2002 Isuzu Rodeo Consumer Reviews

No problems!!

Written by: raven166 on 07/23/2007

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I have had my black Rodeo LS for 5 years now. All I have had to do was buy new tires. And that was because after 5 years all tires need replacing. My Rodeo still looks and runs the same as when I bought it. I have never had a problem with this vehicle and I am very happy that I chose to buy it! It has been worth every penny. I am sorry they quit making them because I would buy another one. I will keep it forever. I might even buy a used one someday to have another one. They are so reliable, I never worry on the road that my Rodeo will break down on me or not start. I really do love it!!

Favorite Features

Dependability, looks great, runs great.

Suggested Improvements

None, I broke the CD player but that was my fault.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Too many little things, one big problem

Written by: nateasu on 03/03/2007

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought the car, was happy. Turns out the headrest was broken and wouldn't stay up. Dealership told me they'd have to unstitch the seat to get to the problem and I'd be without a car for a week. Hood had dimples in it like someone sat on it with quarters in their back pocket. 100 miles after the warranty, the CD player broke and ruined my CDs. Parking brake never really worked. Probably caused by the dealership drove around with the parking brake on because the rear brakes needed to be replaced the first time I had them inspected. Oh yeah, 4 years into owning the car, it wouldn't shift out of 1st gear. I had an emergency repair done then the manufacturer wouldn't honor the warranty. Cost me $4k.

Favorite Features

Sunroof; but it needs an auto open/close feature so that you don't have to hold the lever while it opens and closes.

Suggested Improvements

Don't leave the cars on the sales lot so long, they get beat up by the dealerships.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Big Mistake!

Written by: Remorsed on 01/13/2007

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Overpriced for little value. Bad resale value. Rattles and air noise is awful. Moonroof very cheap, dealer says not worth fixing. Passenger door needed fixing 3 times. Plastic parts all over the place. Car will nickel and dime you. Gas guzzler. Oh, most important, the car surges forward on its own in snowy cold weather! Dealer can't find problem, so they blew me off, 3 times! Very dangerous. Can't wait to get rid of it, but I'm upside down, big time. My daughter bought a used 2001 in 2003 and it didn't even last a year before it dropped its engine from a broken bolt, fixed that, then it blew a gasket, threw out oil, and blew the engine. We put in another engine just to unload it.

Favorite Features

4 wheel drive works great. It got me back on the road when the car took off by itself!

Suggested Improvements

I don't even care to think about it. Don't buy an Isuzu Rodeo.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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So Far So Good

Written by: bougt it used on 08/30/2006

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this vehicle used with 50K on it, and it feels/runs like it's brand new. I love the exterior, and the leather interior/sunroof/all power windows, seats, etc. Handles great, when you drive it like a truck instead of a sedan. This is my first SUV, and I have to say I am very happy. Gas mileage is poor, but I expected that with the purchase. Lots of cargo room, however, people in the back seat do not have much leg room. Sound system is great, love the 6 disc changer. No problems so far (mechanically). V6 engine has good get up and go! Very quiet ride, but a little bouncy...though I have found almost all SUV's I test drove to be like that.

Favorite Features

Interior on the LSE is worth the upgrade. Comfortable leather/nice sound system. Exterior looks are also great. Nice high ride to see over objects.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage?

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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2002 Rodeo

Written by: jbauman on 07/16/2005

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I like it a lot - and it tows 5000 pounds on level ground with no trouble at all. Hills can be a challenge, but then again, I'm at max towing capacity. Except for two nagging problems, it's been very reliable. One problem is a persisten check engine light (PO440 code, a known problem), and two failures of the accumulator piston seal on the transmission (another common problem). Both fixed under warranty.

Favorite Features

Handles well, lots of torque, inexpensive.

Suggested Improvements

Better dealer service. These people are quite arrogant... need an attitude adjustment.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My Experience

Written by: Kerrie Cornett on 02/16/2005

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo S 2WD 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I love my Rodeo, but it doesn't love me. I have had it in the shop for warranty work 7 times since I bought it on November 28, 2003. It is going in this week for its eighth trip. I have had sensors go bad, the catalytic converter replaced, the transmission rebuilt, the exhaust manifold replaced, and this week its getting a new fuel pump. The clutch is tricky and there is still a knock in the rear end, but I've gotten used to that noise and learned the secrets of the clutch. I may have just gotten a lemon, but based on the amount of time that I've spent in the service lounge I wouldn't buy another Isuzu Rodeo.

Favorite Features

I do like the handling and the comfort of the interior. It is very roomy and the cargo are is very large for a small SUV.

Suggested Improvements

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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I am Happy I Bought it

Written by: Happyone on 07/07/2004

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased my Rodeo in August 2002. I must say I am really happy with it. Aside from the poor gas mileage (city), I am happy I bought it. The interior of the vehichle is cheaply built, but the power is awesome. It is really dependable and affordable.

Favorite Features

I love the power of the rodeo. I love the color (currant red).

Suggested Improvements

Come up with another design for the interior (dash and doors). It is just a little to cheaply built.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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A Very Happy New/Used Owner

Written by: VAV on 06/26/2004

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I shopped for over six months, just looking and test-driving various SUVs, in all price ranges. My daughter and I really enjoy this classy and responsive vehicle. Go ahead and buy one. You'll be pleased.

Favorite Features

Drives as good as it looks! Mileage is fine and it is a fun ride. Excellent buy.

Suggested Improvements

A complimentary can of touch-up paint for those little dings...or a tougher coat initially.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Bullet proof

Written by: Ed Dennis on 06/24/2004

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

One of the tighest vehicles I have ever experienced. No rattles ever. This is a true 4 wheel drive vehicle, it is built on a truck frame and will go anywhere. All of the new SUV's are compromises trying to make a vehicle ride and handle like a car while it looks like a 4 WD SUV. The newer models are really cars not trucks and if you get them in to rough terrain they will leave you there. The rodeo will bring you home and in style. Absolutely no problems in 18 months.

Favorite Features

6 CD Radio and sound system is fantastic! The fit and finish is great, The engine is very responsive (V6). This is a hauler too. If you drop the back seats flat you can load a ton of stuff in this SUV - anything left over can go on top (the roof rack is great).

Suggested Improvements

ISUZU seems to be having some problems and headquarters in California doesn't seem to want to have any contact with their customers. They want the dealers to handle everything. On two occasions I have called them to get some technical information. No satisfactory response from them.

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LUV IT

Written by: beautifulj on 04/25/2004

Vehicle

2002 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased this vehicle 11/2003 and so far so good. I was a little apprehensive about purchasing this vehicle because of reviews that I've seen. I love the exterior look and the interior look except for a few minor things. Rides smooth & makes me enjoy being in my ride.

Favorite Features

6-disc CD changer, sound system, rides high & smooth

Suggested Improvements

at times when i start the car it sounds really loud, sometimes i hear a rattling noise, too much wind noise when driving over 70mph.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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