2000 Isuzu Rodeo Review
2000 Isuzu Rodeo Review





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Used Rodeo for sale
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Stylish interior, rugged exterior, roomy rear seat.
Cons
- Disconnected steering feel, lousy 4WD button placement.
What’s new
The Rodeo marches into the 2000 model year with an aggressive exterior restyle, a collection of ergonomic and quality improvements and interior upgrades.
Edmunds says
The runt of the midsize SUV litter. Pick it only if you have a soft spot in your heart for Isuzu.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2000 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$238/mo for Rodeo LS
Rodeo LS
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
When it comes to figuring out which truck best meets your needs, it almost always requires a compromise of some sort or another. The closest thing to perfect in this price range has been the lower trim levels of the Ford Explorer, and spectacular sales of this popular SUV prove that, at least in the minds of consumers, buyers find its combination of room, style and power the best in the segment.
The Explorer is a fine sport-ute, despite recent difficulties with its standard equipment Firestone tires, but there's another face in this neighborhood that consumers consider. Enter the restyled Isuzu Rodeo with over 200 changes, including an aggressive new appearance, updated seating, 16-inch wheels and an optional Intelligent Suspension Control system. But should buyers visit an Isuzu showroom?
The Rodeo's interior provides cupholders, excellent ergonomics, and plastic trim/switchgear that looks and feels somewhat cheap. Clamber aboard and head for the hills; it's easy to thwart nature's obstacles with push-button 4WD and standard antilock brakes, though the Rodeo's trick suspension may not be 100 percent up to the task.
Buyers can select the new Ironman LS package, which includes V6, air conditioning, power moonroof, alloy wheels and Intelligent Suspension Control, which automatically adjusts to one of 17 shock rebound and compression rates, depending on road conditions.
Three trim levels are available: S, LS and LSE. The basic Rodeo has two-wheel drive and a weak 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Step up to the S V6 and a 205-horsepower, 3.2-liter unit whisks you along with verve.
At the top of the complaint list about the truck is the ridiculous location of the push-button 4WD switch, located directly next to the cruise-control button, where it could be activated accidentally. Off-road, the new Isuzu feels somewhat undersprung, but takes bumps and dips easily if speeds are kept to a minimum. Front bucket seats, formerly quite comfortable, are improved this year, according to Isuzu, and rear-seat riders enjoy a supportive bench seat and plenty of legroom.
For 2000, Isuzu also added a transferable 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty for all of its SUVs, making it the longest one of its kind offered by any automaker in the United States.
The Rodeo is a decent blend of old-fashioned truck toughness and modern-day car-like convenience. But if you're looking for a new $30,000 SUV, consider the wide range of choices before settling on the Isuzu.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2000 Isuzu Rodeo.
5 star(36%)
4 star(38%)
3 star(13%)
2 star(11%)
1 star(2%)
53 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
Too bad Isuzu stopped making the Rodeo
briantwomey, 04/05/2011
2000 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 4dr SUV
I bought this new in 2000.
It now has 125K miles and purs like a kitten.
Feels the bumps in the road more than some other SUV's and that's because the Rodeo was built on a truck frame.
I understood this when I bought it.
The Rodeo came with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty.
Try to find that today.
You may get a 5 year 100K mi but nobody wants to go 10 years.
Other than the usual … maintenance wear and tare stuff my Isuzu had been great.
I think this year I'll replace the sound system and look for some new rims.
It has great reaction and control and also great pick-up.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Reliable
deckards, 02/17/2010
2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4dr SUV
With a forward thinking grill design and overall body shape, this doesn't look like a 10 year old mid-sized SUV sitting in my driveway. Bought over a year ago, I've put 30,000 miles on it...bringing the total to 161K. Major repair was a throttle body when idling issues appeared but has been running perfectly ever since. 200K shouldn't be a problem. Overall a really good purchase for … a safe vehicle that me, the kids and the dog enjoy.
2.88 out of 5 stars
You get what you pay for
JenniferD, 09/07/2004
2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS 4dr SUV 4WD
Until November 2003, I loved my Rodeo.
It ran like a dream, with just
minor irritations. Upon taking it
in for a regular oil change, the
dealership informed me that at 38000
miles, the entire engine needed to be
replaced. They admitted that it was
caused by a flaw in the design.
At 50K, it was towed in for an
electrical short that made the car
completely stop on a busy road. … The
dealership made the problem worse. Now,
electrical problems cause
cruise control to turn on randomly. The
dealership will not support me, Isuzu
Corporate will not support me. Time for
a trade-in.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Izusu's best years...
jays cars, 01/22/2010
2000 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 4dr SUV
Our family has owned our Rodeo since new and as of 01/2010 it has 81400 miles and the only thing we had done was the fuel pump had to be replaced in 07 (under warranty), but it has outlasted all our cars and trucks. I love that its soo strong and reliable, I'm not sure if i will ever find a vehicle like it again or if they even make them anymore. I think the 1999- 2009 Isuzu our one of … the best SUV made. So wish i could find a used one at the right price, would buy it in a minute.
2000 Rodeo Highlights
S
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $238/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 33.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- 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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