No love for the Axiom or Rodeo?
- Thread starter SGV
- Start date
Zaphod
Adventurer
I cannot say from experience myself, but I've heard great things about the Rodeo.
The reason we Trooper lovers so adore our rigs is because they are not only supremely capable and reliable, but they are also roomy and comfortable, giving all the benefits deriving from those characteristics.
I will say this, though. I'd LOVE to get myself a Rodeo Sport to trick out for off-road use. I LOVE those things!
The reason we Trooper lovers so adore our rigs is because they are not only supremely capable and reliable, but they are also roomy and comfortable, giving all the benefits deriving from those characteristics.
I will say this, though. I'd LOVE to get myself a Rodeo Sport to trick out for off-road use. I LOVE those things!
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
The Rodeo is a truck based SUV but was primarily sold as a soccer-mom mobile and that's how most of them are being used, at least from what I've seen. I have seen a few lifted Rodeos around but they're pretty rare. The Trooper, OTOH, has been around a lot longer and has more of a cult following.
OTOH the Axiom is a car-based CUV, not a truck-based SUV, so it would fit into the same category as the Toyota Highlander, Rav-4, Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, etc. Not gonna find a lot of love for any of those on this board, except as a DD perhaps.
OTOH the Axiom is a car-based CUV, not a truck-based SUV, so it would fit into the same category as the Toyota Highlander, Rav-4, Honda CRV, Subaru Forester, etc. Not gonna find a lot of love for any of those on this board, except as a DD perhaps.
SGV
Adventurer
Martinjmpr said:
From what I have read, the Axiom is built on the Rodeo frame.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Axiom
These two vehicle appear to be about the same size as a 3rd gen 4Runner, so I would think that they would be as useful as one.
http://autos.msn.com/research/compare/exterior.aspx?c=0&n=3&i=0&ph1=t0&ph2=t0&tb=0&dt=0&v=t93950&v=t94490&v=t93745
I am guessing there is even less aftermarket support for them as the Trooper. I was mostly wondering because I have only seen one thread, and it was a Rodeo Sport (Amigo).
I was just wondering if they would be as capable as the Trooper. If parts were shared, etc... Actually, I have no clue where to go to look up things like what axles are on what. What transfer cases, transmissions, and so on.
Zaphod said:
Yeah. They are sweet. Probably could hold gear for the weekend plus a day or two.
double moo
Adventurer
SGV said:
jeffryscott
2006 Rally Course Champion: Expedition Trophy
Having owned both the Rodeo (1996) and a Trooper (1999) I can tell you there is a world of difference in the two. Hate to say it, but the built in USA Rodeo wasn't nearly as well built as the made in Japan Trooper. Not that the Rodeo was a slouch, I did like it, but when I got into the Trooper, it was in a different class. I was rather surprised by the difference and although I can't objectively say what the differences were, it was just a feeling the Trooper gave me.
The Trooper is probably the best bang for the buck out there, too bad Isuzu quit making them (I have no doubt GM pressured them in some way).
The Axiom I really liked appearance-wise, but when I was looking for a bigger replacement for my Suzuki it seemed the Axiom's had a lot of transmission troubles so I stayed away.
The Trooper is probably the best bang for the buck out there, too bad Isuzu quit making them (I have no doubt GM pressured them in some way).
The Axiom I really liked appearance-wise, but when I was looking for a bigger replacement for my Suzuki it seemed the Axiom's had a lot of transmission troubles so I stayed away.
Incusus
Adventurer
jeffryscott said:
gm has a history of what I'd call "scorched earth engineering", namely that they buy shares in companies, take the engineering and apply it, and run the other guy out of business. I think its no coincidence the first year Trailblazer bore more of a resembleance to the Trooper than the previous model Blazer. Its the same tactic they applied to public transportation in the 1950's.
jl8088
Adventurer
yup, as stated above, the trooper makes for a far better expo platform than a rodeo or axiom and thus receives more aftermarket support. Not that a rodeo would be bad, but the trooper would be the one to aim at for expo duty based on the room inside.
I tend to think that the trooper was designed for 3rd world countries, hauling around 5 people and their gear on poor quality roads. There is no "sport" in this "S"UV though.
I tend to think that the trooper was designed for 3rd world countries, hauling around 5 people and their gear on poor quality roads. There is no "sport" in this "S"UV though.
SGV
Adventurer
Incusus said:
jl8088 said:
I just test drove a Trooper the other day, during the New England slush storm. Wow, that thing has a lot of room. I really liked it and it was sporty enough for me.
unk03: Unfortunately, the check light on the TOD was flashing, which I saw over at Planet Isuzu means bad/expensive news. It performed adequately in slush/ice/dirt covered in wet snow; the poor salesman got carsick from trying to read the manual when we were trying to figure out the TOD system. With this thread, I was wondering if the other Isuzus were of the same quality and ability. I just noticed a lack of these two vehicles. Like I wrote earlier, they are about the same size as a 4runner, and there is no of those aboard.
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Superu
Explorer
My only experience with the Rodeo was a week long rental in Northern AZ. It took us where we needed to go but the built quality was lacking for a truck with 6,000 miles on it, even for a rental!
Wind noise due to poor fitting driver's door was horrendous on the highway and the fit and finish inside were lacking. To be fair, I was comparing it to my Montero SR at the time, so I had set the bar fairly high.
Given what I've seen and read about the Troopers, I'd lean towards the Trooper.
Wind noise due to poor fitting driver's door was horrendous on the highway and the fit and finish inside were lacking. To be fair, I was comparing it to my Montero SR at the time, so I had set the bar fairly high.
Given what I've seen and read about the Troopers, I'd lean towards the Trooper.
Maddmatt
Explorer
I had a '97 Rodeo LS for a few years, and about 80,000 miles. I loved it - 5 speed and a limited slip rear end - big back seat, sun roof, etc... I really liked the speaker pods in the roof in the "way back" section. Great sound no matter how much stuff you had with you.
Only problem was that it was having problems with the head gaskets. Had them replaced at 19k under warranty, when they started going again at over 90k out of warranty I traded it in. I didn't like the newer versions in 2002 as much, they didn't feel as solid, but I have no regrets from my 5 years with the Rodeo.
Only problem was that it was having problems with the head gaskets. Had them replaced at 19k under warranty, when they started going again at over 90k out of warranty I traded it in. I didn't like the newer versions in 2002 as much, they didn't feel as solid, but I have no regrets from my 5 years with the Rodeo.
datrupr
Expedition Leader
SGV said:
If you can find one with out TOD you are golden. If not, then the TOD can be eliminated with a few hours labor and about $50 in parts. A lot of 98 and 99's didn't have TOD, and all manual tranny Troopers are sans TOD. My 98 was an S model loaded up, but the original owner did it right. Got all the good stuff but it was all dealer ad ons so no packages. Thus, I had a nicely equipped Trooper with out TOD. In 98 and 99 depending on the package that was on the truck determined if it got TOD or not. 00-02 TOD was standard.