Looks, roomability, comfortability,

Gas mileage, vibration at high speeds,

I like Rodeo's so I bought a preowned w/17500 miles on it. I've only put 300 miles on it so far so I can't tell you of any post mechanical/engine problems. The only thing so far is the dealer is being stubborn on post purchase assistance,which is expected and typical. About 2 minutes after driving off the lot, turned on the radio-didn't work-I forgot to test drive it. I had heavy vibration driving it home on the highway but other than that it was very comfortable. Luckily, I've test drove a few Rodeo's and they all vibrated so it didn't suprise me, and sounds like a manufacterer flaw in the suspension/wheel system. The springyness in the supsension system could be its intended design without an explanation of why, drivers just don't accept it, I find it comfortable. Also, I feel slipping on the wheel when doing fully locked turns. The vehicle is slow on green light take offs. When I come across any other problems I'll let you know. Is anyone interested in starting a Rodeo Club?

None

Everything

It is out of much frustration, anger, and disappointment I write this letter. Let me first start by saying that buying a vehicle from Maroone Isuzu is the worst thing that anyone could ever do. I will make sure that people know that, even if I have to write letters, post on internet and even protest if I have to. On the evening of Dec 3, 2004 at approx 4:45pm I received a returned call from Mr. Anthony MacPherson the Internet Sales Manager who sold me my 2004 Isuzu Rodeo. I called him because I received a letter from Interstate Towing. The letter stated that they have a vehicle in there possession that was picked up on Nov 17, 2004 a 2004 Toyota Corolla vehicle owner Mr. Travis E Jones and that there is a fee of $ 429.00 due. The problem with that is, I traded in this vehicle to Maroone 2 months ago. They should have made sure the vehicle was removed out of my name. This is a very serious matter. When they sold this vehicle anything could have happen and I could have been involuntarily at fault. Mr. MacPherson stated to me that they sold the vehicle and it should have been taken out of my name. So I then asked him if he would contact the people who purchased the vehicle. He took no regard for what I was saying to him as if it didn’t matter. He was even ordering chocolate cookies while I was speaking to him. I was so offended. He didn’t address my concerns after he finished. He then said to me, well just fax me the letter. I told Anthony that I was not near a fax and that I didn’t plan on going to one. He then says to me well what do you want me to do, just mail it then. I then said to him, Anthony thank you and I hung up the phone. Mr. MacPherson called me back yelling did you hang up on me I said yes he yelled I don’t appreciate you hanging up the phone on me I am trying to help you. He then said you must be out of your damn mind your barking up the wrong tree. I said to Him that he was not helping me I asked him earlier could he contact the people who purchased the vehicle. It is not my responsibility after I trade in a car TO MAKE SURE the purchasers of my trade remove my name off the vehicle. After being so upset and offended I told Anthony that I would take care of it myself. I guess this is the way Maroone does business. I can assure you this will not be the last you hear from me. I am insulted and I feel like my business was not appreciated. As a result, the world will know. In addition to all of this my Isuzu drives as if it is 30 years old I am totally unhappy with this company and this vehicle.

- Excellent power. - Still good. - Better-than-average SUV milage. - Same. - Generally good ride for a truck (city and hwy). - Better now with rims replaced. - Good highway stability. - Still good. - Price/Value (so far). - Still good. - Good cargo space. (Stereo system added, no space anymore... will be coming out). - Power windows (good so far). - Still good. - Power locks (good so far). - Still good. - Reliable - hasn't left me stranded (as it shouldn't with less than 40K on it). - Still has never left me stranded. All issues mentioned above didn't have any significant safety issues. - Good front/rear leg room. - Same.

- Friggin' check engine light. - Resolved - EGR, PCV, Intake Manifold Gasket replaced. No problems since about 40K (now at 61K). - Kinda spongy ride on irregular paved surfaces. - Same, it's a truck frame, not a "crossover vehicle like Lexus, Acura MDX, Crossfire that use unibody frames. - Seats are a little too hard on rides more than 30 minutes (I'm picky though). - Resolved by lifting front of driver's seat up with spacers for better leg support. - Some VERY light vibration only at 55-65 MPH. - Resolved after it got worse (Bent rims due to MA roads, not proven defect of manufacturer). - ABS is a little too over-compensating (but is easy to get used to). - Same.

