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2002 Isuzu Rodeo SportThe Rodeo Sport is available in four models: 2WD Hard Top, 2WD Soft Top, 4WD Hard Top, and 4WD Soft Top. The 2WD models are powered by a...
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The Rodeo Sport is available in four models: 2WD Hard Top, 2WD Soft Top, 4WD Hard Top, and 4WD Soft Top. The 2WD models are powered by a 130-hp 2.2L engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The 4WD vehicles have a 205-hp 3.2L V-6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, which are optionally available together on the 2WD models. New color offerings are Clipper Blue Metallic, and Currant Red Mica. A Special Package is available on all V-6 equipped models consisting of remote keyless entry, a 140-watt sound system with six-disc CD changer, and power mirrors, locks, and windows. Air conditioning, Titan Gray overfenders, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a limited slip differential, and fog lamps are also options.
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15 Reviews from Shopping.com
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Took four years, but nothing comes close.
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Pros: Solid as rock; Good MPG16/23; Fast; Exterior looks; huge towing capacity
Cons: Interior could use some refining. Oil consumption. No full roll bar. Heavy hard top.
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The Bottom Line:
Definitely recommend. Not just a car with big wheels. This is a true Truck. In a class all by itself.
I figured after owning this truck for almost a year now that I should offer my opinion.
Back in 99 when I was looking for a Small SUV and was test driving every dang SUV out there under $30K I came across the Rodeo Sport. It was basically jaw dropping and in a class by itself. So after my lease expired, a layoff, getting fired, and a whole bunch of stuff that you would only wish on your enemy I got one. I flew 1000 miles and drove it back home.
As far as performance it is faster and gets better MPG then the Liberty and the Escape AS I TESTED. Head to head with an Escape on a 180 mile trip the Escape used 1 more gallon of gas. No big deal. It weighs more than both as well.
This truck fills in the gap that is left for people who want all the ability of a JEEP Wrangler Rubicon with the civility of a modern SUV. This is definitely a very off road capable truck. Yes I have owned a Jeep Wrangler.
The motor is a 3.2V6 with 205hp. The bad thing is that you have to watch the oil consuming. Isuzus 3.5 and 3.2 are notorious for burning a quart every 1000miles. Even the newer motors, 02 , that Isuzu said fix the problem still consume oil. The good thing is that the torque curve hits in at 2500 rpms. The motor is STRONG. As well it is super high tech with 24 valves Delphi ignition and dual stage intake with an available Super Charger.
The trans is a GM 4L30e which has a excellent reputation even BMW used it. It has a winter mode that starts the truck in 3rd gear and a power mode to hold the shifts longer. Should be worry free for the life of the truck. It does have one CHEEP FIX quirk. The dang "RANGE SENSOR" on the trans gets dirt in it and makes the trans feel like it is falling apart and it makes your gear selector lights go batty. All that it needs is to be cleaned, NOT REPLACED. Your stealership will say otherwise.
The rear end is a Dana 44. Isuzu really over built this part. I believe that is a 3/4 ton rating. Thats an upgrade for a Jeep. Its stock for a Rodeo Sport.
I have the hard top. There is a soft top as well (convertible). They say that the hard top is not removable. BULL Ship, I take that puppy off during the sunny days put my bike over the roll bar and cruise on down the road.
All in all this is a A truck. It fills in the space between the Liberty and the Wrangler and should be compared more to the Wrangler. The price you can get these for is amazing. Definitely get the 4WD. Since Isuzu is taking a vacation from the US till 07' you might want to take it to a Honda dealer for repairs as the Honda Passport IS 99.8% Isuzu Rodeo.
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