Is the Isuzu Rodeo a Worthy 4x4? Cheap Off-Road SUV Review!

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[@RidersInBlack]

A hidden gem indeed. Manufacturers take note. Simplicity, affordability and capability equals consumer interest I'd plunk my cash down on this even today.

[@shattered115]

LOL Wait! You mean you can drive without driver assist tech and apple car play? LOL I own older vehicles because I don't need the tech and its distractions, initial costs, and repair costs.

[@RidersInBlack]

@shattered115 LOL. I too like the older vehicles... hey if I need bluetooth to stream my music and take a phone call, I'll replace the head unit. Problem solved ☺️

[@stevey500]

Something about todays "off road" models is the over marketing of the "drive mode" selector. Just give us "D" on the shift selector and let the computer decide the rest. I appreciate a really good working electronic limited slip like Nissan or 2nd gen Toyota. These modern fords and toyotas with the big ol drive mode selector knobs are really annoying. Coming from my 97 and 01 rodeo, I love the electronic limited slip in my 2nd gen xterra. The Trooper did have TOD, though. The rodeo at least rocked a rear limited slip clutch diff.

[@noogavan3368]

I purchased my '95 Rodeo S new and it's still going strong at 467k miles, original engine. Runs and drives like a champ and handles long road trips with ease. Just took it 4-wheelin' in the mountains of E. TN. Still love my ol' Rodeo!

[@alejandronavarro3592]

I have an 01 rodeo with 290 miles and has never left me on the side of the road.

[@darronmalonetowingchannel]

I just bought a 1997 Isuzu Rodeo I'm about to pick it up. Here is the listing." It is available if post is still up. Drive off yourself if you choose but it would definitely be safer to tow this. This vehicle will need new axils eventually and a new tire asap. Pickup asap. Has some front damage and the backup water tank is cracked but there is a rigged up replacement. I have the title and it passed emissions in 2022" so I'm paying 700 dollars and I'm stoked ac everything works.

[@bikerevolutiontv]

You deserve a trophy for that!

[@JohnnyDay-hr1fj]

Is it stick or auto.?

[@jeffersoncabral3714]

They still sell the Isuzu MUX here in Guatemala and they are very good offroaders and very reliable. They are based of the Isuzu Dmax pickup truck and only available in diesel but seating capacity for 7 people.

[@abbasallamy2312]

I remember the rodeo well. It was my family's first car, it was a free gift from a friend, and it ran for my entire childhood and it was amazing

[@WhatsMyGame]

I have had 5 Isuzus over the years and all were great. Bought a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport off the showroom floor as a young guy because everyone had Wranglers and I wanted to be different. Loved it! Removable top, 4wd, 2 removable sunroofs, and so much more comfortable than Wranglers of the same years. The V6 is very good and will leave Wranglers far in the rear view mirror. Auto trans from GM sucks but thats the only weak spot. Proper truck frame with sold axles and same Dana 44 in the back like Wranglers. Coil suspension out back and torsion bars up front made it more comfortable everyday but did hold it back some offroad in certain aspects. 6 months ago I drove 5 hours to buy a 2002 Rodeo Sport 4wd and its currently in the driveway getting a 3" lift and 32" tires. Transmission was slipping just a little but a full container of Lucas Transmission Fix fluid added to ATF and tranny is now working like new!

[@wymansmith9101]

It’s torsion bars in the front and coils in the rear.

[@WhatsMyGame]

@wymansmith9101 You are correct, will fix my comment.

[@carado1984]

Also, that trans is shot. Replace it. Thicker fluid is a bandaid.

[@WhatsMyGame]

@carado1984 I am not going to replace it until I have to replace it. I realize it's a bandaid but this just a toy vehicle to me and not a daily. I once bought a used truck with a slipping tranny I got for cheap about 5 years ago. I added Lucas tranny fix and drove it for 35k more trouble free miles before I sold it. Never needed to drop the money to replace tranny.

