2002 Isuzu Rodeo Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The runt of the midsize SUV litter. Pick it only if you have a soft spot in your heart for Isuzu.
Pros
Stylish exterior, great powertrain warranty.
Cons
Cheap interior pieces, flaccid suspension, uncomfortable front seats, questionable build quality.
What's New for 2002
For 2002, Isuzu has fiddled with the Rodeo's option packages and improved the available Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC) system.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
2002 rodeo s
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 5 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Rodeo S 2WD 4dr SUV (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Review
Bought used with low miles, plan jane suv 4 cyl and 5 speed manual with ac, it never let me down. I have taken it across country 2 times in hot weather and it ran cool and ac worked fine, I got about 27-28 mpg on the trips. The only thing I've done to it is put a battery and a k and n air filter on it in 4 years. It just runs and runs.
Favorite Features
cheap to buy and cheap to operate.
Suggested Improvements
2.2 liter a little low on power but it runs fine on the highway.
What next?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 6 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 4 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought my 2002 Rodeo in Dec. of 2002 and I had high hopes for it as I had previously owned a 1999 Rodeo. The first one had a defect in the paint that Isuzu never took care of but the car ran great. Unfortunately, my 2002 Rodeo had what started out as an oil leak that the dealership could never find and ended with a new engine having to be put in. My warranty covered everything but the inconvenience and aggravation of bringing it back each time was too much. As for the body, every time I look at it I see new dings and defects in the paint which I've grown accustomed to. The interior is cheap plastic which you're always finding mystery bits and pieces.
Favorite Features
Room to load groceries, gear, etc.
Suggested Improvements
Since they don't make them any longer there's nothing to say but I would have preferred the back to open up differently like flat down if not both ways.
Not a reliable car in the long run
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 4 | Fun-to-Drive: | 4 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought this car used and it was great, I loved it and everything was fine... and then it hit the 60,000 mile mark. EVERYTHING fell apart on the car. Head gasket, fuel pump, transmission, EVP, everything went on the car. The same thing happened to a family member with the same model of car. If you have one, get rid of it before the mileage gets too high or you'll end up with a couple thousand dollars worth of repairs. Even following the scheduled maintenance, and regular oil changes the car doesn't hold up.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Transmission fluid is hard to check (you have to climb up under the engine) and impossible to refill at home, needs a mechanic with a special pump. Basically impossible to check it without paying someone $60.
2 year owner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Rodeo LS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I was overall somewhat satisfied with this car. It was easy to load and unload since the floor of the cargo area was up higher than say a minivan. It was extremely reliable, who wouldn't love that?
Favorite Features
Very reliable!
Suggested Improvements
The windshield was not big enough, the frame on the side of the drivers seat was some times an obstrution to the road. Especially on curves. It was a bumpy ride and the seats could have been more comfortable.
I should have steered clear
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Rodeo LSE 4WD 4dr SUV (3.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This Rodeo has more problems than any car I've ever owned! Burning oil, bad trasmission, brake replacement often, bad electronic everything, including the moonroof, the 6 CD changer and the master door panel, which we had to replace after owning the SUV for only a month. I loved driving it for the comfort, when I COULD drive it! Warranty doesn't cover half of this stuff! Very comfortable and roomy though.
Favorite Features
Smooth ride and very comfortable. Very snazzy looking as well. Love my moonroof, which is in the perfect spot.
Suggested Improvements
I'm glad Isuzu doesn't make these anymore. They need to figure out all the mechanical problems!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2003 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2002 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2001 Isuzu Rodeo
- 2000 Isuzu Rodeo
- 1999 Isuzu Rodeo
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