| 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport |
| 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport should enjoy a slight performance advantage over the four-door Rodeo 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. On smooth highways, The 2009 isuzu rodeo sport runs happily. It's a pleasure to drive on curvy mountain highways where torque is at a premium. The transmission shifts smoothly and the power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering responds well. At lower speeds, the steering is precise, which is equally helpful when negotiating crowded city streets or tight dirt trails.
The 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport handles much better and is more fun to drive than the similarly priced Kia Sportage. When equipped with the automatic transmission, The 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport can be shifted from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive on the fly. Simply press the button on the dashboard. Most off-road hazards don't occur on the fly, but it's nice not having to stop when the pavement turns to gravel. For extreme off-road conditions, stop and shift into the low-range gears for maximum torque by engaging a floor-mounted lever. The 2009 2009 Isuzu Rodeo's part-time four-wheel-drive system is designed for loose surfaces and should not be used on dry pavement.
|
|
With its ladder-type frame and live rear axle, 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport retains some of its truck heritage. It shudders over bumps. In comparison, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which are based on passenger-car chassis, ride smoother but cannot match the off-road capability of 2009 Isuzu Rodeo sport. The 2009 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport really shines on steep, difficult grades. The torque of the V6 works well with the tough but compliant tires. Shifting into four-wheel drive, we drove over huge rocks and climbed through deep ruts. We explored craggy logging roads loaded with large rocks near Lake Arrowhead, thankful for galvanized steel shields that protect the radiator and fuel tank.
T
he 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport offers distinctive, funky styling that helps it stand out from a herd of boxy SUVs. The hard top appeals to buyers who want practicality and a more sophisticated appearance, while the soft top model delivers top-down, fun-in-the-sun motoring. One of the most attractive features of the Rodeo Sport is its price, which is competitive with the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and other small SUVs. Yet Rodeo Sport offers more space and more driving entertainment. 2009 Isuzu Rodeo Sport is, in a word, endearing. It may no longer be an Amigo, but it's still a friend. |
|