[@WhatsMyGame]

@carado1984 Ya probably but I'll wait until the fluid stops working. Not in a rush to spend 4k. Last time I put Lucas Trans fix fluid in a different car years ago for a slipping trans it lasted another 40k miles.

[@fastsilverado]

We have a 02 Rodeo that we bought in 03. It is fully loaded for the time; leather seats, upgraded stereo and sun roof. Has over 200,000 and still going strong. Finding parts is getting harder but not alot of things break. Still a good SUV.

[@JokerHigh]

Now, this is how an off-roader should be. Basic and cheap and without 10 screens on the dash.

[@GridLineGo]

Absolutely agreed 😅 eyes on the trail and scenery

[@iRomey]

Winter mode actually disengages the solenoids for gears 1 + 2 and forces the car to start in 3rd gear. It's meant to reduce wheelspin in slippery conditions

[@rickhancock3398]

Bought a used one for my daughter to take to college. It is a very overbuilt , tough as nails, driver. Hers lasted for an additional two years after college and would likely still be running if not for the lady who rearended it rather hard. It was totalled and we were crushed when Albus bit the dust. That being said I had ZERO issue save on idler pulley the whole time we owned and would, at any time we had it , be comfortable headed from where I live (south east) to California in it. Just a very solidly built, long lasting vehicle. It had 310k on the ticker the day it met it's untimely death.

[@ricoolivier]

I'm from South Africa and owned a 2000 model of the Isuzu Frontier very similar to this one. Only difference was locally it was specced upmarket with leather etc. Also had diff lock as standard and some guys took regular first place in local off road competitions. Mine had a 2.8 turbo diesel with an aftermarket intercooler and was a great family and tow vehicle. Good times. Thanks for the memories!!!

[@user-gb3jq1io2c]

I had a 1999 Rodeo and I loved that thing. The V6 likes to sip some oil, so you have to check that every so often, but otherwise if you take care of them they will run for a long time. Never had any issues offroad of in the Colorado snow. I regret getting rid of that truck.

[@YusssoM]

How's the spare parts looking like? Usually for a brand that's been gone from a country, would be horrible to find.

[@user-gb3jq1io2c]

@@YusssoM I had mine about 10 years ago and it was already slim pickings then. I got lucky that a local junkyard in the Colorado Springs area had 3 of them which were largely complete and I was able to get everything i needed.

[@fastsilverado]

​@@YusssoMI still have an '02 with 200,000 miles. It doesn't break alot, but when it does, finding parts is kinda hard. There is a place in Kansas City that still carries some of the parts.

[@Thankyou_3]

Nice review of an old gem. If Isuzu would sell this today, I would buy it over any Hyundai, KIA, Hondas..yes even over Honda. This Isuzu looks very solidly built. All the stupid manufacturers that have converted all hard buttons to screens are completely screwed. People are waking up with common sense.

[@mrequi1]

Bought an 01 w/205k on it a few months ago. For 3k.Put new ball joints & tie rod ends on it (kit was only $75 cheap parts on these) and it drives great and runs like a beast in mud snow & ice. I love it

[@shiftmotorsports9803]

In 2000, MSRP on an LS 4x4 was around $28k with a moonroof. Loaded (leather) LSE was in the low 30's. I worked at a Nissan/Isuzu dealership back then. Our lot was loaded with Rodeos, Amigos/Rodeo Sports, Troopers, VehiCross, XTerras, and Frontiers (some supercharged). Rodeos were our best seller. $199 with 0 down lease for the base manual 4 cyl.

[@DaniTheNachoPirate]

I miss the good old days when brand engineering was in full swing. I would always seeing these driving alongside Passports, Vitaras alongside Trackers, even more odd pairs like Blazers alongside Bravadas, Cavaliers alongside Cimarrons. Ahh yes, those sure were good times.

[@jazrosales2008]

I had the privilege of having owned a 1st Gen Rodeo. It has some meaty tires, which helped tremendously during some heavy snow in Washington state. My old Rodeo was a blast to drive, it never let me down. Had to let it go because of an accident.

