1998 Isuzu Rodeo
01/18/1998
Shahed Hussain
The Rodeo has been a quiet success story for Isuzu. Since its introduction in 1990, it has been Isuzu's best-selling vehicle with more than 330,000 sold. From the beginning, Isuzu's truck heritage and expertise has been emphasized to potential buyers. Rodeo continues to be aggressively priced relative to its Japanese competition. All-new for 1997, a well-equipped 4WD V-6 Rodeo ranges from $26-30K, while 2WD models are available for under $20,000.
SIA, a joint venture between Isuzu and Subaru produce the Rodeo and its twin, the Honda Passport, in Indiana. US assembly of the Rodeo has allowed Isuzu to produce a competitively priced and equipped vehicle, which should continue to impact the SUV market. Isuzu has launched an aggressive advertising campaign to publicize the new Rodeo and improve its brand awareness in an increasingly crowded SUV marketplace.
Facts
Isuzu invested heavily in improving the Rodeo in areas that customers will appreciate. Always an issue with SUVs, a lack of power was addressed with a new aluminum 3.2L V-6 with 205 bhp and 214 lb.-ft. of torque. A 130 bhp 2.2L 4-cylinder equips the base 2WD Rodeo S. The 3.2L engine is stronger than almost any other V-6 in its class and offers a15 bhp increase over the SOHC engine used in the previous Rodeo.
In an effort to reduce road noise, the doors now have triple seals, which result in interior noise levels similar to passenger cars. Unlike unibody competitors such as the Grand Cherokee and Pathfinder, the Rodeo is built on a traditional truck-type ladder frame, which is now fully boxed to improve chassis stiffness and integrity. The rear suspension now uses a sophisticated 5-link coil spring setup to ensure a well-controlled ride.
Isuzu follows standard truck practice and uses a ladder frame with 6 cross members for the new Rodeo. The frame rails are now fully boxed improving chassis rigidity. Front suspension is independent double-wishbone, with torsion bars, stabilizer bar, and gas-pressurized shock absorbers. Rear suspension is a 5-link live axle with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and gas-pressurized shock absorbers. 2WD Rodeos are equipped with a ventilated disc/drum brake system with ABS. 4WD models include rear-ventilated discs. All Rodeos are equipped with skid plates for the fuel tank and radiator. 4WD models include a skid plate for the transfer case and 4WD actuator.
The tested Rodeo S had an MSRP of $26,200 and was well equipped with A/C, cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors. An included option package contained 16" X 7" alloy wheels, limited slip differential, and fog lamps. Additional features included a 6-speaker 120-watt stereo/cassette, keyless entry/alarm, and a roof rack. Other options such as a power moonroof and 6-disc in-dash CD changer are available. Leather seating and simulated wood trim are available only on the top-level Rodeo LS. All Rodeos are equipped with dual airbags and 4-wheel, 4-channel ABS that operates in all drive modes.
Isuzu offers a 36 month/50,000 mile basic warranty. 24-hour Roadside Assistance is available for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Observations
Interior
The first-generation Rodeo had an excess of cheap-looking shiny plastic interior trim. Isuzu has revamped the dashboard and all interior panels with high quality low-gloss plastic and tastefully trimmed cloth. Door panels are padded with attractive velour accents.
Switches and control stalks are easy to reach and operate with a high quality feel. The shift on-the-fly 4WD pushbutton is clearly visible and confirms its operation with a lighted symbol on the dash. Climate control rotary knobs are clearly marked and easy to use with gloved hands. All gauges are white-on-black and legible. A tachometer is standard.
The tested Rodeo S had rugged tweed cloth upholstered seats, which were firmly padded, yet comfortable and supportive. The optional leather seats on the LS add a luxurious touch to the interior. The cargo area is carpeted and offers 33.0 cu. ft. with the 60/40 split rear seats up, and 81.1 cu. ft. with them folded. Rear seats feature a 3-position recline that improves comfort for passengers. The lower tailgate swings open and has a netted pocket for holding small bags. The upper glass hatch lifts up for unrestricted access to the cargo area. Extra 12V outlets in the dashboard and cargo area ensure that campers can power air compressors and other accessories.
Exterior
Anyone familiar with the older Rodeo will have no trouble recognizing the 1998 model. The new Rodeo retains the look of the previous truck, but with smoother, better-integrated styling. Exterior panel fit-and-finish is noticeably improved with small and uniform gaps. The doors close with a satisfying "thunk" that reinforces your impression of body integrity. Paint gloss and finish is top-notch and on par with class leaders.
The large headlights that flank the attractive egg crate grille provide powerful, uniform illumination. Handsome16" X 7" six-spoke alloy wheels with P245/70-R16 M+S rated tires give the Rodeo an aggressive stance true to its truck heritage. Large heated mirrors improve visibility and safety. An intermittent rear window wiper is standard.
The spare tire is full size and can be mounted under the vehicle or optionally on the tailgate when equipped with 15" wheels. The 16" wheel and tire package requires a tailgate mounted spare.
