Isuzu models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Trooper | 1984-2002 | Isuzu's large SUV; 1992-1995 models were recalled for an accelerator cable that can stick (04V199000). |
| Rodeo | 1991-2004 | Sold alongside its twin, the Honda Passport; 1998-2002 Rodeos in Illinois are in rear suspension corrosion recall 10V436000. |
| Amigo / Rodeo Sport | 1989-1994, 1998-2003 | Isuzu renamed the two-door convertible Amigo the Rodeo Sport for 2001. |
| Axiom | 2002-2004 | A Rodeo-based SUV that shares the Rodeo's salt-state rear suspension recalls. |
| Ascender | 2003-2008 | A rebadged GMC Envoy and one of the last two light vehicles Isuzu sold in the US. |
| i-Series | 2006-2008 | A rebadged Chevrolet Colorado pickup, so its parts match the GM truck. |
| Hombre | 1996-2000 | A compact pickup built by GM and based on the Chevrolet S-10. |
Known Isuzu problems that end up at the scrapyard
Rear suspension bracket corrosion on 1998-2004 Rodeo and Axiom
Isuzu recalled 1998-2002 Rodeos and 2002 Axioms registered in Illinois and other salt states because de-icing chemicals can corrode the frame bracket at the forward mount of the rear suspension lower link until it detaches (10V436000). A later recall, 13V547000, covered 2003-2004 Rodeos and Axioms for the same corrosion. A detached link affects handling, so check under the rear before driving. source
The same bracket rust on Amigo and Rodeo Sport
Recall 12V306000 extends the rear suspension link bracket problem to 1998-2000 Amigos and 2001-2002 Rodeo Sports originally sold or registered in Illinois and other salt states. Excessive corrosion near the forward mounting bracket can let it come off the frame. On a two-door Isuzu that has spent twenty-plus winters in Chicago, frame rot in that area can be what ends its life. source
Early timing belt failure on 1998-2000 2.2L Rodeo and Amigo
NHTSA lists a safety improvement campaign (01I002000) for 1998-2000 Rodeos and Amigos with the 2.2-liter four-cylinder, because the timing belt could break before its scheduled replacement. When it does, the engine cranks but won't start, or stalls while driving and won't restart. On an engine this old, a snapped belt can be the point where repair stops making sense. source
Isuzu’s exit and what it left on Chicago streets
Isuzu announced on January 30, 2008 that it would pull out of the US consumer market, effective January 31, 2009, while still supporting parts. By then its lineup was down to two rebadged GM trucks, the Ascender (a GMC Envoy) and the i-Series pickup (a Chevrolet Colorado). Isuzu still sells its commercial trucks here, but no passenger vehicles.
Isuzu’s best-known US vehicles were the body-on-frame SUVs of the 1990s and early 2000s: Rodeos, Troopers, Amigos, Rodeo Sports and Axioms. In a salt state like Illinois their frames are the weak spot. Isuzu ran three separate recalls covering corrosion at the rear suspension lower link bracket, and Illinois appears in every one. Our guide to spotting frame rust that ends a truck’s life shows how to tell surface rust from rot.
Valuing a junk Isuzu
A Trooper or Rodeo is a fairly heavy SUV with a full frame, which helps. The Ascender and i-Series have the added benefit of GM parts that fit Envoys, Trailblazers, Colorados and Canyons. A Rodeo also has a twin in the 1998-2002 Honda Passport, which shared its recalls. If a 2.2-liter Rodeo or Amigo cranks but won’t fire, it may simply have snapped the timing belt that Isuzu’s improvement campaign targeted; tell us if that’s what happened. We’ll ask whether it runs, whether the four-wheel-drive system works, how bad the rust is, and what’s missing, if anything, such as the converter or wheels.
Before pickup
Older Isuzus have little personal data to clear. Empty the cabin and cargo area, take the garage remote and toll transponder, and find all keys. If you have an Ascender with an OnStar button, cancel the service. Have the title ready; if it’s lost, mention any registration, bill of sale or other paperwork you have; the state’s rules decide what can be used for scrapping, and we’ll check with you on the call. See our full make list for the rest.
Selling a junk Isuzu: questions
Isuzu doesn't sell cars here anymore. Will anyone want my Rodeo?
Yes. Isuzu left the US passenger market after the 2008 model year but said it would keep supporting parts, and several of its last models are GM twins. A complete Rodeo, Trooper or Ascender still has useful parts and plenty of steel.
My Rodeo's rear frame is rotted. Can it still be picked up?
Yes. Leave it parked if the rear suspension bracket has come loose or the frame is cracked. Tell us where it sits, and we'll tow it out of your driveway, alley or street spot at no charge.