Isuzu Rodeo

gpm5

The dealer told him the tires could not be balanced. I've also seen where they have to load too much weight on one side of the rim when tires are too far off in terms of weight distribution.

blooze

Hi all! Thanks for all the info! Here's my opinion on some of the 98 Rodeo problems.
1.)Mine has a vibration between 50-70mph(comes & goes). Started at about 60K. Three sets of tires, Hunter balancing, match balancing, balanced inside and out, alignments, etc. It's still there. I will probably try experimenting with toe-in next (unless it sells).
2.) Had the "thud" sound a few times but not lately. Dealer said NPF at first, then lubed rear shaft splines. Had to have it done about every 15K for a while, then it never came back. Yahoo.
3.) Brakes all around at 64K. First set of tires at 66K. Lugnuts breaking? Yep.
4.) Intake manifold gasket at 74K. Felt like it was running on 5cyl. Rough idle, engine light were symptoms.
4.) Just replaced the battery at 91K (four years old).
Always got loaners at my dealership, but not too happy with being shrugged off regarding the vibes. They made me feel like I was imagining it. Now they admit it and they tell me it could be the wheels. Maybe, maybe not. I've been satisfied with my Rodeo except for this problem. I would buy a 2001 if I knew the vibes would not occur. I may still buy one, but would deal with Isuzu differently (lemon law). I know there's a solution somewhere, but my patience is near it's end.

nato1

I have a 2000 rodeo ls. After 2k miles the vehicle had a highway shimmy ~60mph. I up'ed the tire pressure from 28 to 34psi and the shimmy went away. The ride is a little stiffer, but that's ok by me. It's now 11k miles and still no shimmy.
Nate

adellaro

Sorry for continuing to beat a dead horse, but back on the shock issue. Does anyone have an opinion on using Koni adjustable shocks? They're around the same price as the Bilstiens, but offer the option to adjust them. I have a 2000 Rodeo LS and have been through the orginal shocks and the Monroe Sensatrac (both of which suck). Now I'm willing to spend the money and decided to go with the Koni's, but before I actually make the purchase, just wanted to check in with you guys. Thanks in advance.

paisan

I find adjustables are always better than non adjustable. I didn't know Koni had adjustables, might have gotten em for my troopa if I had known.

-mike

zman21

adellaro...i want to change my shocks too so please give us the info (price, performance) on these ones if you decide to get 'em.

paisan

Every Thursday, 7:00-8:00pmPT/10:00-11:00pm ET

Your Community Leaders are paisan and arktrooper1

-mike

lookin4adeal1

Great message board, very informative.
I've leased two Honda Civics in a row, and my current lease is up. I went to a Honda dealer to look into leasing a 2001 CRV, because I've been very happy overall with my Hondas, but wanted a change of pace from the Civic. They couldn't meet my price range, but the salesman showed me a 2001 Rodeo LS V6 4wd, with 8100 miles. He said that it was owned by a business, and they went over 6000 miles, and it couldn't be sold as new, so the dealer got it at auction for a really good price. It looks like it's never been driven. It even still has the new car smell. I like the looks, and feel of it a lot better than the CRV's too. Apparently it's a somewhat base model. No keyless entry, no moonroof, cassette instead of CD. It does have a lggage rack. It was almost closing time, and I told the salesman my wife would have to look at it before I make a decision. ( I'm sure some of you know how that is...hehehe) He let me take it home for the weekend while he works up the final numbers, but it's going to be around $255 a month, 60 month lease, and about $300 up front for first payment and title. He gave a very rough estimate of $7000 to $8000 buyout at the end of the lease. He said that I'm getting a good enough deal, that I could probably sell it in 2 or 3 years, and pocket a few thousand dollars. I really like the vehicle, but all of the problems I'm reading about on here makes me hesitant. I'm used to the trouble free reliability of Hondas. Does anyone have advice for me?
Thanks !!!

paisan

I'd buyit. Isuzus don't have a good re-sale and you'll get hammered in the risiduals. They are very reliable, you'll get 200K+ miles out of it. There are/were some issue with vibrations but that was in '98/'99 with the rims and tires. my '97 went 120K miles trouble free, and I have a 00 Trooper that is rock solid.

-mike

lookin4adeal1

Just bought a house in May, and can't do any higher payments. I wish I could. One of the things I liked about my previous 2 leases, was the short terms. The first was a 24 month, and the current one is 36. A 60 month lease does scare me. If they are normally "rock solid", why such low residuals?

wannarodeo

Hi, All... checked out all the useful info--great board.

But talk of oil consumption, pinging, etc., now I'm scared about the papers we just signed on a loaded 01 LSe Rodeo.

