Isuzu Trooper - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Isuzu Trooper

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Isuzu Trooper is a mid-size SUV that was produced by

the Japanese automaker Isuzu between 1981 and 2005. It was
exported worldwide as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper,
Isuzu Trooper II , Caribe 442, Acura SLX, Chevrolet
Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, Honda Horizon, Opel/Vauxhall
Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.
There were three generations of Trooper, 19811991,
19921997 and 19982005, after which Isuzu ceased
exporting the model. It began production as a rather basic and
somewhat underpowered on- and off-road vehicle, offered
only with 4-cylinder motor, 5-speed manual transmission, and
part-time four-wheel drive. The first generation evolved to
add both amenities and luxuries, including optional
air-conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6
engine. The second generation was more refined yet,
available in two-wheel drive as well as four.

Isuzu Trooper

Second generation Isuzu Trooper LS (US)

Manufacturer Isuzu
Production

19812002

Successor

Isuzu Ascender
Isuzu Axiom

Contents
1 First generation (19811991)
2 Second generation (19912005)
3 Motorsport
4 Naming conventions
5 References
6 External links

Class

Mid-size SUV

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive /
four-wheel-drive

First generation (19811991)

The first-generation Trooper was available as a three- or
five-door, with a solid 4.555:1 rear axle and an independent
front suspension. In the Japanese market, the car was
originally introduced as the "Isuzu Rodeo Bighorn", but the
"Rodeo" part of the name was soon dropped. Early engines
included a 2.0-liter gasoline and a 73 PS (54 kW) 2.2-liter
diesel, lightly powered even by early 1980s standards for the
vehicle's 3,700 lb (1,680 kg) empty weight. The
four-wheel-drive system was engaged by operating a threeposition shifter adjacent to the transmission shifter. Both
Aisin manual-locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were
employed.

First generation

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In 1986, Isuzu introduced the 4ZD1 four-cylinder 112 PS

(82 kW; 110 hp) 2.3-liter engine, regarded as a considerable
improvement over the previous gasoline engines because of
its higher power, Kevlar timing belt replacing the chain driven
ones in the 1.8l and 2.0l engines and improved and larger
two-barrel carburetor. This engine eventually proved
somewhat problematic with a plethora of burned valve
problems because of the poor coolant flow design of the
overhead cam/valve head with mechanical lifters.
[citation needed]
A later head casting improvement by an
Italian firm corrected this problem through improved coolant
flow. Also available only for 1986 in the US was the 87 PS
(64 kW) 2.2l C223T turbocharged diesel engine. It was not a
popular option because of the low power generated. The
C223T engine had a Garrett turbocharger and it actually
performed admirably for its small size and ironically seems to
be the more dependable of the two engines offered that year
because of its simplistic design and robust bottom end.
Because of those problems, Isuzu changed the 4ZD1 for 1987
and used the standard 2.8L GM V6 for 1987 until their own
new V6 engines could be manufactured.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Trooper

Also called

Isuzu Rodeo Bighorn

Isuzu Trooper/Trooper II (Pre-1989)
Holden Jackaroo
SsangYong Korando Family
Subaru Bighorn

Production

19811991

Engine

2.0 L G200 I4 (UBS13)

2.3 L 4ZD1 I4 (UBS16)
2.6 L 4ZE1 I4(UBS17)
2.2 L C223 diesel/turbodiesel
I4(UBS52)
2.8 L 4JB1 diesel I4
2.8 L 4JB1-T turbodiesel I4

Transmission 4-speed Isuzu MSG manual

5-speed Isuzu MSG manual
5-speed Isuzu MAU5C manual
4-speed Aisin Warner automatic
Wheelbase

3-door: 90.6 in (2,301 mm)

5-door: 104.3 in (2,649 mm)

