1996 Isuzu Rodeo Review
1996 Isuzu Rodeo Review
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What’s new
Finally, Isuzu's Rodeo can be equipped with four-wheel antilock brakes, and 4WD models get a standard shift-on-the-fly system. New style wheels debut, and the engine now makes 190 horsepower. Increased wheel track improves ride quality, and spare tire covers are redesigned.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4dr SUV and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$285/mo for Rodeo LS
Rodeo LS
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Except for freshly styled alloy wheels, not much was new with Isuzu's Rodeo as the 1995 model year began. Midseason, Isuzu issued a notable upgrade, adding airbags for the driver and front passenger. Also new were roof-mounted speakers that expanded available cargo space in the revised interior, plus an improved stereo system. The new dashboard, designed with assistance from Honda, did away with the old angular look, replacing it with an organically swept affair complete with more legible gauges and improved ergonomics.
For 1996, Isuzu finishes the Rodeo off with available four-wheel disc antilock brakes, more power for V6 models, and standard shift-on-the-fly operation for 4WD models that can be engaged at speeds up to 62 mph. Wheel track is wider, improving ride quality, and new 16-inch alloy wheels have been added to the options list for S models. Better yet, the SOHC V6 engine's output now matches that of last year's DOHC motor: 190 horsepower.
Rodeos are spacious for five inside, and V6 models have a swing-out spare tire that creates even greater elbow room. The rear seat folds flat, resulting in a long cargo floor, but the clamshell tailgate design makes it difficult to access the back of the cargo area easily. Fortunately, the rear glass will open independently. Oddly, the only way to get a 60/40 split folding rear seat is to order a top-of-the-line LS model; not very convenient, or sensible. Options include side steps and a brush grille guard.
Road noise might be a drawback, though the 3.2-liter V6 engine is quiet-running and strong with either five-speed manual shift or the available four-speed automatic transmission. A 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 70 fewer horses, powers the two-wheel-drive S edition, which comes only with manual shift. Automatic transmissions have Power and Winter modes, the latter starting off in third gear to reduce wheelspin on slippery pavements. Towing capacity is 4,500 pounds with the V6 engine, but only a ton with the four-cylinder.
Anyone seeking a capable blend of comfortable highway ride and tempting off-road talents could do well to look for an Isuzu dealer. Honda markets a version of the Rodeo and calls it the Passport. The Passport tends to be a bit more expensive, and doesn't come with as comprehensive a warranty. For those reasons, we suggest you stick with a Rodeo.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Isuzu Rodeo.
5 star(32%)
4 star(42%)
3 star(23%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
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Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
never let me down
champion2445, 05/07/2003
1996 Isuzu Rodeo S 4dr SUV
My rodeo may not be fancy, but it has
never let me down. There has not been
anything I could not fit in the back.
It has gone up mountains in all
weather. My child has not been able to
destroy it. It gets good gas mileage
compared to other SUV's. It has never
had a mechanical problem. Very sturdy
and dependable.
4.13 out of 5 stars
red rodeo
red rodeo, 08/02/2003
1996 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4dr SUV
I bought an SUV out of necessity and
ended up loving it for its purposeful
functionality! pleant of room and built
extremely tough! This truck was hit at
70 MPH and it survived!
4.63 out of 5 stars
3 Rodeos
Finalr, 08/10/2004
1996 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4dr SUV 4WD
We have 2 1996 Rodeos, and One 1992
Rodeo, The 96's have 129345 and 62566
respectively. Both have been super. The
Higher mileage had the Window/Doorlock
issues; we fixed that with Dura-lube
instead of Automobile Grease. Much
better in Cold weather, In fact, the
High mileage one just towed 3780lbs for
2100 miles up and down through 1500 ASL
to 8995 ASL, without even a … cough. When
we got back, there was NO Electrodes in
the Sparkplugs. LOL, But It purred like
a kitten. New NGK's and off she runs
again, Like a Tiger. I love the Body,
the handling, and the off-road. Not as
choppy as the Bronco's and Jeeps I have
had in the past. :) Mostly Car with a
4X4 body.
4 out of 5 stars
A good SUV with a few quirks
RodeoDriver, 02/16/2004
1996 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4dr SUV 4WD
I bought my 1996 Rodeo used with
170,000 miles on it. The previous owner
took good care of it, the truck runs
great. The gas milage is average for a
V6, city-18/hwy-20. The door locks get
stuck in cold weather and dont always
work, the power window motors crap out
and will need to be replaced, the
transmission shifts at high RPMs when
the engine is cold but works fine … once
the engine is warm. Thats it. , besides
those items the truck handles great(for
an SUV)and the ride is comfortable and
stable. I am very happy with my Rodeo
and I'm glad I bought it. I expect to
put another 50,000 + miles on it...
1996 Rodeo Highlights
LS
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $285/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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