Overview & Reviews

The original Isuzu Trooper debuted during the early 1980s. Thanks to the public's nascent demand for SUVs, the Trooper was fairly successful although it was plain and very utilitarian. Its boxy, two-door body has an obvious Land Rover appeal, but early versions were available only with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine and were quite underpowered.

Soon, a four-door model joined the lineup, and a GM-sourced V6 engine became available. As the sport-utility market grew, luxury amenities were added to the Trooper, but by the early 1990s, it was apparent that Isuzu needed to redesign the Trooper so it could remain viable in a market populated by steadily improving competitors.

It's this new "box with round edges" Trooper most people remember. Still truck-based, this wider, longer and taller Trooper added features such as a more powerful V6 and antilock brakes. That design lasted 10 years, and for some of those years Acura sold a rebadged version called the SLX. By the start of the new millennium, however, the Isuzu Trooper had been eclipsed by newer and superior competition and was still suffering from the effects of a negative report published in Consumer Reports magazine. With sales stalled, Isuzu discontinued the model for 2002.

As a used midsize SUV, the second-generation Isuzu Trooper is nicely equipped (in Limited trim) and, thanks to aggressive depreciation, priced affordably. Good off-road ability, excellent outward visibility and a spacious interior are among the Trooper's other positive attributes. Poor on-road handling and mediocre fuel economy are the Trooper's main drawbacks. The best years for the Trooper are the mid-to-late '90s. After that, models like the Ford Explorer or Toyota 4Runner or Sequoia are better choices.

Most Recent Isuzu Trooper

The second-generation Isuzu Trooper was produced from 1992-2002. Isuzu made some important updates for 1998, and it's probably these later Troopers that most used-SUV shoppers will be looking at.

In that year, this five-passenger midsize SUV gained a new, more powerful 3.5-liter 215-horsepower V6 and full-time four-wheel drive became standard. The Trooper also got a slight styling update that made it look more upscale than similar-era SUVs. The Trooper was available in two trim levels, base S and upscale Luxury, with the latter changing its name to Limited the following year. By 2000, an LS midlevel trim was added and once again a rear-wheel-drive version was offered. Only minor feature updates were made for the Trooper's last couple of years.

Our last full test of an Isuzu Trooper was in 1999 and we praised the vehicle's improvements, noting that the new engine added needed power and the interior was surprisingly quiet. We also praised the Trooper's roomy interior and cavernous cargo bay. Still, there's no disguising the fact that the Trooper is a truck. It looks like a truck and it rides like a truck. Anyone expecting a smooth ride and sharp handling will be disappointed.

For earlier years of this generation Trooper, there are a few things to watch out for. These Troopers were not as powerful. Base Trooper S models had a single-overhead-cam V6 that made an adequate 175 hp, while upscale-looking LS models had a dual-overhead-cam V6 that was good for 190 hp. Both engines displace 3.2 liters. In addition to its extra horsepower, the LS also offered ABS as an option, so used shoppers should consider that trim level.

Changes over the years were few, but one of the more noteworthy included the addition of a short-wheelbase two-door Trooper with the RS trim level designation in 1993. A few years later it was dropped. If you live in a cold climate, consider a 1994 or newer Isuzu Trooper, as those models offered the option of heated and powered front seats.

The real bargain is the Trooper Limited version added for the 1995 model year. It included such features as a power sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats and wood grain trim. Prices for a Limited are only a few hundred dollars more than a lesser equipped Trooper, and all '95 models offered a slightly more compliant ride thanks to a revised suspension. The Trooper lineup for 1996 was minus the two-door RS. Shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive also made its debut that year. By 1997, ABS became standard and the Limited trim was renamed the Luxury model.

Past Isuzu Trooper

The first-generation Trooper ran from 1981-'91. A diesel version was offered as well, and later versions of first-generation Troopers were available with a V6. Early Troopers were available as two- and four-door versions but it was the roomy four-door that became popular with American drivers.

