2004 Isuzu Rodeo Review
Fuel Economy
17 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
An impressive V6 engine makes its debut for 2004. Too bad it has to be in the under-achieving Rodeo.
Pros
Stylish exterior, powerful new V6, great powertrain warranty.
Cons
Cheap interior pieces, flaccid suspension, uncomfortable front seats, questionable build quality.
What's New for 2004
Isuzu has made a few changes this year to make the Rodeo more appealing to SUV shoppers. First off, there's a new range-topping 3.5-liter V6 that makes 250 horsepower. Last year's 3.2-liter V6 has a new home in the base model; the four-cylinder engine has been dropped. Other alterations this year include a new Sound Package, a new Color Package and a new tire-pressure monitoring system.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Love it!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
My fourth Isuzu SUV. Bought it new in 04. This ride has given me more than my money's worth. I've always liked the looks, the performance and the reliability,- no unpleasant surprises. Predictable maintenance history and a compatible vehicle for rack systems, hitch systems, etc. It's flexible for carrying all sorts of cargo. Have put 112k miles on this thing and if it dies tomorrow, I'm still be glad I bought it.
Favorite Features
Good overall utilitarian work horse with adequate power and features for a very reasonable price. Like the looks too.
Suggested Improvements
Would have liked a firmer suspension on the 2WD, and a standard class III tow package. For me, a bit more leg room up front would have been great. Couldn't afford the 3.5 engine at the time, but understand it's a real rocket. Have no complaints with the 3.2.
Get Rid Of It
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 1 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 1 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Mushy ride, feels unsafe; REDUCED POWER light randomly comes on, effectively disabling the car, dangerous if you're not in your driveway when it happens; essentially you cannot count on it when you need it.
Favorite Features
Nice looking car
Suggested Improvements
Fix the REDUCED POWER glitch
BEST MID SIZE SUV EVER
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Rodeo S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have the 3.5 direct injected motor. It has plently of power without hurting fuel mileage. My wife drives 85 miles to and from work everyday and it gets 24 mpg. I took it down the 1/4 mile track for fun and it run a 14.88@90 mph. I have taken it camping 1 time I went off road with it; it did great, I even pulled an 07 hummer h3 out of the mud. JUST GREAT SUV.
Favorite Features
3.5L engine
Suggested Improvements
satisfied
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Just went over the 90k mile mark on my 04 Rodeo I purchased new almost 5 yrs ago (my 4th Isuzu since 88). Bought the extended warranty but never had to use it. I've been extremely happy with this ride. No surprises (knock on wood). Still get over 20 mpg on trips and 15 mpg in town. With all the rebates, I keep my eye on new SUVs but really can't justify the expense as the equivalent value in today's market is just too steep. I'd hate to unload this Rodeo, it still runs so well. Timely maintenance and an honest mechanic are key. I have no reservations about taking this Rodeo on long trips. I feel real fortunate to have owned this SUV, having a ride in the shop is no fun.
Favorite Features
Steering mounted cruise. 81 cf of cargo. Reliability of systems. Ease of adding aftermarket accessories(Yakima rack, grill guard and towing hitch).
Suggested Improvements
It's a no frills ride and I understood that when I bought it. I use it to haul stuff, hunt and fish. I got no complaints.
My second Rodeo, just as great!!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Rodeo S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
This is my second Rodeo. My first was a 2002 LS. I never had any problem with it. Another driver hit me and I think I would have been killed if I were not in my Rodeo. So I bought another one with the insurance money. This one is newer and has the 3.5L engine, the gray trim, upgraded sound and fog lights. I love it even more than my old one. It has great pick up, great interior. I love the controls for the stereo on the steering wheel. The price was great and it is in perfect condition. I know it will last forever too. My old one never had any problem. These vehicles are such great quality and value and low maintenance that I can't understand why Isuzu quit making them. I love mine!
Favorite Features
Great exterior style and look with the gray trim and fog lights. Awesome engine and pickup. Great ride. And I know firsthand that it is a safe vehicle since I was hit by an old solid steel pickup and walked away from it. The stereo is great and holds 6 CDs and sounds great! The cargo area is great!
Suggested Improvements
Start making them again! This is a solid vehicle and a great value and Isuzu should start making them again! That is why you don't see many for sale. People who have them, like me, know what they have and don't sell them.
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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