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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Trooper Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By Troop - August 25 - 10:00 amThis is an awesome car. I love the way it looks and the way it drives. It drives great! The interior is very nice. Leather, cd, wood, sunroof. I have had no problems. Great for long distance traveling. Comfortable seats. I highly recommed it!
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99 Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By snard - August 25 - 10:00 amNot a day of trouble in 3 1/2 years.
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Where Oh Where Does All The Oil Go? - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By Kristofer - August 22 - 9:10 pmI bought my Trooper late in 2005 with 53K after researching for value. Too bad I didnt check reliability as well, but hey its Japanese! The 3.5 six cylinder consumes copious amounts of oil... as much as a quart per week. The EGR valve required replacing, ($1000), at 70K because of burning all that oil. Shocks were replaced ($280), two weeks ago and last night at 81K the starter failed ($670). It handles great in the snow and carries scuba gear for 4 including 8 tanks, with room to spare. Im going to drive this until it falls apart as resale value is laughable.
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Lots of SUV for the money - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By Harhir - August 7 - 10:00 amI bought this truck half a year ago and I it was a great buy. Lots of space, good off road capabilities, high payload, huge trunk, low trunk level thanks to the outside mounted spare tire, great 4WD system. Even the base model gives you all you need and nothing you dont. Low price: I got a brand new 2001 Trooper S with 4WD for less than $22K.
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I Love my Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By paul medolo - July 3 - 2:13 pmSimply the best all around vehicle we have ever owned! Isuzu should bring them back into production
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Great Value - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By Sastisfied Owner - July 3 - 10:00 amAfter 2+ years of ownership and 40K miles of road use Ive yet to experience the first problem. It is a great vehicle for long distance travel, especially if carrying camping/other gear.
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ok so far - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
By Billl32001 - June 6 - 6:33 amBought new, has 90000 miles. 60000 had intake manifold go, which is very common. 70000 had egr go, not a big deal. 88000 had to put new starter in, $500. Thats it so far, except basic stuff like pads, muffler and lights. Did timing belt early, I notice a lot of used ones have bad belts.
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best vehicle ever purchased - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
By nataanderson - June 6 - 2:00 amI absolutely love everything about it! It is roomier than any of the other suvs in and some above its class. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for an awesome vehicle!
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Exceptional 2nd Trooper - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
By Army Trooper - June 6 - 2:00 amThis is my second Isuzu Trooper; my first was a 1988 that I reluctantly sold. I had it for 10 years. The 1999 is far more powerful, rides even better, and really delivers a punch when needed. I intend to keep mine for as long as I can! And then I intend to give it to my daughter as her first vehicle! Super performer off road and on in all weather conditions. Pleased as pleased can be!
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I love my Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
By mossycoyote - April 19 - 2:00 amI have to admit Im a Trooper fan. My 2001 is the 4th Trooper Ive owned. Ive this one driven it on the beach and to Mt. Evans (14,000asl)in Colorado and it performed great at sea level and at altitude. I love the roomy interior. I can pack it full of camping gear, or full of groceries and still have room for the family.
