2002 Isuzu Rodeo Sport

Pros: 1. Tight, responsive handling. 2. Sharp looking. 3. Solid build.
Cons: 1. So-so gas mileage.

I've owned a 1983 Jeep CJ-7 (sweet off-road ride) and a 2000 Jeep Wrangler (quality was crap, crap, crap). That said, I would place the Rodeo Sport with the same off-road characteristics of the Jeep but with much better highway manners.

Unfortunately I couldn't find a manual so I had to opt for an automatic. My ride is a 2002 with the 3.2L six, is fully loaded, and has the hard top with two sunroofs (nice touch).

I purchased it about a 2 months ago and so far it's been a gem. There isn't anything that I can complain about except the so-so gas mileage. Mind you I knew what it was at the time of purchase, but I still think that a smaller SUV (with true 4x4 not AWD) should be able to manage in the mid 20s.

So far I've been able to drive it in snow, during some seriously heavy rain storms, and clear days. It delivers a confidence-inspiring ride.

Pros: Excellent acceleration and handling (V6)
Cons: Weak a/c, poor gas mileage, bad transmission

I initially was pleased with my purchase. The car handled well, the stereo sounded great but after about a year and a half the problems with the transmission and stereo began with no help from the service department of my dealer. I am now filing a complaint against them. The car is only two years old and shouldn't be so problematic this early. People warned me about Isuzu vehicles, I wish I had listened :(

Pros: Good size, Good acceleration, Great looks
Cons: MPG

There really aren't too many mid-size SUVs out there -- many of them are too big, making parking a pain -- or too small, so you can't use it like a truck -- the Isuzu Rodeo seems to be "just right". Good pick-up with the V6 engine and without the engine noise of the Saturn Vue (which had to rev excessively to get any acceleration). Plenty of cargo space as well with its fold-flat back seats. The Rodeo usually gets knocked for a stiff ride, but hey, IT'S A TRUCK!! If you want a cushy ride where you never feel the road, buy a Caddy.

If I won a brand-new car in a lottery tomorrow, I'd still drive my Rodeo. Or maybe I'd ask for cash and buy a new one! (Definitely go for the 4WD)

Pros: The sunroof is great for Southern California weather
Cons: Transmission problems with mine (and apparently others to from reading review sites).

I bought the car and was pretty happy. Then realized the headrest was broken and wouldn't stay up. The dealer told me they'd have to un-stitch the seat to fix it and I'd be without a car for a week. The hood had dimples like someone sat on it with quarters in their pocket. The parking brake never really worked right. Turns out the rear brakes were thrashed. They had to be replaced the first time they were inspected. The dealer probably drove around with the parking brake on. All the tail lights went out after 1 year of ownership. The tranmission wouldn't shift out of first gear and had to be replaced. The car wasn't near a dealership and there was a 6 month old in the car. Isuzu says it should have been towed 50 miles to a dealer. That cost me $4k. Thanks, but no thanks. No more Isuzus for me.