2002 Isuzu Rodeo Single Cab 2.5 D 5MT (205 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Designed as a workhorse, the Single Cab was at the lowest side of the food chain in the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo lineup, and customers appreciated it for its endurance and reliability.

In 2002, GM, as one of the most significant stakeholders of the Isuzu brand, started production of the Rodeo lineup in the automaker’s factory in Thailand. The Rodeo was sold under different nameplates in 120 countries worldwide and under different brands. For instance, in Australia, it was known as the Holden Rodeo. At the same time, the single-cab version was sold under the Spark nameplate on other Australasian markets. In Europe, Isuzu sold the pickup under the D-Max nameplate and even produced it in a plant in Turkey, although those vehicles were made especially for Turkish and Middle-East customers. European buyers received their vehicles from the factory in Thailand. The 2002 Isuzu Rodeo/D-Max relied on a chassis developed by GM for the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Sonoma.

At the front, the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Single Cab tried to impress its customers with its unique, vertical, and angular-shaped headlights. These made the vehicle look taller and bolder. Depending on the trim and options, the vehicle had a black or a body-colored front bumper, with available round fog lamps. Versions fitted with a 2WD system had a lower ground clearance.

Like most pickup vehicles, the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo had a short and angled-up hood continued by a panoramic windshield. Its front fenders could be adorned with body-colored plastic moldings that prevented rust. Depending on the grade and options, customers could equip their vehicles with standard steel or an available light alloy set of wheels. The short cabin with two doors had a thick B-post followed by a vertical panel that housed the rear window. Isuzu learned from GM that the loading area had to be separated by the cabin to not transmit vibrations to those on board the pickup and to increase comfort. At the back, the flip-down tailgate was flanked by tall and narrow vertical taillights, while below it was a black bumper. For higher grades, customers could get that color-keyed.

Inside, the base version had a sparse cabin with a hard-plastic dashboard. However, the design was advanced for a utility vehicle with curved lines. Fronting the driver was a rounded instrument cluster where the speedometer took center stage and was flanked by the large dial of the tachometer on the left and by the fuel level and temperature gauges on the right. In addition, Isuzu installed a digital odometer. On the center stack, the base version came with just a simple ventilation system. Still, customers could have the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Single Cab delivered with a stereo and air conditioning.

Under the hood, the automaker offered a range of diesel and gasoline engines, depending on the market. These were married with a five-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the 4WD versions featured a two-speed transfer case that equally sent the torque to the front and rear axles. The front independent suspension of the 2002 Isuzu Rodeo Single Cab was sturdy and provided some level of comfort, while the rear five-link axle with leaf springs could be fitted with a limited-slip differential.