[@guillermopacheco4043]

I used to own a manual 2001 Isuzu Rodeo, super reliable car. I lifted it using the torsion bar and trooper springs.

[@marshaldowns8957]

PLEASE do one of these on the Nissan Pathfinder (pre '04)

[@MitchZero9]

These were in Australia as the Holden Frontera, there is none left now. The 3.0L V6's weren't known for there longevity. Funnily enough, the "Rodeo" name was used here in Australia as the dual-cab ute (mid-sized truck) version of the Frontera. Rodeo name went away when it was changed to the Colorado in the late 00's.

[@jamesrichardson645]

My cousin owned one. The transmissions are quite weak and overheat regularly.

[@mrequi1]

Are you kidding? Those v6s are known for going over 400k. My 01 has 207k on it and runs like a champ. Doesn't burn or leak oil and is quite strong.

[@mrequi1]

​@@jamesrichardson645never had mine overheat

[@GridLineGo]

Oh dang! My channel is based off my Rodeo and off-road adventures. I love that you guys highlighted this beast. It’s been such an amazing 4wd to me. I got mine with 173k on it for $1000. This thing has been everywhere since. Funny you mention the locker, I had one installed and it’s been the best addition yet. Great video as always, cheers 🍻

[@Isuzu_Paul]

Paid 800 bucks for my 95 LS with 173k miles on it. I absolutely love my rig

[@Isuzu_Paul]

Are you going to make anymore videos with your rodeo?

[@tonystark-rj3oo]

Thank you for car cost

[@user-he6bl8wo8l]

Great SUV.. drove my mom's 94 passport. Never left me stranded.

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

yeah ... bought a new one these AND i really liked it. the V6 had a leaky intake manifold, isuzu replaced / repaired and she was fine afterward. good review!

[@jediguy634]

I've always had a soft spot for Isuzu. They were my Dad's go to when he was in the military. He had both a Pickup and Rodeo. Put alot of miles on those vehicles. As a kid I wanted a Amigo / Rodeo Sport. Then when the VehiCross came out I wanted one of those. Such a quirky style. With how hot the market is right now for Adventure / mild off road vehicles, I think Isuzu could target the budget friendly market easily.

[@Isuzu_Paul]

All day man, even now the market on Isuzu is climbing. You used to be able to pick up a rodeo or trooper in running condition under a grand

[@NORMandJAMIE]

The big 3 feared ISUZUs capabilities...i love my 92 trooper

[@sambosr]

I had a first generation Honda Passport V6 manual 4x4. I took it off road quite a bit. It preformed excellently.

[@danielrn133]

Loved my 1998 Amigo. Miss that thing.

[@Spisters]

My first vehicle was the two door version, called the Amigo. It had a drop top in the rear that leaked like crazy. It was an absolute beast off-road though. My cousins and I took it out and did all sorts of hill climbs and off camber stuff, finally getting close to stuck in a large puddle before having to really give it the beans. When I got it home, I sort of thought the 4x4 didn’t feel right, so I tested it and sure enough, it didn’t even work. I took apart the front lock outs (the 92 was manual locking at the hubs) and found they just needed grease. I still can’t believe how well it worked even without a functioning 4x4.

[@moose201]

We had a 1994 Rodeo S followed by a 2003 Rodeo S and they were proper off-roaders. Both had the limited slip and decent ground clearance and did very well on Moab trails such as Tower Arch, Top of the World, Bull Canyon, Yellowcat, Copper Globe. The 2003 added a much needed 30 more hp but the suspension was way too soft and created a disturbing amount of brake dive. A switch to Rancho shocks cured that problem. These were a good value and we have great memories of numerous trips to Moab.

[@Jibkid]

I just bought one of these! Over here in Germany it's called the Frontera and was sold by Opel. Literally the same car though. Just different badges. Mine's from 1999 but in great condition and has the 2.2 four cylinder with a five speed manual. It's not fast but it does the job and it's so much fun to drive. Love this truck already!

