EDMUNDS.COM 2004 ISUZU RODEO
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
An impressive V6 engine makes its debut for 2004. Too bad it has to be in the under-achieving Rodeo.
Pros
Stylish exterior, powerful new V6, great powertrain warranty.
Cons
Cheap interior pieces, flaccid suspension, uncomfortable front seats, questionable build quality.
What''s New for 2004
Isuzu has made a few changes this year to make the Rodeo more appealing to SUV shoppers. First off, there''s a new range-topping 3.5-liter V6 that makes 250 horsepower. Last year''s 3.2-liter V6 has a new home in the base model; the four-cylinder engine has been dropped. Other alterations this year include a new Sound Package, a new Color Package and a new tire-pressure monitoring system.
Overview
Introduction:
The Rodeo has been Isuzu''s best-selling SUV for more than a decade. Ever since its last redesign in 1998, it''s been known for its powerful V6 engine and handsome styling. More recently, it''s been backed by Isuzu''s 7-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty and equally long roadside assistance program. For 2004, the Rodeo comes with even more power in the form of a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 and lower MSRP pricing.Unfortunately, other automakers have come up with newer and better designs in the past few years, leaving the Rodeo as one of our least favorite SUVs. The new V6 is nice, but it''s a bright spot in an otherwise mediocre vehicle. For people looking to use their SUV on a daily basis, we would recommend looking at the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Santa Fe or Toyota Highlander, while those wanting a bit more dirt-kicking ability should check out the Kia Sorento. All four vehicles offer superior driving dynamics to the Isuzu, along with more comfortable cabins furnished with higher-quality materials.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Rodeo (the two-door Rodeo Sport has been discontinued for 2004) comes in just one trim level to which a variety of option packages can be added. Standard equipment on the base model isn''t particularly impressive; you get air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player, but the rest of the good stuff is optional. With the Preferred Equipment Package, the Rodeo gains power windows and locks, roof rails, tilt steering, intermittent wipers and a cargo cover. We''d recommend getting the Upgrade Package, as this is how you get the new 3.5-liter V6 along with power mirrors, keyless entry, a power driver seat, a limited-slip differential and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. A Chrome Package adds a bit of exterior flash while a new Color Package adds body-color exterior trim. There''s also a Leather Package that includes leather seating and an eight-speaker audio system with an in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Powertrains and Performance:
Like Dirty Harry in Magnum Force, the Rodeo is packing some serious heat and attitude this year. Last year''s four-cylinder engine has been dropped, leaving the 3.2-liter V6 as the base engine. It makes 205 horsepower and 214 pound-feet of torque. Most manufacturers would be satisfied with this engine, but Isuzu is also offering a new 3.5-liter V6 this year. Featuring gasoline direct injection technology, it makes 250 hp and 246 lb-ft of torque. For either engine, a four-speed automatic is standard and either two- or four-wheel drive is available.
Safety:
All Rodeos come standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes. In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety''s frontal offset crash test, the Rodeo received a rating of "Marginal," the second lowest on a scale of four. Side-impact crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resulted in a five-star (out of five) rating for front and rear-passenger protection. Scores for front-impact protection were not as good; the Rodeo received three stars for the driver and four stars for the front passenger.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Rodeo provides a maximum of 81 cubic feet of cargo capacity (with rear seats folded down). We''ve never been fond of the front seats, which we think lack the proper lumbar, lateral and thigh support. Although there is a good amount of legroom and height-adjustable seatbelts, the lack of foot- and shoulder room and the generally unpleasant ride quality greatly reduce the enjoyment of driving this vehicle. Cheap-feeling interior materials and questionable build quality are other negatives.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The Rodeo''s driving dynamics still leave much to be desired. There''s far too much bouncing and heaving over mildly rutted pavement, and even modest turns send the Rodeo lurching in one direction or another. The steering is vague, and the brakes lack feel as well. Those looking for a capable off-road machine will find the four-wheel-drive Rodeo a fairly capable climber thanks to its dual-range transfer case and body-on-frame construction, but as an all-around sport-utility the Rodeo lags far behind the competition.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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