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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  A comfortable Tank and Fun - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By skylandry - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I traded my Toyota Crew Cab for comfort but didnt want to giveup a great 4wd. The trooper met all my needs. It is great off road and very comfortable on long trips. If it had a pickup bed it would be perfect. If you want a true rough and tough SUV that looks fancy and is comfortable look no further.

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  Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By JW - July 15 - 10:10 pm

  Excellent storage and power. I camp (tow a trailer) and hunt from this vehicle. Lots of usable space. Have had no problems.

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  excellent Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By MDENMAN - June 20 - 4:23 pm

  This is my third Trooper, previous an 88, and a 94. Both were extremely reliable and comfortable. This one is the same except for oil consumption. Excellent off road and and highway cruiser. I expect to get a couple of hundred thousand reliable miles usage.

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  will keep - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By yac - June 17 - 2:00 am

  this is a suv that you can keep for 200,000 miles. the trooper is still built in japan so you know it will last.

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  Steady as rock - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Brian in SoCal - June 2 - 1:40 pm

  Bought my Trooper new in 1999, and Ive never had a more reliable vehicle. Im now over 112K miles, and no repair issues whatsoever aside from routine maintenance. In fact, I only replaced my original brakes last month! And no, mine doesnt burn oil *at all*.

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  A Treasure - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Itroop - May 30 - 2:00 am

  We can only hope the corporate remake will produce as nice a vehicle as this 93-2002 series has been. Best functional design in the industry and its classic smoothed boxiness will never go out of style (because it was never in style to begin with).

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  Ive owned a 87, 94 & 02 Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By jim - May 2 - 4:03 pm

  Absolutely the best in harsh driving conditions; the 02 is tops for driving out on the beach with no bogging down or a hint like its struggling. You would be surprised how much room you have for big bulky items in the back. My 02 came with regular passenger tires for a more comfortable ride to my dismay but they worked in the sand.

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  Great Truck, Not Great Dealer - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mass01532 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid, good looking truck, feels very safe esp. in bad weather. Got a $32K truck for $21K. Lots of room, great sound system, great ride. Interior bits (carpet) could be better quality. Exterior paint chips kind of easily. The dealer service is really poor. Every single trip made to troubleshoot an issue required a second trip back since they didnt have a part.

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  Did I get a lemon? - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By johnq - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Trooper. Does everyone have good reliability with these vehicles except me? Had to have the auto transmission replaced at 41K - warranty (a $4000 job). Had to have engine manifold valve gaskets replaced. Vehicle has shut off twice while driving down the road. I have heard of others having these problems, but most seem to have no problems. Strange, wonder if all these bad ones were made the same week. At least I still have 20K left on the warranty.

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  This vehicla is great. - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By pleasure_bunny20 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my trooper for a little over a year. It is such a great SUV. I looked at others like the ford explorer but I found that they where very small inside. No leg room for the poeple in the back. The Trooper on the other hand, is very spacy. Its wonderful. I have 20" wheels and 8 1/2" tires and I have found that it drives so smooth. It doesnt even feel like and SUV.