2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems
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Common 2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo, common problems include engine failure, rear suspension issues, and fuel consumption concerns.
- Rear Suspension Separating From Frame: Another common problem with the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo is rear suspension separation from the frame. This issue can affect the vehicle's stability and handling, posing safety risks to the driver and passengers. The average cost to fix this problem is around $2,000, with an average mileage of 128,000 miles when the issue occurs.
- Fuel Consumption: The 3.5-liter V6 petrol engine in the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo is known for being fuel-thirsty. Owners have reported concerns about high fuel consumption, prompting some to consider converting to LPG or using a factory-approved dual-fuel kit to reduce fuel bills. The economy of the new Alloytec V6 engine remains uncertain, with conflicting reports on its efficiency compared to the older engine model.
These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance and thorough inspection when considering or owning a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo to prevent costly repairs and ensure safety on the road.
How many miles can a 2003 Isuzu Rodeo last?
The estimated lifespan of a Isuzu Rodeo is 187,000mi, before reaching the life expectancy upper limit.
Is the Isuzu Rodeo a reliable car?
The Isuzu Rodeo is a generally well-received sports utility vehicle that got a reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from Cars.com. Drivers praise the Isuzu Rodeo for its low maintenance costs, fuel economy, and suitability for outdoor adventures.
What is the problem with the Isuzu 3.2 V6 engine?
Occasional problems on this vehicle are failure of the Intake Manifold Gaskets and the Engine Short Block. Failure of the Intake Manifold Gaskets may cause a rough idle or the Check Engine Light to illuminate. Lack of maintenance can cause the pistons rings to stick resulting in excessive engine oil usage.
Are Isuzu SUVs reliable?
Isuzu: The Power of Reliability
Isuzu might be a lesser-known name in some regions, but it has built a solid reputation for manufacturing tough and reliable SUVs and pickups. Isuzu's expertise lies in producing powerful diesel engines that deliver impressive performance and fuel efficiency.
2003 Isuzu Rodeo car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Isuzu Rodeo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Structure problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Suspension problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2003 Isuzu Rodeo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2003 Isuzu Rodeo complaints
The NHTSA has received 16 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-25
- VIN: 4S2DM58W134
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION REGARDING FUEL TANK RETENTION. THE FUEL TANK SHIELD ON THIS VEHICLE IS ROTTING AWAY DUE TO RUST AND ONE OF THE TWO FUEL TANK STRAPS HAS ALREADY BROKEN. THERE IS NO ACCESIBILITY TO AN OEM OR AFTERMARKET SHIELD, THE PART IS DISCONTINUED AND AFTERMARKET COMPANIES DO NOT PRODUCE IT AS FAR AS I CAN FIND. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, AND IT WOULD BE SERIOUSLY EXPENSIVE TO GET A NEW SHIELD MANUFACTURED BY A MACHINE SHOP. DUE TO A LACK OF RODEO'S ON THE ROAD, THERE ARE NO VIABLE OPTIONS I'VE FOUND AT LOCAL JUNKYARDS TO GET A REPLACEMENT SHIELD. WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED RECENTLY I NOTICED THE FUEL TANK CORROSION BUT WAS UNAWARE OF THE LAXK OF AVAILABILITY. THIS HAS TURNED INTO A MUCH MORE WORRYSOME AND PROBLEMATIC ISSUE THAN I ORIGINALLY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. I KNOW THIS ISSUE IS BEING LOOKED INTO ALREADY BUT I WANTED TO MAKE SURE MY COMPLAINT WAS ON FILE, AND TO POSSIBLY PROVIDE MORE INSIGHT AS TO WHY IT'S SUCH A LARGE ISSUE. IF THE OTHER STRAP BREAKS AS WELL IT WILL TURN INTO A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE REPAIR.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-12
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-29
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S2DM58W134
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 ISUZU RODEO. THE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A GUARD RAIL. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FRAME RAIL WAS ROTTEN AND CAUSED THE AXLE TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-07
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRAME RUST PROBLEM IDENTICAL TO THE 2002 ISSUE MAKES THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. *TR
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-10
