Holden Rodeo
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Born to last – This is our only Vehicle which is used as a daily Driver, Work Ute, Family Transport and Holidays. It is Driven Off Road for Work and For Holidays, This Vehicle just keeps on running, I have never owned a vehicle so reliable. 310 k and no non service parts have needed replacing except 1 x tie rod end $21 and Rear Shackle Bushes $50. Great on long… Read more
trips at 8.5 Lts. per 100 kms,, Great handling, nice ride and quiet with the windows up. Air Con still cold after 19 years. I am a Qualified Mechanic of 45 Years and I use my experience to choose a Vehicle carefully. The RA Rodeo Body Sits lower than Hi Lux but actual ground clearance is almost the same and the Rodeo has longer travel at rear suspension. The Rear Axles are mounted above the Leaf Springs which gives the Rodeo a lower Center of Gravity than the Hi Lux and Far less likely to Roll Over. "Remember" Off Road Capability is 90% Driver Experience. The 3 Lt Isuzu Diesel Motor is bullet proof, all Cast Iron ( no Alloy Cylinder Head to rot away ), No Timing Belt to break, it has ( OHV - Camshaft is driven with a solid steel Helical Gear, has Roller Followers and Roller Rockers ) .Just an update to 2024, The Diesel injector Pump is Controlled by an Engine Control Module which was the technology being introduced by most Manufacturers at the time and now 20 years later, the electronics on these vehicles are getting tired and can cause headaches. If you can find a Mechanic with experience in these classic utes, repaires can be affordable, but some electronic faults can blow out to as much as $5K mainly due to diagnostic time.
In-depth reviews
2007 RA rodeo 4w4 – - $65 a tank. Lasts less than a week for me. - gets hot in low range. but not on gauge - large turning circle - clutch lasted 200k on second motor (unknown what happened to last motor) which is okay - very smooth driving and handling - brakes aren't the best - top end is good. Slow off start. - good space in cab/ tray - great first car/ 4w4 for… Read more
around $10-11k
Overall a good car if you look after it, which it obviously was abused by the previous owner. (s)
MArch 17th 2019 Update: Rodeo 2007 4jj1
Bought a 3.0L rodeo for my first Ute. On its second motor cause of engine failure due to previous owner. Had to replace clutch, sus, breaks, tyres all the usuals.. always serviced filters and oils. Body on 300k and engine around 215k.. the 4jj1 engine goes very hard and performs well top end but slow to take off. Would stay away from the underpowered 4jh1. Clean and Blank egr and gave me a bit more throttle response. Large turning circle. Breaks aren’t the best. comfy and great handling. got a 2 inch lift because stock scrubs hard when 4x4 and is too low. 32 inch at’s.. Good work horse and a little beast off road. Can keep up with new hiluxs. Fuel economy @ 550-600k a tank. Love it and would highly recommended for someone buying there first 4x4 and on a budget.
Basic motoring – Any person blindly committed to ford or holden is an idiot. YOU want the best car you can get for you money. Generally, I'm a ford person - find them more comfortable ... but require more maintenance (have owned and worked on Ford ED, EB, AU Courier since 1990). Don't think this is a holden - they are rebadged ISUZU's. Got my dual cab petrol 3.5L… Read more
petrol high ride suspension in 2010 for $7000 (didn't check the vehicle history too well and will have to keep it!). With regular maintenance, I've really had no major problems. Biggest annoyance has been worn rattling FR brake caliper (replaced with ebay used $100). Seats are uncomfortable and have this ongoing pain in lower back. Motor is thirsty - so sit on 95km/h. Auto box and motor are fine. No rust points (I live at Wollongong). Have replaced suspension bushes and front shocks, K&N air filter, oil every 5-7000 km, use cheap light truck tires, E-10 fuel and occasionally 98 octane when cheap. The ute is like a tonka toy, basic robust, maintainable and thirsty. It lacks the finesse of a modern japanese dual cab - but doesn't cost too much. A good choice if you are not picky. Compared to my wife's 2007 Territory it drives better. Am trying to work out an alternative seat that is more comfortable and has more adjusters. First world problems!
