1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper: Road Test

All three V6 engines are silky and quiet, if not quite frisky. An early automatic LS wagon accelerated to 60 mph in a wholly adequate 11.7 seconds, but speed trails off fast on steep grades. Although the automatic transmission hunts busily between gears in urban driving, it's smooth and responsive. Gas mileage isn't great--we averaged just 15.8 mpg. The 4-door has a stable, pleasantly supple ride, dealing with most bumps in a manner comparable to a large station wagon. It fails to soak up big bumps well, though, and feels somewhat harsh on rough pavement. A Trooper easily tackles tough off-road terrain. Quick highway cornering induces mild body lean, but little of the typical tall-4WD queasiness. Tire roar is low, but wind noise high. Braking is above average for the sport-utility class. Troopers rank among the roomiest sport-utility vehicles, though getting inside can be a chore due to the tall step-up. Head room is bountiful, and the back seats three adults comfortably. Visibility is great. The driver's area is attractive and convenient. Isuzu's 70/30 rear cargo door opens onto a tall, long cargo area.

Value for the Money
Rating high on our list of upscale 4x4s, early Troopers trail such rivals as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee mainly in their omission of shift-on-the-fly 4WD (on 1992-95 models) and an airbag (1992-94 models).