Isuzu Trooper
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| Isuzu Trooper | |
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| Also called: | Isuzu Bighorn Isuzu Trooper Holden Jackaroo Acura SLX Opel Monterey Vauxhall Monterey |
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| Manufacturer: | Isuzu Motors |
| Production: | 1983—2002 |
| Successor: | Isuzu Ascender |
| Class: | Full-size luxury SUV |
| Wheelbase: | 117.7 in |
| Length: | 207.9 in |
| Width: | 77.2 in |
| Height: | 76.1 in |
| Curb weight: | 6800 lb |
| Similar: | Lincoln Navigator Lexus LX Infiniti QX56 GMC Yukon |
The Isuzu Trooper was a full-size luxury SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between 1983 and 2002. It was exported worldwide as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Honda Horizon, Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Vauxhall/Opel Monterey, and Holden Jackaroo. It was a huge seller in the sport utility vehicle segment.
There were two generations of the Trooper produced – the first spanning 1983 through 1991, and the second from 1992 through 2002 when Isuzu ceased export of the model. It began its production run being somewhat primitive and underpowered, offered only with a 4 cylinder motor, standard 5 speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive system. As the first generation progressed, it became more luxurious, and offered more amenities, including a V6 engine. The second generation was a full-size luxury SUV, was more refined, and was available with two-wheel drive.
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[edit] First generation
Available as a 2 or 4 door, with a solid rear axle and the front featuring independent suspension. Early engines included 1.9 L, 2.0 L and 1.7 L diesel that were underpowered for its weight—about 4400 lbs (2000 kg). The four-wheel drive system required the driver to engage the front axle by operating a three-position shifter adjacent to the regular transmission shifter. Both Aisin manual-locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were available. In 1986, Isuzu introduced a 2.3 L engine, which, though only 112 HP (102 kW), was a vast improvement over the previous engines. In 1987 Isuzu introduced its first fuel-injected engine, a 2.6 L (part #4ZE1), for the Trooper. As foreign SUVs gained market share, tariffs were introduced, and Isuzu for a time imported a model known as the Trooper II. In a bit of creative loophole jumping, Isuzu avoided the tariffs by having the dealers install the rear seats. Later first-generation models included an option for a four-speed automatic transmission, a six-cylinder engine sourced from General Motors (their 2.8 L pushrod V-6), and a 10.5 in (191 mm) differential. Overseas model engines not released in the United States included the Isuzu 4JB1 and 4JB1-T engines, (2.8 L inline four-cylinder diesel engines, the "-T" indicating a turbocharged version).
Further history of the first generation of Isuzu Trooper started in Central America <-- Years? -->, where smaller versions were made with removable roofs and a higher wheel clearance. Most favored the Isuzu 2.9 L turbo diesel. This medium-RPM, slightly modified engine was also used for portable freezer boxes, generators and lifeboats. It offered easy repair and stout use in the Trooper. Some are found on the roads and trails in the U.S. boasting better than 46 MPG. Isuzu ceased production of this particular model and its engine, and finding parts is difficult. It is admired by those who still own or have owned one for its simplicity, reliability and potential.
[edit] Second generation
Isuzu's completely redesigned Trooper, introduced 1991 in Japan, was in keeping with the trend of making SUVs larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. These vehicles used a 3.2 L single overhead cam (SOHC) model that put out 175 HP, with an available 3.2 L dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine rated at 190 hp. A SOHC 3.2 L engine producing 190 HP was introduced in 1996, replacing the prior engines. Most models, with the exclusion of the 1996 SE Limited, still used a part-time four-wheel drive system, which required stopping the vehicle to engage and disengage the front axle. The 1996 SE Limited model came with shift on the fly engagement.
From 1992, the UBS Series ("Holden Jackaroo", as it is known in Australia) was available with a pushrod overhead valve (OHV) 3.1 L intercooled turbodiesel (designated 4JG2) producing 84 Kw (113 HP) at 3600 RPM, and 260 Nm (192 lbs-ft) at 2000 RPM. It was offered as an alternative to the 3.2 L petrol, as a more rugged and fuel-efficient option for towing and heavy-duty operation. The diesel-powered Jackaroo was only available with a five-speed manual transmission and Aisin manually locking front hubs. The turbodiesel engine has established a reputation for excellent reliability and durability. The same engine was also available in the U.K. and other markets with a toothed rubber belt-driven OHC, which developed slightly more power. After 1998, and the introduction of the 4JX1 3.0 L diesel engine, a four-speed autoamtic transmission was made available.
During this period, Isuzu and Honda had an agreement on working together in complimentary product areas [1]. Honda sold a re-badged Trooper in Japan from 1994-1999, as the Honda Horizon, and in the United States from 1997-2000, as the Acura SLX. It has been rumoured that Honda assisted development in this generation of Troopers.
Beginning in 1998, Troopers in the US were equipped with a DOHC 3.5 L engine producing 225 HP. European and Asian buyers could opt for a 3.2 L diesel, and other diesel engine options appeared later on, including the 4JG2 3.1 lL (later superseded by the more problematic 4JX1 3.0 L). At this time, the introduction of the Borg-Warner Torque on Demand system allowed shift on the fly four-wheel drive engagement. Freshened styling also debuted at this time, and the grille was redesigned again for the 2000 model year.
Transmission options included a five-speed manual transmission, and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic. The automatic had a "power" shift program wherein shift points were moved higher in the RPM band to take better advantage of the engine's power. It also had a "winter" mode, which allowed the transmission to start off in third gear for added stability in slippery conditions. This 4-speed automatic is called the 4L30E, and is manufactured by GM Powertrain in Strasbourg, France.
The suspension consisted of a fullyiindependent front suspension, and a multilink rear suspension to handle the solid rear axle.
The Trooper LS and S models contained 107.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while Limited models contained only 102.3.
Standard on all models was a rear limited slip differential, skid plates protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and radiator, and, on four-wheel drive models, automatic locking front hubs.
In model year 2003, the Trooper was replaced in the United States by the GM-produced Isuzu Ascender, a re-badged GMC Envoy.
[edit] Motorsport
- 1992 - Trooper won class victory in '92 Australian Safari.
- 1993 - Troopers took first and second place in the class of '93 Australian Safari.
- 1994 - Trooper won the Marathon class victory at the 1994 Paris-Dakar Rally.
- 1994 - Trooper finished first in its class at the Pharaoh's Rally.
[edit] Consumer reports
The second generation Trooper received some bad press in the United States when the 1995-1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing. In a lawsuit brought by Isuzu against Consumers Union, the court found that some of the magazine's statements showed a "reckless disregard" for the truth. The court found in favor for Isuzu on 60% of the claims in the suit. Ultimately, however, many of Isuzu's other major allegations (including negative statements, test doctoring, and stunt driving) were dismissed by the jury, and the lawsuit favored Consumers Union. Trooper sales never recovered.
[edit] Naming conventions
- North America - Isuzu Trooper, sold by Honda as Acura SLX (from 1996-2000)
- South America and Africa - Isuzu Trooper and Chevrolet Trooper
- Colombia - Chevrolet Trooper (First Generation), Chevrolet Trooper 960 (Second generation)
- Venezuela - Isuzu Caribe 442
- Asia (excluding Japan) - Isuzu Trooper, also sold by Chevrolet as Chevrolet Trooper.
- Japan - Isuzu Bighorn, sold by Honda as Honda Horizon (similar to the SLX, introduced in 1994, discontinued in 1999)
- Europe - Opel Monterey
- Australia - Holden Jackaroo
