1996 Isuzu Trooper Reviews

Brakes at 90000, and replaced brake lines with Goodridge SS lines.

Seats are pretty much worn out as far as padding, fabric still looks good.

Shocks replaced with Pro Comp at 90000, and replaced rear springs with OME Heavy Duty, and front torsion bars with Sway-A-Way 30% stronger than stock.

Muffler at 100000, replaced with Flomaster 40, along with O2 sensors.

Tires at 100000 with Dunlop RVXT in 255 70 r16.

Oil consumption is 1-2 quarts in 3000 miles. In winter I run Max Life 10w30, and in summer 20w50.

Starter and battery at 100000.

Very rock solid build on this vehicle, can carry all the people, gear, and supplies that you can carry, especially with the upgraded suspension, which also solves the body lean issues noted in original press. Great Kayak vehicle, and base camp.

Motor torque is solid, even if the HP is a bit light for the weight of this vehicle.

Due for 120000 mile service this spring, and will change all belts, water pump, and hoses. Considering crankshaft and camshaft front seals as well.

Estimate I will rebuild the clutch in the next 20,000 miles, and would replace the rear engine seals at that time.

4.56 standard gearing makes this thing climb like a mountain goat, with minimal effort. Don't expect to win any drag races.

Next set of tires I'm going to 32", mileage is reliably 16 in mixed driving, good is 17.

Fantastic on road and off road, has put a few Land Rovers to shame. Tows like a train.

Great to drive, and the handling on road is not bad.

Clutch Master Cylinder replaced at 120K miles.

Needed new shocks when I bought it (107K miles)

The Trooper is a tank. It runs and runs, it's fun to drive, it's easy to see all around you, starts reliably, drives reliably.

It's not the fastest thing on the road, but I'm very happy with it. Daily commuter, plus it carries family and friends around SF, to the Sierras, to LA very nicely.

Best thing about it though was our recent trip to Baja. 2500 miles on it, including 200 miles of rough rough road - not a problem, nothing broke, never got stuck. And we got back without any extra squeaks, rattles, anything that I might've expected after the pounding we gave it.

My last truck was a Chevy S-10 4x4, fun truck, but cheaply made - things kept falling off, interior and exterior: driver side door, mirror, glove box door, etc. Final blow was losing the spare tire on the freeway when the support cable snapped - bad design - lucky no one was hurt.

The Trooper is a pleasant contrast - sturdy, reliable, built to last - a tank.

Mainly normal wear items only:

Replaced one wheel bearing at 90,000.

Replaced the shocks with Pro Comp at 90,000.

Replaced Rear rotors and pads, and front pads at 90,000, added Goodrigde Stainless Steel brake lines to firm up pedal.

Also upgraded the tires to Dunlop Rv XT 255 70R16.

Oil consumption was poor before the 90K service, but has improved with cleaning the EGR and always running it for at least 15 minutes any time you drive it, this engine will sludge up on very short trips, so be aware of it.

Very solid vehicle, was able to detail the paint back to very good condition when I bought it in 04.

The 3.2 v6 is not built for speed, but does have good torque for climbing and pulling. I am adding a cold air intake, and less restrictitve exhaust to improve horsepower. Modifications are limited on the 3.2 to increase performance.

Body roll is not as bad as claimed in 96, but Calmini makes an upgraded set of sway bars and torsion bars that I may use to further stiffen the suspension.

The trooper has been extremely reliable, starting right up even if I only drive it on the weekends, which I do regularly to go to the mountains or the rivers.

The interior has held up well, and it was very easy to upgrade the sound system.

I would recommend one to anyone, as I plan to use this as my weekend buggy for the next several years.