1995 Isuzu Trooper Review - Living Up To Its Rugged Name!

[@thevduber]

Love watching my own car in a review! Thanks for coming out!!

[@Violianom]

Looks wicked!

[@JakeTheBear1]

Same here! Tho in diesel and automatic. Trooper reviews are quite rare!

[@Scoots1994]

I have a 1993 Bighorn with the diesel and seating for 7. It's almost up to 57k miles :)

[@Erick3tc]

Nice troop !!

[@joshua6200]

You narcissist!!

[@Riley.Orourke]

I love isuzu. My pops used to drive an Isuzu Rodeo, he passed away when I was younger and every time I see an Isuzu rodeo or any isuzu vehicle it reminds me of him. I think isuzu is super underrated and without him I never would have discovered how cool Isuzu can be. Thank you for reviewing one of these and all the other isuzu cars, you're awesome.

[@rushnerd]

I think most people, especially the younger gen has no idea what they even are (at least in America.) Their swift car is pretty much just a Geo Metro, but it's a very popular tuner car and they can look absolutely amazing if you do them right!

[@damilolaakanni]

@@rushnerd the swift was a Suzuki though. Equally underrated brand.

[@rushnerd]

@@damilolaakanni It just occurred to me I get Suzuki and Isuzu mixed up a LOT. Wonder why!

[@tomasmerino1039]

Totally agree. When I was starting as a fabricator I needed a truck and was aiming towards a Ford f100 or something like that. Came across an isuzu pickup single cab, 2,5 TD and after driving it a little fell in love with it! Before that I dint even know about them. It now has 451.000 km (around 281.000 miles) and it just keeps going and going

[@bjornkeizers]

Respect to Isuzu for building something that actually lasts.

[@joskjj3625]

This is only one vehicle, most Isuzu cars are long gone just because this Isuzu exists doesn’t mean Isuzu cars last😂, but there commercial vehicles that’s a different story those truly last

[@Master-Baiter]

@@joskjj3625 the engine in my trooper sounds exactly like those box trucks, I always whip my head around when I hear one thinking it's a trooper. I'd say ypu are partially right though, isuzu sold some meh cars in the states but in Europe they sold and still sell many reliable consumer cars and trucks. At some point down the road I kinda want to import an isuzu D'max truck but honestly I'll probably just get an old Mercedes Gd250 or Gd280 surplus from Austria, would work out well for me since my father lives over there and they are old enough that I can import it without bringing anything up to American codes

[@DavidVoxDem]

@@joskjj3625 No they're not, the only Isuzu cars that are not GM/Subaru rebadges are the Trooper, VehiCross and pickups and they're still running in the worst possible conditions from European salt and mud to Asian logging roads through Siberian frost to African heat and clay. Everything they've built in the last 40 years is still on the roads, just not in the US.

[@DavidVoxDem]

@@Master-Baiter I have a first gen timing gear pushrod diesel D-Max sadly the engine is the only good thing about it, the rest is rusty box frames and iffy GM electronics.

[@Master-Baiter]

@David. Vox Populi well, for now I'm still in love with my isuzu trooper, I've only had it for a few months now. I really like the new d'max arctic truck but import laws and regulations are ridiculous, might as well get the diesel Chevy Colorado but I might try to import an older Mercedes G class gd250 or gd280 maybe, but they are old enough to get around the import regulations and my father lives in Austria so it would be fairly easy and not totally outlandish for me it import a car, who knows depending on how easy exactly it would be for me well see, might even have to start an import business. Lived over there for 8 years myself and got a dual citizenship. Damn I just went on a tangent. Sorry ab that

[@blakyut1956]

Thanks for this review of an icon, I have a 2001 Isuzu Bighorn, had it for 15 years , going on now for 350k and still the most reliable vehicle I've had, and that's from being driven on dirt roads of Africa....

[@DavidVoxDem]

Most Isuzus made in the last 40 years are still running the logging roads in Africa & Asia, towing & carrying loads from salty rusty Europe to freezing Siberia. These vehicles have been through all climates and conditions and they're still chugging along, especially the pushrod diesels. Absolute respect to Isuzu and its enormous heritage of reliability and getting the job done, these cars and pickups have paid for themselves 10x over.

