2004 Isuzu Rodeo
2004 Isuzu Rodeo

Isuzu’s oldest SUV gains a new engine for 2004 while losing its 2-dr model and 4-cyl engine.

This 4-dr SUV has a side-hinged tailgate with flip-up glass. Rodeo is offered as a single S model. The 2-dr Rodeo Sport is discontinued. Two V6 engines are available: the standard 3.2 liter with 205 hp and a newly optional 250-hp 3.5. The 4-cyl engine is dropped. The 3.2 is available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission; 3.5 models come only with automatic. Rodeos offer 2WD or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but includes low-range gearing. ABS is standard, side airbags are unavailable. All Rodeos use 16-inch wheels. A tire-pressure monitor was added as standard equipment during the model year.

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Isuzu Rodeo Specs
Isuzu Rodeo Specs

Though fairly sporty, the Rodeo’s more-than-decade-old design leaves it way behind today’s competition in most respects, especially in ride and 4WD convenience.

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Isuzu Rodeo Prices
Isuzu Rodeo Prices

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Rodeo Sport is already gone, and the Rodeo itself ends production this summer. So does its high-style offshoot, the Axiom. Though SUV demand is strong as ever, Isuzu still struggles to survive as a vehicle maker in the face of continuing meager U.S. sales. The end of Rodeo and Axiom leaves dealers with only the GM-sourced Ascender to sell until model-year 2007. At that point, sources expect a midsize body-on-frame SUV based on a pickup built in low-wage Thailand–assuming Isuzu is not forced to abandon retail sales before then.

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