1993 Isuzu Trooper LS 3.2 DOHC

Summary:

This machine is a blessing!!

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong on this Trooper was the EGR valve. I believe that was my doing by trying to clean it with a caustic cleaner.

Other than that, this Trooper has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned!!

General Comments:

185,000 miles and yes, no squeaks or rattles. I actually decided buy it after reading all the great reviews on this site.

I have taken this vehicle where Jeeps have gotten stuck, and made it out just fine. I live in SE Idaho where January temps get to the -18 below zero range, and she starts right up without a fuss. Winter traction is superior to the poorly made Jeep Cherokee I once owned.

I feel this vehicle has been a true blessing. I'm going to look at buying a second 93 Trooper I found today. If you are thinking about getting a Trooper then do it!! This Trooper even runs better than my Acura, which is almost as old. I would however stay with a 3.2 DOHC motor. The other Trooper I'm buying tomorrow also has the DOHC. There is a website forum dedicated to Isuzu fan, where you will learn the newer 3.5 motor had issues with drinking oil. The 3.2 SOHC motor is 15hp less than the DOHC, and is prone to valve tick. From what I understand, it's more of an annoyance than anything.

Bottom line.. If you need a RUGGED SUV, then buy a Trooper. This is the sole reason why Honda rebadged the Rodeo and called it a Passport!! :0)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2010

26th Jan 2010, 15:06

I'm the original poster, and I picked up that other Trooper I was looking at. Now I have 2 Troopers in front of my house. I love these machines!! This one will need some cleaning, but it runs like a champ. It's got all the goodies like heated leather seats and a 5spd, which is fun to drive.

1993 Isuzu Trooper S (base) 3.2 liter SOHC

Summary:

Very reliable tough roomy vehicle

Faults:

Have owned the Trooper now for about five years, & the most expensive problem to date was a replacement of the fuel pump, because it is located inside the fuel tank. Cost was around $300.

All other repairs, replacements etc. were of anormal range of auto servicing.

Isuzu dealers are VERY pricey in parts costs, so if possible go with a reliable auto parts dealer such as: Auto Zone, Advance, O'Reiley, Napa etc.

Some parts can be readily found at junk yards. I bought a thermostat housing piece for $15, good shape, no problems with it. The dealer wanted $250.

General Comments:

This is the first ever SUV that I have owned, & I am very impressed & plan to purchase a Trooper again as my next vehicle.

Will probably move up in years so as to get a little more horse power, because the 1993 models are a little sluggish like most pre-96 models according to reviews etc.

Mine is about 180 horses & it's heavy, about 4,200 lbs. 1998 models have about 220 horses, so should be a decent improvement.

I have had this work horse in all types of terrain, mud, snow, dirt, gravel you name it & it has never even come close to getting stuck.

I believe it would climb a tree if I let it :)

It's very roomy & interior wise comfortable. Don't expect a glide ride on the road because it's not a performance car.

I plan to upgrade suspension, air intake, performance plugs, wires etc.

It's a little heavy on braking, but I am a mature type driver so I have rarely had to brake hard.

FYI, some may notice the engine being a little noisy, that seems to be a Isuzu thing because all Troopers that I have heard sound like that.

I take very good care of mine, service engine etc. regularly with oil changes & fluids & even after 225,000 miles, it uses very little oil.

Only thing different I would want is a little better fuel mileage, it gets about 15 mpg. And it would be nice if it had a little better torque & horse power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2008