[@palebeachbum]

It's nice to see an SUV that's designed to be rugged and basic. Those big chunky tactile buttons and easy-to-read 4-gauge analog instrument cluster are so refreshing. That 4x4 performance was pretty disappointing though.

[@superglue46]

Had a '98 Rodeo that I bought used in 2010 with 75k miles. Most unreliable pile of crap I've ever owned. The electronics were iffy, the front axle disconnect worked about 20% of the time, constant fuel system issues, occasionally decided it didn't want to shift out of park, got about 16mpg on the highway. When the trans started slipping at 92k miles, I jumped ship. I will say, tho, if it started, and it was one of those times it DID shift out of park, and it was in that 20% of the time that the 4WD worked, it really was a beast offroad and in the snow.

[@bread2032]

its also important to know the transmission problems of the automatic. so be careful with oil leaks

[@77jahmon]

I’ve owned two rodeos in my lifetime. First one was passed down to me from a family member and the only thing I had to do with it was replace the coolant bypass tube. Second one I owned was a 2wd manual and was so much fun to drive on and off road and didn’t have to do anything to it until someone crashed into me and bent the axle

[@CherokeeChief.]

Since it doesn’t have leaf springs it rides really smooth and has good articulation because it has a 5 link in the rear and ifs

[@Youssef-xo8vw]

I own a 1st gen (2005) Isuzu D-Max pick-up with the 3.0l diesel engine. I think it was the same platform as the Chevy Colorado of this time. Thanks for this video Brendan 👍

[@123andme]

Those were pretty good SUVs. One thing you want to check is the rear spring mounts tend to rot so make sure you pay extra attention to the rear.

[@royburnham100]

I always love the rodeo and the Trooper

[@robertwood7208]

I had a 2wd 95 Isuzu Rodeo 5 speed with 32” all terrains. It was so much fun 59 take that thing to places it had no business going. I wish I was able to score a 4wd one as a fun beater!

[@stephenbrown7815]

Just got a 99 Montero sport and love it. Came from a 96 zj grand Cherokee to a Montero sport 2wd. I don't off road as we live in Miami. For the longest I dreamed of buying a rodeo but had no need for it at the time. Fast forward 6 years later prices for gen 1 and gen 2 are increasing. Rodeos are getting scarce on the street and in the salvage yard. If you can find a good one buy it. The 4l30e transmission in the newer ones can be troublesome if neglected. Change the timing belt and water pump and you will have a reliable fun truck. The Japanese 80s and 90s SUVs are special.

[@ralphsbox]

the winter button doesn't change the shift pattern, it just starts you out in 2nd gear. I bought one with 30,000 miles in 2004 and put over 100k on it. I loved it.

[@RDChaniago]

in indonesia , they have an isuzu panther and that basically is a stretched version of isuzu rodeo (7 seater) with a diesel engine. the gasoline version that has the same engine (2.2 L) as chevy blazer is marketed as chevy tavera in indonesia. the diesel one is very durable , it even works 20-30 years later but the body itself is very sucks at rust

[@courtneypuzzo2502]

@RDChaniago that's the base 4 Cylinder turbo Blazer which weighs 3,918 LBs not the option V6 engined version or the EV which can weigh up to 5,600 LBs oh and the sticker price for the Electric Blazer starts at 57,000 while the gas powered blazer starts at 35,400 granted I have a soft spot for the Blazer as my late maternal grandfather drove an S-10 Blazer 4 door when I was a teenager a fully loaded gas powered Chevy Blazer costs about 50,000 for the 2024 model year

[@bradleysargent9803]

I like my 95 Tropper a lot. Thanks for reviewing an Isuzu!

[@Isuzu_Paul]

Isuzu was far beyond their time with a lot of their vehicles. If you got an LS trim it came with an LSD rear end ( check the firewall for a g80 option code). Also the first gen was a better design overall. More leg room in the rear as well. I currently have owned my 95 for 5 years now, it's lifted on 33" tires with the rear d44 LSD. If you want to lift it grab trooper stock coil springs and crank the torsion bars.

