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, but in 2008 was renamed Holden Colorado.

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). 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 two model designations over its lifespan. The first was designated as R7 and the later revision was termed R9. The main visual differences are the dash/instrument cluster/ binnacle and switchgear placement as well as the front fenders. The R7 has a squared off horizontal crease above the front wheel arch, the R9 does not. The 4JB1T turbo diesel engine proved popular and durable in 4x4 models in an age when competing brands offered naturally aspirated engines. 4JB1T in the 4x4 models was not especially fuel efficient and hampered by 4.55:1 differential ratios giving high engine RPM at highway speeds. By the end of its use in the R9 the 4JB1T reached Euro 2 emission standards. It was superseded late in the R9 lifespan before the all new RA.

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 the GM-Isuzu split resulting in Holden losing the right to use the "Rodeo" name.

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