Follow up from review by "sintz", Feb 2003. --------------------------------------- Update: The Rodeo now has 61,000 on it. The only issues that have come up in the past 30,000 miles are these: 1. Vibration at 55+ mph - This minor vibration was noted below in my previous review and has become horribly worse. Steering wheel shakes/vibrates at highway speeds and dramatically shakes at 20-30 mph. Brought to dealer and they found rims were bent (bad). This is no surprise, as the roads in MA completely suck. Hugh potholes. I clearly remember at least five different times when I hit a pothole large enough to bend a rim. Not biggie, had rims replaced with new, factory rims at Town Fair Tire in Shrewsbury, MA for about $350 (dealer wanted $600+). This fixed the vibration. 2. Brakes: All pads, new rear rotors, front rotors "turned down" at 58,000 mi. This is relatively normal wear and tear. It's a 2-ton vehicle and I brake hard at times. $750 out the door at dealership. (Please see item #3 below). 3. Erratic Gaas Gauge - Like many other have reported, the fuel sending unit's sensor died at about 45K mi. Dealership replaced the unit (in gas tank) and recalibrated the gauge for free. I've heard that others have had to pay $200-500 to have this repaired. For free (warranty) replacement, go to the Midway Isuzu dealership in Mass. They'll cover ya. 4. Tires - The Bridgestone Deulers that the Rodeo came with were getting bald. I replaced with Dunlop A/T for about $420 at NTB. No real issue there, normal wear and tear. Replaced with minimal tread at 50K. --------------------------------------- I purchased this Rodeo used (off a lease) with 15,000 miles on it for about 18,500. Initially, I was very pleased with overall value, power, SUV visibility, 4WD capabilities. I have owned this SUV since March of 2001, and have put about 20,000 miles on it. Here are my current thoughts: It's a truck frame with Body-on-frame...it rides like a truck. Do not expect a car-like ride from an truck/SUV. If you want a smooth car ride, then buy a car. I have had a couple of issues so far, that have been almost fully covered by warranty. The first issue I had was a clunking sound coming from the front passenger side. Local dealer determined it was a loose skid plate, and tighened bolts down...no return of problem in over 6 months. The second issue I had was about 2 months ago (36,000 miles) with the Check Engine light. It ended up being the Oxygen Sensor. It was not covered by warranty (wearable part, like brake pads). This O2 sensor and labor cost about $200. The latest issue (Feb, 39,000 miles) is that the Check Engine light has come back on again. The dealer has determined that the Engine Intake Manifold Gasket is cracked and needs to be replaced. Christmas Motors doesn't cover it, and Isuzu doesn't cover it, but Christmas is working out a deal with Isuzu dealership so it is covered. So, there have been a couple issues, but all the costly problems were covered by warranty. Gas milage is so-so (I get about 16mpg, but I do all city driving, and use 87 octane gasoline). Overall, I like having an SUV. The jury is still out on my final thoughts of value...I love the Rodeo so far, but recent repair issues leave me a little nervious of higher milage and post warranty work. ---------------------------------------

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- '94 Ford Exploder. - Same. - Nissan Exterra (test drove...really cheap build quality). - Same. - '00 Toyota 4Runner (test drove...smaller interior, much more expensive for similar features). - Same.