[@Isuzu_Paul]

You guys need to do a build series for this rig. The Isuzu trader group is full of helpful friendly people.

[@Isuzu_Paul]

Also most of the drive train can be swapped from one model to another. I.E. the trooper or amigo/rodeo sport.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

The manual versions were great. My buddy had one in Chicago, and we went everywhere when everyone else was stuck.

[@jamesrichardson645]

hahaha, the auto's not so much.

[@BradderzTekkerz]

I love these things I’ve always thought they were underrated they made them in a vauxhall badge here in the U.K. too!

[@anengineer_]

Same in Poland, Opel Frontera

[@upscaleshack]

The Holden Rodeo in Australia.

[@davidthomson7113]

I bought a manual 4x4 single owner Trooper for cheap. It lives its whole life off road at the beach and I’d agree they are tanks, never get stuck, and ride so well. Even through all the ruts you may or may not be able to drink a Moscow mule out of an open cup without spilling!

[@juand.perezl.9389]

Great little truck. I grew up with one of these. I Dad used work for this farmer who owned a 2004 Isuzu Rodeo which he off-roaded on daily basis around the farm. It used to get abused and it always performed. After that, they bought a 05 toyota 4runner diesel which never made to the US.

[@christopherhale580]

Great video about a cool rig. Thank you!

[@fredericocorrea9814]

I have a 1998 Honda Passport. Basically it's an isuzu Rodeo with Honda badges. It has around 163k on it. It's a great little truck. I've towed cars with it. I've driven it in deep snow and ice. I have all terrain tires on it. It has the tire on the back and i even got an isuzu rubber bed protector in the trunk so when i load parts or tools in the back. I love my truck. I'm in the process of repainting it and giving some love in the maintenance department. It's funny. I bought it for $150 cause it was hit in the front but it's been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I put a 2002 nose on it cause i couldn't find one from the same year but it fit. All in all, i love my little truck.

[@Troy342]

I had one of these. Loved that thing

[@cartopia6161]

Owned a ‘98 manual of this gen. Great vehicle! Never had an issue in over 120k miles. Got rid of it too soon. 😔 The only complaint (if you call it that), is that it struggled to tow. Wish these basic 4x4s were still available new. I blame car reviewers always complaining about hard plastics and no features.

[@jdabab]

brake lock an open diff so that the wheel which keeps on spinning when suspended is forced to slow down and send the power to the wheels connected to the ground.

[@Gizmo42Rodeo]

If it has limited slip, which a lot of them did, then a few clicks of the emergency brake would have helped it out and it would have walked through "the trenches".

[@stevey500]

The 4L30E is the known weak link. I believe it can be prolonged with a large transmission cooler installed and drain&fill maintenance. Althought, with no cooling modification and only one drain &fill at 70k miles, I drove my 01 gen 2 really hard for 130+k miles and it didn't skip a beat. Wonderful riding machine. These machines have a very good "low center of gravity" feel, quite sporty and nimble tossed around on the streets.

[@Isuzu_Paul]

The only true weak point with these transmissions was that people neglected them, then decided to sell them off to others who were looking for a cheap 4wd. If you put a trans cooler on them and did regular maintenance they run fine. That being said, I wish Isuzu had used the aisin-warner transmission that came in the Cherokees/4runners a340/30-40/aw4

[@stevey500]

@@Isuzu_Paul I agree... my high school version of myself absolutely beat on both my 97 and 01, I was really hard on them and both of those transmissions didn't complain what so ever. I've now got a 02 amigo and 04 (direct injected) rodeo. The 02 got slightly low on fluid (found a slow trans cooler leak) and began to do the infamous stutter from take-off. Drain, fill, recheck fluid level and it's running amazing now. I imagine driving through that symptom would cause damage and I imagine that's exactly what plenty of owners do. The 04 has the aisin unit and it performs amazing.

[@Isuzu_Paul]

@@stevey500 yea, most transmissions get damaged when they get low on fluid or have a blockage and they build heat. The heat breaks down all of the 'softer' parts in the transmission. I.E. clutch packs, valves ect.

