Our Rodeo seems to have become the least popular vehicle in our long-term test fleet. Nobody wants to drive it anymore, because all of our staffers are convinced that they will be inconvenienced with a trip to the repair shop due to some malfunction. One of our inventive editors was able to save himself an unscheduled dealer visit by fixing the squeak in the driver's side door at home. Tightening the hinge bolts was all it took to silence the plaintive portal.

Other build-quality complaints jammed the logbook this month. Our drivers are annoying other motorists because the headlamps are aimed too high. (We've had a dealer investigate this before, and they claimed that the Rodeo's lights are properly adjusted.) There is also a new squeaky noise coming from the dash panel. One of our editors has also noticed that the gas pedal makes a popping sound when the cruise control is disengaged.

Senior Automotive Editor, Greg Anderson, can't imagine what buyers of the Isuzu-built Honda-badged Passport must think of the shoddy engineering and assembly of this vehicle. Thought you were getting a Honda? Think again. Honda may want to reconsider putting their name on this truck; it could seriously tarnish their image.

The Rodeo is due for its 20,000-mile service this month, and is heading for the Big Apple as this is written. We can't wait to be regaled with the adventures of our cross-country traveler and this temperamental steed. It will be interesting to see how this truck fares in the biggest city in the United States.

Best Fuel Economy: 21.7 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 14.7 mpg
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: None.