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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Graet SUv - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By Rochesterborn - May 7 - 2:00 amA great SUV - It is such a great looking vehicle. I drive from Upstate, NY to Maine in the winter and this truck does not fail to take me home safely.
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last chance - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By YPMS 82190 - April 6 - 10:00 amIm about to purchase trooper #4. Too bad they wont make em any more after this year(big mistake). Ive logged over 200,000 miles, without any real problems. That big long warranty is a farce, nothing ever breaks. My first trooper withstood a collision that would have killed all occupants in most other vehicles, but I walked away. The visibility allows you to maneuver this behemoth as though it were a bicycle. I like the ride, and the power is adequate. The seats are far better than any comparable SUV.
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Still Love My Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By Philbrah - March 29 - 12:16 amThis is the second writeup Ive done for my Trooper since buying it 5/2003 with 52k miles. The truck has been easily the most dependable vehicle Ive owned and that has been over 30 vehicles. Its still one of the most comfortable, dependable, off-road ready vehicles available today and it carries people and cargo with room to spare. Yes, it burns approximately 1 quart of oil every 2-3k miles, but Ive owned Jeeps, BMWs, Toyotas that did the same. Use Seafoam and watch it, you wont have any engine problems. Yes, gas mileage is about 15-16mpg, but Ive hit 18mpg on the highway. If you want the real 4WD, buy a Trooper. If not, buy an Explorer.
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2000 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By sam - February 15 - 10:20 pmI have taken very very good care of this vehicle, only driven about 10,000 miles per year, has 97k on it now, had to replace **expensive** parts, transmission, and more. Warranty paid for most. My opinion, Isuzu needs to take better care of their consumers, think twice before buying Isuzu.
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Reliable SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By swthuney3 - November 7 - 10:00 amThe trooper has been reliable and easy to drive.
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THE BEST SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By TROOPERMAN - October 16 - 8:40 amTHE BEST SUV
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trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By dpgstein - October 6 - 2:00 amGood intown & off road use
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Initial Review - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By Ken B - October 6 - 2:00 amI was a little leery of the Trooper because of the professional reviewers claim of tremendous body roll on turns. It certainly does not handle like a car, but it did not roll any more than my old Windstar (which I would NOT buy again). Drive is very soft, cannot feel the road, which is good and bad.
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The good and bad - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By D Lee - September 24 - 10:00 amThe LS 4WD does quite well off road and on the highway. It dies ride like a truck. The seats are not quite as compfortable as I would expect for the price. I have several areas where the paint is blistering on the front of the hood. Lastly it is depreciating faster than I can pay it off.
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No vinegar, lots of oil! - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By Patrick - September 22 - 11:36 amI bought mine used in WI in 07 for $8K with 75K miles, now have 140K, hoping to make it to 250K. Recently replaced starter and timing belt. Truck-like ride and capability - no snow bank or towing job is a challenge. Huge cargo area ideal for 2 dogs and frequent Home Depot trips. Well appointed: massive sun roof, 6-CD, TOD, heated review mirrors. I MUST change oil every 3K miles and only get 15 MPG. Doesnt burn oil, just drinks a lot. Top heavy. Timeless exterior styling and one small repairable rust spot on back door. Been very pleased overall - this is a "guys SUV" - a beast lacking nimble handling but a reliable workhorse. Perfect for winter states, boat or "sled" owners.