[@JoeEngineer]

Ive always been Isuzu curious. In particular the want is super strong for an old school Isuzu Amigo. Always thought they were super rad.

[@joshuaarmand5236]

Rodeo is solid too

[@DavidVoxDem]

The 2nd gen has a Dana 44 rear🙂

[@keithdosik]

Everyone be warned! These are extremely reliable EXCEPT the automatic ones. They put a very very poor GM auto in it that was meant for cars. They all blow up.

[@logmeindangit]

Many blow up, not all. My '98 has 160k miles and is still rocking the "Prindle." I've even towed a travel trailer with it, just under 2 tons. It pulls a utility trailer full of dirt, wood or other stuff once in a while, slightly lighter loads, but still work for it, and I am fortunate it has held up. $200 in repairs in over a decade, plus one set of tires. That's it! Now watch it blow up next week... LOL!

[@Master-Baiter]

Mine hasn't blown up yet at at 133k I've heard bad things about them, I'm not sure of the work history on it before I got it, but if it blows up it'll turn into my parts trooper because like any normal 19 year old I want the stick shift anyways 🤣

[@Erick3tc]

@@logmeindangit same here

[@corywilliamsmith]

The 4l30e just needs some *very* thorough care. It needs an additional trans cooler and has to be changed every 30k or so.

[@roypowell7212]

130000miles, auto still drives fine, yes the MU manual is better, but they dont all blow up lol.

[@bwofficial1776]

You don't see these any more, which is a shame because it was a fine alternative to the 4Runner and the Mitsubishi Montero/Montero Sport. This was sold under at least 13 different makes and models and is really a global car.

[@comacoda]

One little known trick in manual troopers like this '95 is the ability to shift on the fly from 4LO into 4HI, but only from LOW to HI. For instance, clambering around in 2nd gear of 4LO, clear the obstacle that needed low gear, clutch in, throw the transfer case lever from 4LO to 4HI and when you release the clutch you are instantly in 2nd gear 4HI. It's a pretty unique transfer case and if you really like 4wd manuals its a fun one that allows some interesting advantages in certain situations. Owned and wheeled a 95 trooper manual for years and it was a very capable and durable vehicle.

[@dentondunn4346]

Do the 95 Troopers go as good as the 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo AWD. They’re Quadra Trac. I’m thinking about trading my Jeep to a Trooper

[@comacoda]

@@dentondunn4346 I'm by no means an expert on the quadratrac but if we compared a jeep grand cherokee with open differentials and a hi/low transfer case versus a Trooper with open differentials and hi/low transfer case I do know for certain the Isuzu will have lower axle gear ratios- the Troopers commonly have 4.56 axle gears and nothing taller than 4.30. Jeeps frequently have 3.83 and 4.10 axle gears. Plus, the trooper has a Dana 60 rear axle, while the jeeps have Dana 35 and Dana 44 differentials. If the quadratrac is fulltime 4wd and still has open axle diffs I think the trooper gives you a pretty comparable level of performance with better gearing, in an auto it will allow 2nd gear winter mode take offs from a stop so that essentially puts them on par with eachother (higher geared jeep in fulltime quadratec 4wd and a trooper taking off in slippery conditions in 2nd gear due to winter mode). No manual grand cherokees so no comparison there. I like the grand cherokees but it's cheap to build a Trooper since you start with high quality heavier duty components and ratios stock...

[@brandonblanco8379]

I miss Isuzu here in the USA. We are missing out on vehicles like Isuzu Dmax (a mid sized pickup that was based on the Colorado) and the MUX (a Body on Frame SUV based on the Dmax Pickup)

[@blue39503]

The Chevy Luv (light utility vehicle) pickup with an Isuzu motor was originally manufactured overseas as a Dmax. I had one I bought back in the day for 300 bucks and it just kept going like that there battery rabbit.

[@brandonblanco8379]

@@blue39503 what country is that?

