Isuzu Rodeo -- This Conservative 4-Wheeler Is A `Smooth' Operator

DETROIT - Isuzu was a virtual unknown entity in the auto industry until a year ago. That's when the Japanese car and truck maker started building and supplying Chevrolet with a sport coupe called the Storm.

The Storm was an instant hit. Still, the Storm carries a Chevy nameplate and the question being asked is: What does Isuzu offer that carries its nameplate and is worth checking out?

With everyone entering the four-door utility-vehicle market, Isuzu decided to give it a go with its own offering for 1991, a model called the Rodeo. That's ``Road E O'' like the sporting event.

The Rodeo is a better-than-average four-wheeler with outstanding interior room and exceptionally smooth ride and handling. Where it comes up short is in fuel economy and less-than-eye-popping styling.

The Rodeo we drove was the 4x4 LS with a 3.1-liter, 120-horsepower, V-6 engine teamed with automatic transmission, a combination rated at 15 miles per gallon city and 18 mpg highway.

As for styling, Rodeo looks like an Isuzu Amigo with two doors added - which means basically conservative.

Tires play a major role in Rodeo's ride, handling and comfort. The standard treads are P225 75/R15 all-season radials. These treads gripped the road firmly and minimized any sideways motion as well as providing a cushion over bumps.

The 3.1-liter V-6 provides good power, and when you want to tow a boat or pull yourself up a steep hill, you can push a console mounted ``power'' button for a quick rpm boost.

In the Rodeo LS we drove, four-wheel drive is part time. A floor-mounted transfer case engages four-wheel drive. Hubs automatically lock.

When the roads get slippery, there's a ``winter'' button on the console next to the ``power'' button. Press it and you automatically engage higher gearing in order to reduce wheel spin on a snowy surface when taking off from the curb or light. When you reach 25 mph, the system automatically disengages.

Grievances included a radio with confusing controls that lacked either an on/off switch or power button.

Base price of the LS is $17,899 with automatic, $16,799 with five-speed manual.

-- TEST DRIVE POLICY:

Test drives are done by nationally recognized auto writers supplied by Times news services. Jim Mateja is an automotive writer for the Chicago Tribune.

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK

1991 ISUZU RODEO

Four doors

ENGINE

3.1 liters

120 horsepower

6 cylinders

TRANSMISSION

Manual

Automatic

FUEL ECONOMY

15 mpg city

18 mpg highway

BASE PRICE

$17,899 automatic

$16,799 manual

OBSERVATIONS

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Includes anti-lock brakes and speed-sensitive power steering, gas pressurized shocks, reclining front bucket seats, full carpeting, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt control, AM-FM stereo with cassette (compact disc optional), privacy glass, split folding and stowaway rear seats, and intermittent wipers.

DIMENSIONS

The Rodeo is built on a 108.7-inch wheelbase and is 176.4 inches long.

OPTIONS

The standard treads are P225 75/R15 all-season radials, but a larger oversized tire is available as an option. An outside tire carrier and cover also are optional.