Good girl! – Bought my 2007 3L TD over 5 years ago, she had 40k on it and all the options, alloy wheels, bullbar, cruise,etc. Traveled across/back Australia 4 time with it, many many Shark Bay trip, lots of exploration, 4WDriving, towing, etc Also I have a structure build in back of it (been there 4 years) where I carry all my windsurf gear in it, got also a… Read more
roof bed on the top of the structure, extra battery, extra side cases.. all that gear on the top gives some extra weight..
She has now 180'000kms, the only problem I had since bought it, is I did a clutch at 100'000!! I think its fair considering all the towing and 4WD I done with it. The turbo is still good, I never had to do any brakes pads or drums so far.
I have a full book history of regular services, I really look after her ;)
The ONLY down part I found is the fuel tank gauge miss read, which is a manufacture fault! (took me years to find about!) I have the reserve light ON at 450-470kms but I cant never put more that 50-52 liters in it! When in fact there is still over 20L left in the tank!! Means you can do 650 to 700kms with a full tank!
Very happy with this car, she gave me so much offroad freedom and exploration joy. Not sure how long she will last, but a mechanic around the corner which service them regulary said to me that he seen many pass 250'000 without drama!! We will see.
Positive reviews
Unkillable and bulletproof!!! – Bought a old beaten up ex farm ute for 2k back in 2014 and the thing had done alittle over 180k kms. Itd been evident itd bee flogged and i doubt itd been serviced much in the time of owning it, it was used to cart hay (big round bales and squares), it hauled gravel, firewood, was used not just as a farm vehicle but a family one too. Only upgraded… Read more
because the thing hit a tree but even with a busted up front, broken radiator, fan ect. the thing still kept going. These are value for money and utterly bulletproof, stuff a landcruiser get a rodeo!!
2004 3.5v6 holden rodeo LT – Best ute i have ever brought. In 2019 payed $10,000 with 140,00ks always serviced daily driver to work and camping and fishing. 194,000ks on it now never has miss a beat. All i replaced in it is new radiator new windscreen new front brakes. Show details
Reliable ute – Brought ute at 220000 kilometres Used my ute for everything from travelling most of Australia to extreme off road trips done 85000 kilometres had issues like tyres suspension and cooling hoses water pump and fuel pump radiator but one tuff ute Show details
Negative reviews
Any ideas ? – 2006 Holden rodeo 3litre turbo diesel Is jerking at low revs in 1st and 2nd also while sitting on the same speed limit other then that it drives prefect, what could be wrong ?
Never buy a rodeo 2.6 – Bad unreliable worst car looks ugly has 45 hp broke down constantly my old rodeo 2.6 was so bad sold it not running cant last 2 miles without breaking down. Show details
Good dependable package – Smooth running. Mine has the 9mm Timing Chain Upgrade. Used regularly for towing my race car and does this easy. Brakes are a bit down on power (Drums on the rear). Fuel economy is ok. Great Heater. Solid reliable runner. Has a 'learning computer' which picked up my easy driving style in about 6-8 heat cycles. Show details
Recent reviews
Insanely reliable just doesn’t stop – Bought the vehichle (3.5 manual dual cab 2wd) with 2500klms on it in 2003. Just replaced the brake pads and shoes at 180 thousand klms. Had a leaking main seal at 100 thousand so put a clutch in while it was easy. All I do is put fuel and tyres on it. Mainly open roads towing boats and box trailers gets about 12-13 l per 100. I keep thinking of… Read more
upgrading but all the new cars are to expensive to repair. And this thing just never lets me down. Excellent vehicle always changed Oil at 10,000. Myself. Some interior plastics have fallen apart. But overall great car probably the best I’ve ever owned.turning circle isn’t the best but you get used to it. Sometimes the immobiliser doesn’t recognise the key fob and it won’t start until you lock and unlock the car again. Driving four hrs straight is about its limit for comfort.
