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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  8 years going strong - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By mtnmba - July 28 - 12:06 am

  Troopers build quality and reliability have been excellent over 110k rough miles. Only problems were 02 sensor @30k & frt. pinion oil seal@105k - both replaced under warranty; multi-CD chgr quit @80k. Mileage about 16-17 in town & @75mph, but 19-20 towing bike trlr in CO mtns @55-65mph. No squeaks yet; paint on body still excellent-paint on plastic flares has begun to chip. Have taken Mexico to Canada, Maine to SoCal - good trip vehicle, though front seats can seem hard after a 600-mi day. Excellent in snow, off-road, and back country. I did upgrade suspension to OME coils/shocks & frt to Sway-Away hvy dty bars - much improved ride & handling.

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  Excellent ride and design - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By jk - July 21 - 4:20 pm

  At 209K miles we are about to trade in our trooper due to the C4C program. This is the 4th trooper in the family, 3 for us and 1 for our son. We have had no unexpected problems and Im sorry that we have to sell it now, but the time is right.

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  Honest Review - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By The real deal. - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best "Trucks" you can buy, if not THE best. Solid, tight, dependable, durable, powerful, a real workhorse. More interior room than any mid-size SUV, and smaller exterior than the big brutes. Plenty of back seat room for 3, plus lots of cargo space. Very easy to drive around town, but will go anywhere if you like off-road adventures. Ive been to the beach, mountains, and on some very rough rocky and steep trails. The low gear will crawl over just about anyuthing! My teenage daughter would rather drive the Trooper than Moms car. The TOD works perfect in bad weather. This is just a very good do anything,go anywhere, vehicle.

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  solid suv - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By zippyputt - June 11 - 10:00 am

  A great solid Japanese built car. The quality shines through.

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  This is my 2nd - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Lunatech - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I had a 92 and sold it at 140K-my 1st SUV. Before I bought my 02 I test drove- Trailblazer (aka the new Ascender), Expedition, Montero. The theory that the grass is always greener. I bought the Trooper because you get a lot for your money. This Isuzu is made completely in Japan and sadly, I feel this adds to its high build quality.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Julie - April 25 - 5:20 pm

  I love my Trooper - I have driven it over 60,000 miles and it has never gone into the shop. We moved across the country 2 times - the Trooper provided for a comfortable ride, and handled mountains wonderfully. The Trooper was large enough to fit our 2 large bloodhounds comfortably - for 2 days of driving (never heard a peep out of them). I especially love how well I can see the road from my Trooper.

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  2000 isuzu - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By stevenv - April 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new and put 91,000 miles on it. I replaced the tires, brakes and battery. Very pleased.

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  2nd Trouper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By RiverRat - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd trouper. Both vehicles have been trouble free. I have used both trucks off-road and for pulling boats and sand-rails. The 2000 model with the larger 3.2 engine does a great job. The climate control has been a great bonus to truck, along with the heated seats retrackable mirrors.

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  Very Happy - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Tam - March 18 - 3:56 am

  I unfortunately, had to lease my 2001 Isuzu Trooper but I can say that as of today Ive enjoyed having it. I have always wanted an SUV but didnt want to have one leased to me but all in all I am enjoying my truck, well itll be my truck the end of next year, ha! I had a little transmission problems after I got that fixed I ran into a small minor problem, mechanical; but after all that my truck has been driving really good. I get a little concerned with how quiet it was opposed to now its a little loud but not too loud. So I assume thats minor as well. I love the sunroof, it shows off the black exterior and the tan interior of the truck. I look sexy in my truck. But love my truck, love it.

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  Sad to see it go - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By nopvntv - March 16 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VALUE!!! paid 20K for a brand new 4WD with 10 year/120,000 mile warantee. that is 2wd Rav4 territory, and this is a full frame truck with limited slip diff. true 4WD, and 5000lb. tow capacity. 65k so far and reliability has been perfect. Has awsome breaks(compared to other trucks) when towing. suspension is a little soft for my taste but is probably perfect for most drivers. Rear end never side steps even over bumps mid- turn. Not sure what I will buy next time around since this is no longer avail. I will just have to wait and see.