2001 Isuzu Trooper Limited 3.5 gasoline
Summary:
The most underrated SUV on the market
Faults:
Right front axle seal started leaking at 12,000 miles which was repaired under warranty without complaints.
General Comments:
I have owned many vehicles in my 27 years of driving. My Trooper is by far the best.
I routinely get 18+ mpg on the highway.
The 4 wheel ventilated disc brakes are phenomenal. A far cry from the spongy "press and pray" feeling I got from the brakes on my 97 Yukon.
The ride is smoother than many cars.
The front seats are full power, solidly built and exquisitely comfortable.
The front seat headrest's are actually tall enough to rest your head on and give some support if you get rear ended.
The fit, finish, quality and engineering far exceeds many, many other vehicles regardless of price or make.
The climate control works flawlessly even pulling a grade in 113 degree weather climbing out of Death Valley.
The engine is silky smooth and pulls strong all the way to redline.
It's like a goat off road. It will take you almost anywhere you want to go.
Visibility is fantastic from any seat.
The sunroof is so huge that front and back passengers can enjoy the view.
Back seat legroom is ample for me and I'm over 6ft tall.
The cargo compartment rivals many full size SUV's.
The stereo with the 6 disc in-dash CD player in fantastic although it could benefit from better speakers.
I have yet to find anything regardless of make or price that suites and impresses me as much as my Trooper. It is well built, dependable, gets good gas mileage for a 4500lb truck. It has ample room without being too big. Is not overloaded with "gadgets".
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 24th April, 2003
12th May 2004, 12:45
I bought my 2001 trooper a few months after my husband acquired a new 2001 ford explorer. Now in 2004 my husband is looking for a new vehicle so we will have as he puts it "two vehicles that will last for the next five years".
We both have confidence in the mechanical soundness and rugged capability of the trooper. It has more space and visibilty than any other SUV I've been in.
Off roading for me consists of crossing a muddy "V" median between the interstates due to wrecks. While everyone was mired to their hubcaps we cruised through. The ground clearance is great. Wind noise is a little more than the explorer and watch out driving behind big trucks, wind sheer will move you all over the road.
For my money the trooper is an excellent value and will become the true 'utility' vehicle for the family just like those 20 yr. old troopers you see at the home stores.
7th Aug 2003, 15:40
Totally agree - 95% of the newer vehicles on the roads these days just don't hold a candle to Isuzu quality and reliability.