Vehicle Overview
Isuzu builds the Rodeo in Lafayette, Ind., at a plant it shares with Subaru. Honda sells the same vehicle as the Passport with minor appearance and equipment differences. One big difference from the Honda version is that the base Rodeo S model comes with a standard 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. All Passports and all other Rodeos come with a 3.2 liter V-6.
A new Ironman Package available on the LS model has gray fender flares, side skirts and body moldings and a new electronic ride control system called Intelligent Suspension Control. Sensors feed information to a computer that adjusts suspension firmness to one of 17 settings based on vehicle speed, engine speed, lateral forces and loads on the shock absorbers.
Isuzu has extended the warranty on its 2000 models to cover major powertrain components (engine, transmission, axles, etc.) for 10 years or 120,000 miles for the original owner, the auto industry’s longest warranty.
Interior
All versions of the Rodeo seat five with two front buckets and a three-place 60/40 split rear bench seat that folds for additional cargo room. Leather is standard on the LS and LSE models.
Exterior
The new LSE model wears two-tone paint, color-keyed side moldings and fender flares. All versions have new grilles and front and rear fascias. On the LS and LSE, the spare tire moves from the tailgate to a new storage spot under the vehicle. It remains on the tailgate on the base S. All models come in four-door styling with a tailgate that swings open to the left. The rear window swings up separately.
Under the Hood
As mentioned above, the base Rodeo S trim comes with a standard 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. All other Rodeos come with a 3.2 liter V-6. All trims can be mixed and matched with manual or automatic transmissions and 2WD or 4WD.