In 1987, Isuzu
3-door: 162.3 in (4,122 mm)
Length
introduced a 120 hp
5-door: 176.0 in (4,470 mm)
(89 kW) 2.6-liter
(4ZE1) I-TEC
65.0 in (1,651 mm)
Width
fuel-injected engine
3-door: 72.6 in (1,844 mm)
Height
for the US market. An
5-door: 71.7 in (1,821 mm)
optional General
1988 Isuzu Trooper II
Motors 2.8-liter
pushrod V6 borrowed from the Chevrolet S-10 pickup was also
available. Manual transmission equipped models had a gear driven transfer case with a 2.28:1 low range ratio;
models equipped with the 2.6-liter four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission had a 2.66:1 low range
transfer case. Later first-generation models offered an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Models from
1988 to 1991 were equipped with live rear axles and four-wheel disc brakes. Also new in 1987 were rectangular
headlights.
Overseas model engines included the Isuzu C223 (2,238 cc), C223T (a turbocharged version of the same) and in
the late 80s naturally aspirated and turbocharged 2.8 L 4JB1 diesel versions, all straight-four engines. The
turbocharged 2.8 originally produced 95 PS (70 kW), not much more than the 87 PS (64 kW) of the
considerably smaller C223T due to new stricter emissions standards. Later versions with intercoolers fitted
offered as much as 115 PS (85 kW).[1]
In 1989 only, a short-wheelbase (90-inch) Isuzu Trooper was imported to the US market as the Trooper. All of
these short wheelbase Troopers were equipped with 2.6-liter fuel-injected inline-four engines, 4.77:1 differential
gears and 157-inch aluminium alloy "snowflake" pattern wheels. Automatic and manual transmissions were
offered.
In Central America, Troopers were offered with removable roofs and a higher wheel clearance. Powertrain
options included the Isuzu 2.8-liter turbo diesel.

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First-generation Trooper (rear)

Second generation (19912005)

In 1991 for the 1992 model year, Isuzu completely redesigned
the Trooper to keep pace with changes in the SUV
marketplace, making it larger, more powerful, and more
luxurious. These 5,500 lb (2,500 kg). vehicles used a 3.2 L
single overhead cam 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) (SOHC) petrol
engine, with an available 3.2 L dual overhead cam (DOHC)
version rated at 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp). A SOHC 3.2 L
engine producing 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) was introduced in
1996, replacing the prior engines. Most models still used a
part-time four-wheel-drive system, which required stopping
the vehicle to engage and disengage the front axle. Starting
with the 1996 SE Limited Troopers came with shift on the fly
engagement.
From 1992, the UBS
Series ("Holden
Jackaroo", as it is
known in Australia)
was available with a
pushrod overhead
valve (OHV) 3.1 L
in-line 4-cylinder
intercooled
turbodiesel
19981999 Isuzu Trooper
(designated 4JG2)
producing 114 PS
(84 kW; 112 hp) at
3,600 rpm, and
260 Nm (192 lbft) at
2000 rpm. It was
offered as an
alternative to the
3.2-litre petrol, as a
20012003 Holden Jackaroo (UBS)
more rugged and
SE 5-door (Australia)
fuel-efficient option
for towing and
heavy-duty operation. The diesel-powered Jackaroo was

Second generation

Also called

Acura SLX
Chevrolet Trooper
Isuzu Bighorn
Holden Jackaroo
Holden Monterey
Honda Horizon
Opel Monterey
Vauxhall Monterey

Production

19912002

Assembly

Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan

Bian, Philippines[2]
Pekan, Malaysia[3]

