Used 1997 Isuzu Rodeo Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Very good, reliable truck
I've owned this truck for about 7 years and had no major issues of any kind. Just general maintenance, brakes, etc. Please do not save money on oil and this car may run for up to 200000 miles. Mine has approx 140000 miles, my friend has Trooper with over 200000 miles and it is still going strong. Use Castrol synthetic blend 5w/30 for your high mileage Isuzu truck.
There is no place it can't go.
Boxed ladder frame, skid plates, limited-slip Dana 44 rear differential. I assumed it to be a perfect off-road capable truck. I was correct! I have been to many Off-Road trails in Utah and Colorado without a breakdown. Recently took it up Wheelers Lake in Colorado. The included skid plates did come in handy. And, unlike some of me wheeling friends, I drove to/on/from the trail in the Rodeo. Great daily driver too, only minus is the fuel economy in the city. Ground clearance could be better but that can be fixed with the many lift-kits available. A few of my firends with Jeeps have traded up to Rodeos. I couldn't be happier with this truck.
Great truck
I've had this Rodeo for going on 9 years, and have not had a single mechanical problem. It drives great, the engine is perfect (mechanics comment on it all the time), and is fun to drive. Not the best gas mileage, but it is an SUV. Highly recommend!
Under rated workhorse
I purchased this gem in 2000 with only 14k on the odometer. I currently have 172k on it now. I have used it for traveling across country with my family, camping trips and of course, done some serious off-roading. I have only had minor repairs I have made to the truck, brakes, hoses, belts, timing belt and tensioner, alternator and battery, mostly wear items. This has been , by far, the most durable and reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Fantastic truck!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Awesome workhorse
I drive a paper route 7 days a week and go through autos, however, that stopped when my hubby bought this one by mistake at the auction. 4 cylinder, manual transmission, manual everything. In the last 3.5 years all we have done are oil, brakes, and tires. I drive 89,000 rough, killer miles every year. I never worry about this one leaving me stranded, unlike our new family car. I think this one will make a million miles. Best workhorse ever!! This is the workhorse that keeps on tickin' tickin' and tickin'. I am cruel to autos on paper routes, but this one is a keeper. Best mistake purchase my hubby ever made for me. Great, great, great!
1997 Isuzu rodeo
I have enjoyed my Rodeo. 1997 purchased after 6 months as a fleet rental. It has proved highly reliable. Fuel ecoenomy is not great but not bad either. Only issues are seal problems for minor oil leaks. The vehicle rides and drives great.
'97 Rodeo S 4WD
I bought this SUV new and have had very little to complain about. Besides replacing a battery, new tires @ 85k and an alternator I have had to do only oil changes and one tune up (spark plugs essentially). The gas mileage runs consistently at 19 mpg combined. Actually pulled a 4-Runner out of the snow when he couldn't get traction in 4WD. I've owned 2 Pathfinders and neither measured up. Great torque! Especially when put into low. This SUV will crawl out of incredible locations. Inconvenience of cup holder, who cares. I wish every car I ever bought was this reliable. But then I'd have bought fewer cars. If you need a 4WD, this one rocks! Screen the one you buy, any vehicle can be abused.
Great little truck!
I have experienced absolutely no problems whatsoever with my Isuzu Rodeo. She's great in the snow. (Fantastic in the snow. (We even had to pull out a Jeep Wrangler and Dodge Durango during the last blizzard.)
Runs like new at 168,000 miles
I purchased my 1997 V6 Isuzu Rodeo with 108,000 miles on it. Currently I am at 168,000 miles and it runs perfectly. I change the oil every 3,000 miles and it doesn't use any oil between changes. I've replaced the starter and alternator and brakes. Runs great on the highway as well as in town. I run BF Goodrich All Terrain tires on it and have pulled quite a few vehicles out of snow drifts. I think the only complaint I have is the frail design of the cup holder. The body has no rust and the finish of the paint still looks new. This truck is my daily driver and I'm curious to see how many miles I can put on it. 200,000 miles will be no problem.
never let me down
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.