Can’t kill this thing even if you wanted to – I don’t have an account hence using the wifie’s. Bought this Rodeo second handed beauty, being super busy tradie I think I gave it a few tune-ups since 2004 it’s now 2023. One time no visibility due to heavy fog drove off the bank 1.5 m high into low tide water of Canada Bay, had to be towed out, couldn’t believe it, on the road she went roaming with ease to this day, the misses won’t let me upgrade because the thing just won’t die Show details
Had to review this car as it has treated us well – Our 3lt turbo diesel rodeo is coming up to 360,000 kms. Its not the fastest car, its completely stock apart from a bullbar and canopy. I have a steep rocky 2km driveway to our property that requires 4L 4 wheel drive everyday. I also have towed or loaded 1-2 tonne of gravel on the back of this car 5 days a week for months on the highway and 4wding… Read more
on said track. Its been across the Nullabor 4 times, towed a caravan, and now has 2 baby seats in the back, everyone drives it. It still has the stock clutch, injectors, pump everything, yet to replace anything apart from tyres and oil, in fact it still doesn't burn oil, or not enough to show up on the dipstick significantly. amazing car. so reliable. Its definitely has won my trust and cant recommend it enough with the great Isuzu made engine. Take care of it and it'll definitely take care of you.
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Best ute ever – Purchased 2019 1993 Rodeo 400km+ so reliable Just drove to Coffs to Sydney and back in one day $180 petrol Paid $250 unregistered 2 Tyres New Windscreen Recon Starter motor Passed blue slip Holden Godeo!!! Show details
Awesome – To be honest. I own a 2004 RA Rodeo 3.5ltr V6 and its done 290,000ks and mate it runs like a dream. Oil changed every 5000ks and my engine is a s smooth as hell. Never had a motor change nothing major has gone one it. A bit thirsty on fuel but who cares it definitely beats these new shit heaps. I love my rodeo Show details
slow gear change in the Ra auto diesel – TCM trans-control-module. Mine was sluggish in changing at 80 to 90kph. Serviced the the trans...bit better. Then started looking at changing the TCM...impossible to get at. Unplugged connection...CRC.....RACING-RODEO Try it. Show details
Great reliable car – I have had my 2002 Rodeo for about nine years. I bought it with 175,000 kms on it, it now has 426,000 kms.It is getting a bit tired and a bit slow on the take off but she still runs great. Show details
Real reliable workhorse – Had this 2007 ute for 10+ years. Put second hand diff in 7 years ago, just goes and goes.. I do landscaping, building maintenance and repairs. 320,000kms in 2020..this Ute is a true workhorse. Isuzu diesel. Show details
Had it since it came out as a new model in 2003 – I used the ute as a daily driver and serviced it regularly by myself. Its been 17 years now that I owned it and still running A ok. Love it Show details
Smooth 3.6L v6 AT 4 Speed Power when You need it – Daily use for Work and .sometime use as Caravan tow vehicle with ample power.and overdrive towing.[14 to 15 l 100km ] 19 feet Caravan. Fuel consumption,not bad for a Big V6 ,average 12/100 if driven light foot [95 octane only] Oil. and filter change every 7000km,to protect the life of the motor. Show details
Workhorse but underpowered on inclines – Looking for advice. I have a 2006 Holden rodeo ra. Diesel 4x4 has a 100L tank. I do find it’s underpowered going up inclines. Without a load I have to drop back to 3rd just to maintain 60km while I can hear the engine screaming fighting the hill. I have it Serviced every 10,000 just approaching 180,00 looking for advice or a heads up cheers Show details
Respect.. Earned – I bought my 2004 RA 3.0ltr 5spd manual simply as a daily runner - work - home and anything else in between it had 242000 when purchased it came stock and has never missed a beat. ( with regular service) my only whinge is slow off the mark and a cog down on power but then I already new that. Update I've started to pimp it out Lifted. 20in mags flares etc etc its almost there and I'm very pleased Show details
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Have fitted new acu still stuck in 4wd – 2005 Ra Rodeo Petrol Have fitted brand new acu . But still wont shift out of 4L also connected computer to the vehicle but wont correspond any ideas what the problem could be? Show details
Indestructible little under powered but very reliable – 3.0 lt td Indestructible duel cab utes,little under powered but very reliable and go anywhere with some good tyres cheap to service good room in tray and inside with all you really need Show details
Great workhorse – Hi I brought a Holden rodeo 2 months ago Been perfect great workhorse I’m in the demo game so I tow a 2 ton tandem trailer and the tub is always full with concrete 2003 model 230,000 on the clock petrol auto 3.5L My question is will the Holden rodeo last 350,000kms Show details
Had for 4 years.No real problems – Bought a 4wd 2006 rodeo in 2014 with 140K on it.Second owner after it was used in Melbourne by a golf club.Live 20km out of town so gets warmed up well.All filters including fuel changed every 10000.Only brakes,wheel bearings and tyres .Never been offroad just used for commute and as ute.Towed car trailer couple times .Not quick but… Read more
competent.Just ticked over 190000 in 4 years.pretty happy with it .No issues with turbo or intercooler but i keep a close eye on it and fix any minor issues.
