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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  solid truck- meant to work - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By zoomer - October 28 - 10:00 am

  this is a very comfortable solid truck. the 4wd system is sophisticated, easy to use, and very effective. the interior is spacious, the ride surprisingly comfortable, and the quality of fit/finish is typically japanese. the engine is strong although a bit raspy during acceleration, and there is more wind noise than i would like. overall, a solid 8/10 vehicle, and for the price (i bought mine used with 14K miles for 17,250) the value is unbeatable. sure, a honda pilot would be nice, but for twice the money i dont think so!

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  pleasant surprise - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By paulb208 - October 1 - 3:50 pm

  Weve had our Trooper for just over a year now, and have been pleasantly surprised at the quality and reliability of the vehicle. It had low miles on it when purchased, and we just recently had the 60,000 mile service performed. Im 64" and fit just fine in both the front and rear seats. My wife is a wildlife and landscape photographer, so the combination of on-road comfort and off- road capability is just what we need.

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  WARNING - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sean - September 30 - 1:36 pm

  I loved my Trooper. I drove it often and drove it hard. I would have been the first person to recommend this vehicle. However, following a recent accident - I will be the first to warn anyone about it. My wife went into a ditch at low speed and rolled the Trooper. It totaled the vehicle, with the worst damage immediately over the drivers seat. It was by pure divine providence that she wasnt injured.

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  Isuzu Trooper-like a rock, really - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jasiu - August 29 - 7:56 pm

  Someone used the expression Storm-Trooper. Despite its ambiguous connotation it is quite adequate. No-nonsense tough guy on wheels! Goes ANYWHERE. Smoothly covers highways and country roads. Gas mileage is certainly not great - but this is a vehicle that is ALWAYS ready to fight the elements, bad weather, and inaccessible corners. The only other vehicle (car or SUV just does not fit the description) in this league is the Land Rover, but it is made in Britain...

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  great SUV; terrible paint! - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By mr schnoot - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall, my wife and I love the Trooper. I totally recommend it. Got it a year ago with 22k miles for only $14,600. Cant beat the price. Way more interior room, power, and size for the money than any other mid-size SUV. More rear leg room that an Expedition, and more head room than any mid-size SUV Ive been in. Gets close to 20mpg on the highway. TOD is probably the best 4WD system for the snow, and you can even keep it engaged on dry pavement. My wife loves that she can just push the 4WD Auto button and forget about it. The climate control is great for cold weather. Absolutely no problems after 32k.

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  43 Months with a Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By PA Carl - July 11 - 10:00 am

  The Isuzu Trooper has lived up to its billing and to my expectations. The vehicle has been virtually trouble free. The only problem was a leak in the intake manifold gasket after 3-1/2 years. The dealer fixed it under warranty. Its been a great vehicle.

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  99 Trooper: Staid but Solid! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By carsf - June 30 - 5:40 pm

  The 1999 Isuzu Trooper has proven the most reliable, comfortable mid-size SUV Ive ever owned. More importantly, its delivered flawless performance on & off the road. A 75-mile off-road trek through Death Valley was accomplished with ease, and performs well on highways during my commute. Most value for dollar spent on a mid-size SUV, for sure.

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  JAVELIN SST - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Javelin sst - June 21 - 10:00 am

  IT,S A HEADTURNER. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND IMPRESSIVE VEHICLE IVE EVER SEEN, A JEWEL OF ENGINEERING. ON THE ROAD IT FEELS LIKE RIDING OVER CLOUDS. NO MAINTENANCE EXCEPT OIL AND FILTER CHANGE. ITS MY SECOND TROOPER AND I LOVE IT.

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  Quality Product!! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By blumers - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Highly recommend this SUV for the discriminating buyer who is looking for a quality built product. Not only does it have classic body lines, but plenty of power and room to spare. The decision to buy this vehicle was easy.

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  8 yrs old - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By J. D. - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 1994 Trooper S. Only mechanical breakdown was the starter at 132000. Most reliable vehicle I have ever had. Great SUV.