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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  WHERE HAVE ALL THE TROOPERS GONE??? - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By PJKBIATCH - April 15 - 1:16 am

  I have yet to have a problem. Check engine light came on, but it was due to emissions. I live in TN so that is not a problem. :) I really enjoy the ride. It is a 2000 and it turns heads when I pull up to the light. I enjoy riding in it and I hate that I ride it so much that gas mileage is a bit off. Highway=ok, city=stinks.

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  Trooper Review - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By lamjr55 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The Trooper is fun to drive and is very comfortable inside. The plush seating and layout of the controls make this vehicle very easy and fun to operate. The ground clearance is great.especially in the rain and snow. The visibility is fantastic and affords the driver a safe view of the road. The 4WD button is a god send from the earlier 4WD operations. A truly fun and functional vehicle to drive.

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  Awesome - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Sandy - March 5 - 2:23 pm

  We purchased our vehicle new in 1999. Since then we have accumulated 172,400 miles. Accomplish recommended maintenance when required and keep driving. Agree it burns oil but which it states it would in the owner manual. I have driven many SUVs over the years and have yet to find one that I enjoy as much as my 1999 Trooper. If the engine should go out, I would not hesitate to replace the engine and keep driving. Car looks like it did the day we bought it. No corrosion and the paint is beautiful. The only way I would get rid of my Trooper is if they made another one.

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  Sweet Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Qdogg - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Trooper. The first was a 94 LS that had too many things that I didnt need such as the headlight wipers. I have the 2 grand S that would be excellent if it had the arm rests, luggage racks and side steps as standard features. Other than that you have a combination of beauty, speed & power.

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  Love my 2001 Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Andrew - February 23 - 6:30 am

  This has been a fantastic car. I use the 4WD about 10 times a year still and have not gotten stuck...even through thick beach sand, north ga back trails and 3ft of water. Pretty cool. The car has been extremely reliable and has yet to leave me stranded. My wife loves the seat warmers. I had the brakes checked every tire rotation and finally had to change the front brake pads for the first time at 105,000 miles!!!! Only complaint would be the factoy stereo and gas mileage. 16-17mpgHWY

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  Keeps on Trucking - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By cstrat - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Reliable workhorse. Adequate power for a truck. Underside mechanicals are well protected from object damage.

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  2002 Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By parkstribe - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Second Trooper I have owned. Only complaint is the mysterious "oil usage" that plagues the 3.5L V6 engine. But, 10 yr, 120K mile warranty will take care of it, if necessary.

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  Worth the research - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By WorldMedic - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned a full size Bronco and Toyota 4Runner, both great vehicles but this Trooper outshines them both. Obvious Isuzu truck lineage equal to Toyota in design and build quality. Still impressed with engine performanceand brakeing. Luxurious refined leather interior holds up even with the German Pointers as regular passengers. 35,000mi on mine without a single problem, not even a rattle.

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  2000 Trooper 2WD - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By S Persinger - January 1 - 2:00 am

  We have had no problems with this vehicle to date. Back seat is extremely comfortable for the kids when traveling.

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  Trooper Believer - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Pory - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trooper. The first is a 94 LS. Theres not another SUV out there to compare feature and price to. I bought my Limited with a few thousand miles on it for $20.5K and its screamin loaded with all the goodies. Its quite solid and has enough oomph to get you around (more on that).