[@Warbeaver]

I had a RWD Isuzu Amigo that I got from the states. Pretty fun little vehicle. Softtop was terrible in Calgary where it got cold and shrank and was next to impossible to get back on.

[@kjdaleo731]

I had a 1999 Rodeo and I loved it.

[@ryan07jeep]

That interior brought back memories. My aunt bought a 2000 Honda Passport EX brand new. It was the first car we had with a cd player.😂

[@erikrodriguez765]

Rodeos are good rigs, if you maintain them mine has 287k OG engine. Transmission was rebuilt at 200k

[@henrysboy2]

Like the Rodeo a lot and enjoyed the video. More importantly I appreciated the acknowledgment that the numbers you are listing are wholesale. Please build on this. It goes to the integrity of the information presented and how reliable it is. You should either say these videos are directed to wholesalers only somehow. Or simply get away from the wholesale numbers entirely. They just aren’t relevant to many viewers.

[@wymansmith9101]

You can find decent running rodeos, that need some work, for around $1k easily. If it need a trans you can find them for free. There’s a guy in California that builds the transmissions. But you have to get in line for one.

[@TomaszbtdZiobrowski]

in europe we had those as opel frontera and were quite common and also quite good.

[@rickthibault535]

I like it when you showcase hidden gems like this. Hey if you guys ever get a chance, try out a Mitsubishi outlander. I have a 2019 and it's 4wd system surprised me a few times. And it's super reliable and easy to live with.

[@bread2032]

I have the 2001 base 4wd v6 model and its great its basically the same as the LS just no sun roof

[@michaelmartin2276]

I had a Isuzu Rodeo about 20 years ago. It was a pretty good off road.

[@weegeemike]

I had no idea these were this capable! I always thought Isuzus were boring "eh" cars that were adequate but didnt do anything particularly good or particularly bad. However this video definitely educated me on these and i can appreciate them a little bit more. On a side note, when my dad ran his battery business, he was extremely loyal to Isuzu commercial trucks, namely the NQR. He had a '91 (branded as a GMC), an '01 and a 2011. The 2011 is still being used by the business by its new owner. They were super great at being able to handle extremely loads (3 layer pallets of commercial and automotive batteries arent light) and you could get 4 or 5 "triples" as we call them and these trucks wouldnt break a sweat. All were pretty reliable and trouble free up to about 400k mi before theyd start nickel and diming you with repairs but never had any catastrophic issues by any means. The 2011 had more issues but all of those issues were related to that trucks early DEF system. All had the big Isuzu I4 diesel. When looking for that 2011 i encouraged him to look at the Ford and Dodge 4500/5500 trucks and the Isuzus were not only slightly cheaper but were more capable with higher GVWR rating than both the Ford and Dodge. Those trucks rode way better and were easier to get in and out of but that kind of thing doesnt really matter when its a pure work truck. Great video as always TFL.

[@estebansustaytajr2215]

I had a 1994 Rodeo V-6 with manual trans 2 wd and that thing was a beast on and some off road

[@matthewgingerich2540]

I owned a 99 Rodeo for about a year: what I found really interesting was a tag in the engine compartment with different codes specifying the equipment on the vehicle. One of the codes on the tag was G80! Unfortunately, this was not code for the mechanical rear locker famous to GM trucks, but it was for a clutch-based limited slip rear end. GM and Isuzu had ties with each other at the time, so the G80 code definitely came from GM, but sad that the locker didn't come over with the code.

[@wei2c00l]

Love the cheap offroad series. can you do one for the first gen Xterra?

[@chuckschilling9113]

I thought Isuzu went to the 3.5 liter by 2002...my 99 Trooper has the 3.5....love your work.

[@wymansmith9101]

The trooper went to 3.5 in 98+. Rodeo stayed 3.2 through 02 in the US.

[@WhatsMyGame]

Vehicross had the 3.5 not the 3.2 he said in the video. Very similar ofc tho

[@guitardude9501]

I have a 95 and I love it.

