June was a quiet month for the Rodeo. We didn't take it camping or on any long trips, nor did we conduct any further tests of the impact absorption characteristics of the bumpers. The Rodeo's duties this month merely consisted of commutes across Denver and shuttling staff members to work and play.

There is a growing rift over who likes this truck and who doesn't, and it seems to be breaking down along gender lines. Edmund's managing editor, Grant Whitmore, has spent a great deal of time with the Rodeo and can hardly stand to climb into the thing anymore. The uncomfortable seats and truck-like ride seem to be conspiring to send him to the chiropractor on a regular basis. He is itching for something quick and fun, like the Volkswagen Passat or Mazda Miata. His wife, however, loves the Rodeo, and has threatened to purchase a sport-ute for personal use despite the fact that the couple will soon be relocating from Colorado to Southern California, where four-wheel drive trucks are seldom needed for the daily commute. It seems that the Rodeo's cargo hauling abilities, high view over traffic and the feeling of safety imparted by so much steel is exactly what she wants.

We are currently without the long-term Rodeo, because the truck is in for accident repairs as this is being written. The insurance estimate for last month's fender bender is $867, not nearly as high as we'd feared. This includes replacing the bumper, the bumper cap, the right fog light assembly and the right front fender. The truck should be back in our hands before the end of this week, meaning that it will have been out of commission for less than a full week for the repairs.

The shimmy in the steering wheel is getting worse and the bug guard above the grille has loosened, we'll have both looked at during next month's fast-approaching 15,000-mile service. Oh yeah, our average fuel economy is up this month, posting a two-percent gain over last month. Doesn't seem like much, but with a vehicle this thirsty you take whatever you can get.

Best Fuel Economy: 15.1 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 12.0 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0
Repair Costs: $250 (insurance deductible for collision repair)
Problems: Steering shimmy is worsening, bug guard has loosened.