2001 Isuzu Rodeo Sport Review
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By Dean Stevens

Overview

Isuzu Rodeo admirably bridges the double demands on an SUV: handsome looks, a confident feel, and nimble highway manners on the one hand, and respectable off-road capability on the other. If that's a split personality, well, it's one personality disorder that we can live with.

For 2001, Isuzu celebrates 10 years of Rodeos with a special Anniversary Edition, featuring a full complement of luxury equipment and a special white-and-beige color scheme.

The Rodeo was redesigned in 1998, and freshened for 2000, so additional changes for 2001 are minimal. Tire sizes have been juggled somewhat, so 225/70R16's are found now only on four-cylinder Rodeos; all V6 models now wear 245/70R16s. Last year brought a benchmark powertrain warranty and an interesting computer-controlled suspension. Seats were improved, too, and are further refined for 2001.

Model Lineup

The Rodeo is available in three different trim levels: S, LS and LSE.

Two engines are available. All models except the base model come equipped with a 3.2-liter V6. A four-speed automatic transmission is a $1,000 option on S and LS models, but standard on LSE.

A 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine is only available on the base S model with two-wheel drive.

Standard equipment on even the basic Rodeo S ($17,990) includes speed-sensitive power steering, four-wheel antilock brakes, dual air bags, tinted glass, cargo convenience net, four-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo and skid plates under the radiator and fuel tank. V6 models add cruise control and a tilt steering wheel. Four-wheel-drive models add a transfer-case skid plate. The spare tire is mounted under the floor on two-wheel-drive models, automatic LS's and all LSE's; it mounts to the tailgate, with a hybrid hard/soft cover, on four-wheel-drive S and manual-transmission LS and all Ironman editions (see below).

LS 2WD ($23,300) models add power mirrors, variable speed intermittent windshield wipers, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, five-speaker AM/FM ETR stereo with cassette, retractable cargo cover, remote keyless entry, theft alarm, color-keyed carpeted floormats, and a useful power outlet in the cargo area by the back door. Rodeo LS 4WD ($25,960) models also get a limited-slip rear differential.

The luxurious LSE ($28,995 for 2WD, $31,430 for 4WD) comes with Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control system, leather trimmed seats and door panels, wood grain trim, a five-speaker AM/FM/cassette/6-disk CD changer stereo, power moonroof, alloy wheels, fog lamps, privacy glass, color-keyed exterior trim and roof rack crossbars.

Additionally, Isuzu offers a dizzying array of comfort, appearance, and preferred equipment packages, plus the two special editions described below:

The Anniversary Edition LS comes in Alpine White paint to harmonize with special Fawn Metallic lower body cladding, side moldings, bumpers, overfenders, aero roof rack side rails, and tail lamp trim. Floor mats are heathered beige, and tube side steps are just plain chrome. Soft leather upholstery and wood grain trim enhance an interior equipped with four-way power seats, a Nakamichi stereo, and privacy glass.

A revised Ironman Package ($2,790), also available on LS models, commemorates Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman Triathlon race. Offered only in Alpine White or Ebony Black, Ironman Rodeos are distinguished by Iron Gray Metallic lower body surfaces, overfenders, body side moldings and bumpers; with a lighter gray surround for the front bumper air intake. Other gray accents include gray heathered floor mats and gray tube side steps. Ironman Editions also pack the Intelligent Suspension Control system; four-way power driver's seat, cargo tray, privacy glass, and a sub-woofer.