VERY ROUGH RIDING

Written by: Bethlehem - PA on 01/22/2009

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

Purchased car used. Engine is very reliable over the years. Major problem with the axle (breather tube) over heats. Replaced twice. Isuzu was aware of these problems with their car. With exception of axle problems, just normal wear and tear maintenance performed over the years. Mileage never reach potential as I would only get 14 to 20 miles/gal.

Favorite Features

A good utility vehicle. Good in snow (AWD). Reliable for most part.

Suggested Improvements

Ride is very rough for a small SUV - major area of improvement. Interior could be better. Seats are not comfortable. Antilock brakes functions different than other vehicles I have driven with ABS. Servicing and customer service was poor at best. Known problem existed but buyer responsible.

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I wouldn't drive anything else

Written by: TacosforTaku on 01/21/2009

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS Wagon

Review

I got it when my base model 96 rodeo was dying (almost 300000 miles), and it was everything I wanted in a vehicle. I love how it still feels like a truck instead of a car and it gets up and goes in a pinch. The 5 speed is greatly welcome. My gas gage is one of the few that still works, but it burns oil and its fuel pump is dying. But it's got great room and is fun on long road trips with my friend.

Favorite Features

Exterior style, tailgate tire mount, manual transmission, good handling around curves, Interior seating room, cargo, not soft Nintendo plastic dashboard (feels more durable than most), and great acceleration.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage, wind noise, oil burner, comfort on long road trips, and acceleration takes a bigger toll than I like when I have 5 friends with me (a lot of them are heavy).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Loving my Rodeo

Written by: brandon20068837 on 12/28/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS Wagon

Review

I absolutely love my Isuzu Rodeo. I really never wanted a 4-door SUV because I didn't like the looks. I have not had one problem in over the year I've had it. I bought it with 139,000 miles, and it now has over 148,000. It drives like it's 2 years old, and never seems to let me down. I'm thinking about getting an Isuzu Ascender after this one bites the dust.

Favorite Features

The 4-wheel drive. How the back hatch swings open. Steering is excellent. Winter button really helps in bad weather. interior is comfortable. I really love everything about it.

Suggested Improvements

A little too boxy looking. My gas gauge doesn't work, and the check engine light is always on. I really cannot complain about this vehicle, I love it!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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What a great SUV

Written by: gabbyu on 10/06/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

Since I bought this truck in May of 2007 with 182,000 on it, I never had a problem except changing the oxygen sensor which the truck had when I bought it. It has remained very reliable ever since. One complaint though is that the front seats are not that comfortable on a long trip. Will still get another one to keep since they don't make them any longer. A real bargain for a used SUV. Buy one and you will be happy.

Favorite Features

The sound system is really good and the view from behind the steering in wonderful.

Suggested Improvements

No point writing anything here since the model has been discontinued.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A dependable sturdy working ride

Written by: texas on 09/29/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LSE Wagon

Review

I purchased my Rodeo new and have loved every minute of owning it. I have taken great care of it with regular checkups and changes. I am at 225k all orig. parts. I live in the country on a farm and work 30 miles in town and it has served me well. The great part is it is still going. I have just recently purchased a small car for work and to save on gas but have no complaints with my Rodeo. It has lived up to it's name in all aspects and I am sure it will go well over 300k.

Favorite Features

Durable. I have put my Rodeo through a lot of off road and on road tasks. It has only failed me just recently with on wheel bearing which at this point I would consider wear and tear.

Suggested Improvements

The gas gauge has been replaced 3 times now and out again. I have chosen not to replace it and gauge my mileage for gas.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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IT'S A GAMBLE...

Written by: ROD S. on 08/30/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

It had 50k on it when I bought it used in 2006, ABS was out already, but I have no problem stopping in regular or normal Winter conditions, I have added cold air intake to increase mpg/power. 205 hp/217tq are not impressive #'s but it feels a lot torquier than that. I believe I bought a good one (except ABS thing) but Buyer Beware there's badly built ones out there. ISUZU didn't build consistently.

Favorite Features

Exterior design.

Suggested Improvements

Build quality.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good times some of the times...

Written by: Ishoozuu on 07/27/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS Wagon

Review

Bought the Rodeo used with 70,000 miles on it in 02. I put on 70,000 in 6 years -- I had to take the car in a couple of times to the Isuzu mechanic for factory recalls, which is cool because it's free and the fluctuating gas gauge and broken gas pedal were starting to get to me. Other than that nothing major. A/C needs recharging every 3 years ($40 a pop -- not bad). And as for the squeaking this car notoriously does, I just took mine in to get every bolt tightened and the squeaks are gone. Should only cost you about $50 if the mechanic is as honest as mine. Ha!

Favorite Features

The V-6 power, as well as the interior space. Gas mileage isn't bad for a SUV. Use Plus and you'll notice a difference. Quiet ride.

Suggested Improvements

I've read some of the improvements on here -- NOTE TO EVERYONE: Get rid of those Goodyear tires. The tires will make your car shake. Get some nice Michelin XTL's and enjoy the ride. Other improvs: lumbar support and moon-roof standard.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great SUV for the price

Written by: Rodeo driver on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

I purchased LS 4X4 new, in 1999. With just over 90,000 miles, it continues to look great and run well. Some of the paint has been "dinged" by off road work. I've been pretty fanatical about keeping a good wax coat on it. Nothing unusual - normal wear items replaced (brakes, tires, shocks, battery). Because the dealer has an excellent reputation, there are many of these running around town and most drivers say they are happy. Gets about 15mg in town, 21-22 on highway. If one really needs an SUV, this is a good deal, given low resale price compared to 4Runner and others.

Favorite Features

Style, reliability, powerful 6 cyl, flat folding rear seats, roomy, solid 4X4 handles snow and off road well, very accurate cruise control holds speed on hills (up and down), good AC

Suggested Improvements

Too late, since it's no longer made. I, too, had some problems with anti-lock brakes, but problem was fixed in early recall. Wish there was a magical way to improve the mileage!

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Great buy

Written by: susan on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

1999 Isuzu Rodeo 4 Dr S V6 4WD Wagon

Review

Car has always been good for me. I live out in the country and always having to drive on bumpy roads and this car has always drove well without any problems at all. The mpg is decent I get around 20-22 I also love the way this SUV looks unlike most.

Favorite Features

Reliable, sound system, roominess, good ride for truck-based SUV, easy 4X4 switching beats old locking wheels, 4X4 functions great, easy entrance for SUV for us short folks, side opening tailgate, towing capacity, smooth shifting, comfort and ride with Michelin tires.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing. Love this SUV.

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