2000 Isuzu Trooper: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Isuzu's SUV flagship adds 2-wheel-drive variants, gets freshened grille and taillight styling, and expands its lineup from one trim level to three for 2000.

Trooper is a 4-door wagon with swing-out rear doors split 70/30. A choice of S, LS, and Limited models replaces last year's lone S-level trim. The only engine is again a 3.5-liter V6 linked to manual or automatic transmission, but all models now offer rear-wheel drive; 4WD had been standard.

Manual-transmission 4WD Troopers get a shift-on-the-fly part-time system that's not for use on dry pavement; those with automatic include Isuzu's Torque On Demand 4WD system, which does not require that 4WD be disengaged on dry pavement. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds.

Among other 2000 changes, automatic climate control is now standard, and automatic transmissions are revised to minimize gear changes on grades. Isuzu has doubled its powertrain warranty to 10 years/120,000 miles on Amigo, Trooper, and VehiCross. Isuzu had provided Honda's upscale Acura division with a vehicle nearly identical to the Trooper for sale as the SLX, but Acura has dropped that model for 2000.

COMPETITION

Though this segment has cooled somewhat with the rise in fuel prices, it's still one of the hottest. Our Best Buy is the Ford Expedition. We love the size, comfort, and power of this big SUV. Hot on its heels are the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. We were very impressed with these vehicles initially, and when we have more time to fully evaluate them we expect them to be Best Buys as well.

For a few more bucks you can get the highly recommended Toyota Land Cruiser. Its high price is the only thing holding back this refined and drivable SUV.