[@comictrio]

I have a pristine condition 99 Rodeo with the LSE trim package. It has full leather interior and the power sunroof and power everything. Mine has a faulty rear window wiper (this is a common failure with the Rodeo's) and finding parts to repair it is has been impossible. Overall I like my Isuzu Rodeo.

[@wesjones6118]

Just bought a 1997 with 126,000 miles for $3000 with the 5-speed manual. It replaced my Trooper and has same engine. For the price I don't think you can go wrong with it. Only basic maintenance so far and I watch the oil. It hasn't let me down.

[@1tristan1henderson1]

Those vent also equalize air pressure in the cabin when the doors or tailgate are closed, so it doesn't try and blow out the sunroof, or prevent them from closing smoothly.

[@oldcatch]

I had a Trooper (can't remember the year) and loved it. More head room and I thought beefier than the Rodeo.

[@DesertMav]

I miss the old Isuzus. My first car was a 2002 Isuzu Axiom which was made famous by the spy kids movie. The Axiom was essentially on the Rodeo chasis, but it had the 3.5L V6 making 230HP and 215ft-lbs of torque. Mine also had the 4WD system in it, but it was a switch, not a lever or button. I got rid of it due to the fact that it got no better than 18mpg on a good day and I was having to put about 1/2 of my pay per month into repairs. The only drawback I had was the transmission, but it was replaced under warranty. If I ever want to add a cheap 4x4 into my lineup, I'd definitely consider an Isuzu.

[@jeeaaenlourens1434]

Fabulous stuff!!

[@elliottedwards7778]

Love you guys content. But you guys need to have a series on the 06-10 Jeep Commander limited or grand Cherokee limited. With the 5.7 and quadradrive 2. In them years they had electronic LSD's in the center, rear, and front diffs, that worked like lockers. All that with the hemi for around $8k heck of a deal and very capable of road.

[@juandiego4691]

My dad used to have a 99 Trooper with a diesel engine and that car was the best in everything, beginning with the HUGE space it had inside from the fuel economy with that engine Nowdays he has an 04 Axiom and it's one hidden gem, even though it's a 2wd. I thought about buying a Rodeo for a while, and everything I read was interesting, and it is a good vehicle for everything you want to do. In the end I ended with a Pathfinder, but if someone offers me a Rodeo in the future, I would consider buy one of those cars.

[@finerbiner]

2nd generation Montero's were really good off road vehicles. I had a 1993 and it was trouble free for 17 years and 260k miles.

[@hirotakabusi]

in Japan 3door ones were called MU, and 5doors ones were Wizard. Mu-X is still sold in the asain countries.

[@michaelstrane3254]

I had a brand new one in 1999. Pretty fun vehicle but it was terrifying to drive on the interstate at reasonable speeds. It felt like it would lift off. I still like the looks of these and the 2 door version

[@donaldlester1997]

Winter trans mode usually starts you off in second gear. Power mode will extend the revs before shifting.

[@sjohnsonnc06]

This is still my favorite SUV I had one 20 years ago

[@justinstrother9506]

What a cool truck. I would daily drive one of these.

[@mrflynn510]

My folks had a '98 Rodeo first, then an '01. Solid little SUVs.

[@DerFledderer]

Very interesting, would like to see more from this. Got the german version here: The Opel Frontera B

[@wymansmith9101]

02 was the last year for any actual Isuzu’s in the us. After that they were just rebadged chevys. If the options plate on the firewall has g80 in it it has a factory LSD in the rear. That one is probably worn out or didnt get the additive put in the diff. The automatic, if properly built, is actually a decent trans. It needs the fluid changed every 20-30k miles and they are fine. There are lockers available for the front and the rear. the front is basically identical to the trooper. the typical issue with the 3.2 is cam noise. although they typically run forever with the noise. I have a 98 trooper with 320k miles. Although i LS swapped it after i cracked a head, cause the fan clutch was going out. But it went to mexico and 7 days off road in southern Utah with the cracked head.

