THE NEW 1998 ISUZU RODEO

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE ENGAGES AT TOUCH OF BUTTON

The 1998 Rodeo's change from a lever-activated four-wheel drive high mode to an electronic switch, is noteworthy. A press of the button causes transfer gears as well as axles to be connected or disconnected for the engagement of four-wheel drive. The system also includes a "retrial" feature. In the event of some blockage in the system, after 1.5-seconds, the transfer motor will reverse its rotation for 1.2-seconds and then attempt to re-engage the transfer gears. If engagement is not completed after three automatic attempts, the system is overridden and the 4WD indicator lamp blinks to advise the driver of the situation. In addition, when the ignition is turned on, the system shows, via lamp indicator, the existing gear position. If the lever is in 4WD 4L and the driver attempts to transfer with the button switch after two seconds, the transfer process will be stopped and the 4WD indicator will blink to advise the driver of an incorrect operation.

1998 RODEO DRIVER' S CONTROLS CENTRALIZED - BUY THE RODEO HERE

For 1998, Rodeo operator controls have been completely revamped, making them easier to use and more functional. All basic switches, lights, cruise control, 4WD/2WD, fog lamps, wiper and washer switches are located either left or right of the steering wheel. The hazard light switch has been moved to the center of the dashboard and can be activated by either the driver or the passenger with equal ease. The audio system is also more easily accessible, being positioned higher on the dash with a two-step rack. The front cup holder has been redesigned to hold even the largest drink containers safely and securely. The heating ventilation and air conditioning controls are now dial-type rather than levers. The horn button has been relocated to the center of the steering wheel and the clock is now mounted near the center of the dash and is visible to everyone in the vehicle.

1998 RODEO FEATURES 5-LINK SUSPENSION - BUY THE RODEO HERE

Isuzu's adoption of a 5-link suspension system not only improves on and off road manners, but results in the loss of 26.4 lbs.( 12kg) of critical unsprung weight. By utilizing this system, Isuzu is able to eliminate one of the frame cross-members, compared with a 4-link system, thereby shedding weight and at the same time improving chassis rigidity. Another benefit resulting from the 5-link system is increased rear wheel sink. The increased wheel sink causes the rear end to squat, improving traction and reducing rear end chatter under acceleration. In addition, the system provides the vehicle with more stability when cornering, accelerating and traveling in a straight line.

RODEO'S STYLING ENHANCES ROOMIER INTERIOR - BUY THE RODEO HERE

Rodeo's shape is an evolution of classic SUV styling where the angular look of the `90s gives way to a less angular, more elegant styling theme for the next century. The hood slopes gently to a cascading, egg-crate type grille, air-dam combination. "Blister" fenders reinforce the Rodeo's muscular off highway good looks and small air-dams at the rear of the lower bumper improve Rodeo's coefficient of drag by 14.8 percent, a prime example of Isuzu's ability to improve both form and function. Styling cues include a "corrugated" theme along the lower door panels, a more severe fast-back angle in the rear hatch area and distinctive, larger, window openings. In addition to adding to the Rodeo's good looks, the new "D" pillars are designed to provide the driver with better rear and side visibility. Cab ventilation, located on the outside of the "D" pillars on the previous generation Rodeo are now integrated into the tail lights. This reduces the amount of dust and road grime fed back into the ventilation system compared to conventional under the bumper locations. In the hatch area, Isuzu has eliminated the need for a separate spare tire carrier. Dimensionally, the 1998 Rodeo has undergone subtle, but significant changes. The wheel-base has been reduced by 2.4-inches (60 mm), contributing to the Rodeo's overall weight loss. It also has an almost 2.4-inches (60mm) wider tread width, giving it a lower, more aggressive look. The interior is spacious and functional. The original Rodeo's driving position, highly praised by both press and public, remains the same. Leg room however, has been increased by l.1-inches (27mm), by adding two notches both front and back to the seat slide. Head clearance in the front has been increased slightly, by 0.32-inch (8mm). Front and rear shoulder room has been increased by 0.80-inch (20mm) in the front and rear and the Rodeo provides seating for three in the back seat. Cargo space has been increased by 6.2 cu. ft. (50 liters). Forward vision has also been improved for back seat passengers by raising the rear seats 0.80-inches (20mm), and increasing headroom by 0.24-inches (6mm). The 1998 Rodeo has managed to retain its purposeful SUV good looks while giving buyers a classic and timeless design, with improved interior space and convenience features.

