Faults:

Rear brake caliper.

Failed smog (California!), but the motor was running fine.

Inner door latches.

General Comments:

The Trooper is a classic and, given its price ($700), is probably unbeatable. Toyota 4x4s with 22re motors are arguably better, but more expensive and don't have as good a looking body.

I've owned both the 2.8 liter US GM V6 engine Trooper, and the 2.6 liter Japanese inline 4, and the first one was less reliable, ended blowing the head gasket, and had no noticeable extra power, but did consume more gas. My understanding is that because of the inroads the Japanese car industry was making in the US market in the nineteen eighties, the governments reached a compromise where Japanese makers agreed to use some American engines. This was a political decision -- it was not based on the superiority of the GM engine versus the Isuzu.

I'm very happy with my 4 cylinder Trooper, and just the other day, I drove it all the way up and down El Camino Real on the Peninsula, and I kicked butt at every stop light -- and this is against modern sedans. The engine has nice torque, and surprising mileage given the very UN-dynamic profile of the vehicle.

We have driven this thing all the way to Utah and Colorado several times, and have never been mechanically stranded (though we did get stuck in some ungodly, bottomless orange muck, somewhere in the Land of the Mormons -- who very kindly came to our aid).

Faults:

Valve covers leaked, seats were incredibly worn, and bushings were completely gone on the whole front end. Not exaggerating.

General Comments:

I had a 91 XS Trooper, and I had no major problems at all till just the other day I let someone borrow it, and it blew a spark plug out of the block. I don't know how it happened, but it started a fire and burnt the whole Trooper, inside and out.

But I have two things to say about that wonderful thing; all seals except the valve covers were factory, believe it or not, and I am at such a loss that I refuse to buy anything but another Trooper. It has been very loyal to me, even though I put it through things even nature itself is scared of, including but not limited to earth, air and water.

I loved it like one of my own kids. This vehicle has made me who I am.

Faults:

Speedometer cable has gone bad.

General Comments:

Great and reliable car. Simple to do at home repairs. Easy to keep running well as long as you consider the routine maintenance that is involved in an older and higher mileage 4x4 Vehicle.

Lots of fun to take off road, and a wonderful four wheel drive system. I only paid $900 for my Trooper, and have had to put little beyond fluids into my truck.

Faults:

Just bought my second 1991 Trooper.

First one was the 2.6 4 cyl., 5 speed.

#3 exhaust valve burned out twice.

Found a 1991 Trooper, auto, 3.8 6 cyl., loaded.

Runs well with the exception of rough / low idle and occasional stalling.

Cleaned IAC valve, can see a new MAP sensor has been installed recently.

Secondary ignition tune up showed no improvement.

I am guessing there is an intake gasket leak or bad EGR at this point.

General Comments:

Good truck if you're handy with doing your own maintenance.

Decent mileage for a heavy, SUV.

Strong 4wd.

Faults:

Fuel pump failed shortly after I bought it; exhaust manifold needs replacing (cracked or warped) ; head gasket leaked, but temporarily fixed with stop leak; paint is flaking off; replaced all vacuum hoses/lines (this really helped!).

General Comments:

I love the thing. It runs and runs, starts up in the cold. Got 25 mpg on my last trip to N. Idaho from Boise! I hope to have this thing for a long time. I am now looking at getting an 89 as a back up! great deal on a tough vehicle.