2001 Isuzu Rodeo 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
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.
Comme ci, comme ca
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.
Drove it for 1 week!
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.
Great Truck
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.
Pretty happy
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.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
- 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
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