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:

• 

  Oil User after 60K - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By Trooper Terry - March 8 - 4:06 am

  I love this vehicle except for one thing and that is it uses 1 quart of oil per 500 miles. Isuzu knows there is a problem with their 3.5 liter engines, but wont recall them. After the warranty ends at 60K, they start using a lot of oil. The only solution is to replace the small block, which costs about 2 grand. I figured if I just keep adding oil, it would only cost me about 30 bucks a year. I know there are a lot of posts online about this, but Isuzu will never admit it. I love the vehicle other than the oil usage. I had two Isuzu vehicles in the past with few or any problems, this is the first one, I guess they just tried to catch up with the big U.S. SUV too quickly

• 

  Great SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Hazel - February 27 - 5:26 am

  Quality and reliability all in one great package. This is the 3rd Isuzu Trooper I have owned. Put over 240,000 miles on each of the first two without any problems. This car is wonderfully well designed and thoughtfully engineered. Truly built with all necessary comfort features and designed for off road traveling as well. I know I wont have to worry about unexpected mechanical problems for a long, long time.

• 

  2001 Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Rich1--1--1 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The trooper has yet to let me down. To bad I cant say that about Isuzu Customer Service and Getting Warranty Work Done. The local dealership, I live in Northeastern Pa, cancelled my appointment for warranty work twice but failed to call me to let me know, I needed a tie rod end.If you call the number for customer support in your vehicle manual they cant and wont help, and there isnt a another dealership within an hours drive.

• 

  Love My Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By radixlecti - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the third Trooper I have owned since 1986, and I will drive it until the tires fall off. I have 108,000 miles on it and only have had to replace the oxygen sensor, (50 bucks). All SUVs should be this reliable!

• 

  Great vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By libralady - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We love this Trooper. Sad they dont make them like this any more. We have the limited style that comes standard with a huge sun roof. Great for cargo, long trips, or just tooling around. The bad thing is the paint on the bottom molding scratches too easy, but that is our only complaint. It gets about 16mpg, but thats sort of standard for SUVs. Good vehicle and in two years and 46k miles, not one ping of trouble!

• 

  Trooper - built like a tank! - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By MTN MBA - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Formerly owned Pathfinder & Jeep - both too expensive and uni-body now. Isuzus are under-rated/valued. Great buy used - 1/2 the $ of Toyotas, but equal w/more power, options. I regularly hit AZ mtns and Mexican beaches hauling SCUBA, biking gear - 40k trouble-free miles. Edmunds raters dog them because of "truck" feel, but thats what SUVs are about - not a station wagon! 3.5L V-6 is strong, reliable. Isuzu should update Trooper w/V-8 option for todays market and re-introduce. Will buy another when the time comes.

• 

  Practical SUV - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Mwidner - December 17 - 3:16 pm

  Good if going to use the "utility" part of SUV, otherwise buy a car. Lots of room to haul stuff, adequate power and great on hills and in snow.

• 

  Great Suv - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By tyler - November 12 - 2:00 am

  My dad gave me this as my first truck, like any other kid yeah i drove the heck out of it. Nothing major has ever went wrong with this car and i do run the heck out of it. Isuzu however did swap the engine for us because right at 70 thousand miles, it would consume a lot of oil and we would have to add it every 500. Known problem i have read about that problem a lot. Does great off roading ( doesnt mean you can go threw a mud pit ) but it will get you back to the trails. excellent in snow this truck goes threw a lot you wouldnt think it. Tows great, Ive pulled a big f150 right out of the mud before. aftermarket stereo installed, cold air intake, magna flow exhaust, tint , hid lights,

• 

  Great Price, Great Ride - No Regrets! - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By pbsoko - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I have been lookin for a Trooper for over a month; never was able to track one down because they would be sold within a few days of being at a dealership. Now I know why! These are excellent trucks. 4x4 TOD system rocks. Tackle anything really tough just shift to 4L and go for it. I have the luxury model. I would recommend the luxury model to everyone; it is really worth the extra bucks. The moonroof is huge, twice the size of a regular one. Engine performance is great. Regular driving on highway at 80 is nice & quiet & smooth. Gas mileage is as with any SUV, dont expect it to run on water; you can switch to 2WD which allows you to add a few MPG.

• 

  Happy Camper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By ridgerunner1 - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Good room for a mid-size. Great throttle response and power but if you want to tow anything above 2000# you should look at something with a v-8 as mileage drops in half. Better in every way than same year four runner or pathfinder and still has japanese quality. Paid 19.5K with 4800 miles. Depreciation has still been bad. Suspension is mushy around town but libertys, yukons, and denalis cant keep up on washboard roads.