1) Truck stickered at $32K - $2500 discount - $3000 dealer cash = $26500 sell price -> 450/mo for 72 mos. Does this sound like a good deal?

2) How would you rate Rodeo vs: Liberty, Escape, Xterra, etc.

3) Reliability?... I know we have the great warranty, but the oil problems, etc... I have owned a Mitsubishi galant and the big items are OK, its the little stuff that started to go (electrical, etc.)... same problem with the ISUZUs ?

4) Towing? I have a 1400# empty / 3500# max enclosed MC trailer I want to pull-- any problems.? I've heard some talk of the 3.2 being under powered.

Thanks in advance any other words of wisdom appreciated.

-Tim
Great White North, PA

tidester

Lookin',

It even still has the new car smell.

Don't be fooled - that stuff comes in a spray can!

tidester
Host
SUVs

paisan

Why don't you add useful Isuzu info or butt out of this discussion? I'm sick of you ditching on isuzus.

On a side note, the reason for the low risiduals is that the market doesn't particularly like used Isuzus, most likely cause they are a small volume seller so there isn't a pent up demand for them. if you go to some of the Isuzu formums on the net (http://4x4wire.com , http://vmag.com ) you'll see tons of owners who regularly abuse them off road and they just keep running.

-mike

suvshopper4

I thought the same thing: the new car smell is available in aerosol.

Way to do your job.

tidester

I don't know how useful this is but did you know that Isuzu is named after the Isuzu River near the Ise Shrine of Mie prefecture, Japan's oldest shrine?

P.S. I have never "ditched" Isuzu and regret that you could have construed anything I have said in that way.

tidester
Host
SUVs

paisan

You have made it a point to ditch on the Axiom and Troopers often in that forum, I thought hosts were supposed to be neutral, I guess not though but hey it's edmund's show so who am I to say anything.

-mike

tidester

I have NO idea what you are talking about! Surely you're mistaking me for someone else. Email me and we'll discuss it.

tidester
Host
SUVs

blooze

Has anyone "replaced" wheels on their Rodeo in an effort to fix a vibration problem? If so, did it work? What kind of wheels did you use? Would the fact that four lugnuts have been replaced on my 98 have anything to do with the vibes? Thanks.

lookin4adeal1

I'm a new member of the club. 2001 Rodeo LS, 8169 miles, emaculate condition. $365 at signing, which includes first payment. $261 per month, 60 month lease, with a buyout including fees at end of lease for $8665. 6 year / 72000 mile extended bumper to bumper warranty included. How'd I do?

paisan

I paid $280/mo for my '97 rodeo for 36mo with only a 3/50K bumper to bumper warranty. Drove it 50K miles w/o a problem. Be sure to check out http://isuzu-suvs.com

-mike

adellaro

zman21. I've decided to go with the Koni's. I've heard excellent things about them from other owners (not Rodeo, but other SUV owners). I just got them, but won't be able to put them in until next week or so. I can already tell they should be 100% better then the Monroe's. Hard to describe but it appears to be a much more 'solid' shock.

Here's the info if you're interested:

purchased from www.shox.com
Front: 30-1663
Rear: 30-1664
Total price was $319.00

I'll try to follow up as soon as I get them installed.

To Paisan. These are adjustable, but the adjustment has to be done while the shock is off the truck. There are three settings available. Maybe not the best way to use an adjustable, but it at least gives me an option if I find the initial ride to be a little soft and want to firm it up with an adjustment (although I'm hoping that I like the way they ride with their default setting).

Take care.

paisan

Thanks for the info I'll put it in the FAQ section of http://isuzu-suvs.com

I looked at Koni's site recently saw they were adjustable, but had to be removed.

-mike

karman1

I have 98 Rodeo LS w/ optional fog lights.
When I first got the truck I really like them, but I noticed that they barely make any diff with them on or off, Does anyone know of a good and effective upgrade for the fog lights and head lights. I don't know which light bulb i need to make brighter and w/o effecting the electrical system.

ever

I am torn between a 98 Honda Passport and a 99 Chevy Blazer. I was leaning for the Passport because of fuel economy. Then I found here all the talk about vibrations. The one I am looking at has the rims replaced for fancier ones (I wonder why?). The lady selling it says she liked these allow rims because they are fancier. Now I am worried about the vibration problem. Can I rule it out with a test drive?.

paisan

Take it on the highway and see if it vibrates. It should be apparent.

-mike

paisan

Tell the dealer that he should cover it under the 3/50K bumper to bumper warranty. Also talk to Isuzu. It is not a common problem. What parts preytell? I mean pads and rotors are possible, but that shouldn't be more than $200-$250/axle. Pads usually last about 50K on these vehicles and rotors should be good to about 100K or more.

