Against 435 other V6 cars rated 2002–2004, the Rodeo sits right on their 18.8 mpg average. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1991, the 2.2L 4-cyl (1998–2003), does 19 mpg and the thirstiest, the 3.1L 6-cyl (1991–1992), 15: $539 a year apart.
Every Isuzu Rodeo engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 17.7 / 21.5 | 1998–2003 | $2,021 | |
| 2.6L 4-cyl | 16.1 / 19.7 | 1991–1997 | $2,220 | |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 15.2 / 18.8 | 1993–2004 | $2,313 | |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 14 / 17 | 1991–1992 | $2,560 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Jeep Liberty gets 18.3 mpg, the GMC Envoy 15.8 mpg and the Suzuki Vitara 20 mpg, next to 18 mpg for the 2004 Rodeo.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2004) | $0.178 |
| Fuel per year | $2,133 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,665 |
| Against other V6 cars, 2002–2004 | +$90 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,641 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2004 Isuzu Rodeo gives up 5 mpg in town: 21 on the highway against 16 in the city, $571 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2004) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +5 mpg (31%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Rodeo changed over the years
The Rodeo peaked in 1999 at 18.5 mpg (17 city, 20.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1994 at 16 — 2.5 mpg apart, or $324 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2004 car does 18.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 16 / 21 | 1 | $2,133 | |
| 2003 | 16.5 / 21.5 | 2 | $2,133 | |
| 2002 | 16 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2001 | 16 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 2000 | 16.5 / 20 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1999 | 17 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1998 | 17 / 20.5 | 2 | $2,076 | |
| 1997 | 16 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 1996 | 16 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 1995 | 15 / 19 | 2 | $2,259 | |
| 1994 | 15 / 17.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 1993 | 15.5 / 19 | 2 | $2,327 | |
| 1992 | 15 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,400 | |
| 1991 | 15 / 18.5 | 2 | $2,400 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 27 EPA ratings of the Isuzu Rodeo — 4 engines across 1991–2004. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,641. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2004 Isuzu Rodeo get?
18 mpg combined, 16 city and 21 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1991 the Rodeo has averaged 17.2 mpg.
Is the 2004 Rodeo more efficient than the 2003?
About the same: 18 against 18 mpg combined.
Which Rodeo year has the best gas mileage?
The 1999, at 18.5 mpg combined (17 city, 20.5 highway).
Does the Rodeo get better gas mileage than the Jeep Liberty?
About the same: 18 mpg for the 2004 Rodeo against 18.3 for the 2005 Jeep Liberty.
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