1993 Isuzu Trooper S 3.2L

Summary:

It is slow and weak, but very capable and as far as reliability, it can't be beat!!

Faults:

The only things that have ever gone wrong with my trooper were: rear window cables at 30,000 (expensive),idler pulley at 130,000, and the timing belt at 220,000 miles. Now, muffler at 231,000

I honestly trust this thing to run perfectly more than I trust that the sun will come up, even with this kind of mileage!

Always has had a strange popping noise from front end in AWD...?

I have to comment on power..or..lack there of. Quite simply, It has no power. At all..none..needs that v-8 torque-scrap that 3.2L!!!

General Comments:

This is a rock solid SUV-very rigid frame, very top heavy-goes through shocks almost as fast as it does gas! I don't know how anyone can get good mileage from these troopers, I can best a 14 mpg... on the highway. What gives here?

Stock tires definitely leaves some to be desired.

Very roomy for Driver.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th April, 2005

14th Apr 2005, 12:38

RE: In short yes. When juxtaposed in such a manner, however, I feel that it calls more attention to my trooper's lack of power.

26th Oct 2006, 15:16

I now have 248,000 miles on my trooper. I can muster 17.5 mpg between hwy and city driving. It still burns no oil at all... I almost can't believe it!

Fuel pump did go out at about 235,000, but nothing wrong since then, just the routine stuff.

With this much mileage-- and it still runs perfectly-- it is by far the most reliable vehicle I've owned or known of.

9th Jun 2007, 01:11

Update: Currently have 256,000 miles and still running "strong." Nothing new to report, just checking in.

29th Jun 2008, 03:48

Update: Currently at 263,000 miles and have had a bit of action involving the Ol' Troop Troop. I nearly got in an accident when my brake lines rusted through and leaked all of my fluid while I was driving. I do not fault my trooper for this happening, but am simply reporting. My Trooper has rarely been garage kept, so what would one expect living in the midwest? The major rusting of the undercarriage and components are more than likely going to be it's demise as the engine runs fine still and burns no oil to speak of. Man this thing is the epitome of reliability, but for safety reasons I am retiring it soon.

In reply to 29th Jun 2008, 03:48

5th Sep 2016, 13:36

And how many miles does it have now?

1993 Isuzu Trooper V6 gas

Summary:

Probably OK for 4wd only... but stay away from high mile examples

Faults:

Overheating, varios trim/eletrical problems...

General Comments:

We bought this vehicle thinking we were getting a reliable 4wd for beach trips. It did OK for about 5 thousand miles and then the problems started. It seems like we got this vehicle as it peaked and now its on its way down. Almost every time I drive it something breaks or goes wrong. From the little things like the electrical stuff like the door locks and windows start to fail... 2 worn out switches and a worn out window motor. There is minor rust like any vehicle in my area (Hawaii) but the trooper doesn't handle it well... and it seems to literally be falling apart. Now recently we are having some overheating problems and even more problems with systems like the A/C and suspension.

I'm sure these are good vehicles at some point, but buyer be aware of buying one that has very many miles on it as they don't seem to last like I'm used to. I've had 3 toyotas, all well over 100k and one near 200k and I never had any of these types of general worn out type issues as I do with the trooper. I had 2 trucks and a 4runner and I don't know what I was thinking when I bought this... its now relisted for sale and I hope to pick up a 4runner, even with more miles on it I know I will be happier.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 18th September, 2004

18th Mar 2006, 03:46

Why you americans insist on driving on beaches in salty conditions I don't know. Salt is death for the body AND electrics. Stay away from the sea with a vehicle! And who would want to buy your salt infested 4wd unless you practically gave it away...

18th Mar 2006, 17:46

The comment from March 18th is hilarious! And Europeans are fond of criticizing Americans for their poor geography! You see, Hawaii is an island, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I'm not lying! Look on a map and you'll see. Thus, it's pretty difficult to stay away from the salt air at any point, and there's also a very good chance of encountering a few beaches from time to time.

25th Jun 2008, 00:12

I had a 93 Trooper LS for about 10 years and drove it everywhere for about 160k with no problems. I actually regret selling it.

15th Apr 2009, 23:49

I bought my 1993 Isuzu Trooper brand new -- the only vehicle I've ever bought brand new -- and I love it! Mine is a 5-speed and I taught my two kids and a friends kid to drive a stick, although I wouldn't recommend teaching someone else's kid :)

Overall I've had some problem - replaced the transmission - after teaching friend's kid... and have replaced the starter and alternator. It needs a new paint job, since mine has been the car out of the carport, but I still love driving it now -390k+ miles later - just as much as the first mile! I hope it lasts another 390!

27th Jan 2010, 01:10

I understand that you can't stay away from beaches in Hawaii (I'm not the euro poster up there), but he is right, sea salt accounts for the rusting and electronics, and when living in an area with high salt content, you probably shouldn't be buying a high mileage vehicle to begin with. It takes it's toll on a vehicle quickly.

I have had 3 vehicles that were infamously awesome cars until I took them and parked them in Seattle while I flew to Alaska to visit family for a month. Even in a garage, the salt takes its toll in the air, all of those cars rusted out in the end (save one that I had repaired immediately).. Salt and cars.. are not friendly to each other.