- VIN: 4S2DM58W734
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SEVERE RUST AND CORROSION OF FRAME. 2003 ISUZU RODEO. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-24
- VIN: 4S2CK58D334
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE "U" BRACKET WHICH PREVENTS THE DRIVE SHAFT FROM FALLING DOWN BROKE OFF AND SLID DOWN THE SHAFT AND WORE THE SHAFT DOWN AND MAKING THE CAR UNDRIVABLE. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-08-20
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 03 ISUZU RODEO 3.2L BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL. TAKES A QUART EVERY 250 MILES. DONE EVERYTHING RECOMMENDED AT THE RECOMMENDED INTERVALS, OIL CHANGES, EGR VALVE, PCV VALVE, ECT. I AM VERY GOOD ABOUT CHANGING RECOMMENDED PARTS WHEN NEEDED. THIS ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE TAKING OIL. I DO NOT TOW OR REV OVER 5,000 RPM, EVER! OTHER ISUZU OWNERS HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THIS TO ME, THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE ISUZU ENGINE. I NOW NEED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT A COST OF 3,000 PLUS INSTALLATION LABOR CHARGES. THIS IS THE THIRD RODEO I HAVE HAD, GOOD LUCK WITH THE OTHER TWO, BUT NOT THIS ONE. IF THIS CANNOT BE RESOLVED, I WILL PURCHASE ANOTHER MODEL IN THE FUTURE. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER HAS TRIED TO HAVE RECALL WORK PERFORMED ON VEHICLE AND HAS BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO PARTS. *TS RECALL #05V466000. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-01
- VIN: 4S2CK58W034
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: DT: 2003 ISUZU RODEO. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE DIED WHILE IN MOTION. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON . THE WHOLE DASHBOARD PANEL STARTED BLINKING. THIS OCCURRED IN SEPTEMBER 2004. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP , THEY CHANGED THE ODOMETER SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WORKED FOR A WHILE AFTER THAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2004, AND THEY CHANGED THE SAME PART. THE PART WORKED FROM THEN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY REPLACED THE SAME PART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER A FOURTH TIME, AND THEY SPRAYED SILICONE AROUND THE PART. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THERE WAS WATER INSIDE THE SPEED SENSOR CONNECTOR. *AK
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-23
- VIN: 4S2CK58D734
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT'S MOTHER HAD BOUGHT A CAR ON 9-23-05, AND SHE EXPERIENCED A LOT OF PROBLEMS. THE BRAKES WERE GRINDING AND SQUEALING. THE ALIGNMENT WAS SEVERELY OFF, AND THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS OUT OF CENTER. WHEN THE CAR CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT ANY SPEED THE FRONT WHEELS STOPPED, AND IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING WAS HITTING THE REAR OF THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP TOOK IT AND FIXED NINE THINGS REGARDING THE WHEELS, THE BRAKES AND OTHER THINGS. SHE WAS NOT SURE EXACTLY. THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND THE MOTION IN THE REAR OF THE CAR. SHE WANTED A NEW CAR. A MECHANIC AT THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE MANAGER THAT THE CAR WAS UNSAFE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-04
- VIN: 4S2CK58W434
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2003 RODEO ENGINE FAILUE AT 48K. ISUZU REFUSES TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AND BLAMING ME FOR DAMAGE BECAUSE I CANNOT PRODUCE ALL OF MY OIL CHANGE RECIEPTS. MY 2000 RODEO ENGINE FAILED AT 35K AND ISUZU REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. I AM AMAZED AT HOW MANY COMPLAINTS AND "OIL USAGE" POST I AM FINDING ON THE WEB FROM OTHER ISUZU OWNERS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-02
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED A KNOCKING NOISE WAS PRODUCED FROM THE ENGINE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-01-13
- VIN: 4S2CK58D434
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 2003 ISUZU RODEO 4CYL. PURCHASED NOV 28 2003. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-28
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE RODEO WAS THREE MONTHS OLD WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE GAS MILEAGE WAS DECREASING AT AN ALARMING RATE. (LESS THAN 12 MILES PER GALLON) UPON TAKING THE RODEO TO THE SHOP I WAS TOLD THAT IT HAD A SEAL ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT WAS LEAKING CAUSING THE ENGINE TO WORK HARDER, BURNING MORE GAS. ( I SAW NO OIL) THE SEAL WAS REPLACED BUT THE LEAK CONTINUED. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT IT WOULD NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS OLDER I WOULD HAVE DISMISSED THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO AGE. SINCE IT IS SO NEW I WONDERED IF THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THIS. MY RODEO IS AN AUTOMATIC.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-01-27
