Friday. February 22, 1991 ~ North Shore News - 23 Isuzu Rodeo Off road or on, this utility vehicle is extremely versatile SINCE iSUZU already has a 4WD utility vehicle in their lineup, the Trooper, one might ask why they need the new Rodeo. The answer is that the Trooper will be moving upscale in the §992 model year, becoming bigger and more expensive. The Rodeo, availabie only in a four-door bedy style, comes with 2WD or 4WD. One Isuzu spokesman referred to the 2WD Rodeo as their ‘mall assault vehi- cle’, a reference to the fact that it will probably be used more as a family station wagon than an off-road vehicle. My general impression of the Rodeo is that it is more car-like than many utility vehicles. It is certainly one of the most stylish utility vehicles available, looking a little bit like a Toyota 4Runner (but better). The Rodeo is based on a :pickup-truck chassis, but surpris- ingly, it doesn’t ride or drive like a teuck. Its long 108-inch wheelbase, wide track, and com- paratively soft suspension give it a comfortable, pleasant ride. Noise is often a problem with utility vehicles, but the Rodeo is unusually quiet. There is very little wind noise, tire noise or engine noise at speed, apart from some engine-fan noise when ac- THE FOUR-door Isuzu Rodeo is available with 2WD or 4WD with a choice of a four-cylinder or V6 engines, both with 120 horsepower. The Rodeo is as roomy and com- fortable as many cars and may be considered an alter- native tu the traditional station wagon. celerating. The Rodeo also has an extreme- ly roomy and well-equipped inte- tior. Rear seat legroom is excep- tional, although some cargo area terior. It included a full set of in- struments, power conveniences, an excellent stereo system, reclining front buckets and a split rear bench that are well bolstered to 44 Though the Rodeo is based on a pickup-truck chassis and is extremely rugged, it doesn’t ride or drive like a truck. Its long 108 inch wheelbase, wide track, and comparatively soft suspension ive it a comfortable, plesant ride. 99 has been sacrificed to achieve this. The power steering is very light and outward visibility is excellent, aided by lots of window glass and a tall riding height. My test vehicle, a 4WD LS, had an attractive cloth and velour in- Photos submitted kcep passengers in place. The split tear seat folds forward to increase cargo area, Safety features, not often found on this type of vehicle, include rear seat headrests, rear three- point seatbelts, child-proof rear door locks and a rear tether an- chor for child seats. The standard powertrain is the same one used in the Trooper, Isuzu’s 2.6 litre four cylinder engine with 120 horsepower. Op- tional is General Motor’s 3.1 litre V6, also with 120 horsepower but slightly more torque. As with the Trooper, the 3,500 Ib. Rod... could use an additional, more ‘overful engine. I have heard rumors that a new 3.2 litre Technical data * Price as tested $25,645 ° Type 4 door, sport utility e Layout longtitudinal engine/rear drive/4WD * Engine 3.1 litre OHV V6 throttle body fuel inj. © Horsepower 120 @ 4400 rpm © Torque 165 ft-lbs @ 2800 rpm * Transmission 4 speed auta w/ overdrive (5 spd. wianual) © Tires 5 passenger front wheel w/ Greg Wilson TEST DRIVE V6 is coming next year. A five-speed manual transmis- sion is standard and a four-speed automatic is optional. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the base 2WD S Rodeo is $17,889, while the 2WD LS V6 is $22,945. Suggested retail price for the 4WD XS V6 is $20,020, while the top-of-the-line 4WD LS starts at $24,024, P225/75R-15 SBR © Curb weight 1,583 kg/3,490 Ibs. © Wheelbase 2,760 mm/119.2 in. * Length 4,695 mm/184.8 in. © Width 1,690 mm/66.6 in. e Height 1,660 mm/62.3 in. © Cargo vol. 991 1/35.0 seat up) 2,120 1.74.9 cu.ft. seat down) ° Towing 1,591 kg/3,500 Ibs. © Fuel economy City 16.1 Hwy 12.0 « Warranty Basic 3 yrs/80,000 km cu.ft. (rear (rear 1/16 mpg. 1/24 mpg.