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Isuzu Wizard / Rodeo
Overview
Manufacturer	Isuzu Motors
Production	1991–2004
Assembly	Lafayette, Indiana
Body and chassis
Class	Compact SUV
Body style	4-door wagon
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Related	Isuzu Axiom Vauxhall Frontera
Powertrain
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic
Chronology
Successor	Isuzu Ascender Opel Antara

The Isuzu Wizard was a 4-door compact SUV made by Japan-based manufacturer Isuzu. The Wizard was introduced in 1990 as a 1991 model, and it ceased production in 2004. Isuzu manufactured several variations to the Wizard for sale in other countries. The version 2-door called Isuzu MU.

The United States has had two versions: the Isuzu Rodeo and (until 2002) the rebadged Honda Passport. Opel/Vauxhall and Holden each also sold rebadged versions of the vehicle. It was also sold as the Chevrolet Frontera in Egypt and the Isuzu Frontier in South America

Isuzu Rodeo

A version of the Wizard called the Isuzu Rodeo was manufactured at Subaru-Isuzu Automotive, Inc. (now, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.) in Lafayette, Indiana. Isuzu was rumored to prefer the "ro-DEE-o" pronunciation over "ro-DAY-o". The vehicle was still considered an import, as 75 percent of its parts were made overseas.

First generation

Generation 1
Overview
Also called	Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Frontera Isuzu Rodeo Honda Passport Honda Jazz
Production	1991–1997
Body and chassis
Related	JMC Landwind Honda Passport
Powertrain
Engine	2.6L 120 hp (89 kW) I4 3.2L 175 hp (130 kW) V6
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Rodeo: Template:Auto in Amigo: Template:Auto in
Length	1991-93 Rodeo: Template:Auto in 1989-1991 Amigo: Template:Auto in 1989-1991 Amigo XS 4WD: Template:Auto in 1992-94 Amigo: Template:Auto in 1993-94 Rodeo LS 4WD: Template:Auto in 1993-94 Rodeo: Template:Auto in 1996-97 Rodeo Base: Template:Auto in 1996-97 Rodeo S V6: Template:Auto in 1996-97 Rodeo LS: Template:Auto in
Width	Rodeo: Template:Auto in Amigo: Template:Auto in 1994-97 Rodeo LS 4WD: Template:Auto in
Height	1991-93 Rodeo: Template:Auto in 1991-93 Rodeo SX & 1996-97 Rodeo S: Template:Auto in 1989-1991 Amigo: Template:Auto in 1989-1991 Amigo XS: Template:Auto in 1989-1991 Amigo: Template:Auto in 1994-95 Rodeo: Template:Auto in 1994-95 Rodeo LS 4WD: Template:Auto in 1996-97 Rodeo LS: Template:Auto in

1991–1992

The Rodeo made its debut in 1991. The mid-size SUV was available with either a 2.6 L 120-horsepower (89 kW) 4-cylinder engine or a 3.1 L 175-horsepower (130 kW) V6 made by General Motors. An automatic transmission was available for the V6.

The vehicle was available with four-wheel drive with manually locking hubs on the S version and automatically locking hubs on the XS and top-of-the-line LS. Rear anti-lock brakes were standard feature, but not an option for all four wheels.

All models had a rear seat bottom which folded forward and rear seat back which folded down; this vastly extending the 35 cubic foot (1.0 m³) cargo area. The vehicle's lug wrench was stored under the seat bottom, concealed by a carpeted Velcro flap. The jack was located behind a plastic panel in the left-rear of the cargo area along with the rear-windshield-washer fluid reservoir if so-equipped.

The LS was available with privacy glass, velour upholstery, and split-folding rear seats.

A rear wheel drive, manual transmission model with a 21.9 U.S. gallon (83 L) tank was rated at 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) in city driving, 22 mpg (10.7 L/100 km) on the highway. A four wheel drive model with the V6 and automatic transmission was rated at 15 mpg (15.7 L/100 km) city and 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) highway.

A secret locking compartment was fitted in the depths of the center console below a removable cassette storage bin. The vehicle was 176.4" long and weighed 3,490 to 3,820 lb (1,580 to 1,730 kg), depending on engine and options.

Base prices (US)

• S — $12,818
• XS — $16,600
• LS — $17,899 for automatic, $16,799 for manual

Isuzu sold 24,612 Rodeos in 1991 and 45,257 Rodeos in 1992.

1993

For 1993, Isuzu replaced the General Motors V6 engine with their own 24-valve OHC V6 which was rated at 175 hp (130 kW). Manually-locking hubs were eliminated, but the floor-mounted transfer case shifter remained. The 1993 Rodeo featured a recalibrated suspension system, softened spring rates and softened shock valving.

