The
Isuzu Rodeo is schizophrenic. Its sporty looks, sure feel, and nimble highway manners make it good city/highway vehicle. A second personality surfaces when you leave the highway behind in quest of serious off-road fun. This is one personality disorder that's very easy to live with.
Rodeos have long been solid machines that offer good value. Improvements and new features to the 2000 models make them even better. Changes include a restyled front end, improved seating, and new colors. Even more significant are a new computer-controlled suspension system and the introduction of what Isuzu claims is the longest powertrain warranty offered by any automaker in the US.
The Rodeo is available in three different trim levels: S, LS and LSE.
Two engines are available. All models except the base model come equipped with a 3.2-liter V6. A four-speed automatic transmission is a $1,000 option on S and LS models, but comes standard on LSE.
Isuzu's 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine is only available on the base S model with two-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox.
Standard equipment on all Rodeos includes power steering, four-wheel antilock brakes, dual air bags, tinted glass, cargo area side boxes, and skid plates under the radiator and fuel tank. The base S model is equipped with a four-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo. V6 models add cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. Four-wheel-drive models add a transfer case skid plate. The spare tire is mounted under the floor on two-wheel-drive models and on the tailgate on four-wheel-drive models.
LS 2WD ($23,435) models include power mirrors, variable speed intermittent windshield wipers, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, 6-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, retractable cargo cover, cargo convenience net, front and rear floor mats, remote keyless entry, theft alarm, color-keyed carpeted floormats, and a useful power outlet in the cargo area by the back door. Rodeo LS 4WD ($26,120) models also get a limited-slip rear differential.
The luxurious LSE ($28,790 for 2WD, $31,265 for 4WD) comes with Isuzu's new Intelligent Suspension Control system, leather trimmed seats and door panels, wood grain trim, a six-speaker AM/FM/cassette/6-disk CD changer stereo, power moonroof, alloy wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass, color-keyed trim and roof rack crossbars.
An optional Ironman Package ($1,052) is available on Rodeo LS models that commemorates Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman Triathlon race. Ironman LS models feature the Intelligent Suspension Control system; special beige velour upholstery; moonroof; Ironman Triathlon badging; Titan Gray trim, overfenders, and molding; 6-spoke alloy wheels; and Yokohama 245/70R-16 tires.
This year's Rodeo has a bold new eight-port grille, new flush-mounted headlight assemblies and redesigned front and rear bumper fascia. Other than some new colors (Canal Blue Mica, Garden green Mica, Roman Bronze Mica, and Alpine White), the rest of the Rodeo looks pretty much as it has since the major reworking it received in 1998.
The most significant mechanical change to the 2000 Rodeo is the all new Intelligent Suspension Control system. A dedicated onboard computer monitors vehicle speed, engine rpm, brakes, and input from a g-force sensors mounted on the chassis and integrated into the shock absorbers. The computer then directs step-motors that control shock valve blow-off points to adjust compression and rebound rates. The intent is to provide a smoother ride and reduced brake-dive and body roll. Sometimes it achieves that goal, sometimes it does not. The Intelligent Suspension Control system is optional on LS Rodeos and standard on LSE models.
Another notable change for the 2000 Rodeo isn't mechanical or cosmetic. It comes in the form of a generous 10-year/120,000 mile powertrain warranty (the basic warranty is still 3 years/50,000 miles). The powertrain warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship in the engine, transmission, suspension, steering assembly, and axles. It does not cover routine maintenance or adjustments.