-mike

paisan

Find a different dealer. Don't even deal with that dealer. The only items not covered under the BtoB are wear and tear items, for brakes that would be the Pads and Rotors, maybe the calipers but even they should be covered. Contact Isuzu directly.

-mike

cdt123

Yeah, I think that is what I am going to have to do...my wife tells me (she is living in Nebraska for a year while I am in Kansas) that we are at 50,402 miles...and thats why the dealer was so adamant that we would have to pay and that none of it was covered. Thanks for your comments.
Cam

93saturnsl1

Has anyone ever heard of the computer on a '97 Rodeo with the 2.6 needing reprogammed? Ours has been running a little odd for a while... slight miss at idle, stalls out sometimes when it's cold or raining, and seems to idle a little faster than normal (no tach unfortunately). We left it at the dealer a few times, but of course they couldn't find anything wrong since it was under warranty. I mentioned it to the service advisor last time, and he told me it needed the computer reprogammed, and that they had done that to several Rodeos lately. Anyone ever heard of this?? I usually do all the maintenance myself, would hate to have to take it back to the dealer.

eradda

I just purchased a 2001 Rodeo LS with an 8-speaker, AM/FM/Cassette/"CD Ready" radio. Does anyone have any suggestions on whether to replace the stereo completely or simply add a CD Changer to the existing stereo?

Also, what brands/models have you had success with?

Thanks!

ever

A reply to a message should carry the same title. Otherwise it is so hard to know who is replying to your message.

armtdm

Also have this model; and engine but no issue as you describe, 70,000 miles. Could be chip but this sounds more like ignition and plugs type of problem. Their estimate to reprogram is how much, may be worth it if they guarantee it will work!

bmcfarland1

I am in the process of buying a 2001 Isuzu Rodeo LS and I am wondering if you might be able to answer a question for me. In using the Edmunds website (which I personally think is the most useful website on the entire web), I found that heated power mirrors are listed as standard equipment on the LS model of the 2001 Isuzu Rodeo. At the risk of showing my ignorance, I would assume that all 2001 Rodeo LS models would, in fact, have heated power mirrors. In fact, everyone that I have seen advertised has listed this as a feature. The LS that I am buying does have power mirrors but apparently they are not heated. I say apparently because I can find no heat control/on-off switch for such nor can I fine any mention of them in the owner’s manual. The car salesman is giving me car salesman-speak in that he doesn’t know if they are standard. The owner’s manual is not designated as being for an “S”, “LS” or “LSE” so I can’t use it to make a determination.
My first question is whether an LS can be an LS without the “standard”
heated mirrors. My follow-up question is if there is a way that I can
determine if the package is actually an “LS” or if it is merely an “S”
with the “power” option that provides power mirrors. I’m paying an “LS”
price and I ran a CARFAX from the Edmunds link and it fails to make
mention of the trim. I don’t know whether the omission of the “LS”
designation from the CARFAX means it isn’t an LS or whether it just
means that CARFAX doesn’t provide the trim designation based on the VIN
#.

Additionally, how do the 3yr, 5yr and 10yr warranties work when I buy the vehicle used?

Thank you in advance for your help

paisan

Warranty on used Isuzus is 3/50K bumper to bumper transferrable. The 10/120K powertrain is not transferrable. The LS trim models should have an LS badge on the "C" pillar (the one behind the rear doors) I believe the LS also has 6 disc in dash changer standard. Someone else may jump in with perhaps a paint scheme or rims that would denote an LS v. S On the Troopers it's easy, the LS and Limited have power retractable mirrors, the S doesn't. The LS has monotone paint the S and Limited have 2-tone paint.

-mike

bmcfarland1

Thanks Paisan, the vehicle does have LS on the pillar and I should have noted that; however, I am leery in wondering if it is counterfeit in that I haven't found anything else to support the LS moniker. The lack of "standard equipmet" heated mirrors is what got me started, is it probable or possible for an LS to not have equipment listed as standard for LS? Additionally, it doesn't have a CD player, much less a changer.
Regarding the warranties, is none of the powertrain or roadside assistance transferable? Is the bumper-to-bumper automatic with my purchase or do I have to fill out some sort of registration?

paisan

I think that is transferrable. I'd call Isuzu to see if there is any paperwork. I don't think you need to but you may need to fill out some form. I'll call my buddy who is a dealer up this afternoon and ask him what the trade-mark LS rodeo equipment is.