[@blue39503]

I'm in the USA where the LUV was rebadged for

[@DavidVoxDem]

You're really not, it's just a Colorado with a bulletproof diesel would be very expensive to fuel in the US

[@brandonblanco8379]

@@DavidVoxDem Diesel is more reliable and fuel efficient than Gasoline.

[@mattybrews]

This car makes me want to drink Hi-C and play Mortal Combat, in all the best ways. I SO WISH these could be re-launched in the states, along with the old Monteros and and old-school Tracker too.

[@maliwilliams7262]

Isuzu Rodeos, Troopers, etc, VERY Underrated ! Luv my '98.. Yea, I've had to do certain Repairs, but Still, They've been making dependable trucks,vans, for Decades...

[@buddy8225]

I miss the Isuzu brand in America. I like these years of Troopers. I was actually looking at the JDM Bighorn 2 doors and thinking of buying one and importing one to the states. Tuanks for the review. Amazing.

[@blue39503]

I had and loved an '89 Isuzu Trooper II. Loved the 5 speed, Had it painted Carmine (maroon) with Daytona green Isuzu graphics and Masser Mudders,

[@thetnaing8830]

Mine is 98 3.0 Trooper with mileage over 320000, still running like a bull and suspension is still solid like a rock!!!

[@dowhatyouwill]

According to RockAuto, 98 is 3.5. Also, very cool to see all those miles racked up!

[@justanothernoobe]

I believe that particular car has a body lift. They're great wagons (although that one is crazily rusty). But yes, it was rebadged by so many other companies. I had the 3.2v6 Lotus Bighorn version 23 years ago. It was replaced by a Passat 2.8 v6, then an Audi S4, Mercedes ML63 and I've just bought a '96 Isuzu Bighorn 3.1TD XS as a general hack (I hate the thought of stone-chips when taking the ML63 out to the mountainbike trails). The Bighorn really is a 'do it all' fun-wagon. It'll happily cruise on the motorway but, unless you have the 3.2 v6, don't expect it to perform. Mind you ... the 3.1 TD will happily cruise without needing to stop at every gas station ... unlike the petrol v6! It's just a shame that these were such a "little-known-gem" that nobody makes any aftermarket parts. But great cars to grab for a bargain deal.

[@kktomm]

Mine is 25 years old now and doesn't miss a beat. Love the old girl. Manual 3 litre turbo diesel. Could pull a house down.

[@lukem9962]

Everyone seems to hate the 3.0 4jx1 do the diesel seals and it's fine

[@koreysmith3635]

Excellent video! Sound, production, narrative all great. Bonus - it's about the Trooper. I have a 95, equipped as per your subject. It's a tank. 235K. Lifters click and it sounds awful, but just keeps going. Cheers!

[@jmin8400]

Great to see, thank you for this. Love to see a review of a manual, U.S. spec Trooper. Especially after the first major update for MY 1995, with the new dash and improvements. As you said earlier in the video, the 1995 model year was the first year for airbags. The '95 Trooper was an industry first as well. In October 1994, the Trooper was the first Japanese nameplate in the SUV segment and segment overall after the Range Rover (and Discovery) to have dual airbags. This was only because Land Rover was only "first" by some 6 months, with the RR Classic and Discovery midway through the 1994 model year (SRS RR sold as a '95) The Land Cruiser 80 followed in March 1995 as the next one. Like most old school SRS, design of this passenger airbag is very unsafe today, because it punched towards the passenger during initial deployment. Aside from that, Isuzu isn't giving enough credit for this generation. It started as a rugged bare bones entrant in the 70s, gradually growing into a semi-civilized family vehicle for Middle America. While civilizing the first generation in the mid-80s, which was like trying to extract water from a rock, planning and development of this as a 1992 model began and the target shifted midway to creating the equivalent of Mercedes-Benz 300 Sedan (W124 E-Class) on stilts. Isuzu wanted this to be a luxury vehicle and for the Rodeo to take its place in the existing lineup. A fully loaded Trooper Limited in 1995 cost $80,000 in today's money! And they were even more expensive internationally, due to size and engine displacement in some cases. This generation of Trooper was designed in the Japan Asset Bubble 1980s to be a luxury vehicle, which paid off initially, but Isuzu couldn't top what they did with this vehicle and struggled in the 1990s to devise a solution, to redesign it in a profitable enough business case by 2000. GM ruined any propositions ultimately, with the DOA Ascender. This vehicle was mostly Isuzu JP and USA in the 1980s, as the general body design was fully done with by 1988, even if it wouldn't arrive until early 1992. A love collecting modern classic manuals, so I hope to find one of these soon.