Rodeo 2007 Cam drive – I wish to purchase a 2005-2007 Holden Rodeo turbo Diesel automatic dual cab. I understand that earlier models have timing gears, however not sure whether the 2007 model had been replaced by chain rather than the gears. I would prefer the avoid chain drive if possible due to the cost of replacement and the possibility of link breakage of a… Read more
vehicle of this age , , , very destructive. I had a 1991 Jackaroo with cam timing through gears and over 25 years and 400,00 km never missed a beat. Regards Moss
Miles per gallon – I bought my 2001 Rodeo in 2014 with 92,000 miles,I am a mechanic for 40 years now, I serviced this for 4 years before the customer offered it to me to buy, I am glad I did, 4 years later and still going strong, with maintenance done on schedule I put 245 75R -16 's ,load range E, heavy duty, higher profile, narrower, less surface area on the road… Read more
( bigger around),added a set of overload bags inside of rear coils, I get a consistent 22 m.p.g. at 75 miles an hour, I love it ,great little truck/ UTE
Reliable Ute, but underpowered – I have the 3.0 turbo diesel 4jh1 and I have to say it’s a very reliable Ute, although very underpowered, have to drop down a gear on most slight inclines. Off road the Ute does well, on the highway it’s a noisy, uncomfortable ride, the reliability definitely saves the rating of this Ute in my opinion. Show details
Uses to much fuel and gas switch over sizes backfire – Uses heaps of feul gas is no good unless your going over 80ks an HR In town gas causes backfiring uses 17 litres to 100ks that's without the air con on.the aircon is not very cold even after the gas the radio is useless. Doesn't sound any good power steering using oil. Damn heavy on the wallet looks good shined up but i can't find a buyer Show details
Great work horse and a good car to boot – I have a 91 2wd 2.6 and it is bullit proof. I have had the car for 15 years and bought it as a cheap work horse. The car has proven to be an unstoppable force, it has move tons of stuff over the years an travelled 210,000 klm's and is still working and playing hard. Mine is an extended chassis dual cab tray top automatic. Show details
Good car for 4x4 – Great 4x4. The car runs well and can travel longer distances fine. The fuel consumption is about 11L per 100 km's which is about the only thing I dislike about the car. Has plenty of legroom and backseat space. i've found it to be very reliable. Just make sure you check the car out before purchasing as I had to have a number of small things fixed before it could even have a wheel alignment. Show details
2004 ra 4x4 turbo diesel 5 speed manual – Love it. Bought 2004 has 304000km on it and going strong. Awesome 4x4, great for towing boat. Dual cab ute. Have changed 1 set of brake pads, usual oil and filter changes, a fan belt change out. Air con still icey cold, ride is still quiet and comfy. Have owned landcruiser, lada, nissan rodeo eats them all. Highly recommend. Show details
Old Model But a great work horse – This model might not be the greatest looking vehicle but they are ideal if you don't need to care about the paintwork when visting builders yards/ garden centres. They are great little work horse vehicles, I've had mine full of soil and fully laden with racks of timber and sheets of plasterboard etc. Currently upto 250,000km and still great. Show details
Catastrophic Engine Failure – The 3.5 motor is a 3.2 which is bored out which has weakened the integrity of the alloy block with a thinner steel sleeve. The blocks are the same and they added an egr valve to the left hand bank. The linings in the 3.5 are too thin and will eventually blow out. I have seen the same problem over and over. If it was me I would replace the 3.5 with… Read more
a 3.2 and block off the the egr swap the manifolds which makes it look right. Do not go gas. Too lean and too much heat.
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