The Rodeo now weighed between 3,536 and 4,120 lb (1,604 to 1,869 kg). Base price was raised to $14,074, and the EPA rating was 18 mpg (13.1 L/100 km) city and 21 mpg (11.2 L/100 km) highway.

In 1993, an Isuzu 3.2 L V6 engine became available, as well as a Family II 4-cylinder from Holden. And in 1996 Isuzu bumped the horsepower of their 3.2L V6 up to around 195 hp (145 kW) and 193 ft⋅lbf (262 N⋅m) of torque for the 1996 and 1997 Rodeos.

Even with the extreme tests and power designing Isuzu has done with the Rodeo, it still experienced some problem with the engineering, as all vehicles do. Continuous redesign and development makes it better though. Through the years, from 1991 to 2003, the Rodeo has transformed itself from a new comer to the scene to a raging contender.

Nevertheless these are some of the problems experienced by the Isuzu Rodeo through the years.

Air conditioner: The air conditioner gradually becomes warmer due to ice forming on the evaporator. The root problem is a mispositioned thermostat.

Cruise control: The cruise control may not let the transmission shift down out of overdrive on hills.

Keys: The ignition key can be hard to remove because the lens over the shift lever interferes with the shift cable.

Steering noise: A knocking noise when the steering wheel is turned requires a steering-column repair kit. Lack of grease causes squeaks in column.

Transmission noise: Lack of lube on the clutch shift fork pivot ball causes noises and squeaks.

Doors: Unless the front-fender liners have been replaced, ice and snow can build up between the door and fender which caused door damage when it is opened. (1998)

Fuel gauge: The gas gauge may indicate full after a fill-up, then not move until the tank is half empty. (1998)

Rough idle: High/erratic idle on the 3.2-liter V6 may be due to one or more of the following: bad electrical ground, debris in power steering pressure switch, leaking manifold gasket. (1998-2000)

Steering problems: The steering wheel may shimmy or vibrate unless a steering-yoke spring kit is installed. (1998)

Transmission slippage: Delayed transmission engagement, after sitting overnight, may occur due to torque-converter draindown. (1998-99)

Second generation

Generation 2
Overview
Also called	Opel/Vauxhall/Holden Frontera Isuzu Rodeo Honda Passport Isuzu Rodeo Sport
Production	1998–2004
Body and chassis
Related	Isuzu Axiom JMC Landwind Honda Passport
Powertrain
Engine	3.2L 205 hp (153 kW) V6 (Rodeo) 3.5L 250 hp (186 kW) V6 (Rodeo) 2.2L 130 hp (97 kW) I4 (Amigo/Rodeo Sport) 3.2L 205 hp (153 kW) V6 (Amigo/Rodeo Sport)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Amigo/Rodeo Sport: Template:Auto in Rodeo: Template:Auto in
Length	1998-2000 Rodeo S & LS 2WD: Template:Auto in 1998-2000 LSE 4WD: Template:Auto in 1998-2000 Rodeo LSE 2WD: Template:Auto in Amigo & Rodeo Sport: Template:Auto in 2001-02 LSE 4WD: Template:Auto in 2001-04 Rodeo: Template:Auto in
Width	Template:Auto in
Height	1998-2000 Rodeo S: Template:Auto in 1998-2000 Rodeo LS & LSE 2WD: Template:Auto in 1998-2000 Rodeo LSE 4WD: Template:Auto in Amigo & Rodeo Sport: Template:Auto in 2001-04 Rodeo: Template:Auto in 2001-04 Rodeo 2WD Base: Template:Auto in

The Rodeo was redesigned for the 1998 model year.

Adjustable shock absorbers were new this year and 16-inch tires replaced all 15-inchers, as Isuzu redesigned the front and rear fascias of this midsize SUV. Standard on the LSE and optional on LS, the new Intelligent Suspension Control featured a dashboard button to adjust shock damping between Sport and Normal settings. Honda Passports did not get the adjustable-shock system. A new Ironman package debuted for the LS, marking Isuzu's sponsorship of the Ironman triathlon competition. The package included white or black paint over grey lower body panels, crossbars for the roof rack, and special graphics. Cruise control now was standard on V6 Rodeos, and an automatic transmission became standard on the LSE edition. 2001 Isuzu Rodeo: In celebration of Isuzu's 85th year, an Anniversary Edition was added, along with a revised Ironman Package for 2001. 2002 Isuzu Rodeo: There were no significant changes for 2002. 2003 Isuzu Rodeo: There were no significant changes for 2003. 2004 Isuzu Rodeo: The Rodeo loses its 2-dr model and 4-cyl engine for '04, but gains a new optional 3.5-liter 250-hp engine. Added midyear was a standard tire-pressure monitor.

