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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  Great car - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By mike - March 10 - 4:16 am

  This is a great vehicle that does everything pretty well. Dealer has been great with warranty issues, but no major problems at all. Mileage is decent for my city type driving.

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  excellent until recently - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By alan75 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased new; within first year had oxygen sensor replaced twice. i babied this suv, but at 57k miles transmission went out while driving. no prior warning signs. other than that, no problems. suspension is poor; no available options for improvement. i tried to upgrade standard shocks but no others are manufactured. standard shocks are very poor/insufficient. very spacious cargo area, i have been amazed at what i have been able to haul inside it. back seats fold forward to create ample cargo area.

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  Top notch quality vehicle - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Dee La Barge - January 26 - 8:53 pm

  We love our vehicle. It saved our lives, when we were rear ended by a taxi on Hwy 10, on the west side of Phoenix. I feel completely safe when driving it. It goes anywhere off road. Very dependable. Im short in stature, so, I love the height it gives me, when driving. We bought our vehicle new. We both wish that it could pull our 25ft Avion travel trailor, so we could get rid of the van.

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  You may like it now, but try to sell it! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Not Happy at All - December 23 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper doesnt hold its value. If you are not in it for the full term of the note, dont buy it. I paid a really low price for it new, but I will still be upside down in my note for a very long time. And comfort? Whats that. I think Isuzu Engineers sleep on stone beds!

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  Still truckin - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By HamSandwich - November 29 - 8:03 pm

  I bought my Trooper new in April 03 and have loved the experience other than the transmission had to be replaced at least 3 times. Since they put a rebuilt tranny in each time the dealer said that you never know how the quality would be. Luckily Ive had the warranty and will definitely get rid of the truck when it hits 120,000 miles although I would have preferred to keep it longer. I dont like the way it burns oil either.

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  Burns oil - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Frank - November 17 - 3:53 pm

  We bought the trooper used. It runs just great. The problem is it Burns about a quart of oil each tank full of gas. Looked on the Internet after we bought it, tears and found the 1998 and 1999 troopers have an oil burning problem.

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  Great vehicle so so service - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jabber71 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Had the Trooper for 49,000 miles & the only problem is the service at the dealership. Not trained well in Isuzus

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  Very Pleased with the Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By JADE - September 29 - 10:00 am

  So far I have driven this vehicle two thousand plus miles. I have not had any problems, and like the way it handles, ride, and feel it is a quality vehicle.

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  Fun, nice, but big time $$$ to drive - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Michael - September 16 - 1:00 pm

  Nice suv, I liked it from the moment I saw it but...

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  What Happened to the Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Chris Holko - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I cannot believe they do not make this vehicle anymore. Although it couldnt compete with vehicles in its class due to not having the optional third seat or V-8 engine, it blows away all domestic vehicles in its class. If anything Isuzu should have rengineered the trooper and discontinued the rodeo. I purchased the Trooper for $100 over the cost of the redeo and it was the best decision I made with cars. Who can beat a full size SUV for $23k with a 7 year 100,000 mile warranty.