Attractive styling 6 disc CD changer A/C 4WD Decent power Leather Interior Sun Roof Cruise Control

Engine Knock (Dealer denies it is a problem) Bad fuel economy (Dealer denies it is a problem) Requires High Octane gas (expensive) Burns oil (Dealer says it is normal) Depreciates faster than you can pay it off :)

Bought a 2000 Passport EXL 4x4 used with 29,650 miles (350 miles left on orig warranty, also bought "extended warranty", which came in handy later). Discovered days later that 4WD didn't work, replaced solenoid per warranty. Discovered that engine knocked LOUDLY especially under load or going up a gently slope, so we ended up switching to supreme grade gasoline. Car burns a lot of gas (even considering it is a SUV, it still burns too much). Car consumes oil with impunity, needs 1 quart every 350 miles or so, sometimes more frequently. After making several trips to the dealer, knocking problem still exists, dealer said it "was normal for make and model". Car pulled hard to the right at highway speeds. Took car back to dealer, made them do realignment, problem still exists, athough not as bad! Steering wheel shudders quickly left to right at highway speeds. Dealer again insists this problem doesn't exist. I was also told by one of the service techs that "we don't like dealing with Passports." Finally replaced *AWFUL* Bridgestone Dueller Tires (Original set from factory) with Michelin X-Radial LT's, after the Duellers started to show rapid excessive tread wear and rapid balding on the front tires. Replacing tires reduced road noise and some of the wobbling motion of the front end, especially through the steeting wheel, but didn't fix the problem. Going to get new brakes and 4-wheel realignment soon. RANDOM (but infrequent) engine sputtering, some days the car simply isn't "happy", other days fine. Took a trip up to Mt. Shasta in California in late 2003, drove up to the end of the 10,000 foot elevation summit road, no problems. Coming back down... problems. Arrived at bottom of mountain when engine suddenly starts misfiring, sputtering and loses almost all power. Almost get stuck in middle of intersection as it limps across the street. Had to let it "rest" for 5 minutes before it started up normally. Was fine the rest of the 3000 mile trip. Had to replace HEAD GASKET 2000 miles later (covered by warranty), car had 33500 miles on it at the time. 2000 miles later, sudden loss of power, engine light comes on, car barely makes it to dealer. HEAD GASKET AGAIN! (saved by warranty again!). Soon after that, had to replace EGR and PCV valves. Just recently, start up car, put it in reverse, back out of driveway, get halfway down street before noticing that the car believes it is still in reverse! Dashboard light says R, for reverse, yet car is driving forward normally, until I attempt to slow down and stop. The ABS kicks in for no reason, then the transmission tries to shift gears (I have an automatic) randomly. I stop the car, put it in park, yet the car still says it is in reverse. I take my foot of the brake, the car rolls backwards then jerks into first and roles forward, then ABS kicks in again. Tried several different things, nothing corrected the problem until I pulled over, put it in park, turned off the ignition and took out the key, waited for a few seconds, then restarted. Everything was back to normal, at least for the rest of that day! The front end when doing a tight turn (especially turning left) makes a wobbly and sometimes hard jerking motion, as if the wheels are torquing the suspension. Doesn't happen all the time, but when it does it feels as though the body wants to go one direction and the wheels the other. Sooner after buying I had to strenuously convince the Dealer that the shocks were subpar. He finally gave in and replaced the front shocks which made a big difference in the ride. The car's suspension was really mushy, and tended to dive into dips with wreckless abandon. Car also had a tendancy to bottom out in relatively shallow dips in the road. Car makes strange whirring sound at highway speed when a crosswind is present at a certain angle and speed. And finally, you _never_ really feel totally in control of this vehicle.

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Ford Explorer Isuzu Rodeo

Looks pretty in the driveway when not running.

Everything else.

