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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  up to 88k miles since new - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By shawn - September 18 - 7:13 pm

  I have owned this truck since new and am still have not had any issues besides normal wear items like brakes, wiper, tires & shocks. My wife gets a different car each year and it amazes me that this old Trooper just keeps kicking without a hitch. Excellent power to weight ratio. Ill probably buy something new this year and keep the Trooper just because it is so reliable.

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  Surprise - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By I-5 Bandit - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I am pleased with our choice . We needed a family rig that could with stand our life-style. Trips to the Washington mountains loging roads, snow, camping trips and keeping up with 04 Rangers, Tacomas, Jeeps and Z71s. We have been able to go where all others go, and we are usually leading the pack. I put on some BF All terrains...Great move. Am planning to put on some rancho this summer. Yes I do have to add oil every 1500 miles...It just makes me stay on top of oil changes. Has excellent off road ability, have climbed some pucker upper hills, have not rolled or have even been close. Have fun

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  A l m o s t perfect... - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By easychair - July 16 - 2:00 am

  My 3rd Trooper, this is the best one yet. Near-V8 power, great blend of comfort, sensibility, and utility. Nice manners on road, but does everything right in sand, steep hills, big rocks, whatever. Needs a little more grunt for towing my trailer in the AZ mountains. I added LT tires and Rancho shocks. At 57k, reliabilty has been exceptional.

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  Love my 2001 Trooper - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By Andrew - February 23 - 6:30 am

  This has been a fantastic car. I use the 4WD about 10 times a year still and have not gotten stuck...even through thick beach sand, north ga back trails and 3ft of water. Pretty cool. The car has been extremely reliable and has yet to leave me stranded. My wife loves the seat warmers. I had the brakes checked every tire rotation and finally had to change the front brake pads for the first time at 105,000 miles!!!! Only complaint would be the factoy stereo and gas mileage. 16-17mpgHWY

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  Keeps on Trucking - 1999 Isuzu Trooper
  By cstrat - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Reliable workhorse. Adequate power for a truck. Underside mechanicals are well protected from object damage.

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  2002 Trooper - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By parkstribe - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Second Trooper I have owned. Only complaint is the mysterious "oil usage" that plagues the 3.5L V6 engine. But, 10 yr, 120K mile warranty will take care of it, if necessary.

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  Built like a tank - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By SteveK - November 25 - 12:46 pm

  Bought this used a year old 17,000 miles for 1/2 price of new. At 78,000 miles torque converter bearing failed costing me $900 at a trusted transmission shop, dealer wanted $4500 for a whole transmission. Other than that this car has had zero problems , absolutely no work other than one brake job, a few light bulbs and regular fluid changes..well over 100k now. It really is built like tank. I use it to haul family, lots of gear, and towing. 4WD low gear combined with high ground clearance is useful if you need it. Not for everyone but a good off road vehicle priced very low. Maybe Im lucky, but have many friends with Ford/Chevy SUVs who had to replace everything but the engine by 100K

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  Superb!! - 2001 Isuzu Trooper
  By DaveM - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Impeccable build quality; Perfectly sized - Im 63" and the unusual driving position (upright seating) is not only comfortable but well thought- out; cavernous inside; classic, subtle styling. Ride & handling roved when I replace shocks and installed poly bushings.

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  horrible transmissions - 2002 Isuzu Trooper
  By Danstrooper99 - November 12 - 4:13 am

  Truck is great for function. Built tough and comfortable. I have owned 5 Troopers and cannot imagine another vehicle matching its looks, comfort, functionality and cost. The only thing is that the tranny is waaaay too small and craps out. Rebuilds are junk and there is no real alternative to them. Those trannys are best left in France. Nothing but Giant paper weights.

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  2000 Isuzu Trooper - 2000 Isuzu Trooper
  By Isuzu Trooper - November 10 - 12:00 am

  Well, here it goes: I bought it used, when i was 16 (im 18 now). It had only 22,500 miles on it, and for $17,500 i bought it. The transmission went around 30,000, luckily it was under warranty so Isuzu replaced it. But to not have a car for 2 weeks was crazy. Then recently I had my check engine light come on. (49,000 miles). Took it to the dealer and it ended up being a coil that held one of my spark plugs. Replaced it and the cost was originally $410.00, I complained and got it for 318.00. I was angry but hey, I need my car. The Trooper is now driven mostly on the highway because Im away at school. Nice to drive too.(GREAT in the SNOW!).