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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What a Vehicle! - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By Pearl05 - September 16 - 10:00 amWe own a 1992 Trooper, and when it came time to purchase another vehicle, we drove them all-Pathfinders, 4runners, Escapes etc. All paths lead back to the 2002 Trooper. We bought it used (14,000 mi)-it runs great, is roomy, sharp-looking and exactly what we need in an SUV-were sorry to see that Isuzu will no longer carry future models. The 1992? Oldest son now drives it. This vehicle will always have special place in my heart!
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Still runnin strong - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By Daniel - July 7 - 12:10 amI purchased a 99 Isuzu Trooper 4WD new and have never had any problems besides normal wear like shocks, tires, brakes. Very reliable truck. Excellent power to weight ratio.
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Great Vehicle - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By jarb - July 2 - 10:00 amThe trooper LS is a lot of vehicle for the money. Well designed and built. Very reliable. I would recommend this SUV to anyone and would buy any Isuzu product.
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Steves Isuzu Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By Steve Trooper - May 21 - 10:00 amGreat. Nice, big, & roomy. Interior very flexible for putting things in (seats down/up, etc. + other unique features). Poor gas mileage - 12-14 mpg around town.
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cross country - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By paul medolo - May 7 - 10:43 amwe went 7100 miles in 3weeks we were very comfortable and covered 21 states we would recomend this vehicle to anyone!
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Very Satified Owner - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By Mary Brandenburg - March 20 - 2:00 amI purchased this vehicle approx. 14 mos ago based upon the outstanding rebate and need for new vehicle. I was not totally sold on it when I sought it, but I purchased the Limited model which had all of the options I was wanting. Im liking it more and more and have been very satisfied with the overall performance. It doesnt get fantastic gas mileage but I have not had a single problem with it.
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Value added - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By TRUPA - February 24 - 10:00 amBest SUV you can get at a reasonable price.
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Wouldnt buy one again - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By tom423 - January 12 - 10:00 amWouldnt buy one again.
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just fair - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By joe kirshenbaum - January 7 - 4:06 amI like the size and roominess of the interior. Driversite lines are good and car is very comfortable to drive. Plenty of passenger room and cargo room. However, vehicle is heavy and a bit sluggish to operate. Low gas mileage tops out at about 15.5 mpg true driving conditions. Had to have transmission replaced at 72000 miles (covered 100% by warranty). Also have had several issues with 4wd system which were only partially covered by warranty. The mechanical problems and below average gas mileage prevent me from recommending car as an every day vehicle
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My 2nd Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By Quynn - November 20 - 10:43 pmIve had some problems with the Transmission too and my mileage is low. The RPMs go crazy & I had problems braking. I drive a little, turn off car & restart sometimes fixes problem. My drivers seat does NOT go all the way back. Im 54" & have short legs and seat is problem along with contour. I had a 88 Trooper & loved it. I like this too but I wish the seats were manual & the CD player was of better quality. Lots of room, I can put 2 bird cages, 3 cat carriers and 1-50 lbs dog & their food, in cargo area in case of hurricane evacuation. The "check engine" thingie is broken. I had it reset twice. 2 weeks later, when I gassed up, the light came back on.
