Isuzu Trooper

Between 1983 and 2002, Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan manufactured and exported the midsize SUV known variously as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper and Holden Jackaroo. Though it was never a sales favorite in the SUV world, and was eventually eclipsed by more contemporary car-like SUVs, it is the rugged and sturdy qualities of these vehicles which have earned them an enduring fan base amongst off road enthusiasts.

There were two generations of the Trooper produced – the first spanning 1983 through 1991, and the second from 1992 through 2002 when Isuzu ceased export of the model. It began its production run being somewhat primitive and underpowered, offered only with a 4 cylinder motor, standard 5 speed manual transmission, and part-time 4x4 system. As the first generation progressed, it became more luxurious, offered more amenities, a V6 engine, and the second generation was larger still, more refined and was available with two wheel drive.

First Generation

Available as a 2 or 4 door, with a solid rear axle and the front featuring independent suspension. Early engines included 1.9L and 2.0L that were underpowered for its weight--about 4500 pounds (2000 kg). The 4x4 system required the driver to engage four wheel drive operating a 3 position stick adjacent to the regular transmission shifter. Both Asin manual locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were available. In 1986, Isuzu introduced a 2.3L engine, which, though still a somewhat anemic 92 hp (72 kW), was a vast improvement over the previous engines. In 1987 Isuzu introduced its first fuel-injected engine, a 2.6L (part #4ZE1), for the Trooper. As foreign SUVs gained market share, tariffs were introduced, and Isuzu for a time imported a model known as the Trooper II, which arrived on US shores sans any rear seats. In a bit of creative loophole jumping, Isuzu avoided the tariffs by having the dealers install the rear seats. Later first-generation models included an option for a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 6-cylinder engine sourced from General Motors (their 2.8L pushrod V-6), along with a 7.5 in (191 mm) differential.