2003 Isuzu Rodeo Review
Fuel Economy
17 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Even Honda finally got rid of its version of the Rodeo this year. Pick it only if you have a soft spot in your heart for Isuzu.
Pros
Stylish exterior, great powertrain warranty.
Cons
Cheap interior pieces, flaccid suspension, uncomfortable front seats, questionable build quality.
What's New for 2003
Rodeo receives no major changes for the 2003 model year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Blown Engine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought this vehicle brand new at the dealership. I got 13-15mph from day 1, no matter how I drove it. About 3 months ago, the low oil light came on. I immediately pulled over, checked the level, and added 4 quarts to bring it to full. For a 5 quart engine, to warn with only 1 quart in the engine is just a little too little. Since that day, I checked the engine every time I started it up for the day and had the oil pan gasket replaced. The engine started making a rapping noise on the day the oil got that low. Since then it has gotten worse and worse. The mechanic told me that it was just the lifters making a little noise. Yesterday the engine seized while driving. Not happy!
Favorite Features
Strong 4x4
Suggested Improvements
An oil warning light that comes on when it is supposed to.
*warning* Blown Crank Shaft in Engine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
My rodeo never could keep oil in engine. Did not leak on driveway and even tho routine oil changes were performed, the engine light did NOT come on to warn about low oil in between routine changes. Crank shaft in engine blew and beautiful well built vehicle dead. Would have kept this truck forever, but ended up being a nightmare to own.
Favorite Features
Body style is beautiful, couldn't ask for more.
Suggested Improvements
Door ajar lights would be helpful.
Dependable, economical
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
I've owned my Rodeo since late 2002, using it as a work vehicle. Overall, it's been a dependable work truck with good gas mileage and plenty of ground clearance. So far, I've put 104,000 miles on it with few problems. It's easy to work on, but hasn't needed much repair so far.
Favorite Features
8" of ground clearance is helpful for off-road work. The full size spare is also helpful - no need to run to the tire shop immediately if you get a flat.
Suggested Improvements
The interior trim is a little cheap - the rear cup holder broke fairly quickly. The little 4-cylinder motor is a gas sipper, but makes the truck underpowered for acceleration.
Homeowner, Fisherman, Hobbyist
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Very dependable. Great rear bumper is a 6 inch wide rest, a shelf or a seat when tailgate is open (like no other SUV has). Also, because back window lifts up separate from the tailgate, I can carry 12 ft long pipes and lumber just extending 2 feet out the back window while it is nearly all the way down. The seats lay down as a flat surface unlike most SUVs that leave the passenger seats at an angle when folded downward. CONS: I notice that the paint chips at each rock dent (lacks flexibility) then quickly rusts underneath. Tires squeal in tight turns even at idle speed. What other compact SUV is built to tow over 4000 pounds? It pulls a 17' fiberglass boat easily on road or in & out of ramps.
Favorite Features
My '03 came with a 6 cd changer, all functions right at the dash and very accessible. With the power seats and the optional leather, it challenges my BMW 5 series in luxury and without a hugh trans hump restricting passenger leg room.
Suggested Improvements
The name Rodeo sounds like a kid's car or first time low budget starter. It is indeed a sufficiently adequate and powerful utility SUV and should have a more respectable name.
Outstanding SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Excellent SUV - 100K miles, and still going strong. A little shy on leg room for a tall person, but otherwise comfortable. Very reliable, have had a couple of problems getting the starter to engage in hot weather - dealer not able to fix. mileage is about 18.5 on hwy, could be better. However, other traits make up for this. Very good in snow and ice. Highly recommended.
Favorite Features
4WD - plenty of power.
Suggested Improvements
More leg room, better seat belt buckles (a little difficult to engage at times), better gas mileage.
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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