The Isuzu Rodeo vs the Jeep Cherokee: Battle of the Engines

The Isuzu Rodeo and the Jeep Cherokee are two of the most popular sport utility vehicles, or SUVs, that are no longer in production in the United States. The Jeep Cherokee was produced by Jeep, an American manufacturer of off road vehicles, while the Isuzu Rodeo was produced by Isuzu, a Japanese manufacturer. Although it is no longer possible to buy either vehicle new, both retain strong fan and enthusiast communities because of their hardiness, reliability, and rugged appeal when used in the city and out in the country. This article will discuss the merits of the Isuzu Rodeo engine and the Jeep Cherokee engine, and offer advice for owners of either SUV considering engine replacements.

The final generation Jeep Cherokee engine came in a 4 liter version that offered 193 horsepower and 243 foot pounds of torque. Compared to the Rodeo's engine, the Jeep Cherokee engine offered considerably less power, yet the Jeep Cherokee engine remained popular because it gained a reputation for reliability and tuneability among Jeep owners. The Jeep Cherokee engine also offered a surprising amount of torque for its size, and was appreciated by Jeep owners since it was the largest engine made available in the United States. The Jeep Cherokee engine was not without its faults, however; some users complained of failures due to faulty fuel pressure regulators and poor ground connections in the engine carriage. There were also reports that the Jeep Cherokee engine suffered from premature wearing of pumps and bearings, although the engine was generally considered to be long lasting. Like the Isuzu used engine, an aftermarket developed for the Jeep Cherokee engine among off roaders who ran through engines at a higher rate than normal.

The Isuzu Rodeo engine came in three flavors: a 3.2 liter version, a 3.5 liter version, and a 2.2 liter version. It became possible to buy a used Isuzu engine soon after they hit the market due to the widespread popularity of the Rodeo. The 3.2 and 3.5 liter engines came with 6 cylinders while the 2.2 liter engine came with 4 cylinders. The 3.5 liter engine offered the most "get up and go" energy with up to 250 horsepower, making it the most used Isuzu engine among Rodeo fans who ventured off road. However, the 3.2 liter was another often used Isuzu engine among off road enthusiasts, as it offered 205 horsepower at a cheaper price. The 2.2 liter was the least used Isuzu engine among off road adventurers but it gained popularity among city dwellers who didn't need the energy and torque that came with the larger engines. However, some models suffered from engine failures, and a large market developed allowing consumers to buy an Isuzu used engine to replace defective original engines. The most popular used Isuzu engine was the 3.5 liter, while the least popular Isuzu used engine was the 2.2 liter. Fewer people looked for the 2.2 Isuzu used engine because it had the lowest failure rate, while the 3.5 Isuzu used engine was popular because the 3.5 tended to crack prematurely when used off road.

So, which engine is best? That depends on who you ask. Although Isuzu Rodeo engines have an arguably higher failure rate, it is still often easier to find a used Isuzu engine from an Isuzu used engine seller because a used Isuzu engine is typically easier to repair than a used Cherokee engine.