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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  Built like a tank - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By SteveK - November 25 - 12:46 pm

  Bought this used a year old 17,000 miles for 1/2 price of new. At 78,000 miles torque converter bearing failed costing me $900 at a trusted transmission shop, dealer wanted $4500 for a whole transmission. Other than that this car has had zero problems , absolutely no work other than one brake job, a few light bulbs and regular fluid changes..well over 100k now. It really is built like tank. I use it to haul family, lots of gear, and towing. 4WD low gear combined with high ground clearance is useful if you need it. Not for everyone but a good off road vehicle priced very low. Maybe Im lucky, but have many friends with Ford/Chevy SUVs who had to replace everything but the engine by 100K

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  Superb!! - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By DaveM - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Impeccable build quality; Perfectly sized - Im 63" and the unusual driving position (upright seating) is not only comfortable but well thought- out; cavernous inside; classic, subtle styling. Ride & handling roved when I replace shocks and installed poly bushings.

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  horrible transmissions - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Danstrooper99 - November 12 - 4:13 am

  Truck is great for function. Built tough and comfortable. I have owned 5 Troopers and cannot imagine another vehicle matching its looks, comfort, functionality and cost. The only thing is that the tranny is waaaay too small and craps out. Rebuilds are junk and there is no real alternative to them. Those trannys are best left in France. Nothing but Giant paper weights.

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  Best Vehicle (SUV) - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Joe Walsh - November 11 - 4:33 pm

  I now have over 22,000 miles with no problems other than a TPS sensor (Throttle Valve Position Sensor) which I replaced myself. I also installed an "Alpine Supercharger" with about 4lb. of boost which give about 50 HP at the tires. I can run away from the Honda 255 HP Pilot as I did while going over Donner summit, on my way to Reno, NV. Overall, Trooper has been just great for me. Looking forward to 06 or 07 when they, hopefully, will have a new Trooper for U.S. market. Fruther, I have seen 22.22 MPG 56-70 MPH with the supercharger and a low of 15.4 while going over Donner summit.

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  2000 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Isuzu Trooper - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Well, here it goes: I bought it used, when i was 16 (im 18 now). It had only 22,500 miles on it, and for $17,500 i bought it. The transmission went around 30,000, luckily it was under warranty so Isuzu replaced it. But to not have a car for 2 weeks was crazy. Then recently I had my check engine light come on. (49,000 miles). Took it to the dealer and it ended up being a coil that held one of my spark plugs. Replaced it and the cost was originally $410.00, I complained and got it for 318.00. I was angry but hey, I need my car. The Trooper is now driven mostly on the highway because Im away at school. Nice to drive too.(GREAT in the SNOW!).

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  Durable/needs added appointments on inte - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Shanda - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Great value. I love the comfort and design. This is the third Trooper we have owned. This is a very dependable ride. The only thing lacking is the sparce interior. The Trooper needs to be spiced-up and a little more luxerious. The ride could use a more car like suspension. Other than that it is the best value on the road.

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  Love this thing - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Kelly26 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive never even considered owning an SUV, but this thing did it...Ive got plenty of power, more space than an apartment I once had, and it looks stunning...people are constantly asking me what it is, and where they can get one! All this and excellent reliability...Im really happy with the decision to buy!

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  kayser trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By tim kayser - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive been very pleased w/this vehicle

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  Consumes Oil - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mr. Mapes - August 22 - 7:00 am

  Purchased used at 58,000 miles for $9500. Found out later that engine was defective and consumed 1qt of oil every 500 miles. Not original owner, so no warranty. Further research revealed 2 different types of 3.5 engine problems for model year 2000. Oversized bores and not enough piston ring drain back holes. Currently have 93,000 and am using 20w-50 synthetic to reduce the consumption rate. Overall a good vehicle for what we paid for it. No real issues other than oil consumption.

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  2001 Limited an undiscovered gem - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By E man - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I first looked at the Trooper because of the unbelievable discount and 10 120M mile drivetrain warranty. I got a new Limited for about $25M. It is remarkable sturdy, well made vehicle. Ive not had a single problem and plan to keep it until it (or I) reverts to iron ore.