1998 Isuzu Rodeo consumer reviews

I bought my 1998 Rodeo V6 4WD in 2000, and I STILL have it! Hadn't had a car payment since 2004! I had to replace the alternator in 2014, and again in 2024. Two CV joints went out over the years, costing me a total of $1,600. Windshield wiper motor failed in '17 (parts and labor $450), and the starter went out around the same time, replaced it myself, $150 bucks. And that's about it on unusual maintenance. The above total beats the xxxx out of a car payment, especially these days! I love my Rodeo, and this truck has served me well! AC and fan motor still works, the engine purrs like a kitten. Granted, it has only 171,000 miles on it, which is low mileage for such an old truck, but that's because I've always lived close to my work.

I bought it used like 15 years ago Currently has 300000 miles on it The only major problem it has had is the alternator but besides that it is still running strong!

I still see plenty of Isuzu Rodeos around. I liked my 98 Rodeo 5 speed manual so much I bought 2 between 2002 & 2015. The car is solid, safe and is great for moving furniture, or kids. Mileage averaged 20 city to 24 highway. Very reliable although I cannot attest to the automatics. I can only assume the automatic is the reason for leading the list of cars NOT to buy. The manual is fantastic though a little slow to get warm in a mid-Atlantic winter. I put heated sheepskin covers on my seats which helped. The other flaw was having to remove & store rear headrests when the back was in cargo mode, small potatoes in the long run. Overall a great bargain if you can find one!

I have had my Rodeo for 4 yrs and put over 60K very hard miles on it. I work in the mountains of N.California and my truck has seen a lot of severe weather and misc. conditions. It has only failed me once and that was when the alternator went out. It has over 185k miles currently and still runs gr8. I just bought my wife a 97 Trooper. Before I got my Rodeo I only bought GM trucks. I am now forever an Isuzu fan. I just wish they still made passenger vehicles in the US.

I owned my Rodeo for 10 years. It took me on ski trips, moved my drums for gigs, got my stuff home from Home Depot and even brought my babies home from the hospital. This truck was powerful enough to drive through the toughest storms and comfortable enough to cart my family around. I reccommend this truck.

I have a 98 and I have punished it doing construction work. I have literally loaded it from floor to ceiling with cinder blocks and it hauled it with no problem. I realize that was risky and I don't recommend it, but just to show you how tough it is. And I've done it many times. I'm almost to 160K now and it's still running strong. It just won't die. I have driven it between Phoenix and Northern California loaded with construction materials and its always delivered. Never broken down on me. I have replaced the a/c and the gas gauge is possessed but other than that its been pretty fantastic. Also had to replace wiring harness - covered free on recall. Great SUV for the money - buy one!!!

Bought this car with 106,000 miles on it as a second car. Alternator went, new brake job went, ABS brakes had to be replaced, O2 sensor system had to be replaced. Now the shifter is difficult to move out of park. This car has been a nightmare!

I love my isuZu rodeo. It is at 180000 and has never had any major issues. Its a car with a personality.

I bought my '98 Rodeo new, 11 years ago. Now at 100900 miles, it's still running strong. Great acceleration & power. Have driven cross-country 7 times, and serious off-roading in places such as Moab, as well as Colorado mountains and snow. It's always done whatever I wanted. Holds all my stuff, & bikes. Tows 4500 lbs. with no drag. Alternator was underpowered, had to be rebuilt twice. Gas gauge is neurotic. Excellent stereo. I got all the options. To get what my Rodeo has on a vehicle of another make would cost way too much. Too bad Isuzu no longer stands behind its product.

I bought my 98 Rodeo new and still love it! I've had no major problems with it (knock on wood) and at 137,000 miles, it's still running great! I definitely feel like I got my money's worth. I plan to drive it until it dies - which will hopefully be years from now.