1990 Isuzu Trooper Review

My Beloved Trooper II

Written by: John Boy on 11/21/2008

Vehicle

1990 Isuzu Trooper 4 Dr LS 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought my Trooper brand new back in 1990. I have driven it 18 years now and put on 190,000 miles. I can't tell you how dependable and trustworthy this vehicle has been and still is. I have done all the repair work except the fuel pump and timing belt myself. I change the oil every 4000 miles and the fluids every 30K. I have had it axle deep in snow and sand and she never fails to get me home. I brought my new daughter home from the hospital in it so I could never sell it for that reason alone, but I wouldn't sell it anyway, this vehicle has always been there for me. 5 sets of tires. Original clutch! Gets 20 mpg still today. Not fast, but very dependable and trustworthy. Header installed!

Favorite Features

Tons of room, I have moved appliances and furniture, dogs, lids, everything you can think of. Little things like a rear windshield washer/wiper. The 4 wheel drive is world class. I installed a header so it has more zip and it loves to hit the dirt and sand and snow.

Suggested Improvements

Well as any Trooper owner knows performance is not the strong point, but who cares, right? I put a header on my 2.6 L and she has more zip, hills and freeway entrances are no longer an issue. Perhaps I should have got the 2.8 v-6, but I am so happy with my Trooper.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Isuzu, Please a Retro

Written by: Monroe Buford on 05/21/2008

Vehicle

1990 Isuzu Trooper 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

Bought used from orignal owner with 80K in 2005. Has 155k on it now and haven't put a penny in it except for oil changes and a few engine upgrades. Highly recommend K&N airflow kit and E3 plugs. Was getting 18 mpg and now constant 22 mpg with the 2.6 manual. A/C works good as well as everything else. Simple, efficent, roomy, tows my bike with no problem. Simple. Would like to know if anyone has knowledge of how to disconnect smog system without messing it up.

Favorite Features

Sit high, very open, great visibility, simple mechanics, versitility, nobody going to steal it. 4x4, goes anywhere, easy to manuver and park. Reliable, not a slave to any dealership. Underpriced used.

Suggested Improvements

Need intermittent wipers, trim parts not easy to find. Yes, more power and 6 speed needed. No rust on mine but I know rust can be a problem. Be great with a good turbo diesel converted to run on veggie oil.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good in the 90's not so good now.

Written by: The Super Trooper on 11/16/2006

Vehicle

1990 Isuzu Trooper 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

Pros: -Good ground clearance for a stock SUV (4x4). -Good utilitarian design. -Takes a beating and keeps on going. -4 wheel disk brakes. -Auto locking hubs. -Cheap to buy. -Big 21 gallon fuel tank. -Works well in tough 4x4 situations. -GM parts are cheap. -Tough looking. Cons -Bad gas mileage; I get 14-15 MPG with my V6. -Basic car, no luxury at all. -GM V6 engine is very underpowered and has needed almost every part replaced. -Not comfortable for long trips. -Bad wind noise. -The Isuzu parts are expensive. -Ugly looking. -No ABS or airbags. -AC keeps going out. -Paint fades fast. -No air filter for cabin.

Favorite Features

The utilitarian design. Great for camping. Saved family's life in crash when a drunk driver hit them. Keeps go on going in 4x4 situations. Never got stuck anywhere I took it. It was mine.

Suggested Improvements

More powerful engine with better fuel economy and less maintenance problems. Make the AC more reliable. Add some luxury. Cruise control needs to be added. Block engine noise and wind noise. Ride better.

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Nice SUV to own

Written by: Firefighter6928 on 10/11/2005

Vehicle

1990 Isuzu Trooper 4 Dr XS 4WD Wagon

Review

I bought this Trooper from the original owner who had 6 vehicles (different makes). The Trooper was given mainly oil changes, new clutch, radiator flush and that's it. When I bought it the odometer had 132,000 on it so I invested $3,500 in new B.F. Goodrich tires, re-wiring engine wires that gone bad, new a/c compressor, new shocks, TUNE-UP and a few other things that needed to be done. I change the oil every 3,000 miles, get good gas mileage especially on the highway. I've only driven on pavement and dirt roads but haven't taken it on the hills yet. But, I can say after all is said now, this is a great well built SUV to own!

Favorite Features

I like cargo space, gas mileage, and the height I am off the ground. I find that this is a great suv in braking.

Suggested Improvements

Making parts easier to find.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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SuperDuperTrooper

Written by: Loren on 08/05/2005

Vehicle

1990 Isuzu Trooper 4 Dr S 4WD Wagon

Review

Bought my 1990 4 cylinder from the original owner, my father in law. Every time he sees it he wishes he had it back! 226,000 miles, very tough off-road mileage. Bought heavy duty shocks and sway bars which helped handling a lot. Saving for the limited slip differential to get all this thing has to give. Great on trials, easy to turn around when no where else to go. Low gearing and ground clearance (both stock) makes this Trooper go anywhere I ask her to go. LOVE MY TROOPER!

Favorite Features

Utilitarian; good gas for 4x4.

Suggested Improvements

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