WOULDN'T TAKE ANOTHER ONE IF IF WAS FREE! -Vehicle is 7 years old, we're on the fourth clutch; can't buy individual clutch-repair parts (throwout bearing, flywheel, etc), have to install entire new clutch for $1300 -Lug bolts: had a flat tire while hunting, two lug nuts loosened, three of six lug bolts broke off completely, sixth had to be ground off with a grinder, drove home 2 1/2 hours with only 2 lug bolts holding the tire on (same problem has happened on all wheels, replaced all lug bolts: $500 total) -Same hunting trip, on the way home, turned a corner & the handle that holds the rear window closed fell off on the road behind us; rear window flew open & one of the two bolts holding it on the truck sheared off - new rear window assembly & body work: $1440 -'Check Engine' light has been on for last 50K miles, no one can figure out why, including Isuzu service dept -Spare tire handle & hinge (folds across the back) collapsed, cannot get spare tire to open so tailgate can be lowered (not that THAT matters, tailgate handle assembly also doesn't work, so tailgate wouldn't open even if the spare tire did) -Dash lights - well, they just don't work anymore; tried changing fuses, nothing; mechanic said he could replace the entire dash assembly for $800 - not worth it, truck isn't worth $5 to me -A/C - compressor went out at 30K miles, can be replaced for $900 (can't go in thru engine compartment, have to disassemble entire dash & electrical system) -Automatic windows - there are four of them, we've replaced the motors in all four, twice on the front driver's side window ($150 each) -Paint - peeling off roof in long strips -Brakes - replaced three times ($850 each)

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Not in this lifetime.

Good looks, decent power,(190hp) stops good with ABS, real simple vehicle, no problems from 75,000miles-current

Feels spongy when I turn, has a "P" (which means poor) for a safety crash rating, may have a lot of maintenence after 80,000 miles.

I bought this Passport in June 04, from the original owner. I was looking for a silver exterior SUV that was fully loaded. I lucked out! It had 75,000 miles, and was cosmetically (and interior was perfect (still is). I liked the 12 disc changer too. I noticed it had good power when I drove it, and the A/C nearly froze me. I also noticed a sound like a real quiet "dieseling" noise coming from the engine while at idol. I was concerned, and the owners told me it always did that. I didn't have a way to verify this, so I took their word for it, and went through with the sale. I do remember setting the valve lash in my 22re Toyota motor to eliminate this same noise I heard coming from the Passport, so I figured this had the same design. I have read a lot of other forums about rodeo/passport owners and they all talk about the knock sound they hear coming from the motor, and a lot of the writers hate Isuzu now! I still havent had any problems yet, (knock on wood) and it as normal oil pressure,/temp, all gauges work, no check lights. It did burn oil though like everyone else claims, the usual quart or more per oil change. I just changed the oil recently, and used a heavier weight (20w50) synthetic blend. I used a Fram toughguard filter, and treated it with Zmax in the engine and gas tank, and is still noisy. Overhead cams are just plain noisy in all jap trucks! Oh well. I did take it off-roading (it had never been) and the rear passenger window quit working! When I got home I took the panel off (it was real easy) and noticed one of the brushes on the window motor vibrated off. The spring for it popped out, and I couldnt find it. I really dont like the way Isuzu designed it. It's tiny motor and weak screw in/out method used to drive a cable attatched to a pulley. It does look cheap! But anyway, I reset the window so it is permantly rolled up. I also put in those badass (BRIGHT) red LED tail light bulbs in the back because the red plastic is no match for the Arizona sun. (they were starting to clear). The original owners replaced the shocks with KYBs, and I don't like how soft they are, so I may change them. Ive only had it for a few months, I like how simple it is, and it is comfortable to drive. But I will update my review if I have to start replacing things! Hopefully not! (My opinion is subject to change!)Happy motoring

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1986 Bronco 2<------hahahahaah I love fords, but this vehicle was powered by a hamster that is constipated.

Rugged, looks good

Have to watch the dipstick. I don't know where the oil goes. It doesn't leak or anything.

Very comfortable ride. Never had any problems in 4 years. Nothing has been replaced probably because even though I drive daily, it's for no more than a mile or so. After 4 years the truck has only 9000 miles. All my other (American made)rides were lemons.

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Small American made cars like Ford Mustangs, Capri.

Cheap, you get what you pay for!!!!!!!

Everything!!!!!!