[@billramsey7455]

I had a 93 and I would give anything to have it back one of the best vehicles I've ever owned

[@runoflife87]

Not the nicest SUV in the world, but it was more reliable than POS Blazer. The interior seems to be nicer too.

[@davinp]

This was also sold as the Acura SLX in North America from 1996 to 1999

[@jlang8213]

Yeah, he said that in the video...

[@kevinwong6588]

SLX in U.S. market only, though some Canadian grey imports have been reported.

[@jmin8400]

@@jlang8213 I hate when these clowns repost what is obvious and already said, but get it wrong at that. Acura sold some SLXs in 1995 even.

[@jmin8400]

@davinp Not sure why you are repeating what is already mentioned in the video, but got it wrong partly. Acura released this in *1995* , meaning I could buy one in *1995* at my local Acura dealer. All you folks know how to do is copy paste, without cross referencing context of the information. Meaning the SLX was sold from 1995 to 1999.

[@rushnerd]

This looks absolutely gorgeous, especially with that tasteful front ram bar. This is why I don't like crossovers in the least: they have no real purpose or identity. This baby is iconic and you KNOW what it's for.

[@TheVinzius]

I remember back in the late 1990s until the early 2000s Isuzu Trooper sold well in the Philippines, it held its own against Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero. But they never released a new gen which is bummer because a lot of Filipinos really loved it because it was more affordable.

[@reyesurricochea1909]

7:46 Barn Doors

[@zachc8706]

My first job was at a Isuzu/Buick dealership. The Troopers were solid.

[@richardisley1937]

The red flashing light is the factory security system. It even says, 'SECURITY' on your faded lettering.

[@tftp_chapo6509]

Yea I came here to say this lol it’s anti theft

[@jacobhaussmann90]

I've got one Isuzu bighorn 3.1 turbo diesel great truck haven't got it stuck off road yet

[@bappo8011]

driving a 2001 version of this. 150k kms on it. still roars like a beast.

[@92LennyGodspeed16]

These were sold in the Philippines both under Isuzu's official dealers and second hand imports from Japan (as the Bighorn and Honda Horizon)

[@rustyshackleford2525]

The Best thing about the back seats is they lean back in multiple positions. They also fold up and lock in multiple positions. Dope

[@aldod274]

can the back seat easily be dismounted without remove screws? i ask this because i am thinking about buy one pretty well maintained and use it as my sleeping car for the weekend, as i travel a lot around mountains. sorry for my bad english. btw in my country you cannot modify your car, so if the seats are fabric-removable, than no problem. if you need any kind of tool, than problem appears with road authority

[@drewzero1]

In the classic repair manual "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive, a Step-by-Step Guide for the Compleat Idiot", there is an appendix that details how to add a flashing red led to your dashboard to make would-be thieves think you have an aftermarket car alarm system installed. The circuit's pretty much just a red LED, a capacitor, and a few resistors.

[@zhila5958]

despite how rare these were even back in the day where i live. i got to see one of these a few days ago still going strong in the harsh conditions of kurdistan. japanese cars are the definition of indestructible

[@DavidVoxDem]

*were Sadly Toyota started the trend of fake SUV's with the Rav4

[@zhila5958]

@@DavidVoxDem they still are durable tho. only japanese cars held well overtime here. even old FJ40 and FJ70 that are constantly abused for smuggling are still going strong. i will always have faith in japanese engineering

[@theninethrees8044]

“Man listen, all this walking is hurtin my feet, Ohh, money looks sweet (where at?), In the Isuzu Jeep!” - “Gimme the Loot” by Notorious B.I.G

[@toddgiaro7657]

Loved the looks of this back in the day and even now it still looks good.

