2002 Isuzu Rodeo SUV

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

9 yrs old, 154k and

by lynn3765 on May 16, 2011
Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Bought this in 2002 after reading many reviews and talking to a few different owners. I've had this vehicle for 9 years and other than normal wear and tear repairs, have not had any issues. I am still getting 23 mpg on the highway; about 19 city. As long as the routine maintenance is kept up, this vehicle has been a gem.

Worth the money

by randymarsh on Jan 4, 2011
Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

We bought ours in 2002 new and it has been a great car for the money. Don't expect 4runner or Pathfinder comforts in these cars, but they are much cheaper. The ride is a little stiff and the interior is cheap, but positives are a fairly peppy engine and good exterior styling. These do burn oil, but if you check it regularly and top it off as needed, you should never have any problems. At 112K miles, the only issue was the ABS light coming on a couple of times around 30K miles. Make sure they are maintained (fuel filter every 30K and the previously mentioned oil burning). Transmission fluid is sealed so a lot of places can't change it, but an Amco can handle it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Often seen high mileage

by Mountain Canuck on Oct 20, 2010
Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Every vehicle line has its lemons. Our Rodeo SE has been a solid and reliable all-round truck. I have been the only owner from 12 km and have beat it around in the snow and through the bush a lot. This year we picked up a 2700 lb (loaded) tent trailer for it to haul. After hauling the trailer fully loaded up a 12-15% minimum highway grade for about 40km, it didn't falter once. In fact it performed very well. Changing all fluids at the regular service intervals helps keep it going. If you are concerned about mileage, change your fuel filter. It's a $12 part and only takes 15- 20mins. Mine is changed yearly due to local delivery of poor fuel quality. Its like driving a new truck every year.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

It's a winner!

by Texasgal on Aug 27, 2010
Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

When I bought my rodeo, it already had 100,000 miles on it. I am at 168,000 now and driving strong. No problems at all except had to replace tires and alternator. And I have crack in the radiator. But other than that, it is very dependable and handles well, especially on dirt, hilly roads. I just wish it got better gas mileage, only get about 260 miles per tank now. Use to get almost 300 when I first bought it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

88000+ and still running strong

by FHFMA on Jan 6, 2010
Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

We bought this SUV new after an issue with a used car we bought from the same dealer. While it wasn't our first choice for SUV I had owned a 1984 Isuzu PU with a diesel engine one of the first in the country and had great service with it. This is my wife's primary vehicle and while it avg 18mpg around town it will get 25mpg on hwy trips. It's heavy even for the V6 and autotrans accounts for less MPG. Only problem was the transmission had to be replaced at 60K due to a known factory defect. This was covered by the long warranty. Only other issue now will be the cost to replace the timing belt. Important to note this vehicle was supplied to HONDA and sold as the PILOT prior to them making one.

The worst

by ruffneck1981 on Dec 17, 2009
Vehicle: 2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

I got this June 27,2009, this car leaks oil everywhere, it drinks gas 16 mpg. It will cost u 10 dollars a day in gas on your commute 46 miles. Am sorry I brought this SUV, can't wait to get rid of it.