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S2CK58W234
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 2003 ISUZU RODEO 2WD- CHRONIC INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS W/IGNITION STICKING IN ON POSITION ON COLD START AND ENGINE REVVING HIGH AND HANGING HIGH 1700-2000 RPM'S, WITH COOLER DAMPER WEATHER, INTERMITTENT AND MORE FREQUENT IGNITION STICKING PROBLEMS GRADUATING TO IGNITION LOCK UP AFTER ENGINE STARTED: IGNITION LOCKS, CAN'T SHUT DOWN AND ENGINE CONTINUES TO REV AT HIGH RPM'S 2000-2200, UNANTICIPATED ENGINE POWER AND PROPULSION. 1/27/04, COLD START LATE AM, IGNITION STICKING IN ON POSITION, ENGINE REVVING HIGH, THEN DROPS SLOWLY, DROVE 45 MINS, PARKED ON WARM START MID-DAY, IGNITION LOCKED UP, CONTINUED GRINDING ON A STARTED ENGINE AND ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV TO 2200 RPM'S AND HANG HIGH, WITH EXCESSIVE POWER TO ENGINE. RPM DROPPED SLOWLY, ENGAGED IN REVERSE, TOOK FOOT OFF BRAKE AND IMMEDIATELY PROPELLED BACKWARD AT UNEXPECTED SPEED ABOUT 1+ CAR LENGTHS INTO FENCE AND TREE. EXCESSIVE DAMAGE TO REAR OF VEHICLE. IZUSU DEALER, ROYAL OF TUCSON, AZ, ALLEGEDLY UNABLE TO DUPLICATE ON BOTH SERVICES, (683 MI & 4747 MI)SINCE INCEPTION BEFORE 683 MILES; UNWILLING TO WARRANTY REPAIR W/O DUPLICATION DESPITE EQUIPMENT FAILURE AND SAFETY ISSUES. OWNER SUSPECTS FAULTY ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS FAILING TO TRANSMIT FROM IGNITION TO MAIN COMPUTER, AND POSSIBLY IN BETWEEN. SYMPTOMS EXPERIENCED BY IZUZU W/ AUTO'S MANUFACTURED IN 1989-1993 IN AN ATTEMPTED RECALL EFFORT BY NAT'L HWY SAFETY COUNCIL- IGNITION/ECU DEFECTS CONFIRM SYMPTOMS CUSTOMER REPORTED TO ROYAL IZUSU DEALER. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-16
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, INTERMITTENTLY CONSUMER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND FELT A THUMPING SENSATION IN THE PEDAL. WHEN THIS OCCURRED, THE BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED PROPERLY. THE LAST TIME THE BRAKES FAILED VEHICLE HAD TO RIDE ON THE SHOULDER TO AVOID A COLLISION. MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.*AK
2003 Isuzu Rodeo recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2003 Isuzu Rodeo.
- Manufacturer: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America
- Components: SUSPENSION:REAR
- Summary: Isuzu Manufacturing Services of America, Inc (Isuzu) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Rodeo and Axiom, and 2003 Rodeo Sport vehicles that were originally sold in, or are currently registered in, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kentucky and Missouri. These vehicles may experience excessive corrosion near the forward mounting point bracket for the left or right rear suspension lower link.
- Consequence: The corrosion may allow the bracket to detach from the frame, impacting vehicle handling and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Isuzu will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear suspension lower link bracket area. For vehicles in which little or no corrosion is found, the area will be treated with an anti-corrosive compound. For vehicles in which corrosion has damaged the rear suspension lower link bracket and affected its connection to the vehicle frame, a reinforcement bracket will be installed. In the event the corrosion is so severe that the reinforcement bracket remedy would not be sufficient, Isuzu will offer to repurchase the vehicle for an amount based on the Kelley Blue Book "Private Party" price. All inspections and remedies will be provided free of charge for vehicles that are 10 years old or less. For vehicles older than 10 years, Isuzu will offer a free remedy, but only if the vehicle is presented to an Isuzu service facility dealer within 12 months of when owner notifications were issued, after that time owners will be charged for the repairs. The recall is expected to begin in mid-December 2013. Isuzu owners may contact Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FUEL CONTAMINATED WITH SILICON MAY DEVELOP SMALL PIN HOLES IN THE FUEL PUMP FEED PORT. SILICON HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN THE FUEL SYSTEMS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES AND IN CERTAIN FUEL AVAILABLE IN THE REGION OF TYLER, TEXAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN TEXAS AND THE FOUR SURROUNDING STATES: OKLAHOMA, ARKANSAS, NEW MEXICO AND LOUISIANA.
