1997 Isuzu Rodeo Review
Price Estimate: $636 - $1,032

Oops, we can’t seem to locate you.
Please enter U.S. ZIP code to see vehicles for sale
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Rear leg room, rugged styling, dual airbags
Cons
- Dated structure, ABS is not standard, anemic 4-cylinder engine
What’s new
All 4WD models get a standard shift-on-the-fly transfer case, and improvements have been made to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
For sale nearby
1 listings
- 225,047 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 15 City / 17 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Hi Tech Motors (689 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- 3500lb Towing Capaci...
Close
Located in Tulsa, OK
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (15 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 4S2CM58VXV4318937
Stock: 318937-os
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 05-24-2025
Vehicle overview
Isuzu's Rodeo is getting a bit long in the tooth. Only mild updates have accompanied new model years since midseason 1995, when Isuzu added airbags for the driver and front passenger housed in a redesigned dashboard, 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, replaced the old unit with an organically swept affair complete with more legible gauges and improved ergonomics.
This year is no different. Isuzu puts the finishing touches on the first-generation Rodeo with standard shift-on-the-fly operation for 4WD models that can be engaged at speeds up to 62 mph and NVH improvements. Continuing from last year is optional four-wheel antilock brakes and two trim levels; basic S and more luxurious LS.
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, though buyers may want to wait for the all-new, completely redesigned 1998 Rodeo. Comparison shoppers beware; 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.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$251/mo for Rodeo S
Rodeo S
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
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.
Isuzu Rodeo Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Very good, reliable truck
3.88 out of 5 starsMikhail, 04/01/2009
1997 Isuzu Rodeo S 4dr SUV
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.
4.38 out of 5 starsme1234, 10/06/2003
1997 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4dr SUV 4WD
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.
Under rated workhorse
5 out of 5 starsmichael, 02/05/2014
1997 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4dr SUV 4WD
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!
Great truck
4.63 out of 5 starskdbanks, 04/28/2009
1997 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4dr SUV
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!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1997 Isuzu Rodeo, so we've included reviews for other years of the Rodeo since its last redesign.
1997 Rodeo Highlights
S
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $251/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.0 cu.ft. |
four 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
Related Used 1997 Isuzu Rodeo info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Chevrolet Express Cargo 2021 Review
- Jeep Cherokee 2021 Review
- Mercedes Benz GLC Class 2021 Review
- Mclaren GT 2020 Review
- Nissan Titan 2020 Review
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Automatic Honda Fit
- BMW Electric Car I3
- Lexus NX 300H Awd
- Used Acura ILX 2017
- Used Acura ILX 2018
- Used Acura ILX 2020 For Sale
- Used Acura ILX 2023
- Used Acura Integra 2014
- Used Acura Integra 2015
- Used Acura Integra 2019
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Vin Fast VF7
- 2026 Volvo XC60 News
- 2026 Lexus ES News
- Mazda CX-70 2025
- 2024 Bentley Continental GT
- 2025 G70
- 2026 Mazda CX-90 News
- Mercedes-Benz Maybach 2025
- Bentley Continental 2025
- 2024 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Other models
- New Kia Sportage for Sale in Bloomfield Hills, MI
- Used Pontiac Gto in Hendersonville, NC 2006
- Used Mazda CX-9 in Rhinelander, WI 2024
- Used Mercury Marauder in Florissant, MO 2004
- New Alfa-Romeo Stelvio for Sale in Woodstock, IL
- Used Hyundai Azera in West New York, NJ 2017
- New Toyota Gr-Supra for Sale in Keyport, NJ
- Used Buick Verano in Milford, DE 2017
- Used Mazda Mx-5-Miata in Fort Worth, TX 2025
- Used Mercedes-Benz Metris in Baltimore, MD 2023