You may have known about this spunky little two-door, open-air sport-utility as the Isuzu Amigo. But for 2001 it has been re-named the Rodeo Sport. The name change makes sense for a couple of reasons: First, Rodeo and Amigo already shared engines and other mechanical components. Second, Isuzu plans to launch an additional SUV model called the Axiom for 2002, and apparently felt the need to cut back on the number of nameplates in showroom. Axiom is expected to be a small, car-like wagon, more in the RAV4 or CR-V mold; the Rodeo name will continue to stand for more off-road-capable, truck-based SUV's.
Of the two Rodeo models, the ex-Amigo, now Rodeo Sport, should enjoy a slight performance advantage, on and off the road, thanks to its shorter wheelbase and lighter weight. It is, after all, simply the Amigo by another name, with the same short, stout body and semi-convertible soft top; the same rugged four-wheel drive and optional V6 power. And yes, a glass-window hard top is still available for travelers who want more weather protection than the soft-top affords.
Amigo offered a wide variety of engine, driveline, and top combinations, and this tradition will continued under the Rodeo Sport label. If anything, the number of variations has expanded, now that an automatic transmission is offered with the four-cylinder engine. Two-wheel-drive V6s are automatic only, but all 2WD variants can be ordered with a hard or soft top. To get four-wheel-drive drive, however, you must opt for the V6. 4WD soft tops can be ordered with manual or automatic transmission, while 4WD hardtops are automatic only.
Technically, Rodeo Sport comes in only one trim level. Base prices start at $15,440 for the four-cylinder, five-speed hardtop, and top out at $20,750 for the 4WD V6 automatic convertible.
The list of standard equipment is generous, but air conditioning costs $950 as a stand-alone option, or $2195 as part of a Preferred Equipment Package for V6 models. That package also includes power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry with alarm, AM/FM/Cassette with six-CD changer, and other miscellaneous appointments.
Additionally, V6 models can be ordered with Isuzu's Ironman package ($1,215) which adds Intelligent Suspension Control plus appearance items with an iron-gray theme. The package requires black or white paint.
The first decision when buying a Rodeo Sport is whether to get the soft top or the hard top. Which you choose says a lot about your lifestyle and where you live. The soft top looks best turning onto Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach on the way to Hungry Valley's off-road park. The hard top looks ready to head into Michigan's Upper Peninsula for a week of trout fishing.
Although they cost less, hardtop models look more upscale and are ultimately more practical than the soft top. Made of polypropylene, the hard top covers the rear half of the body formerly occupied by the fold-down soft top. The hard top comes only in black and is non-removable. (Isuzu officials said their research indicated most Jeep Wrangler owners never removed their removable hard tops.) The hard top provides better soundproofing, of course, but also improved visibility with its glass windows, improved weather protection, and heightened security for valuables. It comes with a heated rear window, and neatly hides the huge rear roll hoop and support bars.
Surprisingly, the non-removable hard top also lends the Rodeo Sport a more handsome and sophisticated appearance. It complements the already athletic look of the lower body, where wheel wells are packed with 16-inch mud-and-snow radials. The Ironman package adds particularly attractive gray fascia and fender flares. The flares can also be ordered as a stand-alone option.
If you opt for the soft top, you'll find it easy to remove. By releasing two interior clamps, unzipping the rear and side windows and unsnapping the top from the roof frame, the top can be removed and stored. Rear and side windows are replaceable should they become scratched or lost.
