2001 Isuzu Rodeo Review

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Editors' Rating

Not Yet Rated | Read the Model Review

Fuel Economy

16 - 18 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The runt of the midsize SUV litter. Pick it only if you have a soft spot in your heart for Isuzu.

Pros

Stylish exterior, powerful V6 engine, roomy rear seats, great warranty.

Cons

Cheap interior pieces, bouncy off-road manners, uncomfortable front seats, questionable build quality.

What's New for 2001

An Anniversary Edition trim package that includes two-tone paint, leather seating and special chrome wheels is the only addition to 2001 Rodeos.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Do not purchase

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 5 Fun-to-Drive: 5 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 7 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 3 Exterior Design: 5

Vehicle

2001 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I couldn't wait to buy an SUV - found this one used for a good price. Loved it! Owned it for 3 years, replacing brakes and the usual maintenance. Then the bottom rusted out of it entirely - my shop guy was able to put a screwdriver through the entire underside. Isuzu would do nothing nor would the dealership. Isuzu will not do a thing! DO NOT BUY THIS SUV.

Favorite Features

Was fun to drive, lots of room

Suggested Improvements

Need I say more? How about Isuzu standing by their flaw in design.

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Comme ci, comme ca

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 5
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 4 Exterior Design: 4

Vehicle

2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I absolutely loved driving this truck because it drove like a car, and drove very smoothly. Super comfortable, great features. But it was a rustbox, I had to get rid of it before it got so bad as to knock the value down too far. The transmission started to slip at approx. 85,000 miles. It was noticeable when going from 1st to 2nd gear - it would hold back, then jump into 2nd. Also from reverse back to 1st. Scared me, didn't want to put a new tranny in. Not much else went wrong with this truck though, it was very reliable and a great size. Awful gas mileage though. Isuzus are cheaply made in the undercarriage, I wouldn't recommend buying one older than a couple years if you live near salt.

Favorite Features

Sunroof, automatic windows/door locks/seats, extremely comfortable interior, spacious, reliable (always started, even in 0 degree NH weather), great in snow.

Suggested Improvements

Use better steel/metal on the frame and undercarriage, this truck was so rusty that chips would fall off if you kicked it gently. Completely rusted out under the back bumper/step. Transmission was going WAY too early in its life. Gas sensor went as soon as I bought it and always said empty.

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Drove it for 1 week!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 5 Exterior Design: 7

Vehicle

2001 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We only had it for 1 week, when someone set the alarm off. Got in it next morning and it wouldn't stay cranked. Now it won't start at all. We've taken it to 5 different shops/mechanics, including a dealership & no one can find anything wrong with it. After researching online, it seems like others have had same problem & it has to do with the alarm system-but no one seems to know how to shut the alarm off, bypass it, etc. I don't understand how no one knows how to fix it! We're running out of patience & money! And we bought it w/out a warranty, so it's starting to look like a total loss, which we can't afford! I'm so sick about this & wish we'd never bought this vehicle!

Favorite Features

I loved the way it looked with the sunroof & everything, the room so we could load up our children & go fishing, and it drove very smooth for an 8 yr old SUV.

Suggested Improvements

It seems like there's a lot of problems with the alarm/electrical system- it should be made to where it can be shut off or bypassed.

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Great Truck

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Other than the usual maintenance at 100,000, it has been great! Transmission rebuild at 135000, but no other problems. I really wish that Isuzu was still selling this model here in the US. I would love to have a new one. (After another 100,000!)

Favorite Features

Looks great, handles well, tough build.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage and pick-up speed.

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Pretty happy

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9

Vehicle

2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I now have over 100k on my Rodeo and it's only been in the shop 1 time for a new heater. It's been very reliable. Gas mileage is so-so, seats could be more comfortable, but all in all, I've been happy with it. Bought it at 0% for 72 months. I plan on buying a new Yukon soon...I hope it is as reliable as my Rodeo has been.

Favorite Features

Reliability, 4 wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

More comfortable seats.

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