Isuzu Trooper reviews

What do you want from your 4x4? I tow all kind of trailers and this truck is boss of any of them. In its best role bringing a 2 ton boat sat on a twin axle trailer up a slimy slipway I usually don't even need 4WD. Both versions of my troopers do this task with ease and yes I still own the 3.1 as well as the 3.0. Can't bear to part with it. Have read a lot of "knowledgeable" reviews by so called experts who claim to know better and without a doubt they do not know JACK. Driving the 3.0 solo with out a trailer is like being powered by a turbine but it depends if you can actually drive it to its best. I do not drive either of my cars fast but rather deliberately and in a considered way taking time to change gears gently and at the right speeds. This provides a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Never been stuck anywhere, ever. The 3.1 has less power but it too is absolutely awesome at everything. Its a better engine than the 3.0 in that it will take more neglect and you only have to show it the keys and it will start. You have to be careful with the 3.0 and keep the engine oil clean as the injectors are oil pressure driven and the injectors have their own separate oil filter. The 3.0 is a better driver but you have to maintain it properly....well worth it mind. I read an article on other large 4x4 maintenance costs recently and can not believe how lucky I am to own a Trooper. I average less than £250 a year including tyres and brakes. A lot of other brands cost way in excess of £2000 and thats in a good year. You can change the timing belt on the 3.1 yourself in an afternoon and it even has some of the tools you need built in to the engine timing case. New belt every 60,000 miles and the dash light tells you its due. Fabulous Japanese build quality. Most big 4x4's have one big battery - these have two, an equally big one on each side. Important if you value reliability and run a winch. The diameter of the half shafts is way bigger than other makes. They do not break without a lot of abuse. I had a recall notice just after I bought the 3.0 to replace the injectors costing around £2000. This was in 2019 all paid for by Izusu including a brand new courtesy car for a week . My car is a 2001 ........that's 18 years after it was made! They tow like there is nothing on the back to the extent that you have to constantly remind yourself you have a trailer on. You sit high up and can see over the hedges and the cars in front. They are built like a lorry and drive really well and are fast enough for a 2 ton plus car. Only an idiot would drive one like a rally car. Never had a problem with leaning on corners. Will take incredible amounts of luggage but you might want to buy a load cover as usually they do not have one. If I had to replace the trooper it would be with a land cruiser, a cayenne or an amazon BUT I know I would be paying a lot to buy one and in maintenance costs. While we are at it get this - NO DPF and quite basic electrical systems so less to go wrong. £325 road tax - bargain! Turning circle - even LWB is really good and insurance costs are very low in comparison with the cayenne. I think you might know by now I love these cars and for those of you who think they are slow - they are not fast but they are plenty fast enough and will legally tow 3.5 tons. One last thing ....they have a full old school ladder chassis.

I love my trooper so much. I think it looks great, Amazing off road, a real work horse and bomb proof, never let me down and get the feeling it never will. If your undecided whether to get one, I say go for it, the best vehicle I have owned by far!

very powerful 3.0 16 valve turbo diesel, relatively good on fuel, now very reliable after fixing the very common and well documented injector issues! Amazing offroad performance, mine is modified but even in standard trim will outrun most Land Rover models second hand prices also amazing, a fifth the price of a same year Defender, and a whole world of difference in spec! Parts are readily available, modified ones a little thin on the ground but enough available to make a very competent offroader, with superb comfort and equipment levels. Push button four wheel drive selection on the go, no messing around with dirty hubs either, even driving at 30mph, perfect for on road driving when the snow gets here!

It has provided a good solid reliability for the country area in which I live. However when repairs/parts are needed it is extremely expensive.

My Isuzu has become part of the family. I live in the country and use my car to tow the horse box, level the horse arena, do fencing around our farm,collect goods for my business and all the normal things a busy woman finds to do in an normal week! I will make it into a chicken coup when it finally gives up! Who says Isuzu are not reliable?? Rock on

Because I live in a remote area of northern Ireland, and the road services are not that brilliant in the winter, without a 4x4 there would be many occasions when it would be difficult if not impossible to get out in the winter. For that reason, I have to accept that motoring is going to cost me more than I would like were it practical to have a more economical vehicle. The vehicle I own is reliable and comfortable, a pleasure to drive and an all round good utility vehicle, all be it a little heavy on fuel usage.

My car is a Japanese import ( bighorn ) it has never let me down passes the mot every time with one exception being a exhaust failure , no rust, starts every time even in the coldest conditions. When put into four wheel drive it takes me through extreme conditions ie. two foot of snow, and one foot of water, it is the one vehicle I will keep for the rest of my life.

Excellent workhorse but very sore on diesel