Holden Rodeo

The Holden Rodeo is a utility vehicle (pickup truck) that was sold in Australasia (Australia and New Zealand) by Holden. Introduced in 1980, the Rodeo was built by Isuzu over three generations.

Prior to the launch of the Holden Rodeo, Holden had imported the first generation Japanese market Isuzu Faster into Australasia under the names Chevrolet LUV (1972–1977) and Isuzu LUV (1977–1980).Bebbington (2009), p. 279. "GM-H had been importing light and heavy Isuzu trucks from Japan since the early 1970s. First of these was the Isuzu KB utility, sold as the Chevrolet LUV (Light utility Vehicle). The reputation and recognition of this little utility grew over time until in 1977, the Chevrolet name was deleted and the Isuzu nameplate was used instead. Late in 1980, KB received a major facelift edesign With new sheetmetal, the opportunity was taken to re-badge the car – this time as Holden Rodeo." At the Australasian release of the second generation Faster in December 1980, Holden once again introduced a new name—Holden Rodeo—assigning it the model code ''KB'' and thus becoming the first generation Holden Rodeo.

Isuzu in Japan released the redesigned Faster in May 1988, adopted and issued by Holden in August 1988 as the second generation ''TF'' series Rodeo. The TF had several designations over its lifespan. The ''R7'' was the first major facelift, introduced in 1997, featuring a completely new bonnet, front quarter panels, and grille. This was the last Rodeo to have chrome bumpers. The R9 arrived later in 1998, which replaced the chrome bumper with plastic bumpers on all models. A V6 engine became available for the first time, which proved very popular. An optional driver's airbag became available for the first time in 2000. In 2001, Rodeos received updated tail lights with clear indicators, replacing the previous orange-coloured ones. Larger composite headlights replaced the previous rectangular sealed beams. A final update in 2002 saw the circular Holden logo appear on the grille, replacing the "Holden" lettering. The ''4JB1T'' turbo diesel engine proved popular in 4x4 models despite its rough idling characteristics. ''4JB1T'' in the 4x4 models was fuel efficient even with 4.55:1 differential ratios giving higher engine RPM at highway speeds. By the end of its use in the ''R9'' the ''4JB1T'' reached Euro 2 emission standards. Later in the ''R9'' lifespan the ''4JH1'' was available as an option with more power (96KW) and higher gearing before it became the only diesel available in the all new RA due to the ''4J1BT's'' inability to meet emission standards.

Although Japanese sales of the Isuzu Faster ceased in October 1994, it remained in production until general exports began in June 2003 of its Thai-produced replacement, the Isuzu D-Max which launched in its home market of Thailand in May 2002. Australasian sales began in March 2003, earlier than other export markets, as the third generation ''RA'' series Holden Rodeo. At this point Holden retired the long-running ''TF'' model. Holden maintained sales of the ''RA'' generation until rebranding the Rodeo as Holden Colorado in July 2008. This was a result of Holden losing the rights to the Rodeo name following General Motors split with Isuzu.

File:1983 Holden Rodeo (KB27) 2-door utility (2015-06-27) 01.jpg, First generation (KB; 1980–1988)
File:1994 Holden Rodeo (TF) DLX 2WD 4-door utility (2015-07-03) 01.jpg, Second generation (TF; 1988–2003) ''R7 2wd version shown''
File:2007-2008 Holden RA Rodeo LX Crew Cab 4-door utility 01.jpg, Third generation (RA; 2003–2008)

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{{Holden timeline

Rodeo
Cars introduced in 1980