[@Michka1001]

Not all push button systems require the vehicle to stop, the super select II system that came out in the second gen pajero still had a physical level but no need to stop the vehicle between 4H and 2H, only be under off memory 80 Km/h, 100 km/h in the 3rd and 4th gen, and even they still had a physical level, much prefer the lever over the push button system

[@DavidVoxDem]

That's what he said d*mb*ss

[@blitztim6416]

I had a four wheel drive Isuzu Pup. It was great. I wish they made vehicles like these still.

[@doorintosummer8146]

I have a 94 Trooper Se with 280000 miles and I go everywhere rockhounding, Damm great rig except it hates hills and passes on the highway thanks to how it's geared but will gleefully climb a mountain off road, Topaz mountain in Utah is a great example

[@johnhanselman6371]

Funtime watching your video. That Trooper vehicle is running probably because it has a manual transmission vs the 4L30E which was not heavy duty enough for the Trooper in my opinion. My Isuzu Rodeo is running with a 4L30E likely due to it vehicle is smaller and not as heavy.

[@nicholasyoung3747]

I have a Trooper and loved your review. Thanks!

[@kennarcissu]

I didn't know Jack Black review cars... Good content bro!

[@joshuaortiz8975]

I have a1995 trooper and I love it mine also still had the original Fujitsu 10 stereo system when I got it just a little tid bit...

[@markhealey9409]

These were sold as both Isuzu Troopers as well as Vauxhall Montereys in Britain & as Opel Montereys in Ireland & mainland Europe.

[@Isuzu_Paul]

... Ok...first off, Isuzus had shift on the fly 4wd from the early 90's late 80's. You can shift into 4wd hi range at 70 mph, I wouldn't recommend it but you can. Also Isuzu had the most standard features for any vehicle in its class. Also 2nd Gen went from 92-02 and they had a face lift in 98. And the fog light switches were put in by a previous owner to operate the off-road lights.

[@ewetoobblowzdogg8410]

I've got two '99's. Loved my first one so much, I had to get another... just in case.

[@Hobotraveler82]

I like these Isuzus. Im been looking for one to use for Overland trips. 😊.

[@rustyshackleford2525]

I had seen this trooper for sale on Facebook. Good score, had it been closer it would have been mine

[@alpaljl]

These trucks look sweet. My aunt & uncle have a neighbor with one.

[@TheSkyline5467]

Think you answered your own question on those angled switches. Big obstacle, so do you want the switches slightly more ergonomically positioned? I sure do! This is a great looking ride. Any chance that weird switch is for that light bar?

[@thevduber]

No the lightbar switch is under the dash lol

[@Master-Baiter]

Also, my 02 trooper Ls has a on the fly push button into 4 auto which is like a really weird form of 4 high from what I understand for 4 low it's the same as this one however, stop, neutral shift

[@martygreen2895]

Crazy I had a rodeo/passport it was good until the rear trailing arm broke it was rusty as ever.

[@DavidVoxDem]

If people kept them painted it'd be still running, I think 20 years of bare metal under stress covered in salt is an absolute win

[@mxlman26]

Nice, actually where i live they are selling one with Acura Badge, fare condition.... first time ive seen it like that..... also manual 4x4. 1300dlls

[@mumwifeteacher]

I have the same spec 1994 with the 5-speed 167k. Love the trooper and all the weirdness

[@mikeypv6]

It was also badged as a Vauxhall Monterey in the UK but we also got the Isuzu Trooper... the Isuzu was more expensive

[@BGWenterprises]

They are excellent candidates for importing the JDM engine and trans for. Every country out side north America had a TD version. The 4jb1-tc 2.8 and 4jg2-tc 3.1 They take these things to Toyota highlucks reliably. . Ive known a few that imported everything related to the 3rd row and added it. As all mounting points where there. There more of a 90s ranger extra cab seat, then a bench. . Sadly the vast majority of the automatics are a GM 4L30-E poo box with horrible reliability. 88 to 91 with the 2.6L has a good Asian warner auto trans. And a very small number in 2004 have the AW auto. Every other auto trans, is that gm poo box.

