Isuzu Trooper

The Isuzu Trooper was a mid-size SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between 1981 and 2005. It was exported worldwide as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Isuzu Trooper II , Caribe 442, Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, Honda Horizon, Opel/Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.

There were three generations of Trooper, 1981–1991, 1992–1997 and 1998–2005, after which Isuzu ceased exporting the model. It began production as a rather basic and somewhat underpowered on- and off-road vehicle, offered only with 4 cylinder motor, 5 speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive. The first generation evolved to add both amenities and luxuries, including optional air-conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6 engine. The second generation was more refined yet, available in two-wheel drive as well as four.

First generation (1981–1991)

The first generation Trooper was available as a three- or five-door, with a solid 4.555:1 rear axle and an independent front suspension. In the Japanese market the car was originally introduced as the "Isuzu Rodeo Bighorn", but the "Rodeo" part of the name was soon dropped. Early engines included a 2.0-liter gasoline and a 73 PS (54 kW) 2.2-liter diesel, lightly powered even by early 1980s standards for the vehicle's 3,700 lb (1,680 kg) empty weight. The four-wheel drive system was engaged by operating a three-position shifter adjacent to the transmission shifter. Both Aisin manual-locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were employed.

In 1986, Isuzu introduced a 112 PS (82 kW; 110 hp) 2.3-liter engine, regarded as a considerable improvement over the previous engines.

In 1987 Isuzu introduced a 120 hp (89 kW) 2.6-liter (4ZE1) I-TEC fuel-injected engine for the US market. An optional General Motors 2.8-liter pushrod V6 borrowed from the Chevrolet S-10 pickup was also available. Manual transmission equipped models had a gear driven transfer case with a 2.28:1 low range ratio; models equipped with the 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission had a 2.66:1 low range transfer case. Later first-generation models offered an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Models from 1988–1991 were equipped with live rear axles and four-wheel disc brakes. Also new in 1987 were rectangular headlights.

Overseas model engines not released in the United States included the Isuzu C223 (2,238 cc), C223T (a turbocharged version of the same) and in the late 80's naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.8 L 4JB1 diesel versions, all straight-four engines. The turbocharged 2.8 originally produced 95 PS (70 kW), not much more than the 87 PS (64 kW) of the considerably smaller C223T due to new stricter emissions standards. Later versions with intercoolers fitted offered as much as 115 PS (85 kW).^[3]

In 1989 only, a short wheelbase (90") Isuzu Trooper was imported to the US market as the Trooper. All of these short wheelbase Troopers were equipped with 2.6-liter fuel injected inline-four engines, 4.77:1 differential gears and 15x7-inch aluminium alloy "snowflake" pattern wheels. Automatic and manual transmissions were offered.

In Central America Troopers were offered with removable roofs and a higher wheel clearance. Powertrain options included the Isuzu 2.8-liter turbo diesel.

Second generation (1991–2005)

In 1991 for the 1992 model year, Isuzu completely redesigned the Trooper to keep pace with changes in the SUV marketplace, making it larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. These 5,500 lb (2,500 kg). vehicles used a 3.2 L single overhead cam 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) (SOHC) petrol engine, with an available 3.2 L dual overhead cam (DOHC) version rated at 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp). A SOHC 3.2 L engine producing 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) was introduced in 1996, replacing the prior engines. Most models still used a part-time four-wheel drive system, which required stopping the vehicle to engage and disengage the front axle. Starting with the 1996 SE Limited Troopers 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 in-line 4 cylinder intercooled turbodiesel (designated 4JG2) producing 114 PS (84 kW; 112 hp) at 3,600 rpm, and 260 N·m (192 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm. It was offered as an alternative to the 3.2 litre petrol, as a more rugged and fuel-efficient option for towing and heavy-duty operation. The diesel-powered Jackaroo was available with a five-speed manual transmission and manual front hubs only coupled to a part-time 4wd system with open front and limited slip rear differentials. The 2.283:1 low range can be selected on the move, providing the front hubs are engaged, at up to 15 km/h 1st gear, 25 km/h 2nd gear and 40 km/h 3rd to 5th gears. (The 3.2 litre V6 petrol engine version was also available with an optional four-speed auto and auto locking front hubs.) The same diesel engine was also available in the U.K. and other markets with a belt-driven overhead camshaft, which developed slightly more power. After 1998, and the introduction of the 4JX1 3.0 litre diesel engine, a four-speed automatic transmission was made available in addition to the five speed manual transmission.

During this period, Isuzu and Honda had a working arrangement^[4] that allowed Honda to sell a rebadged Trooper. In Japan it was known as the Honda Horizon from 1994–1999, and as the Acura SLX in the United States from 1996–1999.

