Holden Rodeo 2003-2008 used ute review
The Holden Rodeo is a durable, work-focused ute with a good load capacity.
The Holden Rodeo is a durable, work-focused ute with a good load capacity. It is better on the farm than the highway.
The Holden Rodeo was developed and built for Holden in Thailand by specialist truck company Isuzu. It is almost identical to that brand’s D-MAX ute. In 2008 the model was renamed Colorado – though it’s essentially the same vehicle.
Inside and out
The Holden Rodeo is designed for work. It is big and boxy. LX models like our review vehicle are fitted with black plastic bumpers that show less wear and tear when bumped or brushed than painted ones. This particular ute is equipped with a large bull bar for extra protection.
The cabin is basic and functional. The plastics are solid and durable; they look and feel hard and cheap. The gauges are clear and easy to read. The large steering wheel is thick, chunky and easy to grip. The LX gets a basic CD player stereo and this version features optional manual air-conditioning. Storage space is limited, with just a glovebox and a small area behind the seats.
That’s been fixed by adding car seat covers and, if a vehicle you check out has them, it pays to look underneath. The seats are otherwise comfortable and have good leg support. Single cab models have no rear seat, but space cab and double cab models do. In the double cab, the middle seat is quite small and the short rear doors compromise access.
Load capacity is impressive – all Rodeos able to carry 1,000kg, although that weight includes the driver and passenger. The tray is an aftermarket flat deck. These do not offer the looks and weather protection of a wellside, though they are better suited to carrying large loads. The sides drop down to assist loading and there are numerous tie-down points.
On the road
Kiwi Rodeo buyers had fewer engine choices than those in Holden’s home market, Australia. Here it was either petrol or diesel. The petrol option was initially a 3.5-litre six-cylinder engine, replaced in 2005 by an all-new engine shared with the Commodore sedan.
Most Rodeos are powered by the diesel engine: a 3-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged unit which produces 96kW and 294Nm. It is paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. This engine is a little loud and gruff sounding but offers plenty of low-down power. Acceleration is not fast, though even a big load should not bother it. High gearing means the engine revs relatively high at 100kmh.
The ute typically operates in two-wheel drive. The Rodeo has a good reputation for off-road ability – its chassis shape means good ground clearance when moving on and off steep slopes. Four-wheel drive models receive a limited slip differential as standard for extra traction on slippery surfaces.
Four-wheel drive is easy to engage with a panel of three buttons on the dashboard. On a slippery surface, it can be engaged while moving up to a speed of 100kmh. Low range is also selected at the push of a button, though you will need to stop the vehicle and put the transmission in neutral first.
The brakes also need a heavy push to stop. Road noise in our review vehicle was a little intrusive, which we partly attributed to its off-road style tyres. Visibility in single cab models is excellent. The mirrors are large and well positioned. The window is immediately behind your head, so you can turn around and see exactly where the rear of the vehicle is. The turning circle is poor at 12.1 metres.
This generation Rodeo has an average tow rating for its age. It can pull 750kg unbraked (a medium-size garden trailer) and up to 2,000kg braked (a medium trailer boat).
Safety
RightCar lists the Rodeo (2003-2008) with a three-star Used Car Safety Rating based on real-world crash data. That’s equal to the Toyota Hilux but behind the Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara.
LX models have no safety features as standard, although driver and passenger airbags and anti-lock brakes are a common option. These were fitted to our review car; the LT and LTZ have them as standard.
Reliability
This “RA” generation Rodeo has developed a reputation for excellent mechanical reliability. The engine uses a timing gear system, so there’s no cambelt or timing chain to worry about.
At the age the model has reached now, the biggest issues relate to its usage. As work trucks, both the interior and exterior of many on the market have taken a punishing. The interior plastics are known to become brittle with age and can crack or become dislodged from their original positions. Corrosion is also an issue.
Areas to check include the welds around the edge of the cab and in the centre and rear of the chassis frame. Look for bubbling and holes as well as signs that new metal has been welded in place or areas have been covered in silicon. If you see these, have the chassis checked by an engineer or panel beater.
Cost of ownership
Holden recommends servicing the Rodeo every 12 months or 10,000km, whichever comes first. The standard service costs approximately $300.
RightCar estimates that over 14,000km of driving a year, this Rodeo will cost $2,510 in fuel and Road User Charges. The 76-litre fuel tank will cost $110.20 to fill at $1.45 a litre and could take you up to 850km before the fuel light comes on.
A vehicle licence for the Rodeo costs $183.31 a year, with the ute in the cheapest ACC levy group for diesel.
Trade Me Insurance estimates insurance for a Rodeo valued at $15,040 will cost $51.44* per month. That is significantly cheaper than a Toyota Hilux, which costs $58.27 a month to insure.
Buyers' guide
The Rodeo is one of the more affordable utes on the used market. On Trade Me this generation is priced from just $6,000. Prices for later model vehicles top out at a relatively modest $25,000.
The best value is offered by diesel LT double cabs built in 2008. A reasonable supply of this model is available at around $20,000 – it is fitted with the same safety features and most of the comfort and style features as the LTZ.
Variants
- LX - Features steel wheels, CD player stereo, power steering and manual windows. Anti-lock braking and driver and passenger airbags are common options.
- LT - Adds alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, air-conditioning, premium seat fabric, wheel arch covers, anti-lock braking and driver and passenger airbags.
- LTZ - Adds fog lights, chrome rear bumper, leather steering wheel, premium audio with Bluetooth connectivity and nudge bar.
Timeline
- 2003 Launched in New Zealand
- 2005 3.6-litre six-cylinder petrol replaced 3.5-litre version
- 2007 Given a cosmetic facelift
- 2008 Replaced by an updated version renamed Colorado
Details
2008 Holden Rodeo LX single cab (RA generation)
$14,000 to $26,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km
3-litre four-cylinder turbocharged, 96kW/294Nm (claimed)
Five-speed manual, four-wheel drive with low-range transfer box
Three-star Used Car Safety Rating
10,000km or 12 months
Full size wheel
8.1-litres per 100km (claimed)
Diesel
4495mm (varies by tray design)
1800mm (varies by tray design)
1723mm
750kg (unbraked), 1000kg (braked)
12.1m
This review covers the Holden Rodeo for model years 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Review vehicle supplied by Carsino.
*Our insurance estimates are based on a 35-year-old male with no accidents in the last two years, garaging the car in Mission Bay, Auckland. The car is not used for business and will cover 10,000km to 20,000km a year. We estimate with no option add-ons and $500 excess. Customise your estimate at Trade Me Insurance.
Image gallery
Also consider
Kyle Cassidy 
Peter Louisson 