[@corywilliamsmith]

That button looks awfully a lot like rear sway bar disconnect?

[@siput_buntal]

THANKS FOR THE TROOPER REVIEW, AND DONE SUBSCRIBE!

[@isaiahacia2355]

Those lights are definitely aftermarket

[@davidrogers-b1r]

wish i could buy one but Nissani 2004 still our baby 189.000 miles and still strong. v6 auto kept in its own garage.

[@mumwifeteacher]

Love it the wait is over

[@joshuamoran8822]

I love Isuzu trooper I had one sold it and I regretted than I bought another one it took 8 months to find it it’s a great car I love driving my 1996 trooper

[@duwaine96]

My first car.. almost flip this thing like 5 times 😅.. very tall and skinny.. no sharp turns please

[@mikehawk120]

This and the pajero were the best normal off-road trucks then. In my opinion.

[@luxembourgtbonbon4376]

Is it still available for sale ?.

[@mytuube11]

so does this mean parts from rebranded subarus, hondas etc are interchangeable?

[@DavidVoxDem]

Yes ofc

[@bigdawg3384]

Great review!

[@tftp_chapo6509]

That red light and the fog light switches and the gage dimmer are all factory. The red light is anti theft it says it in my 97

[@agsession7664]

What rims are those. Does anyone know

[@thevduber]

Update for anybody watching the comments still. I sold it and the current owner is selling it on Facebook in the city of Chicago :)

[@thesetruths1404]

I'm about to buy a manual version.

[@bitemyshinnymetalass1569]

Merry Christmas everyone 🎄🎅

[@lorikempton3636]

I've got an automatic just like it❤❤❤❤

[@GribbleD]

I want a Holden Jackaroo just for the name

[@GlitchPG3D]

thought these things were only japanese box trucks! i guess i am wrong..

[@juancorona2464]

Should’ve tried over the mud, sand dooms, river side…etc and you would have seen the real trooper.

[@thevduber]

It did in the mud and riverside. absolute tank with those tires

[@nickf4333]

281k miles God Bless 🙏🏻

[@rvilletto123]

216,000 and still strong.

[@matiasfernandes]

First! Greetings from Uruguay Merry christmass

[@traci123171]

Reclining back seats!! I miss my 94 trooper.

[@Khmtravelvlog]

I imported a automatic 1996 Isuzu Bighorn with the 3.1 diesel and the automatic is the more reliable Toyota aisin transmission. The v6 gas auto is a crappy gm one.

[@Scoots1994]

I think it was made through 2007 under some name.

[@dave11686]

Very cool

[@andyacosta2485]

I have a 1991 isuzu rodeo do a car review 😅

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Cool 🥰

[@MegaDirtyberty]

What's an "ezuzu"?.

[@robertojosepazmatta1461]

it has the wheels of a toyota 4runer

[@thevduber]

they are off a sequoia 4 runner yes

[@der_pinguin44]

E-soo-zoo

[@nross33]

These are starting to grown on me as they push the BS EV agenda

[@tall_dude1233]

These were very prone to roll-overs.

[@bwofficial1776]

Consumer Reports loved to do hit pieces on SUVs and trucks. In response to their testing, NHTSA tested the Trooper and found that it was fine. Consumer Reports in the 80s and 90s was known for rigging SUVs to tip over during unrealistic tests.

[@zythr9999]

@@bwofficial1776 Lol

[@Trollrijas]

Proved fake

[@Wilt8v92]

They handle better than a Surd/Forerunner they have lower centre of gravity...

[@anthony_rivera4735]

WTF!!!!! SUVs with manual trashmissions😟☹️😣😖🤮

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

Nothing wrong with manual suvs don't know if you don't know how to drive them or just a massive hater be ready for tons of backfire from manual truck/suv enthusiasts

[@oliverdelgado6952]

You know nothing.

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

@@oliverdelgado6952 who?

[@oliverdelgado6952]

@@Stormtrooper_98Trd Anthony Rivera

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

@@oliverdelgado6952 I agree 👍

[@michaelraines93]

thats a nice one. i love my '94. its down for a bit to have the engine rebuilt!