Driving
The new Rodeo follows the industry trend of making SUV's as carlike as possible. The rack-and pinion steering is light and accurate, with no annoying kickback. The Rodeo rides well for an SUV, but feels under damped when traversing dips at highway speeds. The suspension heaves up and down several times over road undulations. Riding over uneven pavement highlights the live axle's presence, but the 5-link suspension keeps it well controlled. The coil spring rear suspension allows better ride characteristics than the leaf springs used by some of the domestic competition. Unfortunately, all of our driving was done on paved roads, so no assessment of the Rodeo's off-road capabilities could be made. As expected of any serious SUV, a 4WD 2-speed transfer case is standard. The Rodeo's pushbutton part-time 4WD system can be engaged at up to 60 mph, which is very convenient when the weather is treacherous and unpredictable.
The standard 5-speed manual shifts smoothly with relatively short throws between gears. Clutch action is remarkably light and progressive, typical of a Japanese sedan. As expected, the 205 bhp V-6 has no trouble hauling around the 3860 lbs. Rodeo. Equipped with the 5-speed, the truck is very lively, an unusual trait in this class. Passing maneuvers do not require advance planning, just a downshift. The new V-6 idles and revs smoothly and quietly, with no obtrusive vibrations or induction roar. Plenty of power is available in all speed ranges, and the manual transmission is geared to take advantage of the engine's powerband. Even with the optional 4-speed automatic performance should be more than adequate. The Rodeo's V-6 has more power than the standard engines in the Blazer, Pathfinder, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee, or Explorer.
Specifications
General
1998 Isuzu Rodeo S 4 X 4
Front engine/Four-wheel drive (part-time)
5-passenger, 4-door
Price Range:$18,000-32,000 (est.)
Price as tested: $26,200 (est.)
Measurements & Capacities
Payload: N/A
Curb Weight: 3,860 lb.
Max. Trailer
Towing Weight: 4,500 lb.
Width: 70.4 in.
Height: 68.8 in.
Overall Length: 183.4 in.
Wheelbase: 106.4 in.
Ground Clearance F/R:N/A
Fuel Capacity: 21.1 gal.
Engine
V-6, liquid cooled, aluminum block and heads
Valvetrain: DOHC, 24-valve, hydraulic lifters
Fuel Delivery: Sequential multipoint fuel injection
Displacement: 3.165 L
Bore X Stroke:93.4 X 77.0 mm
Compression Ratio:9.1:1
Power (SAE net): 205 bhp @ 5,400 rpm
Torque: 214 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm
Max. Engine Speed:6,200 rpm
Fuel:Unleaded Regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity:5.6 qt.
Coolant Capacity:11.1 qt.
Emission Controls:3-way catalytic converter, feedback air/fuel ratio control
Steering
Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Steering ratio:N/A
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock):3.6
Turning Circle:38.4 ft.
Transmission
5-speed manual Ratios:3.77/2.25/1.40/1.00/0.81:1
Reverse:3.87:1
Low Range:2.05:1
Center Differential Type:N/A
Torque Split F/R:N/A
Final Drive:4.30:1
Suspension
Front: Independent, upper/lower A-arms, torsion bars, gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Rear: Solid axle, 4-links plus Watt's linkage, gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar
Brakes
4-wheel, 4-channel ABS
Front:11.0" X 1.0" vented disc, vacuum-assist
Rear: 12.3" X 0.7" vented disc, vacuum-assist
Wheels & Tires
Wheels: 16" X 7" JJ cast aluminum
Tires:P245/70-R16 M+S
Fuel Economy
Highway:20 mpg
City:18 mpg
Interior
Head Room (Front/Rear): 38.9/38.3 in.
Leg Room (Front/Rear): 42.1/35.0 in.
Hip Room (Front/Rear):56.3/56.3 in.
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear):52.2/52.8 in.
Interior Volume Seats Up/Folded:33.0/81.1 cu. ft.
Restraints
Front:Driver and passenger airbags, lap and 3-point belts
Rear:Outboard 3-point belts, center lap belt
Summary
Unlike most other SUV manufacturers, Isuzu makes trucks and only trucks. The Rodeo has a tough job trying to stand out in a cluttered SUV marketplace. The competition from the heavyweights like the Explorer, Blazer, and Grand Cherokee, makes it difficult to attract the attention of potential customers. Even import buyers interested in the Pathfinder or 4Runner may overlook the Rodeo. To make matters worse, the Isuzu brand is relatively obscure to the US buying public. That's too bad, because the Rodeo deserves a close look by anyone searching for an attractively styled, fun-to-drive SUV that offers excellent value and capability.
Sidebar:
At a Glance
Smooth, fast SUV that offers excellent value for the money.
Likes:
Slick DOHC V-6/5-speed offers zippy performance.
Handsome styling - Honda must have given Isuzu pointers on interior ergonomics.
Dislikes:
Underdamped suspension not in the same league as powertrain.
Isuzu??? What's an Isuzu?
Surprises
Who would have thought an SUV could be actually fun to drive?