Outstanding in its class!
Fantastic on road and off road, has put a few Land Rovers to shame. Tows like a train.
Great to drive, and the handling on road is not bad.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 14th June, 2009
The Trooper is easy to drive, plenty of power, and ready to go wherever you want to
Clutch Master Cylinder replaced at 120K miles.
Needed new shocks when I bought it (107K miles)
The Trooper is a tank. It runs and runs, it's fun to drive, it's easy to see all around you, starts reliably, drives reliably.
It's not the fastest thing on the road, but I'm very happy with it. Daily commuter, plus it carries family and friends around SF, to the Sierras, to LA very nicely.
Best thing about it though was our recent trip to Baja. 2500 miles on it, including 200 miles of rough rough road - not a problem, nothing broke, never got stuck. And we got back without any extra squeaks, rattles, anything that I might've expected after the pounding we gave it.
My last truck was a Chevy S-10 4x4, fun truck, but cheaply made - things kept falling off, interior and exterior: driver side door, mirror, glove box door, etc. Final blow was losing the spare tire on the freeway when the support cable snapped - bad design - lucky no one was hurt.
The Trooper is a pleasant contrast - sturdy, reliable, built to last - a tank.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 6th March, 2006
Solid capable utility vehicle
Mainly normal wear items only:
Replaced one wheel bearing at 90,000.
Replaced the shocks with Pro Comp at 90,000.
Replaced Rear rotors and pads, and front pads at 90,000, added Goodrigde Stainless Steel brake lines to firm up pedal.
Also upgraded the tires to Dunlop Rv XT 255 70R16.
Oil consumption was poor before the 90K service, but has improved with cleaning the EGR and always running it for at least 15 minutes any time you drive it, this engine will sludge up on very short trips, so be aware of it.
Very solid vehicle, was able to detail the paint back to very good condition when I bought it in 04.
The 3.2 v6 is not built for speed, but does have good torque for climbing and pulling. I am adding a cold air intake, and less restrictitve exhaust to improve horsepower. Modifications are limited on the 3.2 to increase performance.
Body roll is not as bad as claimed in 96, but Calmini makes an upgraded set of sway bars and torsion bars that I may use to further stiffen the suspension.
The trooper has been extremely reliable, starting right up even if I only drive it on the weekends, which I do regularly to go to the mountains or the rivers.
The interior has held up well, and it was very easy to upgrade the sound system.
I would recommend one to anyone, as I plan to use this as my weekend buggy for the next several years.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st February, 2006
The perfect SUV
Starter died at 100k miles... had to have a dealer replace it.
Brakes replaced at 105k miles... replaced them myself (a very easy job, I might add).
Fuel pressure regulator died at 130k miles... had to have a dealer replace it.
Shocks died at 140k miles... replaced them myself (another very easy job).
This is my 2nd Trooper. My '94 was wrecked, and I replaced it with this '96. I've had this truck for 5 years, and it's been absolutely great. It's the perfect alternative to a minivan!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd October, 2005
My Trooper was a wonderful, reliable car!
All lugs had to be replaced.
Used about 1 quart of oil per tank of gas.
My 96 Trooper was an excellent car for me.
The cab was spacious, and controls were all within reach of the driver.
It had a lot of capacity for hauling.
Mileage was always 18 mpg.
I am now looking for a 2002 to replace it. My Trooper was totaled after a hit and run collision in which I was able to retain control and guide it to safety.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 2nd April, 2005