-mike

bmcfarland1

Thanks again Paisan. I just go off the phone with a Isuzu rep by the name of Mario in California. He allayed all my feels regarding the heated mirrors issue and also informed me that all warranties (3 yr basic, 5yr roadside and power train) would be in force with the one exception that the power train reverts to a traditional 5yr/60,000mi. Again thank you for your time, Steve the host reccomended that you would be helpful. While were on the subject, I am paying $18,800 for 2001 Rodeo LS 4x4...good deal...bad deal...average deal?

paisan

How many miles on it? Seems like a good deal. They are very durable trucks if you don't abuse them too much. I knew there was something funky about the 10/120 changing or being eliminated. Good info to know. Be sure to check out http://isuzu-suvs.com for more info.

-mike

bmcfarland1

16,671 miles. I really wanted a black LSE but couldn't locate one anywhere. Actually, I did find two through Autobytel and Cars.com but neither dealer bothered to respond to me after my two inquiries to each...Go Figure!

kjhsuv

My 2001 LS did not come with the 6 disc in-dash changer. The LS comes with the upgraded stereo unit allowing for the 6 disc in-dash changer, but does not come with it. The S comes with a stereo optioned for a single disc in-dash player only. That's the difference there. The rear mirrors do have a defogger. To be honest, I didn't know this untill bmcfarland1 asked. The rear window defogger button turns on the rear mirror defoggers also. COOL!! Good Luck!!

bmcfarland1

Did you get yours new or used? You have been happy with it thus far? Have you considered leather and/or power moonroof upgrades? What mpg have you been getting? Does $18,800 sound like a good deal for a 2001 Rodeo LS 4x4 with 17,000 miles?

ssi6

I stumbled across someone who wants to sell a loaded '96 v6 LS automatic in good condition with low mileage for $7,200. From what I've researched, this sounds like an awesome deal. Any opinions?

paisan

I loved my '97. What part of the country? I'd be interested in it myself!

-mike

kjhsuv

Let's see here....I bought new. They're giving these things away right now and I couldn't pass it up. Not that I got the deal of the century, but I hate the car buying process and this worked for me. $3000 off sticker, great financing, a little more off sticker after negotiations(!), and good $$ for my trade-in. I won't be getting leather, had that and yes it's great, but don't need it, and I miss not having a sunroof, but just can't spend the money for that right now. Your deal doesn't sound bad, however, I would be very concerned about the non-transferable portions of the warrenty that you may not get. You should be able to get a new 2001 LS for $24,000 with little trouble. You may want to think about that. A few friends have 2000s, my brother has a 2000 S, with the V6 and at 50,000+ miles, he loves it, no problems. Hey, if you look hard enough, you'll find problems with every new car out there. REALLY, you will find something about everything. Try not to get caught up in that and buy what you want, when YOU think you've got a good deal. BEST OF LUCK!!!

Boris2

Anyone knows the place that would sell fog lights for Rodeo other than dealer? Dealer wants around $300 for parts only. I don't think it'll be too complicated to install since the bumper already has holes for them and on the dash there is a space for the switch.
Also, do they really worth the money? I had aftermarket fog lights (yellow) installed on my Tercel and they did a great job for me, but the ones that come on Rodeos are not Yellow and I'm a strong believer that in Fog condition, yellow is much better than white. I might be wrong, but I think I've read somewhere on Edmunds that fog lights on Rodeo are not that bright... any personal experience?
I was also thinking about putting Sylvania Extra Vision bulbs in the front headlights. Any difference? I had them on Prizm and they were much brighter than the original ones... The downfall is that they were burning out too fast :-)
Sylvania also offers something that they call "Cool Blue." Any opinions?

paisan

Stock fog lights on any car usually are poor at best. Depending on the year of rodeo you can upgrade to H4 bulbs in a higher wattage. I run 80/100 9004s in my Trooper, they are marginally better but the reflector and lenses just plain suck. On http://isuzu-suvs.com you can see my nudge bar with Hella 4000s on them. Those are lights and were only $300 and change.

-mike

jake01

I've got a '97 Rodeo LS 3.2 that is developing a bit of a glich. At a certain midrange of RPM (2.5K-3.2K) the heater fans drops out and the battery, brake and four wheel indicator lights flicker. There doesn't seem to be an engine power problem and the whole problem disappears above and below that RPM range. Any ideas?

lookin4adeal1

I just bought a 2001 LS with the same features you apparantly have for $17,900 with 8100 miles. Everyone I've talked to thinks it was a great deal. I've only had it two weeks, so the jury's still out. So far I really like it though.

bobg13

I just had the same thing happen to me on the way home from work tonight,I have a 98 Rodeo,and the Brake and Battery light comes on under 2k rpm. If anyone knows the answer please help before I get robbed at the Dealer.

paisan

From my experience it's the alternator. The alternators are mounted very low on our cars and they can become gunked up with garbage. Also under load they are allowed to slip a little to allow more power to the engine, so if the coils aren't at max capacity you'll get low voltage during acceleration and it will cause those dash light problems.

-mike