User Reviews:

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  THE FIRST AND ORIGINAL SUV - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By UPYDOIN - February 12 - 2:00 am

  ALL AROUND GREAT FUN

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  2000: Original owner. - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By DN - January 29 - 6:30 pm

  Ive had mine since it was new. I too had the problem with losing oil (1qt/1000mi) which the dealer claimed was "normal". At about 48,000 it threw a rod so the engine was replaced under warranty though I had to fight with Isuzu over some minor charges. The new engine does not have a problem losing oil like the original. The driver side window got stuck and cost $300 to fix. The CD changer only lasted about 3-4 years before it broke.

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  Very good SUV - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By william tsai - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Simply a real utility + sport car

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  Fun to drive- Expensive to own! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By fettj - January 6 - 10:26 pm

  I purchased my Trooper with 72,000 miles on it and immediately had the transmission flushed and service. Throughout its life I changed oil every 3,000 miles and used Valvoline Max Life. I blew the tranny at about 135,000 miles, and Im not sure why. I took very good care of the vehicle. Besides that, I had a lot of problems with the vacuum 4 wheel drive system, which cost me a lot of money. The AC also went out at 85,000 miles. When the tranny went out the rear struts were shot and the exhaust system had a big hole in it just behind the caddy. Since Isuzu discontinued their automotive line, part prices have gone up significantly.

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  Loved it so much I bought two - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Got two - December 23 - 7:56 pm

  I have a 96 LS that I love. I can comfortably fit myself a friend a 128Qt Igloo, 4 shotguns, an air matress and all our hunting gear, about as much stuff as he can fit in his $53K+ Land Cuiser! The sunroof on the 2000 is by far the biggest Ive ever seen on any car. I feel much safer knowing my wifes Tropper has Torque on Demand which is a great saftey feature, especially for rainy or icey conditions, not mention... mud! (my 96 just has the regular 4x4.

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  Great 4X4 SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sam Krugolets - November 25 - 4:43 am

  My wife drives this great 1997 SUV, and let me tell you, she will not buy another SUV. I offered her to go look at another, but she tells me, "This SUV got her home in Snow Storms and other bad weather". Very reliable truck!!! Thanks ISUZU!

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  Reliable with caveats - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Tory97 - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no problems for 69,000 miles. Great off road and TOD system works well. Air conditioning unit cannot cool vehicle when temps get to 85. Poor gas mileage (15 MPG overall)

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  POOR MANs TOYOTA LANDCRUISER! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By go-to-ak - November 7 - 10:00 am

  My 2nd Trooper and sixth SUV of varying makes. Good V6 power, comfortable, nice conservative look. Good handling on the street, but surprisingly off road can leave most "real" SUVs (like Jeep, Range Rover in the dust). Huge interior olume for storage, camping gear, big dogs, etc. Overall reliablity of these is excellent- you may have a few minor problems but not ones that will actually strand you. Known problems in this car are oil consumption if PCV and EGR valve are not kept clean every 30K miles, also running synthetic oil seems to prevent this. Mine burns no oil. MPG average for this class. Factory shocks were weak - suggest Ranchos- dramatic improvemen

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  Ill drive it until it dies! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By 4 Dr S 4WD SUV - November 1 - 1:16 pm

  I bought mine used. I needed something for rugged areas & ranch use. It works just fine for town & play too. Lots of room. Takes a licking and never has been a problem. Its durable and reliable - I keep up the routine maintenance. NO PROBLEMS! I go where others do not dare to try. I am really sorry Isuzu does not make this model anymore so I will drive it until either one of us die. I have 85,000 miles on it now and expect another 100,000 based on its performance to date!

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  Erics Opinion - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Kasteer - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 99 Trooper for almost a year now. Its been problem free and very dependable. Ive taken it off- road in the sand at the Outer Banks, NC and its performed well. I truly enjoy my Trooper. Ive recently added a 2inch suspension lift and 32inch tires. It looks, rides and handles much better than stock. It should have come this way from the factory! Its very comfortable.