Solid constuction. Great design.A lot of room.Great towing and off-road ability.

Gas mileage - not the best but for a vehicle this size, it is ok.Driver's seat should go back a little farther.

Very solid vehicle. When you shut the doors, the thump tells you a lot about the Trooper's solid construction - if you were blindfolded, you would think it was that of a high end much much more expensive luxury vehicle from Europe or Japan. It is this (solid construction) that won me over. It also has thick armor-like plates on all the essential components under the truck (transfer case, oil pan, transmission, fuel tank etc).This is really nice especially on rough terrain.

I also like the 120,000 mile powertrain warranty especially because I intend to keep the Trooper for a long time. This speaks of the confidence that Isuzu has in this truck.

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Toyota 4 runner - too expensive
Hyundai Santa Fe - Seems to be a good SUV for the money, but since is so new to the market, I needed to wait until the reviews came in. Opted for the Trooper instead.

Roomy for six-footer, Nice sound system, large cargo area. Great styling in and out.

Bad gas milage, poor exceleration, expensive parts, hard to fix yourself.

My experience with the Trooper at first was Fantastic! Then I had to have the A/C Compressor replaced $1400.00 and then it went out about two weeks later. Then I heard a ticking sound and my oil pressure gauge went to zero after I had the compressor replace for a 2nd time (no charge). When I took it to the dealership in my city, without having to do a diagnostic done, the mechanic said It sounds like I have lifter trouble and it would take $700.00 to fix but he couldn't gaurantee me that my troubles would go away. He said my best bet would be to get rid of it ASAP!

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Give me a Land Rover with a Ford engine or an Expedition any day. Hell, I'll even pay for an X5 or M Class mercedes used before I would an Isuzu.

Very roomy with a flexible cargo area, great build quality (5 years old and no squeaks or rattles), very reliable, respectable highway ride, good brakes.

Ponderous handling, rough ride on anything but the highway, weak A/C, poor mileage (about 15 - 16 average). Watch those roof rack cross members in parking garages!

I bought mine used because I wanted more room and power than my 1995 Subaru Legacy wagon could provide. The resale on these seems to be pretty crappy, so I feel I got a good deal at $11.5k for a 1996 purchased in early 2000. Other than the ponderous handling and dismal mileage, I think it's a great all-purpose vehicle for my family of 5. Unlike most minivans, I can actually stow cargo inside when it's time for the family trips. Plus, I really like having a manual transmission. I did immediately put heavy duty gas shocks on it after I bought it, because it made me seasick everytime I came to a stop.

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I didn't try anything else. I couldn't find anything that came close to $11.5k. In the DC metro area the 2001s with 5 speeds are advertised at $19,900. I think if more people tried them, more would buy them.

1. Reliability
2. Build quality
3. Visibility
4. Refined transmission
5. Cargo space (yet small enough to parallel park in the city)
6. Value (got mine for $7000 below sticker)

1. Gas mileage (but I do get the advertised estimated gas mileage 15/19+)
2. Interior storage space
3. Small cupholders
4. Dim headlights
5. Weak AC

I bought the Trooper new in November '99. I haven't had one single problem, squeak, rattle, or complaint in the 19000 miles that I have driven it. It has more than enough space for my family of four, enough power sprint past other cars on mountain passes (e.g., the Grapevine on I5 or Baker pass on I15), and enough options to satisfy my "must have" wish list (in-dash CD changer, tinted glass, moonroof). Hands down, the best value in the mid-sized SUV market.

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Drove and looked at the following models before choosing the Trooper:
1. Ford Explorer/Expedition: build quality not even close; questionable reliability.
2. Toyota 4 Runner: comparable build quality and reliability; much more $, less space.
3. Nissan Pathfinder: at the time, less powerful engine; smaller; more $.
All three do not have "TOD like" system.

Strengths of the Trooper far out-weigh its negatives. Although the interior is becoming a little dated and could use some refreshening, I would not hesitate to recommend this SUV to anyone. I am greatly anticipating the re-design due out in 2002-03 which should update the interior, provide a more powerful V8, and utilize a third row of seats. Until then, I'll just enjoy this great family truckster.

Roomy Roomy Roomy!!
4 wheel drive
Handles its size and weight well

GAS MILEAGE!!!
The cupholders are pathetic
That stupid beep the keyless entry makes

I was in the market for an SUV and didn't even think of Isuzu, but I started checking around and it seemed like a good reliable vehicle. I especially enjoy the fact that I am as high up as a pickup but not nearly as wide, and the handling isn't truck like. If you need a big roomy SUV and don't want to spend a ton, I would buy a Trooper.

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Bigger than almost everything else

LOOKS CLASSY;LOT OF ROOM(TALL HUSBAND);DRIVES SMOOTH;EASY TO HANDLE

GAS MILEAGE NOT SO GOOD; STEREO SYSTEM IS SUB PAR ;A/C COULD BE STRONGER

I've only had my Trooper for a few weeks, but I love it!!! Before buying a SUV, I researched several models, 4-runner(too expensive for what you get), Pathfinder(liked but started to try to find things I didn't like about it, Acura SLX(VERY close to buying), and Infiniti QX4(REALLY,REALLY,LIKED but couldn't find one in my area-they were sold). I like foreign autos, no Ford Explorers (YUCK) or GMC Jimmys (double yuck) here. My Trooper to me is very classy. Not the sporty type that most SUV's are today. I haven't had it long enough to really give you a review, but I think I made the best choice in an SUV.

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I GOT SUCH A DEAL ON MINE THAT NONE COMPARES!!

Roomy, comfortable back seat, holds all my camping gear, tows well, good sound system

Terrible on gas, sluggish on excelleration, having AC problems needing expensive repairs.

Overall, I've been happy with the car. Poor on gas and finding new and expensive repairs that need to be done. Roomy, easy for camping.

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None

Very reliable

None thus far

(pre 1997 Model) - I paid only $20,000 for this baby in 1997, and have been happy ever since. Keep changing the oil and everything else seems to keep on ticking. Have had it off road (nothing serious) and in 4-wheel and these features are very easy to access and use. Lots of space in back seat and in storage area in back. Happy!

Hi-power 215HP V6 Base Model Loaded Big Factory Discounts

None

(1999 Model) - Best sport utility for the money. You don't have to add all of the extra options like PW/PL, AC, cruise, alloys, V6, or even 4x4. Troopers come fully loaded and Isuzu is giving nice discounts on '99 models. They are very underated by the car critics and in my opinion they are 4/5 of a Land Cruiser at 1/2 the price. Go check one out and make up your own mind. If they could sell me, they can sell anyone.

Cavernous size, reliability, supportive seats on LS model

Wind noise under windshield trim, slightly underpowered (mine is 1995 model, only 175 hp), oil consumption, cheapo cloth on seats, high center of gravity

(pre 1997 Model) - I haven't had any mechanical problems with it with 70,000 miles, with the exception of the spark plug wires going bad. Like the other reviewer said, watch the oil...mine needs about 1 quart per 2000 miles. First japanese vehicle that I've owned that required oil between oil changes.