- Consequence: A FUEL LEAK COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE STATES IDENTIFIED ABOVE, DEALERS WILL PROVIDE A NEW COVER OVER THE EXISTING FEED PORT ON THE FUEL PUMP OR, IF THE EXISTING FEED PORT HAS ALREADY BEEN DAMAGED, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP THAT IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW COVER. THE NEW COVER WILL BE MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 25, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
- Manufacturer: ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:BRAKE FLUID LOW WARNING: LAMP
- Summary: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS." THE BRAKE WARNING LAMP WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE IN THE EVENT OF DECREASED BRAKE FLUID VOLUME.
- Remedy: THE DIODES HAVE BEEN REPLACED. ALL VEHICLES HAVE BEEN REPAIRED.
Negative 2003 Isuzu Rodeo car reviews
Positive 2003 Isuzu Rodeo car reviews
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It's great to hear that you find it fun to drive! However, I understand that the gas mileage may not be ideal, especially in city traffic. Additionally, there seems to be quite a bit of wind noise when the windows are open. Is there anything else I can help you with?
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Great sporty SUV! It's so much fun to drive and it's been built really well - no problems at all.
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I've been driving this vehicle for just over six months now. It has a 4-cylinder engine which is a bit slow on take-off and tends to whine a bit when accelerating. I have a model without tilt, which doesn't bother me since I'm only 5 feet tall, but my husband, who is 6 feet tall, finds it uncomfortable as it rubs against his leg while driving. Overall, it has been a good vehicle. I only had to return to the dealer once when the latch/lock on the rear door broke off in an automatic car wash. On the plus side, the gas mileage is much better than my last SUV (Durango), as I get about 18 miles to the gallon.
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I just wanted to share that I recently purchased a 2003 Rodeo after doing some research on other SUVs like the Explorer, Passport, and Jeep Cherokee. Even though some of my family and friends own those other SUVs, I have to say that I am really happy with my Rodeo. It has everything I was looking for, including a stylish exterior, a comfortable interior with all the features I wanted, and it definitely turns heads. I'm so glad I made this choice!
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It sounds like my Rodeo has been a reliable vehicle for transporting people and kids, although it may not be the most versatile option. The front and back seats are comfortable and spacious, with plenty of leg and head room for even my 6-foot-tall boys in the back. However, if you opt for a sunroof, it may reduce the available space. In terms of fuel efficiency, it may not be the most economical choice, especially if you drive more than 20,000 miles per year. But overall, the Rodeo is a stylish and well-built vehicle, although it can be a bit bumpy on uneven roads.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2003 Isuzu Rodeo problems:
2003 Isuzu Rodeo Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues
Problem with your 2003 Isuzu Rodeo? Our list of 8 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2003 Isuzu Rodeo.
Known Rodeo problems. | Isuzu SUV Forum
Aug 10, 2014 ... The biggest issue was that the early aluminum heads were prone to cracking but most have been replaced by now. Stay away from the 1-3 casting ...
Common Issues with 2003 Isuzu Rodeo Heater | Q&A
Feb 25, 2015 ... It sounds like your heater core may be clogged. Your heater core is a small radiator behind dash which coolant circulates through. Then the ...
2003 Rodeo ECM problem | Isuzu SUV Forum
Sep 10, 2021 ... Hi I have a 2003 Rodeo 2.2L. I have had several drivability issues and finally was able to diagnose the problem.
Isuzu Rodeo. Worth picking up? : r/Isuzu
Sep 24, 2021 ... I'd say reliability is relative. My 2001 Rodeo LS 4wd has been alright. I had the 4l30E rebuilt in 2012 (~100,000 miles), and have only had to ...
Other years of Isuzu Rodeo
Are you having problems with your 2003 Isuzu Rodeo?
Efren Brakus 2024-08-11
After leaving the dealership in a brand new automatic Rodeo for under $16k, I felt like I got a great deal... and I did! The Rodeo is a vehicle that stays true to its heritage. It is a no-frills SUV and performs like one. The 4-cylinder engine may not have a lot of pep off the line, but it has excellent power at highway speeds. The Rodeo handles great, but the brakes could be better. Overall, it is an excellent value if you are on a limited budget!