1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper: Full Review
Updated: 12/17/09
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- 4WD traction
- Passenger and cargo room
Cons
- Entry/exit
- Fuel economy
- Lack of shift-on-the-fly (pre '96)
Vehicle Highlights
Larger and plusher than its predecessor, the second-generation 4-door sport-utility wagon debuted in March 1991 in base S and luxury LS trim. Base models got a 175-horsepower, single-cam 3.2-liter V6 engine. The LS earned a twin-cam version that made 190 horsepower. Antilock rear braking was standard; 4-wheel ABS optional, but only on the LS. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; electronic 4-speed automatic optional. Part-time 4-wheel drive included a floor-mounted transfer case lever and automatic-locking hubs, and was not intended for use on dry pavement.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Isuzu Trooper LS auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper.
Year to Year Changes
1993 Isuzu Trooper:
A 2-door RS wagon joined for 1993 on a wheelbase 17 inches shorter and measuring a foot shorter overall. Trim and equipment for the RS were similar to that of the 4-door LS.
1994 Isuzu Trooper:
Four-wheel antilock braking became available on S and RS models this year, and standard on the top-of-the-line LS. Rear-wheel ABS remained standard on the lower-priced models.
1995 Isuzu Trooper:
Trooper added dual airbags for 1995, as the 2-door wagon disappeared. All models now had four doors and Isuzu's unique 70/30 split rear doors. The new instrument panel featured stalk controls for headlights and wipers.
1996 Isuzu Trooper:
For 1996, Troopers finally got a new 4WD system for shifting in and out of 4WD High while on the move. All models now had a single-cam V6 engine, but rated at 190 horsepower instead of 175.
1997 Isuzu Trooper:
Four-wheel antilock braking was standard on all Troopers for '97.
1998 Isuzu Trooper:
Isuzu made two important changes to the Trooper for 1998. First, they added a bigger and more-powerful V6 engine. Displacing 3.5 liters, the new V6 made 25 more horsepower and 42 more pound-feet of torque than last year's 3.2-liter. Second, they made standard a new full-time 4WD system. Called Torque-On-Demand, the system normally operated in rear-wheel drive, but automatically sent power to the front wheels when wheel slip was detected.
1999 Isuzu Trooper:
Changes were few this year. A first-aid kit became standard and the Performance Package added fog lamps and available gold trim. This would be the last year for Acura's Trooper-clone, the SLX.
2000 Isuzu Trooper:
Rear-wheel-drive models became available, as part of an expanded lineup. Previously, Troopers had been 4WD only. S, LS, and Limited models replaced the lone S model of '99. Troopers gained a new grille and taillights, and automatic climate control became standard. Automatic transmissions were revised in an attempt to minimize gear changes on inclines. Isuzu stretched its powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles.
2001 Isuzu Trooper:
An Anniversary Edition was added in celebration of Isuzu's 85th year.
2002 Isuzu Trooper:
Trooper closed out its run unchanged, to be replaced for 2003 by the Chevrolet TrailBlazer-based Ascender.
Our road test for the 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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).
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).
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Isuzu Trooper LS auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 2 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 7 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Isuzu Trooper includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Isuzu Trooper .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Dashboard lights:
Vacuum solenoid-valve problems might cause the 4WD lamp to illuminate while in two-wheel-drive mode. (1996)
Engine noise:
Ticking noise from the top of 3.2L V6 engine may be due to hydraulic lash adjuster failure caused by varnish deposits and using 0W-30 Mobil I synthetic oil has been successful in cleaning them. (1997-earlier)
Keys:
The ignition key can be hard to remove because the lens over the shift lever interferes with the shift cable. (1992)
Suspension noise:
The differential may chatter in turns requiring the oil to be drained and refilled including a bottle of limited-slip additive. (1992-93)
Windows:
The fuse for the power windows, cruise control, and instrument panel may blow due to an intermittent short in the three-four gear switch for the transmission. (1994)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,260 |
| Alternator | $295 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,465 |
| Brakes | $340 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $660 |
| Exhaust System | $370 |
| Radiator | $740 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $320 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $100 |
| Universal Joints | $190 |
Our price chart for this generation Isuzu Trooper details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2002 | |||
| Trooper | $3,800-5,100 | $3,100-4,200 | $1,300-1,700 |
| 2001 | |||
| Trooper | $3,400-4,600 | $2,700-3,600 | $900-1,200 |
| 2000 | |||
| Trooper | $3,000-4,100 | $2,300-3,200 | $700-900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Trooper | $2,700-3,500 | $2,000-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1998 | |||
| Trooper | $2,400-3,100 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Trooper | $2,100-2,800 | $1,500-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Trooper | $1,800-2,500 | $1,200-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Trooper | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1994 | |||
| Trooper | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Trooper | $1,200-1,700 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Trooper | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Isuzu Trooper include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door wagon | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 91.7 | 108.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 166.5 | 183.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.7 | 68.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 72.8 | 72.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4060 | 4210 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 68.3 | 90.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 22.5 | 22.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 39.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.8 | 40.8 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.8 | 39.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.2 | 39.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two versions of the initial 3.2-liter V6 engine were produced. A single-overhead-cam rendition, installed in the base (S) model, developed 175 horsepower. The dual-overhead-cam V6, standard in the LS and RS, made 190 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard. The optional 4-speed automatic had Normal, Power, and Winter modes. Starting in 1996, Troopers got a stronger (190-horsepower) version of the single-cam engine. Then, in 1998, the 3.2 was replaced by a dual-cam 3.5-liter V6. It had 215 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.2 / 193 | 175-190 | 188 | 5-speed manual: 16/18 4-speed automatic: 14/18 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 14.9 |
| dohc V6 | 3.2 / 193 | 190 | 195 | 5-speed manual: 14/17 4-speed automatic: 14/17 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 15.8 |
| dohc V6 | 3.5 / 213 | 215 | 230 | 5-speed manual: 16/19 4-speed automatic: 15/19 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 16.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Isuzu Trooper include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Trooper |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1992-2002 Isuzu Trooper directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1992-94:
Camshaft plug can become dislodged from cylinder head, allowing oil to leak; can cause engine damage and fire.
1992-95:
Accelerator cable may stick, so engine speed will not immediately drop when gas pedal is released; delay could total several seconds.
1992-95:
The accelerator cable may stick, causing a delay of vehicle speed reduction upon release of the gas pedal. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
1996:
Certain vehicles have incorrect rear center-seatbelt buckle; tongue cannot be inserted.
1996-97:
Left front brake line can be damaged, resulting in fluid leakage, reduced brake effectiveness, and longer stopping distance.
1998:
Improperly installed transfer-gearbox nuts may loosen; propeller shaft can then separate, resulting in sudden loss of drive to wheels and possible damage to critical components.
2000-01 w/TOD:
In certain high-speed frontal crashes, movement of engine-compartment components can cause the potential for fuel leakage.
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