1998 Isuzu Trooper S 3.5 gas

Faults:

Replaced A/C compressor at 135,000.

Intake manifold gasket at 80,000.

EGR valve at 75,000.

Oxygen sensor at 12,000, fixed under warranty.

General Comments:

This is a great SUV, 2nd one I have owned. Same problems as everyone else. Uses quart of oil every 800 miles. It is a strong truck, has held up very well. EGR valve issues - just needs to be cleaned every time the check engine light comes on.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th November, 2009

1998 Isuzu Trooper S 3.5

Summary:

Super-Gnar-Snow-Truck

Faults:

Burns oil. About a quart every 1000 miles. It doesn't leak or smoke, simply burns it? Common problem for these trucks apparently?

General Comments:

I bought this car to get me from A to B in summit county, Colorado (9500ft). Truck is awesome, it troops through every and all kinds of weather conditions. It does burn oil as do most all other Troopers do, but I check every time I fill up (maybe 1/4 quart short every time). No problems other than that.

When all the other 4x4s are stuck trying to get up the icy/snowy hill, the Trooper is often leaving all the Chevy and Toyota 4x4s behind, being the only one who can make it, even with less than great snow tires.

I love my Trooper and wish they still made them.

Now, if I were to live in the city, the gas mileage is awful (apprx: 12mpg) and I'd select something different, but for what I need it for, (tracking through gnar snow and ice) perfect, snowboarders dream truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st October, 2009

1998 Isuzu Trooper S 3.5

Summary:

I have never enjoyed a vehicle more

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

A fantastic value in the used marketplace. Most people think I paid twice as much for it as I did. They also think it is half as old as it actually is.

Very durable materials and quality finish. Leather seats are plush and very thick. Still in great shape for a ten year old vehicle.

Acceleration is more than adequate.

Sunroof is huge.

Everything works: power seats, windows, seat heaters, power mirrors, etc.

AC is a little underpowered.

Cargo and passenger room is awesome.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st May, 2008

1998 Isuzu Trooper S 3.5L V6

Summary:

Good vehicle, very reliable

Faults:

I recently lost power from the engine. Running fine 1 minute, the next moment it starts popping, farting, bucking and no acceleration. Changed fuel filter, running smoother at idle, but still no power to accelerate. Injectors are firing, has 125 lbs compression on cylinders. Timing belt is good. Pulled cover cam shafts good. This problem seems centralized to drivers side of motor only. Changed spark plugs no change. Fuel pressure at 45 to 50 psi. Has been a great vehicle until this mystery appeared, does any have any solutions or experience with this problem. HELP!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd September, 2006

1st Sep 2016, 00:48

Try replacing the distributor cap and rotor; that should do the trick. If not, replace the distributor.

1998 Isuzu Trooper S 3.5L

Summary:

A unique SUV for those of us who like to explore, haul cargo, and still fit in a parking space.

Faults:

High oil consumption since new. I'm used to checking every 800 miles to be safe. Sludges up when used for mostly short trips.

Tune up needed at 55k miles. Also vacuum leak fixed - intake gaskets. Leaky trans pan gasket replaced.

New timing belt and drive belt at 66k miles.

Replaced front & rear pinion seals, front brake pads at 73k miles.

Replaced rear brake rotors and one caliper at 80k miles.

EGR cleaned twice. Engine decarb, flush twice. EGR Valve & gasket replaced at 85k miles.

AC Compressor replaced, and loose heat shield 81k miles.

Power steering pulley and belt at 90k miles.

General Comments:

Very comfortable, great view, nice ergonomics. Trooper is solidly built inside and out.

Extremely capable and has never left me stranded.

Stock suspension is too soft for regular off-road use. Lots of nose dive when braking hard. Car leans predictably, but passengers get nervous easily.

Steering is predictable, brakes are excellent, wide engine power range. Plenty of HP and torque for a 3.5L V6.

The 1998-2002 Troopers have few after-market upgrades. It can be frustrating.

Minor annoyance - Rear wiper is almost useless. Poor design.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 13th February, 2006