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 Value For Your Money - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Doug K - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Its very unfortunate that Isuzu has discontinued the Trooper. After researching Ford, Chevy and Toyota, the Trooper was hands down the best value for the money. It has more interior room than ALL mid-sized SUVs, and the exterior has a bold, strong stature. The 3.5L 215HP engine has plenty of power, in addition, it has an outstanding reliability record. From the drivers seat, you have a good idea what the road must look like from a big rig... Its outstanding. Theyre still out there, if youre in the market for a new SUV, you still have time to get the best value for your money.

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  Trooper Fan - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooper Fan - March 30 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a real 4WD and Japanese reliability at a decent price. $19,500 for S Model with 5000 miles on it. Throttle response is great. Pathfinder and 4Runner cant compete at any price. Replace a totalled subaru. Needed more room. Miss my subaru so bought a legacy and now I have both.

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  Great Vehicle - Great Price - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mshu - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle for the price, the trooper is misunderstood. If you want a lot of vehicle for the money take advantage of the opportunity. Plus has one of the best warranties out there, and is a Japanese built product.

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  Best vehicle ever made - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By aztrooper01 - March 8 - 8:53 pm

  I have always wanted an Isuzu Trooper for as long as I can remember. I have looked very hard and came across a 2001 S/4WD with an automatic transmission for only $5299. I called the dealer right away and drove down there to pick it up. It had everything I wanted and needed. I have driven it over a thousand miles since I bought it last week and it runs great. Smooth acceleration, stops, ride and turns. Not as top heavy as people say. The only thing I have done to it was put in a sound system as the stock one didnt have a cd player or subs. There is a slight problem with the transmission but will only cost between $400-$600 to fix. The front pump seal is bad. But can wait to fix it.

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  I HATE THIS SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By JUNK - March 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had a reoccurring problem this thing keeps down shifting while driving on the highway at highway speeds on level ground. The dealership hasnt been able to fix it after six attemps and the isuzu reginal rep stated there was nothing they could do. My family is terrified to ride in this thing now. For your own saftey buy something else.

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  Highway Cruiser - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By illinois trooper - February 10 - 10:00 am

  Purchased used as a dealer demo w/15K. Currently over 110K in 3 years and used as work vehicle all over the midwest. Solid on road in all types of weather. Warranty problems: 4 wheel drive engagement solinoid, intake gaskets & EGR valve @ 110K. If replacement for Trooper is as solid as this vehicle, I will stay with Isuzu.

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  My Trooper 1999 - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Acuga - December 20 - 3:10 pm

  Living in an almost winter land (Illinois), we found our Trooper an excellent vehicle for this kind of weather, specially when snow, and rain it is involve. We had own this veh, since 2000 and it has 165000 miles with almost zero problems.

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  02 Trooper better than Edmmunds thinks - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By John H - November 27 - 2:00 am

  So very much interior space, I do not know what to do o fill it. It is box like in app. but I like it the aero stuff is not worth it. Only wish the diesel was avail here... the six has more than enough power and tow my air stream with ease. best value for the most capable on off road SUV. Drive it love it.

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  Fun With Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooperfan - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Coming from driving a car all the time it was a little different at first but I fell in love with it when Denver Colorado got almost four feet of snow in march 2002. I was one of the only people in the area to get out of my complex. It did excellent in the snow and when my buddies and i go off- roading it does incredible. I jumped it 2 feet off the ground and went through tough terrain and never had any problems with it. It also has very good power for when I drive through the mountains. Its comfortable for myself and passengers when going on road trips. When it is windy it bucks the wind pretty hard and kills your gas mileage.

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  Reliable and Durable!! "Bullet Proof" - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jimmy G. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best Vehicle I have owned for the last 7 Years! This 2002 Trooper is my third and I will not consider purchasing any other Suv in its class. I put 276.000 miles on my last Trooper without having to do anything but normal maintenance, change oil (every 3000 miles) and Timing belt (every 75000 miles)and 4 sets of tires. Simply the best Suv....Bang for Buck!