Cars - Isuzu Trooper

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	Cars - Isuzu Trooper

Between 1983 and 2002, Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan manufactured and exported the mid-size SUV known variously as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper and Holden Jackaroo. Though it was never a sales favorite in the SUV world, and was eventually eclipsed by more contemporary car-like SUVs, it is the rugged and sturdy qualities of these vehicles which have earned them an enduring fan base amongst off road enthusiasts.

There were two generations of the Trooper produced – the first spanning 1983 through 1991, and the second from 1992 through 2002 when Isuzu ceased export of the model. It began its production run being somewhat primitive and underpowered, offered only with a 4 cylinder motor, standard 5 speed manual transmission, and part-time 4x4 system. As the first generation progressed, it became more luxurious, offered more amenities, a V6 engine, and the second generation was larger still, more refined and was available with two wheel drive.

First Generation

Available as a 2 or 4 door, with a solid rear axle and the front featuring independent suspension. Early engines included 1.9L and 2.0L that were underpowered for its weight—about 4500 pounds (2000 kg). The 4x4 system required the driver to engage four wheel drive operating a 3 position stick adjacent to the regular transmission shifter. Both Asin manual locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were available. In 1986, Isuzu introduced a 2.3L engine, which, though still a somewhat anemic 92 hp (72 kW), was a vast improvement over the previous engines. In 1987 Isuzu introduced its first fuel-injected engine, a 2.6L (part #4ZE1), for the Trooper. As foreign SUVs gained market share, tariffs were introduced, and Isuzu for a time imported a model known as the Trooper II, which arrived on US shores sans any rear seats. In a bit of creative loophole jumping, Isuzu avoided the tariffs by having the dealers install the rear seats. Later first-generation models included an option for a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 6-cylinder engine sourced from General Motors (their 2.8L pushrod V-6), along with a 7.5 in (191 mm) differential.

Second Generation

Isuzu's completely redesigned Trooper was much more in keeping with the trend of making SUVs larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. These vehicles used a 3.2L single-overhead-cam (SOHC) model that put out 175 hp, with an available 3.2L dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) engine rated at 190 hp. A SOHC 3.2L engine producing 190 hp replacing the prior engines was introduced in 1996. However most models with the exclusion of the 1996 SE Limited still used a part-time 4x4 system which required stopping the vehicle to engage & disengage. The 1996 SE Limited model came with shift on the fly 4x4 engagement.

Beginning in 1998 Troopers in the US were equipped with a dual-overhead-cam (DOHC) 3.5L engine producing 215 hp. European and Asian buyers could opt for a 2.2L diesel and other diesel engine options later on. At this time the introduction of the Borg-Warner Torque on Demand system allowed shift on the fly 4x4 engagement.

Transmission options were a 5-speed manual transmission and an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic had a "power" shift program wherein shift points were moved higher in the RPM band to take better advantage of the engine's power. It has a "winter" mode which allowed the transmission to start off in 3rd gear for extra slippery conditions.

Standard on all models were a rear Limited Slip Differential, skid plates protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and radiator, and on 4x4 models automatic locking front hubs.

In model year 2003, the Trooper was replaced in the United States market by the GM-produced Isuzu Ascender also known as the GMC Envoy.

Consumer Reports

The second generation Trooper received some bad press in the US when the 1995-1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing. In a lawsuit brought by Isuzu against Consumers Union, the court found that some of the magazine's statements showed a "reckless disregard" for the truth. The court found in favor for Isuzu on 60% of the claims in the suit. Ultimately, however, many of Isuzu's other major allegations - including negative statements, test doctoring, and stunt driving - were dismissed by the jury, and the lawsuit favored Consumers Union. Trooper sales figures, already trailing larger and more powerful SUVs, never recovered.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Isuzu Trooper ]

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Cars - Isuzu Trooper

First Generation

Second Generation

Consumer Reports

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