2002 Isuzu Trooper Review
2002 Isuzu Trooper Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Large interior, capable off-road ability, outstanding visibility, moderate price.
Cons
- Unrefined truck-like handling, mediocre power from V6, limited availability of features and equipment.
What’s new
The flagship of the Isuzu line, the Trooper, receives minor changes for 2002. Privacy glass and solar green UV-cut glass are now standard for S models, and Trooper's famous extra-large power moonroof is now standard for the LS. Manual climate control and map lamps are now standard on S models, while LS models feature a new standard digital clock with outside temperature read-out, stop watch, average speed and service reminder. The Limited model now offers a Nakamichi premium audio system.
Edmunds says
Other trucks simply offer more. Consider a Trooper only if you are a diehard Isuzu fan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Isuzu Trooper S 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.66 per gallon for regular unleaded in Maryland.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Maryland
$290/mo for Trooper S
Trooper S
vs
$206/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
Well over a decade ago, Isuzu introduced the first Trooper. It was a tough truck, sturdy and boxy in style, with two doors and a sparse interior. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the original Trooper wasn't prepped to win any drag races, but the truck won fans for its off-road prowess and exceptional reliability. Soon, a four-door model joined the lineup, and a GM-sourced V6 engine became available. As the sport-utility market grew, luxury amenities were added to the Trooper, but by the early nineties, it was apparent that Isuzu needed to redesign the Trooper so that it could remain viable in a market populated by steadily improving competitors.
The Trooper's last significant update came in 1998. Continued refinements have given the Trooper a decent blend of style, comfort and utility. Fold the rear seats, and a Trooper can carry 90 cubic-feet of cargo. Ground clearance measures 8.3 inches with the manual transmission, and rear seat passengers enjoy ample legroom.
A 3.5-liter, 24-valve DOHC V6 powers the Trooper, pumping out 215 horsepower and 230 foot-pounds of torque. Torque on Demand, Isuzu's traction system, which instantly directs more power to the front or rear wheels as needed, is standard on four-wheel drive Troopers with an automatic transmission. With the system engaged, you get the on-road stability of all-wheel drive and off-road capability of part-time four-wheel drive. And with the generous 10-year/120,000-mile powertrain warranty, you can use and abuse your Trooper to its fullest capacity.
Although the four-wheel drive may have been slightly off-putting in terms of value for those of us whose idea of rough terrain is the dirt parking lot of the sweet corn stand, the cheaper two-wheel drive version, with its concurrent lower cost of ownership, will suffice nicely to traverse that mean pothole in the parking lot at Denny's.
Just make sure to avoid any low speed collisions with solid objects. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Trooper's repair bills in four different 5-mph crash tests totaled more than $11,000, the highest numbers ever recorded for such tests. Just backing up into a typical parking light pole at 5-mph resulted in over $3,300 worth of repair bills, not exactly your typical fender bender.
In addition to the basic S model, there's the LS, which comes with heated cloth power seats, mesh 16-inch alloy wheels, an automatic transmission and standard six-CD changer. The Limited edition will get you a two-tone paint scheme, 12-spoke alloy wheels, power moonroof, and a beige leather interior. However, some features starting to appear on newer SUVs aren't available on the Trooper. These include items like stability control, side and side curtain airbags and a folding third-row seat.
Up until this year, the Trooper has been one of our favored trucks because it had loads of personality and off-road ability. It also filled a nice slot between midsize SUVs and the larger maxi brutes. But 2002 has brought on better trucks, ranging from the Ford Explorer/Mercury Mountaineer twins and General Motors triplets to the Toyota Sequoia. In the face of better engines, more comfortable interiors and more features, the Trooper's personality doesn't count for much when 30-plus grand is on the line.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Isuzu Trooper.
5 star(66%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(4%)
54 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.88 out of 5 stars
Still truckin'
HamSandwich, 03/26/2010
2002 Isuzu Trooper S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my Trooper new in April 03 and have loved the experience other than the transmission had to be replaced at least 3 times. Since they put a rebuilt tranny in each time the dealer said that you never know how the quality would be. Luckily I've had the warranty and will definitely get rid of the truck when it hits 120,000 miles although I would have preferred to keep it longer. I … don't like the way it burns oil either.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Epitome of Pure SUV
Dan, 08/05/2010
2002 Isuzu Trooper LS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
It is hard to describe the ownership experience for me with this vehicle. I guess it can almost be described as happiness and sorrow combined. The vehicle itself is a high quality vehicle( which I will miss when gone) which rides on shocks and rear springs (nice). Plenty of power, big, unique, cool, and comfortable. Problem was with Isuzu disappearing in North America. Was assured … by dealer they could continue to service when they dropped Isuzu franchise. My transmission was serviced and failed. Had to wait 18 days to get fixed at authorized Isuzu dealer. Second one failed again. Replaced again at no cost. Still love the vehicle, but Isuzu disappearing and other issues caused anguish.
5 out of 5 stars
Death of the Isuzu
Carl Boyes, 07/02/2017
2002 Isuzu Trooper Limited 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Has been very reliable over the years. Fuel economy could be better . After 110,000 began to burn a bit of oil. Best to check it at least every 300 miles. Towing capacity is OK. Limited to speeds 55 MPH or less otherwise transmission will heat up. Was under warranty when water pump went out. Replaced starter at 130,000 miles. Other than normal maintenance which includes belts and hoses … vehicle is original. Unfortunately the Isuzu became salvage after an accident in January 2018. At the time of the accident the miles attained were 198,887. The insurance company totaled it out. There is a slight possibility that it is running the streets under a salvage title.
4.63 out of 5 stars
95 limited and 02 S
conrac, 01/26/2010
2002 Isuzu Trooper S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
bought a 95 limited right outta high school in 01 and it was indestructible!! traded it in on a tacoma. MISTAKE!! NOT HALF THE VEHICLE. just bought a 02 cause i have kids now,(still have lifted F 150 though,haha) love my 02 with 60000 miles. these suv's we're made to abuse. style meets utility all the way around. can't believe that isuzu makes nothing but 4-door GM knock-offs now.
2002 Trooper Highlights
S
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $28,105 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 15 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $290/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 46.3 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 50,000 miles |
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