DONT BUY THIS CAR!!!! I bought the car on a whim after my beloved acura integra was stolen. I kind of liked the looks and nievely assumed that Isuzu being a japanese name would be good. BIG MISTAKE!!! The car only had 70000 miles on it when I bought it. I have had nothing but problems. After putting $2000 in the car after only 3 months, it decided to strand me in rush hour traffic RIGHT ON THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE in NY. Needless to say, I blocked traffic for miles. That was the last straw, the rodeo was traded in for a CRV. RIP!!!!!

Rugged, dependable, large cargo room. Tough. Good engine power.

Poor gas mileage but it was one of the best at the time it was bought. Hard to find dealers for parts.

I thought I'd write this review since I am getting another vehicle. I bought the Rodeo new and now have 140,000 miles on it. I have been very happy with this truck. I wanted a rugged truck that could take some abuse and it has lived up to the calling. I've hauled lots of heavy stuff in it from horse feed, dog food, and loaded with dive gear. Very roomy for the size. It's been through rough pasture and traversed several floods that N.O. is famous for. I've always made it home when everyone else was stranded. The undercarriage protection made the difference. Sure there were things that broke along the way. I don't remember it was ever in the shop though while still under warranty. The AC compressor went out at around 80k miles. It needed a tune-up at 100k miles, go fiugre. The usual belts, hoses, timing chain, brakes but all were wear items. Engine and transmission are still running smooth (oil was changed regualrly every 3-4k miles). Bottom line, this truck will probably be good to 250k miles if well maintained. Body and paint are still in good condition too. I've heard Isuzu is going to stop making passenger vehicles soon or I'd buy another one. But this vehicle has sold me on Japanese made trucks.

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NONE. DON'T BUY ISUZU.

EVERYTHING: clutch, gas gauge, breaks, transmission, oil consumption. DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND DON'T BUY ISUZU. THESE CARS SUCK.

THIS CAR SUCKS. It's given us nothing but problems and the dealer was never any help. The timing belt broke at 35,000 miles (they are supposed to last a good 100,000), so we took it to the dealer under warranty and had that replaced at no charge. Of course, while the car was at the dealer, they told us that the clutch needed replacement, for which we were charged $400. Got the car back and I didn't make it to work that day, clutch was not working. Took it back to the dealer, had it for a few more days, got it back for the second time and again! I didn't make it home! Clutch STILL NOT WORKING! Took it back AGAIN and they kept it for another week, until they gave us back the car with the clutch in working order. Then the problem became the gas gauge/fuel consumption. It went from lasting 350-400 miles per tank to a crappy 250 miles per tank (this is a 4 cilinder car). At this point we were no longer taking the car to the dealer cause they were just messing it up even more! Took it to a mechanic and we were told it was some device that was not reading the amount of gas right, thus telling the engine to work harder and consuming gas quicker in the process... whatever... they changed that little thing (which cost 2 o 300 bucks) and the problem was fixed. What was not fixed was the "Check engine" light, which remains on to this very day. After that, the clutch problems came back!!! Took it to a friend's mechanic, to whom I told the story with the clutch. I see him the next day and he tells me that he had started working on my car and tells me that the clutch HAD NEVER BEEN REPLACED!!! That the factory clutch was still on there!!! And I had gotten charged 400 bucks at the ISUZU dealer that supposedly had changed the clutch!!! The mechanic also told me that they had used automatic transmission oil on my manual transmission (automatic transmission oil is way thinner than manual transmission oil). So we had to have the clutch replaced (another 400 bucks!!!). The transmission is busted. From early on it started grinding when going into 5th gear, and it makes horrible grinding noises when driving on 3rd and 4th gears. My mechanic told me fixing this would entail bringing down the transmission and rebuilding it, which would cost way too much money. The breaks never worked that well either, and the radio knob that turns the radio on and off barely works anymore (and I am gentle with the damn thing), plus the light that lights up the digital radio display to allow me to see what freaking station I'm listening to no longer works either). THIS CAR SUCKS, ITS SO CALLED "SERVICE" IS NON-EXISTENT, AND THE PEOPLE AT THE DEALER ARE LYING THIEVES. I CURSE THE DAY WE BOUGHT THIS CAR.