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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  great trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By riles - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Not enough cup holders and low gas mileage but tows great, off roads great, and packs a ton. I would recommend.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By surf23 - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I received my 2001 black Trooper for my birthday in September. Going from a car to the Trooper was the best decision. It travels long distances well and puts my parents at ease when I make trips to and from college. For outdoor lovers, it accomodates for many activities. I can fit 3 or 4 surfboards easily in the back.

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  Wonderful, Very Underrated Vehicle - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By R. OD - February 4 - 1:56 am

  Ive been driving 26 years and this is by far the finest vehicle I have ever owned. The emphasis on quality overcost savings is readily apparent. Its been coast to coast twice and to Alaska once. Even at 97,000 miles ithasnt hiccuped even once. It drives and rides smoother than many cars Ive owned. It hasnt developed any squeaks or rattles at all. The engine is smooth quiet and powerful, the transmission is equally impressive. The four wheel ventilated disc brakesare phenomenal.

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  Isuzu is the best truck made, Texas - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By InfamousKato - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why you have to drive a big truck in TX when the best truvk made is the Trooper. I had already pulled a high-centered Dodge out of the mud....what else do you want?

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  Wanted a Tahoe - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By CHKeith - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Since the $35K asking price for the new Tahoes was too rich for my blood, I "settled" for a Trooper. For $10K less, including tax and tags, I couldnt be happier. Although it weighs 1200 lbs more than my Blazer, my Trooper has superior pickup and its 230 hp outruns any truck with less than 8 cylinders. The AC is a little under powered on sweltering afternoons and the gas mileage is pathetically poor. Still and all, it is an excellent truck and Im glab I bought one.

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  Maybe mine is a Lemon - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By JD - December 14 - 8:50 am

  Bought mine with only 8K miles in 01. Everything went well until engine threw a rod at 58K miles and destroyed the engine. Engine was replaced under warranty by Isuzu. Good customer service, it just took 3 months for the engine replacement. In the interim had to buy another vehicle to fill the void. Once car was returned engine management system failed at 62K miles (not covered under warranty). Quality of build pales compared to my old 86 Trooper II. Not recommended.

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  2001 Isuzu Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Vermillion - December 14 - 2:00 am

  I like my Trooper! I can not say enough about the vehicle itself. I remember traveling on icy roads and putting it into 4 wheel drive and the the feel of security hitting you.

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  Nice for a while - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Gelinas - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2000 Trooper Limited. Nice truck, very comfortable, great for vacations, etc. Horrible gas milage, we live in a very hilly part od the country and the up and down hills killed me a the pump, averaged 12 MPG.

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  One of the better values + big warranty - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Jim in StL - October 13 - 2:00 am

  After 25,000 miles this vehicle still drives as new. Very solid build quality - much better than seen on Explorers or Blazers. Gas mileage could be better but lets face it, it isnt the most aerodynamic shape... We are very happy with this vehicle and would have purchased another (in time) had they not discontinued them.

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  This is not a good choice - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Laszlo - October 3 - 6:50 pm

  We needed a 4WD since we moved from Los Angeles to an area that had snow. We bought the Trooper used. It had only 32000 miles and looked very clean. Its been in the shop twice in the past 4 months and the parts are hard to get. Gas mileage was terrible before our first trip to the mechanic and now the tranmission leaks and there is no easy way to fill it. The mechanic found no dip stick. The fluid has to be pumped in under the car. They sure dont make it easy! There are so many better trucks out there, there is no reason to buy 2nd or 3rd best. The Trooper is no better than 3rd best choice for an SUV. Its uncomfortable, unreliable and gets terrible gas mileage. Stay away!