Beginning in 1998, Troopers in the US were equipped with a DOHC 3.5 L engine producing 215 hp (160 kW; 218 PS). European and Asian buyers could opt for the diesel engine option of the 4JG2 3.1 L (later superseded by the more problematic 4JX1 3.0 L of 159 PS/117 kW). A Borg-Warner torque-on-demand all-wheel drive system was introduced, along with freshened styling. The grille was redesigned again for the 2000 model year.

Transmission options included a five-speed manual transmission, the Aisin AR5 ^[5] and the electronically controlled 4L30E four-speed automatic. The 4l30E was fitted with both a "power" shift feature allowing the gearbox to take better advantage of the engine's power by adjusting the shifting nature and a "winter" mode permitting third gear starts for added stability in slippery conditions.^[6] The 2000 to 2002 Trooper included a feature called "Grade Logic" which allowed the transmission to automatically downshift on steep grades in order to slow the vehicle down.

The suspension consisted of a fully independent torsion bar front suspension, and a multilink coil sprung rear suspension integrated with a solid rear axle.

The Trooper LS and S models offered 117.8 cu ft (3,340 L) cargo space, while Limited models had 112.3 cu ft (3,180 L).

While US-spec Troopers came only in the 5 seat models, in Europe and the UK 7-seater version was also offered. Optional on all models was a rear limited slip differential. In the US the 3 door RS model was sold only from 1993-1995.

In 2002, the Trooper was discontinued in the United States in favor of the smaller Axiom and the larger GM-produced Isuzu Ascender, a re-badged GMC Envoy.

A Trooper with the 16-valve 159 PS (117 kW; 157 hp) 3.0 liter 4JX1-TC engine was sold in the Philippines from 2002 until model year 2005. Known as the Skyroof Edition, it came in a rear wheel drive configuration with anti-lock brakes, a limited slip differential, billet-type radiator grille, and large power moonroof. Other standard options included leather seats, wood trim, and a VCD entertainment system. It was later succeeded by the Isuzu Alterra.

Acura SLX

The "Acura SLX" was a lightly upgraded and re-badged Isuzu Trooper sold by the Acura division of Honda from 1995 to 1999, as 1996 to 1999 year models. Sold only in the United States, the SLX was later replaced by the Honda Odyssey-based Acura MDX in 2001.

The SLX omitted some of the options available on Troopers from concurrent model years, including the manual transmission and certain engines. From 1996 to 1997 the SLX was only available with the 3.2-litre DOHC V6 engine, switching to the new 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine in 1998. The SLX received a restyled front end for the 1998 model year, but continued to sell poorly and was ultimately discontinued after 1999. It is said that sales were affected by bad press when the 1996 to 1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing.

Rollover controversy

The second generation Trooper received negative press in the United States when the 1995–1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for an alleged tendency to roll over under testing.^[7] In response to a petition from the publication's publisher, Consumers Union, the National Highway Traffic Administration conducted its own tests and found no issue that could lead to a need for a recall.^[7] As part of their testing, they reviewed video from the Consumer Reports testing, finding that in order to unbalance the Trooper the steering wheel had been twisted more sharply than "a driver is willing or able to make in response to an unexpected event".^[8] However, the magazine's claims had hurt sales of the vehicle.^[9]

After the release of the NHTSA report, Isuzu filed a lawsuit against Consumers Union seeking $242 million in damages.^[8] The judge in the suit, Richard Paez, determined that because Isuzu had engaged in a extensive public relations campaign to refute the claims prior to filing suit, it was considered a public figure, raising the standard for defamation from a simple preponderance of evidence that the report was false to "clear and convincing evidence" that Consumer Reports published the article knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false^[10] The defamation suit went to a jury, which found that eight of the 17 statements in the report questioned by Isuzu were false, with one displaying "reckless disregard" for the truth on the part of Consumer Reports magazine, but that Isuzu was not damaged by this statement^[11][12] Two of the 10 jurors on the panel did not believe the magazine believed that the other seven statements were untruthful when they published them.^[11] Consequently, the full jury panel did not award Isuzu monetary damages for the alleged damage to its reputation and lost sales.^[11] Isuzu calculates the total cost of the Consumer Reports claims at $244 million.^[13] As Isuzu was denied damages on all counts, the formal court judgement in favor of Consumers Union entered by Paez required Isuzu to pay CU's "reasonable costs" of defending itself against the suit, not including attorney's fees.^[14]

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.

Naming conventions

• North America – Isuzu Trooper II (1983–1989), Isuzu Trooper (1990–2002), 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 – Caribe 442
• Asia (excluding Japan) – Isuzu Trooper, also sold by Chevrolet as Chevrolet Trooper.
• Japan – Isuzu Bighorn, Subaru Bighorn, sold by Honda as Honda Horizon (similar to the SLX, introduced in 1994, discontinued in 1999)
• Europe – Isuzu Trooper (1st & 2nd Generation) & Vauxhall Monterey (UK, 1994–1998), Opel Monterey (Continent, 1994–2002)
• New Zealand – Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey
• Australia – Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey

References

External links