1996 Isuzu Trooper S review from North America

Starter motor went at 145,000 miles.

Changed rear brakes at 80,000.

Changed muffler at 80,000.

Changed 4 wheel drive actuator at 80,000.

New MonoMax Shocks at 140,000.

I have had this car for 8 years and it is by far the most reliable car I have ever had. It was driven hard for many years in Colorado, both on road and off, and never failed to get me where I was going.

One memorable moment was when I awoke at 5am on a camping trip in the fall in the mountains of central Colorado 7 miles from the nearest paved and maintained road to find a foot and a half of snow had fallen unexpectedly over the night. Startled, we threw everything into the Trooper and left immediately. Though we had much trouble making it through an extremely rutted and snow covered mountain road, we did in fact make it.

For years during the winter I rarely had the chance to take it out of 4 wheel drive. I redlined it going up long mountain hills, occasionally neglected to change the engine oil for extended periods of time, rode the timing belt 25,000 miles past recommended changing mileage. After moving from Colorado to the east coast I regularly drive it on the beach in the fall and spring to surfcast.

Used to bring all my friends up to the top of some crazy trails in groups of 8-10 people at a time for parties at the top of mountains. The most adults I have had in it at a single time was 13.

It has taken me and my friends through countless snowstorms to go skiing without a problem.

Yes, it goes through a quart of oil every 1,000 miles, but that's my only complaint.

Recently it was hit by a truck while parked and moved 8 ft onto the curb. Still runs straight as an arrow.

The engine oil problem would make me suggest not buying one used, but if you were lucky enough to buy one new when they were still being made keep it until it stops running, which may be a long time from now.