Isuzu Rodeo

The Isuzu Rodeo is an automotive nameplate that was used by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Isuzu between 1988 and 2004. Isuzu has utilized the "Rodeo" name on two different vehicles—a compact pickup truck sold in Japan—and a compact SUV offered in North America.

Prior to its establishment as a stand-alone model, the "Rodeo" title had previously suffixed four-wheel drive versions of the Japanese market Isuzu Faster (rear-wheel drive) pickup from 1978. These vehicles, titled "Isuzu Faster Rodeo" spanned two generations. It was not until the third iteration, offered between 1988 and 1994, that the firm simplified the name of four-wheel drive models to "Isuzu Rodeo". Moreover, in Japan from 1981, the name "Isuzu Bighorn Rodeo" was used on the SUV that Isuzu shortly abbreviated to "Isuzu Bighorn"—known as the "Isuzu Trooper" in most international markets.

Isuzu in North America deployed the "Rodeo" name in 1990 for the 1991 model year to a five-door SUV sold in the Japanese market as the Isuzu Wizard. Isuzu also offered a three-door version under the name "Isuzu Amigo". A second generation of the SUV was released in 1998 for the 1998 model year, with the three-door Amigo becoming the "Rodeo Sport" in 2000 for the 2001 model year. Production of both SUVs concluded in 2004.

In October 2010, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalled 1998–2002 Rodeos, 2002 Isuzu Axioms, and 1998–2002 Honda Passports due to corrosion of the vehicle's frame in the vicinity of the rear suspension.^[1] Vehicles without corrosion in the affected area would be treated with an anti-corrosion compound. Vehicles with more severe corrosion would have a reinforcement bracket installed. In some cases, corrosion was so severe that repairs could not be made, resulting in Isuzu and Honda purchasing vehicles from the owners.

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  Compact pickup

  Main article: Isuzu Faster
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  Compact SUV (first generation)

  Main article: Isuzu MU
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  Compact SUV (second generation)

  Main article: Isuzu MU

References