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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  Best SUV around - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Skinny - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 2 Troopers and loved them both. Large size SUV interior without taking up 3 parking spots. Very reliable. You cant find a better SUV for the price.

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  A Real Sport Utility Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By allblk - August 13 - 1:26 pm

  Truck is great, rides very good, 4WD system is top notch.

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  Gone too soon - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By yaboiaj1 - July 30 - 9:55 pm

  I had just bought my trooper automatic wasnt an option up there neway it was used 135k + mi. and I was paying for a little over a year I had I believe 3 more payments left and it threw a rod or whatever to me it wasnt worth the fix. We had a love hate relationship. Ill never forget driving away from it looking through the rearview for the last time. I never saw it again there was a terrible ticking noise in the engine everywhere I went I constantly had people saying you need oil took it to the shop they said I didnt but something was obviously wrong Ive been car less for a year I truely miss my trooper but I honestly wouldnt recommend it to anyone

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  2001 Isuzu Trooper Limited - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By beanson - July 26 - 8:03 am

  Foxfire Red Mica Limited Trooper. This is the second Trooper we have owned (had a 1992 LS) and overall it is a good car. Power if adequate, faster than 4Runner and other japanese SUVs (except the MDX and 240HP QX4)The design is older but ages gracefully. Shop around though because $38,000 can buy a lot of other SUVs with more prestigous names (ML320, Qx4, MDX)

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  Hardcore Trooper Fanatic!!! - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By arktrooper - July 23 - 4:13 am

  It has become very acceptable to "slam" the Trooper as old technology, too expensive, etc. If you look closely, though, you find a DOHC 24V V6, drive-by-wire throttle, variable induction, coil-over-plug direct ignition, four-wheel discs, ABS and TOD (full time) 4WD. I purchased my 2000 S Auto/TOD /w/ several options for $22,309 in 9/2000. The sticker was $30,284. While its definately a truck, its a very refined one and its quicker than a 4Runner!

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  Epitome of Pure SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Dan - June 26 - 6:46 am

  It is hard to describe the ownership experience for me with this vehicle. I guess it can almost be described as happiness and sorrow combined. The vehicle itself is a high quality vehicle( which I will miss when gone) which rides on shocks and rear springs (nice). Plenty of power, big, unique, cool, and comfortable. Problem was with Isuzu disappearing in North America. Was assured by dealer they could continue to service when they dropped Isuzu franchise. My transmission was serviced and failed. Had to wait 18 days to get fixed at authorized Isuzu dealer. Second one failed again. Replaced again at no cost. Still love the vehicle, but Isuzu disappearing and other issues caused anguish.

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  My First Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By mereed55 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I chose the Trooper after test driving everything else out there and determined that the Trooper was by far the best value for my dollar. The vehicle has a surprisingly smooth ride for an SUV and the controls are very easy to use. The vehicle has more than enough cargo room and the spare tire is located on the rear door for easy reach in case of emergency. The build quality is excellent but the technology is a little dated. I only have 3,000 miles on the vehicle to date and I am a little disappointed with the fuel mileage.

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  1998 Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By garbagebill - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I wasnt goin out looking to buy a Trooper but after my test drive I was hooked. Simply put this is the most reliable vehicle Ive owned, and Ive owed alot of cars. VERY comfortable to drive especially on long trips and Troopers are a very nice looking vehicle. Im at over 80,000 miles and Ive NEVER had a problem. Until Isuzu does me wrong Ill always own one.

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  2nd look - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Joe Walsh - April 24 - 8:56 am

  Just completed a trip to Denver, CO with 3800 lbs. of loaded trailer this past March. While going North on I 15 and onto I 70 East, we had a good winter storm. Lots of road ice, and at first, heavy wet snow which turned into the "freezing" kind. Was not sure if I could make it over Vail summit given the 2" to 5" ice and pack snow and the blinding, wind driven heavy snow. Did I mention heavy snow? Well, not only did we make it (4WD; did not spin a tire). At one time, we slowed to just under 25 mph. due to stalled traffic (dumb drivers); even at that speed we had lots of traction which is a good thing! On this part of the trip at 60-65 (loaded trailer) we averaged 15 mpg. Return home averaged 19.7 at 75.

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  Unhappy with quality, performance - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By TahoeNextTime - March 30 - 10:00 am

  At 50000 miles it needed a new engine. Something expensive breaks every 3000- 4000 miles. Slow. Crappy off-road. Ok on the street. Isuzu Motors corp. is unresponsive and unhelpful