1995 Isuzu Trooper LT review from North America
"It's the best vehicle I've ever owned"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced starter at 90,000, and again at 160,000.
Replaced transmission at 80,000 - my fault for not attending to transmission oil leak sooner. Manual transmissions on the Trooper have a breather tube that will slowly leak fluid when driven at high speed (70 mph or higher). The manual transmission uses 5W-30 motor oil so this leak can be confused with a rear seal leak on the engine. Just keep the transmission fluid topped up.
I have had the ticking sound but regular oil changes combined with using an oil change solvent seem to help.
All other maintenance I would characterize as standard interval replacements (brakes, tires, battery, etc.). I have never even replaced any of the light bulbs.
General comments?
The Trooper is a reliable utility box on wheels. It is sure footed in the snow and holds its own in off-roading situations. I use it to tow a small trailer without any issues.
Yes it is a bit underpowered, and fuel mileage could be better (17 city/20 hwy for the 14 years I've owned it). But it is amazingly rugged and can always be counted on.
I am looking to replace it with a Toyota 4Runner, but I just can't get rid of it when everything continues to work so well.
Recommended reviews
| Solid capable utility vehicle |
|
| An extremely reliable, rugged vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1995 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2009 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2 SOHC Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 171000 miles |
| Previous car | Subaru Legacy |
| Date of Entry | 15th June, 2009 |