Faults:

Anyone considering purchasing one of these trucks needs to beware that they typically need a timing chain replacement at around 120000 miles. I have had a 1989 and a 1990 Trooper, both with the 2.8V6. The 89 had a manual trans and the 90 had a automatic. Both of which had the timing chain go out on me at around 130000 miles.

I would probably be still driving the 1989 if someone hadn't hit me and totaled it. I got rid of the 1990 when the transmission started giving me trouble. The trans got to where it would only shift manually (by me starting the truck out in low and shifting to D1 and D2). It was going to cost too much to have a transmission put in it.

Realistically, I probably should have kept the thing and had it fixed, since the timing chain had already been replaced. Having the trans rebuilt would have likely been the only other major problem I could have had.

General Comments:

As mentioned, I have had two of these older Troopers, and I also had a 2001 Trooper.

I absolutely love these trucks. They suit me well, the 4x4 works and works. They are roomy (I'm 6'4" 300+lb), and I have no problems being cramped.

I'm currently considering buying a mid-late 1990's model again.

You won't find a better used SUV, just be sure to get a service record from the previous owner.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

These trucks are fantastic.

Very reliable.

Fun to drive. You sit up pretty high too!

The gas mileage isn't that great.

Very simple to take care of, engine wise.

Troopers are notorious for the "ernh" sound when you back up from the brakes, the lug nuts strip sometimes, and you have to check the fluids a lot, just the power steering fluid really.

Overall a great truck.

If you've ever owned one, you know!

Faults:

Rebuilt motor has no oil pressure.

General Comments:

I have a 1990 Isuzu Trooper, 2.6 manual transmission. I recently purchased this vehicle at a great price. The problem with the vehicle was the engine was knocking. After purchasing the vehicle I pulled the engine and did a re-ring job, replacing the crankshaft all the bearings, rings all the gaskets, oil pump, belts, hoses, head and so on. After reinstalling the engine I started it up and the vehicle had no oil pressure. I rechecked everything, thinking that I had installed the main bearings incorrectly. After inspecting the complete rebuild job I am still not able to figure out why I cannot get any oil pressure. Has anyone seen this problem, or could you offer any advice.

Faults:

Exhaust.

Brakes.

Door hinges.

Transmission seal.

Computer (I disregard this, and just have the vehicle tuned as if it didn't have a computer. It works for me).

Some plastic piece on the engine, sorry I can't be more helpful than that.

Leak from windshield.

Emergency brake cable.

General Comments:

I like the Trooper because it feels quite rugged, it was not an expensive vehicle and is not particularly expensive to repair given that the engine is a GM product that was quite common. I have, however, had difficulty finding some of the Isuzu specific parts such as the emergency brake cable, and if you have to get them from an Isuzu dealer it is very expensive.

The vehicle is quite cavernous inside, especially with the back seats folded down all the way. I also like the 70/30 split back doors.

I find the vehicle a bit underpowered. It is find for most driving, but when it comes to passing you need a lot of time and distance. Similarly, going up a steep hill and you probably aren't going to go much faster than 80 - 90 km/h.

The 4x4 has always worked fine for me.

The one time that this SUV stopped working on me was when a little plastic piece near the top and back of the engine fell onto the manifold and started to cook. It caused really rough idle and stalling. I think the plastic piece fits into, or around the air cleaner if that helps anyone. Anyway, it was a very easy and inexpensive fix and now I know what to watch out for.

The front bucket seats are quite comfortable, but I am not a fan of the entirely plastic dash, although, I must admit it has held up very well. No cracks, chips, splits or any of the things so common on GM dashes.

Faults:

Head gasket went at 192,000 miles

Rust problems started around 200,000 miles

Hard brake line required replacement at 219,000 miles

Drivers seat frame required re-welding at 180,000 miles.

General Comments:

For the type of vehicle it is it's a great truck. It's not a car, does not ride like a car nor does it handle like a car, but I've owned trucks most of my life.

It gets 20MPG under most conditions.

The A/C still works after all these years, as does everything else, in spite of the abuse I've heaped on it running it both on and off road.

If it were not for the rust problems that started to reveal themselves of late I'd consider keeping it for another 10 years!

Faults:

Noisy Exhaust needs gasket at engine replaced regularly.

Leak in fuel tank on seam. (Was difficult to find affordable replacment)

General Comments:

For an older vehicle it has many amenities that were not standard in American cars until years later.

Well thought out design.

Very Strong runner and reliable.

Gas mileage is low (12-16mpg) for a small vehicle with a decent size engine 2.8l V6 in it.

Extremely sluggish acceleration for a v6.