Vehicle Segment:
Compact SUV / Lifestyle Vehicle
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Nissan Xterra
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking a versatile, capable, and rugged compact SUV, often with off-road or adventurous intentions.
Unique Selling Points:
Body-on-frame construction (for earlier models, though the Rodeo Sport is unibody), Isuzu's reputation for diesel engines (though less common in US Rodeo Sport), available 4x4, distinct styling.
Engine System:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emission control, engine diagnostics, engine mechanical specifications.
Transmission System:
Manual and Automatic transmissions, clutch, drivetrain, transfer case, drive axles, differentials, transmission diagnostics, fluid specifications.
Brake System:
Front and rear brakes (disc/drum), ABS, parking brake, hydraulic system, bleeding procedures, specifications.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering gear, power steering system, alignment specifications, wheel balancing.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, body controls, power accessories, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, seats, HVAC system, chassis components, rust prevention.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, refrigerant system, components, troubleshooting.
Safety Restraints:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS system, testing, replacement.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations, spark plug replacement, belt inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault finding, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for all major systems.
Specifications Data:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameter data.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical schematics.
Engine 1 Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3165 cc)
Engine 1 Type:
V6, DOHC, 24-valve
Engine 1 Horsepower:
205 hp @ 5700 rpm (approx.)
Engine 1 Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm (approx.)
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.5 Liters (3475 cc) - Available in some markets/trims
Engine 2 Type:
V6, SOHC, 12-valve (less common for this specific generation of Rodeo Sport)
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
9.0 - 10.5 seconds (varies by configuration)
Fuel System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Emission Standards:
Meets Federal EPA emission standards for the model year.
Length:
Approx. 173.2 inches (4399 mm)
Width:
Approx. 71.7 inches (1821 mm)
Height:
Approx. 65.9 inches (1674 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,800 - 4,100 lbs (1724 - 1860 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Up to 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) with proper equipment.
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 23.5 cu ft (0.67 m³)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 65.4 cu ft (1.85 m³)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions.
Engine Coolant Replacement Interval:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles (48,000 - 80,000 km) or 2-3 years.
Transmission Fluid Change Interval Auto:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) or 2-4 years.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API Service SG, SH, SJ or ILSAC GF-2.
Engine Coolant Type:
GM/Ford Super Coolant (Green) or Dex-Cool Compatible (Orange), Ethylene Glycol based.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Common Issues Engine:
Timing chain guide wear (on some earlier 6VD1 variants), occasional head gasket issues, intake manifold gasket leaks.
Common Issues Transmission:
Automatic transmission solenoid issues, torque converter shudder, clutch wear (on manual).
Common Issues Suspension Steering:
Ball joint wear, tie rod end wear, power steering pump leaks, front end shimmy or vibration.
Common Issues Electrical:
Alternator failure, window regulator issues, power lock actuator failure, ABS sensor issues.
Common Issues Body:
Rust on body panels, particularly wheel arches and rocker panels; interior trim creaks and rattles.
Isuzu Offroad Reputation:
Isuzu has a long-standing heritage in producing robust, off-road capable vehicles, particularly with their Trooper and D-Max (or Rodeo) platforms.
Rodeo Sport Segment Entry:
Introduced as a more lifestyle-oriented, slightly more compact, and stylistically distinct variant of the Isuzu Rodeo, often featuring a two-door or extended cab configuration, positioned to capture the growing compact SUV market.
Production Period:
The Rodeo Sport (distinct from the standard Rodeo) was produced primarily from the late 1990s through the early 2000s, with the 2002 model being part of the second generation.
Manufacturing Location:
Assembled in Lafayette, Indiana, USA (part of the Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. - SIA joint venture).