RODEO INTERIOR NOISE REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY - BUY THE RODEO HERE

The 1998 Rodeo is far superior to most of its competition when it comes to noise elimination. Isuzu has succeeded in reducing sound pressure to 70db(A) at 75 mph, from the 73db(A) found in the previous model. Noise in a passenger vehicle comes from many sources; mechanical sound from the drive train, wind noise from around the door and mirrors, and road noise from the tires. Transmission of noise to the interior of the vehicle, particularly road and mechanical noise, is through the body. Each area was carefully examined and approprrate counter-measures were designed into the new Rodeo. Door seals have been completely changed to minimize the intrusion of outside noise into the passenger compartment.

V6 ENGINE - BUY THE RODEO HERE

From a mechanical standpoint, the V6 engine was completely upgraded to produce less mechanical noise. The new crankcase is of diecast aluminum alloy. This provides tighter weight and increased rigidity for the engine as well as the transmission, thereby reducing vibration and subsequently noise. The timing belt cover and the head covers are totally isolated from the engine block through the use of rubber seals. Cooling fan blades and fan clutch have been redesigned to reduce noise when starting and accelerating. The camshaft drive has been reconfigured to eliminate backlash and provide precise valvetiming while at the same time, reducing noise. The four-cylinder, L-4 is a totally new design and comes with balance shafts and a knock control system to reduce noise at all speeds. Taken together, the 1998 Rodeo has achieved car-like NVH levels, yet maintains a go-anywhere spirit and the technology required of a modern SW.

NEW RODEO'S TRANSMISSION: BETTER MORE RELIABLE - BUY THE RODEO HERE

To match Rodeo's improved power and torque specifications, its automatic transmission has been significantly upgraded. More functions have been added and overall reliability improved. Shift patterns have also been changed to refine shift "feel" and provide greater passenger comfort when shifts occur. In addition, the Power/Normal drive selector is now a push-lock switch for greater accuracy. Added functions include "Adaptive Shift Pressure, " this function is designed to maintain optimum oil pressure when changing gears and eliminates the effects of variations between units. It also prevents the deterioration of shifting quality caused by wear on the clutches and other internal parts. The result is improved durability over the lifetime of the transmission. Another important function is an "Oil Service Life Monitor " This device monifors the ATF temperature and operating time in order to estimate the remaining ATF service life, as expressed by a percentage. This data can then be checked by the dealer using a special scanning tool during service. The system allows the dealer to assure the customer that transmission ATF changes are made at the appropriate time, extending the service life of the transmission.

STYLING, POWER, CHASSIS, SUSPENSION CHANGES DIFFERENTIATE - BUY THE RODEO HERE

Isuzu's popular Rodeo has undergone a total makeover for 1998. This, the first complete change for Rodeo since its 1991 introduction, impacts everything from the new Rodeo's more sophisticated styling, improved ride and handling, interior room, higher horsepower and torque rates and lighter weight. The only thing unchanged is the name. Built at Isuzu's shared Lafayette, Indiana plant (SIA), and designed for the American sports-utility buyer, the new Rodeo has been conceived with an eye towards quality, practicality and the ability to handle diverse driving conditions. Rodeo's elegant new styling features a shortened rear overhang, "blister" fenders and fastback styling. The tread width has been widened by 2.4-inches (60mm), improving handling and giving Rodeo a "tougher," sportier stance. At the same time, the floor pan is 2-inches (50mm) lower than its most popular competitor and enhances vehicle access. In addition, a newly designed rear hatchgate opens easily with one hand, to the left, providing convenient curbside access. For 1998, the Rodeo offers a choice of spare tire mounting. The vehicle can be ordered with the spare mounted underneath the cargo area, or mounted on the hatchgate door. By integrating the spare tire carrier with the hatchgate, the need for a separate spare tire carrier has been eliminated.

