Reviews - Isuzu

Overall Rating

This is a 4x4 for serious work and off-road use. It's powerful and tough but dated and unrefined. If you can put up with the rough ride both on and off road and the outdated looks you will get value for money.

• Durable, enduring and respected as a workhorse
• Still popular so good re-sale value
• Proven technology has high reliability record

• An old design; cabin is very dated
• Ride lacks refinement, handling lacks poise
• Smoky and noisy

Plus points are reliability, sturdy build quality, durability and loyal owners - mainly country people. The ride quality of the Trooper is a big let-down. It bounces around on tarmac and the soft seats do not offer a lot of support, something you'll notice even more when you go off-road. Steering is very heavy, and its bulk means it's certainly not agile or easy to drive. Available in 3.0 turbo-diesel and 3.1 turbo-diesel, the 3.0 turbo-diesel is a strong fuel efficient engine and does over 25mpg. The 3.0 turbo-diesel is available in either swb or lwb and the 3.1 turbo-diesel swb only. Road driving is noisy and slow. No longer in production it is key to know exactly what you are buying. Check out for faulty handbrakes and gear changing that is far from smooth. The diesel engine is rough and ready anyway so don't be put off just make sure the black soot is normal and not a blown turbo. A replacement turbo is expensive so get an expert to check it if you're worried. Check the differentials, gearbox and engine for oil-leaks and don't forget to engage the front-hubs to test the transmission in 4x4. While checking underneath look for any signs of off-road damage. Isuzu are keen to keep their parts prices competitive to promote the use of genuine components on the large numbers of Troopers that are still going strong and most consumables are reasonably cheap. The Trooper is good value if you are prepared to accept the uncomfortable ride. As a used buyer residual values are surprisingly strong, as demand is high for second hand examples, but it's taxed rather heavily. The Trooper has a lot of respect as a used buy.

Noisy, rough ride but if you can put up with this you may bag a bargain as the Trooper is no longer being produced and does offer value for money. But beware of expensive turbo replacements and give the engine and transmission a thorough going over.