...first post..... looking at a 2002 2wd 4 cyl..questions.
Hello,
I am helping a friend look at a 2002 Isusu Rodeo in the next couple of days. We did carfax etc, no red flags BUT at 92,000 miles, I have been reading threads here for a few days but I have a few questions.

DETAILS:
VIN#: 4S2CK58D024318390
Year: 2002
Engine: 4 Cylinders
Transmission: Automatic
Drive Train: RWD
Trim: S 2WD
Mileage: 92,359
Price: $6,500

QUESTIONS:
Is the S model the lowest trim level?
What is the timing belt interval? Does it have belt or chain?
Are there any known issues with these vehicles, especially with the engine and transmission?

There is not any extra room in their budget so I want to make as good a choice as possible given the info.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

Howdy WestCoast-K,

Yes, the "S" Rodeo is their entry model (lowest trim level).

The engine in the 4 cylinder model is the General Motors Vortec 2200 and good news, it has a timing chain.

The "S" model has far fewer problems than the 3.2 or 3.5L V6 equipped models, the S is far simpler, gets better fuel economy and if you don't need 4WD its a nice vehicle. No unique problems stand out with either the 5-Sp manual or 4-speed Automatic. The manual does get better fuel mileage. Good luck, RR

 

Hello! Begging your pardon, but I own a 2002 Rodeo Sport model, 2.2 4cyl 2wd. I bought this truck used, back in 2005. In these past 5 years, I have put roughly 50-70K miles on it, and am currently at 150K+ and still going strong! I must say that the only trouble I have had this entire time, was first, an oil pan gasket had to be replaced immediately upon purchase. (I am female, and the shady used car dealer saw me coming). Secondly, and a LOT harder to accomplish for a do-it-yourselfer like my hubby, was the internal timing belt driven water pump. Yes that is correct. This machine is BELT driven. For the most part, I would say both of these instances were due to the car being rode hard before I got hold of it, maybe not being cared for as it sould have been. Thankfully, it has found a good home with me :-) All in all, it is a good little vehicle. I Love my Rodeo. The two problems have not been major in the way of finances, simply because I have a wonderful hubsand who is mechanically inclined. Otherwise, it would have broke me taking it to thew shop, because you will have to tear apart the entire front-end of the engine to get to the water pump. Anyways, to make a long post longer, LOL, it will be a good buy if you decided to go with it. BTW, These trucks have a 15 gal fuel tank, and I get roughly 20-25mpg highway, and about 15-20 city. Just FYI. Have a Blessed Day!

 

West Coast Kevin, previous reply from CC9873 is correct, sorry for the bad information. Doing research on the 99-03 Rodeo S with 4 cylinder reveals the engine has a General Motors RPO code of LN2 or L43 which equates to the Vortec 2.2L with the chain timing, 3 different location online are wrong. As stated, the correct engine is a X22SE (GM EcoTec 2.2L 16Valve with timing belt).

 

Thank you very much for the help.

 

I am glad I could help. If you have anymore questions, please do not hesitate to ask. I will answer to the best of my ability using my limited knowledge as a Rodeo owner. Good Luck with your auto purchasing decision, and Have a Great Day!

 

just so you guys know, theres another isuzu site, great help, and no spam!

planetisuzoo.com

link in my sig

 

I found a beautiful 2002 Rodeo S 4cyl a/t 2 wd with 51000 miles for my daughter a few months ago.Has been great and reliable and reasonable on gas.Her friends told her after we bought it that parts are hard to find.Friday March 19 the driver side motor mount broke.The ONLY place I have found in the USA to get these are from a dealer with a 5 day delivery (if it is still available-paid for them but won't know for sure until tomorrow March 23).There is one dealer within 250 miles of me.This shows me that it is time to sell this truck.I spent Friday,Saturday and part of Sunday and Monday trying to locate these mounts.If anyone can tell me of a GM part that will work PLEASE LET ME KNOW.I have owned over 40 domestic and import vehicles and never had so much trouble getting a factory replacement part.I even considered a used one from a salvage yard.Guess how many 4 cyl Rodeos are in salvage yards-ZERO so far.Did find a used 4 cyl Rodeo 250 miles away for $400.That one needs a camshaft that is over $400 and takes 3 weeks to ship from Japan.Still runs so guy couldn't part with mounts.At least the 6 cyl model has resources for parts.My advise is sell it unless you have a backup vehicle to drive while waiting a week minimum for parts delivery.