INTERIOR - BUY THE RODEO HERE

Inside, the new styling benefits are immediately obvious. Legroom, headroom and shoulder room have all been improved. Cargo space has been increased by 8.3 % to 6.2 cubic feet (50L). Legroom has been expanded l.l-inches (27mm) and headroom by .32 inches (8mm). Driver controls have been analyzed and redesigned for easier use. Basic switches are located to the left and right of the steering wheel for improved access and operability. Horn activation has been relocated to the center of the steering wheel. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning controls (HVAC) are now dial-type. On four-wheel drive models, a button switch, instead of a lever is used to activate the four-wheel high feature. A lever remains for 4WD low to satisfy enthusiasts. An automatic transmission gear indicator has been added to the center of the instrument cluster in addition to the location next to the shift quadrant. The hazard-light switch has been moved to the center of the dash and can now be activated by either driver or passenger. Special emphasis has been placed on reducing noise and vibration, the result is an quiet as a sedan. The `98 Rodeo leads the segment in the reduction of noise ,vibration and harshness . As a result, interior noise has been dramatically reduced by more than 3db(A) to 70db(A) at 75 mph, this is a net reduction of more than 50 a/o,superior to comparable SUVs, and on par with a compact sedan. Improvements in sound and vibration damping were largely the result of improved door sealing, better airflow management around the exterior mirrors, a quieter engine cooling fan on the V6, and a new 4-cylinder engine. Body noise has been substantially damped by the use of asphalt sheeting sandwiched between inner and outer dash panels, on the front floor; inside the wheel wells and in the luggage area. In addition, body pillars are filled with urethane foam and a foaming sealant has been applied to the rocker panels to further suppress noise transmission. Weight reduction was an important consideration during development. As a result, overall weight has been decreased by over 285 pounds (130kg). By optimizing frame and body mounting, Isuzu was able to reduce frame weight by 50 pounds (23kg) while maintaining structural integrity. A switch to rack and pinion steering, the elimination of the spare tire carrier and the adoption of a five-link rear suspension design helped shed additional pounds. Use of an aluminum propeller shaft alone is responsible for a 13 pound (Skg) weight reduction. Through the use of lighter-weight materials, and a more compact design, almost 11 pounds (Skg) were removed from the engine. The ABS system has also been made lighter and more compact. This was accomplished by combining the hydraulic unit, the electronic control unit (ECU) and relay into one assembly. On four-wheel drive models, the G-sensor is now incorporated into the ECU. This eliminates the possibility of wiring problems between the G-sensor and the ECU while further reducing overall weight. While making the Rodeo lighter, Isuzu was able at the same time to improve the vehicle's crashworthiness. Changing the front-frame side member allows for increased energy absorption and by using round pipes of high-tensile steel in the door-beam design and increasing door rigidity through computer aided engineering, occupant protection has been enhanced. The chassis has been redesigned as a "dynamic safety cage" to further suppress frame bending in the event of a front or rear collision. The addition of capsulated plastic bumpers on both the front and rear results in increased low-speed collision energy absorption and significantly reduces potential repair costs.

COLOR COMBINATIONS - BUY THE RODEO HERE

The Rodeo LS is available in five color-keyed combinations including Bright Silver Metallic. The S model is available in seven colors in addition to Bright Silver Metallic. The S model will also be available in two new colors, Caprice Blue Metallic and Copper Orange Mica, after January `98.

OPTIONS - BUY THE RODEO HERE

Because of its comprehensive list of standard equipment, options on LS models are limited to automatic transmission with overdrive (standard on 4X2), outside spare tire, limited-slip differential, CD player and leather interior. On 2.2 liter S models, options range from air-conditioning to aero roof rack, convenience net and cargo cover. The V6 S model options, in addition to those for the 2.2 liter model, are four-speed automatic transmission, power windows and locks, power outside mirrors, cruise, tilt steering, intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM 6-speaker cassette or CD player, limited-slip differential, power moon roof, hatchgate mounted spare, fog-lights, keyless-remote entry/alarm, and choice of steel or aluminum wheels. The Isuzu Rodeo is covered at no additional cost, by one of the most comprehensive warranties available: 36 month/50,000-mile limited, bumper-to-bumper, 60-month/60,000-mile limited powertrain and 72-month/100,000-mile rust perforation warranty. The warranty also includes a 24-hour/365 days-a-year, 60-month/60,000-mile roadside assistance program.

CRASH WORTHY - BUY THE RODEO HERE

While making the Rodeo lighter, Isuzu was able at the same time to improve the vehicle's crashworthiness. Changing the front-frame side member allows for increased energy absorption and by using round pipes of high-tensile steel in the door-beam designand increasing door rigidity through computer aided engineering, occupant protection hasbeen enhanced. The chassis has been redesigned as a "dynamic safety cage" to further suppress frame bending in the event of a front or rear collision.The addition of capsulated plastic bumpers on both the front and rear results in increased low-speed collision energy absorption and significantly reduces potential repair costs.

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