Engine

3.2 L 6VD1 SOHC V6

3.2 L 6VD1 DOHC V6
3.5 L 6VE1 DOHC V6
3.0 L 4JX1 TD I4
3.1 L 4JG2 TD I4

Transmission

4-speed automatic
5-speed manual

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available with a
3-door: 91.7 in (2,329 mm)
Wheelbase
five-speed manual
5-door: 108.7 in (2,761 mm)
transmission and
3-door: 166.7 in (4,234 mm)
Length
manual front hubs
5-door: 183.5 in (4,661 mm)
only coupled to a
part-time 4wd system
199294: 68.7 in (1,745 mm)
Width
with open front and
199597: 72.2 in (1,834 mm)
limited slip rear
199294: 72.8 in (1,849 mm)
Height
differentials. The
19921998 Opel Monterey RS 3-door
199597: 72.2 in (1,834 mm)
2.283:1 low range can
(Germany)
be selected on the
move, providing the front hubs are engaged, at up to 15 km/h 1st gear,
25 km/h 2nd gear and 40 km/h 3rd to 5th gears. (The 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine version was also available with
an optional four-speed auto and auto locking front hubs.) The same diesel engine was also available in the U.K.
and other markets with a belt-driven overhead camshaft, which developed slightly more power. After 1998, and
the introduction of the 4JX1 3.0-litre diesel engine, a four-speed automatic transmission was made available in
addition to the five-speed manual transmission.
During this period, Isuzu and Honda had a working arrangement[4] that allowed Honda to sell a rebadged
Trooper. In Japan it was known as the Honda Horizon from 1994 to 1999, and as the Acura SLX in the United
States from 1996 to 1999.
Beginning in 1998, Troopers in the US were equipped with a DOHC 3.5 L engine producing 215 hp (160 kW;
218 PS). European and Asian buyers could opt for the diesel engine option of the 4JG2 3.1 L (later superseded
by the more problematic 4JX1 3.0 L of 159 PS/117 kW). A Borg-Warner torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive
system was introduced, along with freshened styling. The grille was redesigned again for the 2000 model year.
Transmission options included a five-speed manual transmission, the Aisin AR5 [5] and the electronically
controlled 4L30E four-speed automatic. The 4l30E was fitted with both a "power" shift feature allowing the
gearbox to take better advantage of the engine's power by adjusting the shifting nature and a "winter" mode
permitting third gear starts for added stability in slippery conditions.[6] The 2000 to 2002 Trooper included a
feature called "Grade Logic" which allowed the transmission to automatically downshift on steep grades in order
to slow the vehicle down.
The suspension consisted of a fully independent torsion bar front suspension, and a multilink coil sprung rear
suspension integrated with a solid rear axle.
The Trooper LS and S models offered 117.8 cu ft (3,340 L) cargo space, while Limited models had 112.3 cu ft
(3,180 L).
While US-spec Troopers came only in the 5-seat models, in Europe and the UK 7-seater version was also
offered. Optional on all models was a rear limited slip differential. In the US the 3-door RS model was sold only
from 1993 to 1995.
In 2002, the Trooper was discontinued in the United States in favor of the smaller Axiom and the larger
GM-produced Isuzu Ascender, a re-badged GMC Envoy.
A Trooper with the 16-valve 159 PS (117 kW; 157 hp) 3.0-liter 4JX1-TC engine was sold in the Philippines
from 2002 until model year 2005. Known as the Skyroof Edition, it came in a rear-wheel-drive configuration
with anti-lock brakes, a limited slip differential, billet-type radiator grille, and large power moonroof. Other

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standard options included leather seats, wood trim, and a VCD entertainment system. It was later succeeded by
the Isuzu Alterra.

Acura SLX
The "Acura SLX" was a lightly upgraded and re-badged Isuzu Trooper
sold by the Acura division of Honda from 1995 to 1999, as 1996 to 1999
year models. Sold only in the United States, the SLX was later replaced
by the Honda Odyssey-based Acura MDX in 2001.
The SLX omitted some of the options available on Troopers from
concurrent model years, including the manual transmission and certain
engines. From 1996 to 1997 the SLX was only available with the
3.2-litre DOHC V6 engine, switching to the new 3.5-litre DOHC V6
engine in 1998. The SLX received a restyled front end for the 1998
model year, but continued to sell poorly and was ultimately discontinued
after 1999. It is said that sales were affected by bad press when the 1996
to 1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for
their tendency to roll over during testing.

MY19961997 Acura SLX

Monterey
In Europe, the Trooper/Big Horn was sold in Europe as a Opel or
Vauxhall from 1994. Called the Monterey, the plate lasted until 2002 on
the continent (as an Opel) and until 1998 in Great Britain, where the
MY19981999 Acura SLX
Vauxhall badge was used. The Monterey name also saw use by Holden in
Australia, at first (from 1994) as the top equipment level (V6 only) for
what was there called the Jackaroo, but later as a standalone nameplate for the more luxurious part of the range.