[@johnbertram]

They sold these in the UK as the Vauxhall Frontera. Both 3 and 5 doors. They looked really good and I always really wanted a 5 door in silver with a diesel engine.

[@wushock92]

That's a lot fancier than my 1992 Rodeo. Mine has the 5-speed and came with GM's 3.1 liter V6. The only reason it's parked is because the entire brake system needs rebuilt and that was going to cost twice what it's worth. I may still take care of that one day as it was a fun vehicle to drive.

[@31shaneD]

My mom bought a black 1989 Isuzu Trooper RS 2 door 4X4 with a 5 speed manual brand new for $17k. She had that thing over 20 years and finally had and engine fire that totalled it with over 300,000 miles. It was slow, had no thrills but was a great vehile

[@cullinan18]

I always liked the Rodeo and Amigo suvs.

[@shitloveaduck]

Great purchase Brendan!! Isuzu, as a brand, is becoming somewhat desirable in this age class. The Trooper & Trooper II more so. The fact Honda chose this vehicle to be built by Isuzu as their first “truck” based vehicle in the USA in 1994 is a decent compliment as to what the Rodeo was in its time period!! I think there will be a time the Isuzu Rodeo will command a better price than the Honda Passport in the future for the occasional collector of period vehicles. Isuzu just speaks more to off-road than the Honda,,, haha. I think this could be a decent addition to your long term fleet even Brendan!! There’s definitely some room to make some $$$ at your purchase price as well, mind you. Can’t blame a guy for grabbing THAT as well!!😊😊. Thanks for this throwback!! I really liked them when they were new and they were actually considered “loaded” back then vs really basic now! 😂😂. How times change, Eh!! Take care!

[@semabe1]

I daily drove one of these for 4 years. I bought it new in 1998. I had 2 ABS module failures, a transmission failure, intake manifold gasket failures (3) and the rear main seal leaked in addition to the oil appetite. I drove it 15K miles a year like a normal car. It was great offroad and great in the snow but no way I'd buy a used one and the dealers were plum awful (there is a reason Isuzu left the US.) Dunno where you'd get parts and repair one now and I am pretty sure the 3.2's issues as well as the 4L30E's issues don't get better with age. The Trooper of the same vintage in my experience is a MUCH better vehicle.

[@wymansmith9101]

There’s a lot of OEM 4l30e transmissions still running with 200-300k miles. If they are built correctly, and well maintained, they seldom have issues. But yours must have been the first truck on Monday or last one of Friday.😁 I have a 98 Trooper with 320k. It cracked a head at 270k, still on the original 4l30. Cause I didn’t change the fan clutch that was going bad.

[@mrequi1]

Parts are easy to find and quite cheap. I just paid $75 for a front suspension rebuild kit

[@peterfinnigan507]

they were also sold in Europe as the Vauxhall/Opel Frontera

[@aberoy1]

More content with Brendan! He’s awesome.

[@kenyattaclay7666]

In the late 80's early 90's when I was in high school and college this (or the Geo Tracker, well let's be honest, you settled for the Tracker because you didn't have Rodeo money) was the SUV that everyone had or wanted. It's too bad that Isuzu stopped selling passenger vehicles in the US.

[@Ruben-dr4yi]

Great videos..

[@taylorpj2121]

I had a 95 Amigo and it was a beast I missed that thing!

[@crabbcake]

its actually 2004 last models. they arent really 'cheap' 2wd is but 5k-8k for 4wd that runs well. that is a lot 20 year old. Others like 4runner likely had 'work' like head gasket and other stuff +3k .

[@TechTimeWithEric]

Oh, how fast can I go? Gotta catch that little red rodeo She drove off with my heart I got to let her know Need the girl in that little red rodeo Texas plates, candy apple red rodeo

[@aspenshades]

Do remember my parents had this when I was a kid, we had it for about a year until it broke down on the highway! aside from this, There was something about this car that was really nice and comforting, and I wouldn't mind seeing Isuzu return to the US Market with their current SUV's they sell.