2003 Isuzu Rodeo Consumer Reviews

I love it!

Written by: Brandi on 01/15/2006

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I love it. I traded my tiny Camaro in for this lovely SUV. This is actually our 2nd Rodeo to own and we love it. I like the length of the warranty. It covers just about everything that could go wrong. We had a Honda Passport and although they resemble each other they are nothing like each other. The Honda was a LEMON but our Rodeo is an Angel. The interior is nice and roomy and the seats are very comfy (we do NOT have lumbar support, you only need that if you are like 100 years old). The trunk area is large enough to hold all of our luggage for family vacations plus some and then we still have the luggage rack on top. I love the size of the vehicle because it's not small but not big.

Favorite Features

The stereo controls on the steering wheel are wonderful. I also like the cover that goes on the trunk area. I also like how the rear hatch opens to the side. It enables you to get your stuff out a lot easier if you are short like me.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage. I guess you can't complain too much though you bought an SUV not a compact car. Also the middle seat belt in the rear could be a shoulder belt like the PT Cruisers. It's a nice, safe feature when you have kids in car seats. And maybe the keyless entry could be on the key itself.

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Great Car

Written by: Lar on 01/15/2006

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

We are in our early 60's and have enjoyed the Rodeo. We owned a 1995 Rodeo, also v6 and we got at least 8-11 MPG better than the 2003 model. My mechanic says that the 2003 engine is far more difficult to service but it is fly-by-wire in that there are no linkages, all electronic. We aren't happy that the Rodeo has been taken out of production.

Favorite Features

Tail gate, mirror lights, easy access to oil filter, full size spare tire, storage areas in back sidewalls.

Suggested Improvements

Since the Rodeo has been dis-continued, the response wouldn't mean much, but, better gas mileage is needed.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My Twitch

Written by: sidless on 11/10/2005

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

My girlfriend bought the Rodeo since we wanted something that would haul a pop up camper and also offered covered storage for all our stuff. 'Twitch' has been a great little ride. The Bridgestones are a bit loud, but nothing that turning up the radio won't cure. Had to replace rotors and brakes at 51K; put powerslots and ceramic pads on her and now she'll stop on a dime! The shocks wore out quickly in the rear, so I replaced F/R shocks with Bilsteins and now all is well. Good acceleration, and 22mpg average gas mileage. Seats are comfortable for short hauls but a little uncomfortable on long trips. Overall, we love our little 'Twitch'!

Favorite Features

6-disk CD player, good sound system. Great acceleration, and quite dependable.

Suggested Improvements

Seats could be a little more adjustable for comfort. Lumbar feels like a crowbar is pressing into your back after 100 miles or so.

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Gas in city

Written by: Me on 09/20/2005

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

The only operational problem I have had with this vehicle is the transmission. It was covered under warranty since it was only three months old. I believe since then Isuzu has corrected the transmission problems on other 2003 models.

Favorite Features

It has a light up mirror on the rear view. It is great if the passenger needs light when the driver doesn't. No glare

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders in back could be a little more user friendly and conveniently located.

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Beats any high priced GM/Ford

Written by: isuzuV64x4 on 04/10/2005

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned several SUVs in the past and this is the first one that did not cost me an arm and a leg to purchase or maintain. The GMC Envoy I bought for my wife ended up costing me an extra $900 6 months later when a rock hit her headlamp assembly and broke it. The headlamp assembly alone was $900 to replace! GM has officially priced themselves out of my market. Cost of ownership on the Rodeo is very low. As long as the oil is changed and manufacturers suggested maintenance is followed, this SUV will last for many years. The tailgate's sideways opening is a little awkward in tight spots, but functional nonetheless. I could not be happier with the drive and overall operation.

Favorite Features

6-disk in dash CD changer, standard power options, winter driving capability, low cost of ownership.

Suggested Improvements

None.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Bad Egg

Written by: Jorge A. on 11/09/2004

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I have been very unimpressed with this SUV. I have owned three different SUV's and this one has performed the poorest. I bought it brand new from a dealer which told me I would love it. From day one the vehicle has been emitting a rotten egg smell, the ride is very bouncy and bumpy. I have spoken to the sales reps, service dept, and have even taken the vehicle in for a diagnoses of the problems. I have recieved negative results in getting the issues fixed. Gas mileage is below average. I would just like a better one that works correctly. I should be able to get Isuzu on a Lemon law.

Favorite Features

Radio controls on the steering wheel, remote alarm/ keyless entry. On the fly four wheel drive.

Suggested Improvements

WARRANTY, ROTTEN EGG SMELL,SHOCKS, REAR DOOR SHOULD OPEN UP OR DOWN NOT SIDEWAYS. MORE POWER SHOULD BE STANDARD FOR THE V6.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A better engine could improve a lot!

Written by: TicoJax on 08/30/2004

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have owned this car for about 8 months. I think 2.2 engine is not strong enough to handle the size of vehicle. Fuel is 20.5 mpg, which is good for a SUV. It has a noise engine when you accelerate. Interior is just average, it could be much better.

Favorite Features

None

Suggested Improvements

To include more options in standard version. Competition offers a better deal with more extras (cruise control, A/C, tilt).

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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good for the price

Written by: peycan on 05/17/2004

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)

Review

First SUV I've bought. For the price, its great. Plenty of interior room. Nice looking outside. Not too big to park in a normal parking spot, but not too small either.

Favorite Features

volume controls on the steering wheel, keyless entry, 6 disc in dash CD changer

Suggested Improvements

better gas milage, can feel every bump hit, it'd be nice if the "power" and "ice" buttons were somewhere else (im always accidentally hitting them), dont like the side opening back door

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Lemon

Written by: mita on 11/01/2003

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Got less than 11000 miles before I had to trade. Poorest vehicle I ever had.

Favorite Features

none

Suggested Improvements

HONOR YOUR WAARRANTY

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Love the Rodeo, but...

Written by: skidude on 09/30/2003

Vehicle

2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I am very happy with my new Rodeo. It gets a lot of use in the mountains and I am very happy with its off-road performance. The seats are much more comfortable than older models we tested. Roomy, sporty, attractive and useful. The biggest complaint that we have with our Rodeo is that it is next to impossible to get crossbars for the roof rack. The crossbars were taken off by the Isuzu design group due to noise issues, but were not offered at purchase and aren't offered by Isuzu as an upgrade or kit. If you plan on using the rack, ask your dealer about it when you purchase your Rodeo to save the headache of trying to add crossbars later on.

Favorite Features

The power feature works well in higher altitudes when more power is needed. Snow feature is nice for starting out on slick surfaces. Higher suspension with more travel than comparable SUV's is a plus for off-road performance.

Suggested Improvements

Our only other complaint is the bad smell in the vents if you leave the AC on when you park. Good luck with your vehicle purchase.

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