1987 Isuzu Trooper review from North America
"Not a powerful vehicle, but a nice one nonetheless"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Ignition module went out about 197000 miles.
O2 sensor went bad around 197000 miles.
Cat Converter barely passed smog at 198000 miles.
Irregular problem with a short in the ignition causing the engine to quit running.
Replaced Master Cylinder at 197000 miles.
General comments?
I bought this vehicle not expecting much in the way of performance. It was to be a "family car" to hold the increased size of my immediate family (where the toyota I had and loved dearly only held 2 people, this baby could hold me the woman and the child as well as the dawg). I dumped a LOT of money into her to get her to pass california's smog test, and she has stranded me a few times needing towed (non 4x4 related). she all, but dumps oil on the ground (4 quarts on a recent 700 mile trip), has no pickup, no climbing power (semi's were passing me up on long uphill mountains). The factory radio was gone when I got the car, but the original speakers kick with the 200 watt cd player I installed, she gets a hair over 20 mpg on the high way even with my foot to the floor most of the time to keep up with 80 mph traffic, has a huge fuel tank and some performance upgrade options that won't kill her image too badly.
Recommended reviews
![]() ![]() | 1988 - Trooper 2.6L 4 cylinder 2.6 L 4 cylinder engine is unreliable! |
![]() ![]() | Dependable, cheap, easy, what more do you want? |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model Year | 1987 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.3L Manual |
| Performance marks | 3/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 6/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 196000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 198000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota MR2 |
| Date of Entry | 1st November, 2004 |

