1997 Isuzu Trooper Consumer Reviews

We bought the 2001 Trooper new and have had 112,000 miles of trouble free driving with the exception of a transmission linkage (not the transmission) fault that was repaired for under $500. As many already know, this is built on a TRUCK frame, drives like a truck (that is does not handle like a BMW on curves), yet is a great choice if (when) true off road driving is required. On road trips where long trenches of highway miles are used, it is a true joy, getting 20mpg on average. When off-road 4wd is needed, it will "climb a tree" in low range, or go back to highway AWD when needed. Truly made in Japanese quality control at the time, I will never sell it for the KBB suggested value, simply because it can serve as an alternate vehicle when the new stuff made by the corrupt greedy UAW fails and is recalled due to poor quality control and gov't over-regulation. Do you really want a new vehicle that pretends to drive itself and tells the world who you are and where you are located??

Good work vehicle, needs brakes, one owner, had oil changed regularly, all work done on it but it is dented on one side due to a deer running into us, needs break job

I bought my 1998 Isuzu Trooper new in the summer of 1998 because I wanted a reliable SUV that could go off road, haul a small fishing boat, run to the dump, haul trees from the garden center, drive though snowstorms and still be comfortable enough for long treks with my 6 foot frame and occasional bad back. This car has done all that and yet still has only 108,,000 miles despite having been driven from Connecticut to Oregon, British Columbia through the Canadian Rockies, to Niagara Falls, south to Myrtle Beach north to the Maine coast, etc. The double opening back doors allow you to haul boxy items that would never fit in another car, It has never needed a major repair. It has 4WD on demand so it’s smooth riding when you don’t need to be in 4WD, and reliable enough so that it has driven us home through a blizzard as we returned from a flight to Mexico. It burns an occasional quart of oil and gets a combined 16 mpg. The 3.5L V6 engine has enough pep to zip along on the highway and can be shifted into ultra low gear off road. It’s taken a few dents over the years, and the spare tire now no longer sits on the rear door (some body work could easily fix that) but then, I’m not as able as I was 24 years ago either!

I just love this car my parents bought a new for me when I graduated from college and it has been with me since 1995. The only complaint I have is that it's pretty high-profile especially because I have oversized tires. You have to be careful when it's windy because it's top-heavy and it can tip over. I traveled from Bangor Maine to key West Florida and slept in the back of the SUV and felt very comfortable. I do recommend this vehicle...

Never had a problem with mine just now putting a new ignition switch in. Can’t believe how long it’s lasted with no problems.

What I miss about my Isuzu Trooper most was The TOD, torque on demand. In the winters the snow could be high and then there dry spots on the road. And then there was Ice. Just a mixture that makes it hard to stay in 4wheel all the time. With TOD I could hit that button and you could see in a dash display when a tire would engage- and you could feel it too! It determined when to 4wheel for me! I drive a Toyota Tundra now. But I really miss that feature - and I got 22mpg on average! Which is fantastic compared to my Tundra. Plus it was such fun to drive, room for friends, family and my dog loved the back! I wish this suv was still made. It is the best car I have ever owned. My husband panicked when Isuzu quit making personal vehicles, worried about where we’d get parts and dealer service. He talked me into trading in on a Camry. This could be why we are divorced now. Just kidding.

Great

I love how sharply it turns which is really nice in parking lots. I also love how fast it heats up and stays hot. It can fit just about anything in the back.