Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
The Rodeo sat right in the middle of the Isuzu compact sport/utility triumvirate. It was available in three trim levels, the base level S, the uplevel LS, and the XS. They offered a variety of engine and transmission options in either 2-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive configurations. The base engine was a 120-horsepower sohc 2.6-liter inline 4-cylinder. The 175-horsepower sohc 3.2-liter V6 was optional in 2wd models and standard in 4wd versions. The base transmission throughout the line was a 5-speed manual, and a 4-speed automatic was optional with the V6.
1995[]
Entering its fifth year in the market, the Rodeo continued to be a hot seller offering a winning combination of stylish sportiness and down-home utility. For 1995, the Rodeo was a carryover model, receiving only a few minor interior and exterior changes, and became Isuzu's entry-level SUV while the Amigo went on a 3-year hiatus. No major mechanical changes were planned.
Since its introduction, the Rodeo had done a good job of appealing to value-conscious buyers looking for a combination of versatility and sportiness. Prime competition for the Rodeo came from the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Cherokee and the nearly identical Honda Passport, which Isuzu built for Honda.
The automatic transmission featured a "winter start" mode, which held itself in Third gear to reduce wheelspin and was designed to help get you rolling on slippery surfaces. Four-wheel-drive versions featured a 2-speed transfer case with a floor-mounted shift lever and automatic locking hubs for shift-on-the-fly 4wd operation.
1996[]
Before 1996, the Isuzu Rodeo sold as a 1995.5 model. The 1996 model first went on sale in January 1996.
Retail prices[]
- $15,089 (1994 Isuzu Rodeo S 4x2)
- $19,369 (1994 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4x4)
- $22,849 (1994 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 4x2)
- $23,919 (1994 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 4x4)
As of October 3, 1994:
- $15,840 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo S 4x2)
- $20,340 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4x4)
- $23,990 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 4x2)
- $25,110 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 4x4)
As of mid-1995:
- $16,990 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo S 4x2)
- $19,900 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4x2)
- $21,740 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo S V6 4x4)
- $25,190 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 4x2)
- $26,310 (1995 Isuzu Rodeo LS V6 4x4)
Specifications[]
Model years | Trim level | Transmission | Cylinders | Engine Size | Drive | MPG | Horsepower |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1994-1995 | S | 5-speed manual | 4-cylinder | 2.6L | 4x2 | 16 City/20 Highway | 120 |
1994-1995 | S | 5-speed manual | V6 | 3.2L | 4x4 | 16 City/19 Highway | 175 |
1994-1995 | LS | 4-speed automatic | V6 | 3.2L | 4x2 | 16 City/19 Highway | 175 |
1994-1995 | LS | 5-speed manual | V6 | 3.2L | 4x4 | 16 City/19 Highway | 175 |