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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  2000 Isuzu Trooper S 4x4 - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By sastzh - October 6 - 1:40 am

  So far so good. The only problem Ive had with the vehicle so far is an intermittent problem with the computer performance module. It has had to be reprogrammed three times. When problems arise it starts to buck and idle rough when cold...

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  Ive owned 3 of them - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By leedavidyoung - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Troopers are great. Shocks can be soft. Many owners replace with Rancho 5000 or 9000 which offers a great improvement. Consumer Reports roll-over test was proved to be unrealistic and is simply not true. Resale value is low but expect 200K miles from this vehicle with no major problems.

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  Isuzu Trooper 2002 - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By nick - September 26 - 12:26 pm

  Ive owned my Trooper for over 3 years now, still drives great. Bought it used in January of 2003 and just reached 55,000 miles. No major problems. Only thing Ive replaced are the battery at 50,000 and the tires at 52,500. The only thing I have to watch is the oil level as it occasionally gets low after 4-5 months. Its a great hassle-free SUV to own. Plan on owning it for many more years.

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  Love my ZuZu - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Maureen - September 19 - 10:40 am

  I bought my 1999 Isuzu Trooper new in Jan. 2000 and have had no problems what so ever. I love my ZuZu as much as I did when I purchased it. When I decide to purchase a new vehicle I hope to save it for one of my little girls to have as their first vehicle. Both my girls love it so much they refer to it as "their ZuZu" and cry whenever I tease them about selling it!

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  PERFECT FOR 33000 MILES AND STILL GOING - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By smokeyjoeca - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the trooper because of its size, the lower case transfer for 4wd, and its value. Sticker was $31k; got it for $23,500. Perfect car. Not one single factory repair or defect. Other than routine maintenance, new tires and a battery, the car still looks brand new. The on-the-fly 4wd, and snow handling capabilities of this car are awesome. The 10 year, 120,000 mile powertrain warranty is a big plus. I would recommend this as a used car purchase without reservations. Its a bargain. Isuzu quit making Troopers this year. The Ascender is a re-badged Chevy. I give this car a hearty 9 out of ten rating.

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  The Wife Loves Her Truck - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By MyWifesHappy - July 12 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper is a truck, make no bones about it. Drive it right after driving a Mazda Tribute and youll know what I mean. However, if you are in the market for a really truck-like sport ute, this one wont disappoint. Its solid and an aboslute blast to drive off road. Dont pay anything near TMV for one, either. I bought my wifes Trooper LS for $24,000.

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  What a Trooper! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By trooper123 - June 29 - 7:10 pm

  What a great vehicle!! We bought our Trooper (with performance/Luxury pkg) new in 1999. We have over 360,000 miles on it to date and its still running strong. Having some troubles now with rear differential, but thats the only problem weve ever had. The proofs in the pudding... if you take care of your cars, theyll take care of you!!

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  Trooper S model 2000 - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By jeepinarmyman - June 24 - 3:23 pm

  I bought the bottom of the line base model with no options. I am very impressed with the ride quality, interior comfort, standard features and interior capacity. I have towed a trailer reaching the maximum towing capacity of the vehicle 300 miles on a hot Texas day including about an hour of stop and go traffic in Dallas and had no difficulties what so ever. Off pavement driving requires more firm, other than factory shocks. 235/85R16 oversized tires fit with no modifications and no negative effects on drive quality of fuel economy. One negative is that only one company (ARB) supports the vehicle as far as aftermarket parts are concerned. Overall I am very satisfied.

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  best in class - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By xman - June 24 - 2:00 am

  big and classy, very comfortable ride,great warranty, would buy another one if they still make it.

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  Engine and transmission - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By WYODRIVER - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Complete transmission failure at 36,000 mi. and engine failure at 50,000. Both were replaced under warranty. Lots of room and performs reasonably well in the snow.