Isuzu Rodeo History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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Isuzu introduced the five-door Rodeo to the United States for the 1991 model year, manufacturing it at the Subaru-Isuzu Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana. Available with a 2.6-liter four-cylinder or a GM-sourced 3.1-liter V6, the Rodeo carved out a niche as a genuine mid-size sport-utility at a competitive price.
A slightly altered version was sold concurrently as the Honda Passport — an arrangement with Honda that boosted overall volume. A fully redesigned second generation arrived for 1998 with a new body and engine choices, now including a 3.2-liter V6. The Amigo (a three-door variant, sold 1989–1994 and 1998–2004) was renamed Rodeo Sport for the 2001 model year.
Production of both the Rodeo and Axiom ceased in 2004 as Isuzu's US lineup contracted dramatically around GM-rebadged vehicles.
Generations
First generation · TF
Indiana-built US-market debut; 2.6L four or GM 3.1L V6, with a Honda Passport twin selling alongside it.
1995 Photo: “File:Isuzu Rodeo LS (1995) (53492494310).jpg” by Charles from Port Chester, New York / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Second generation · TF (UES)
Restyled body with a 3.2L V6 option; the Amigo/three-door version was renamed Rodeo Sport for 2001.
2000 Photo: “File:2000 Isuzu Rodeo LS in Palazzo Red Mica, front left, 08-16-2025.jpg” by Cutlass / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0. Cropped to 16:9.
2004 Photo: “File:Isuzu Rodeo 2004.jpg” by Richard Stephen Haynes / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- 5-door SUV
Notable special editions & performance variants
Honda Passport
A rebadged Rodeo sold through Honda dealers under a corporate cross-badging agreement; discontinued when Honda launched its own CR-V and Pilot.
Related models
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