In 2004, Isuzu dropped the 4-cylinder engine and added the optional 3.5L V6 Gasoline Direct Injection engine with 250 hp (186 kW) and 246 ft⋅lbf (334 N⋅m) of torque. Isuzu was the first to offer Gasoline Direct Injection in a vehicle priced under $100,000. The Rodeo weighs in at a little over 3,800 lb (1,710 kg), with a United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimated gas mileage for 2007 of 16 mpg-US (15 L/100 km; 19 mpg-imp) city and 22 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg-imp) highway for the two wheel drive model, and 15 mpg-US (16 L/100 km; 18 mpg-imp) city and 20 mpg-US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg-imp) highway for the four wheel drive model.

In an interesting note, a song performed in 1997 by Collin Raye, "Little Red Rodeo", was about a man trying to find a former girlfriend that drove an Isuzu Rodeo.

The Isuzu Amigo,Vauxhall Frontera Sport, a slightly shorter, two-door version of the MU Wizard (Amigo) which was also available with a removable soft-top, was renamed Rodeo Sport before it was dropped from the product line.

Vauxhall Frontera

The MU Wizard was known in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Frontera and in Europe as the Opel Frontera. It was originally built at the former Bedford Vehicles factory in Luton; it would become known as the IBC factory (Isuzu Bedford Company). In the 1980s the plant had come under joint control between Isuzu and General Motors, with the Frontera being built alongside a number of other commercial vehicle models. The Australian and New Zealand version of the MU Wizard model range was known as the Holden Frontera.

After General Motors took full control over the IBC Vehicles factory in 1998, the Frontera production line was planned to be transferred to General Motors' Vauxhall plant in Ellesmere Port, home of the Vauxhall Astra However with the closure of the Vauxhall Luton plant the decision to move was reversed.

The Frontera was discontinued from production in 2004. If current rumours are correct, the replacement model in the Vauxhall range will be based on the hardware of the GM Daewoo/Chevrolet Captiva rather than an Isuzu model. In Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Frontera was replaced by a Holden badged version of the GM Daewoo/Chevrolet Captiva model range.

Vauxhall Frontera, Opel Frontera, Holden Frontera, Chevrolet Rodeo

Within the UK, Europe and Australia the Frontera had a different engine line up.

The early cars (to 1995) had a choice of engines, with the LWB available with either a 2.4 petrol (C24NE) engine (developed in the Opel Manta 400) or the 2.3 diesel engine originally fitted in the Bedford CF van & Vauxhall Carlton. The Frontera sport (Isuzu Amigo) was available with the 2.0 petrol Vauxhall Cavalier engine (C20NE).

In 1995 the model went through a facelift and the Frontera received rear coil springs and a new line up of engines. The SWB gained a new 2.0 petrol (X20 series) engine, updated trim, and also the first diesel engine available for the SWB, the 2.8 (4JB-TC). The LWB also had new engines, with the 2.2 petrol (X22XE) and the 2.8 diesel 4JB-TC being made available.

In the 1996-1997 models interior trim, including the dashboard, was changed, and a new 2.5 diesel (VM41) engine was fitted. This engine was also used in the Range Rover and Jeep Cherokee in the UK.

In 1998 the new model B series was introduced with a choice of 2.2 petrol, 2.2 diesel (X22DTH) and 3.2 litre V6 petrol engines. Further modifications where carried out on the diesel engine post-2001, with the final version to be fitted in the marque being the 2.2 litre (Y22) version. This model met the Euro 4 Emissions standard.

The final models where produced in 2004 in Olympus trim and production ended at IBC Luton in 2004.

-GM Ecuador produced the First Generation (Isuzu Rodeo) in Ecuador as called Chevrolet Rodeo, sold in Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia. 3.2 V6 PETROL, 5 SPEED MANUAL.

Jiangling Landwind

The Rodeo is still produced as the Jiangling (Jiangling Motors Corporation Limited) Landwind in China. It is the first SUV to fail Euroncap crash tests. The Landwind is based on the first generation Rodeo. http://www.truveo.com/Jiangling-Landwind-Crash-Test/id/3181718577#

References

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1. Truett, Richard. 1993 Isuzu Rodeo Review. Cars.com, republished from Orlando Sentinel, 21 October 1993.
2. Mateja, Jim. M-_21_|D-_235_|Y-_1993_|resultStructure-combined&revlogtype=19&makeid=21&modelid=235&year=1993&myid=&revlogtype=19&aff=national 1993 Isuzu Rodeo Review. Cars.com, republished from Chicago Tribune, 31 January, 1993.

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