Rollover controversy
The second-generation Trooper received negative press in the United States when the 19951997 models were
rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for an alleged tendency to roll over under testing.[7] In response
to a petition from the publication's publisher, Consumers Union, the National Highway Traffic Administration
conducted its own tests and found no issue that could lead to a need for a recall.[7] [8] However, the magazine's
claims had hurt sales of the vehicle.[9]
After the release of the NHTSA report, Isuzu filed a lawsuit against
Consumers Union seeking $242 million in damages, claiming that during
Consumer Reports's tests the steering wheel had been twisted more
sharply than "a driver is willing or able to make in response to an
unexpected event.[8] The judge in the suit, Richard Paez, determined
that because Isuzu had engaged in an extensive public relations
campaign to refute the claims prior to filing suit, it was considered a
public figure, raising the standard for defamation from a simple
20012003 Holden Monterey
preponderance
of evidence that the report was false to "clear and
(Australia)
convincing evidence" that Consumer Reports published the article
knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for whether it was true or
[10]
false.
The defamation suit went to a jury, which found that eight of the 17 statements in the report

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questioned by Isuzu were false, with one displaying "reckless disregard" for the truth on the part of Consumer
Reports magazine, but that Isuzu was not damaged by that statement.[11][12] Two of the 10 jurors on the panel
did not believe the magazine believed that the other seven statements were untruthful when they published
them.[11] Consequently, the full jury panel did not award Isuzu monetary damages for the alleged damage to its
reputation and lost sales.[11] Isuzu calculates the total cost of the Consumer Reports claims at $244 million.[13]
As Isuzu was denied damages on all counts, the formal court judgement in favor of Consumers Union entered by
Paez required Isuzu to pay CU's "reasonable costs" of defending itself against the suit, not including attorney's
fees.[14]

Motorsport
1992 Trooper won class victory in '92 Australian Safari.
1993 Troopers took first and second place in the class of '93 Australian Safari.
1994 Trooper won the Marathon class victory at the 1994 Paris-Dakar Rally.
1994 Trooper finished first in its class at the Pharaoh's Rally.

Naming conventions
North America Isuzu Trooper II (19831989), Isuzu Trooper (19902002), sold by Honda as Acura
SLX (from 1996 to 2000)
South America and Africa Isuzu Trooper and Chevrolet Trooper
Colombia Chevrolet Trooper (First Generation), Chevrolet Trooper 960 (Second generation)
Venezuela Caribe 442
Asia (excluding Japan) Isuzu Trooper, also sold by Chevrolet as Chevrolet Trooper.
Japan Isuzu Bighorn, Subaru Bighorn, sold by Honda as Honda Horizon (similar to the SLX, introduced
in 1994, discontinued in 1999)
Europe Isuzu Trooper (1st & 2nd Generation) & Vauxhall Monterey (UK, 19941998), Opel Monterey
(Continent, 19942002)
New Zealand Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey
Australia Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey

Holden Jackaroo (first

generation)

Isuzu Bighorn (first

generation)

Isuzu Bighorn (second

generation)

1988 Subaru Bighorn

References
1. ^ Mastrostefano, Raffaele, ed. (1990). Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1990 (in Italian). Milano: Editoriale
Domus S.p.A. pp. 12551256.

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2. ^ "Isuzu: Isuzu In The Philippines" (http://web.archive.org/web/20110223143303/http://car-cat.com/firm-875.html) .

Car-cat.com. Archived from the original (http://car-cat.com/firm-875.html) on 2011-02-23.
3. ^ "Isuzu. Isuzu In Malaysia" (http://car-cat.com/firm-791.html) . Car-cat.com. Retrieved 2010-07-25.
4. ^ "Upgrades to the Horizon Series" (http://world.honda.com/news/1998/4980319a.html) . Press Release. Tokyo:
Honda. March 19, 1998. Retrieved 2008-11-30.
5. ^ "Holden JackarooService Repair Manuals | Service Repair Manuals" (http://onlyrepairmanuals.com/holden
/holden-jackaroo) . Onlyrepairmanuals.com. Retrieved 2012-10-28.
6. ^ "Technical specifications for GM 4L30-E" (http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/BMW_Automatic_4L30E.pdf)
(PDF). Retrieved 2011-08-27.
7. ^ a b "Agency Finds Isuzu Trooper Defect-Free" (http://articles.latimes.com/1997/jul/26/news/mn-16538) . Los
Angeles Times. 26 July 1997.
8. ^ a b "Isuzu sues Consumers Union over report on Trooper". The Daily Courier. 1 August 1997. p. 2A.
9. ^ "Trooper report trips up sale". St. Petersburg Times. 3 November 1996. p. 6H.
10. ^ "Consumer Reports Defamation Trial Starts" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/WPcap/2000-02/09/042r020900-idx.html) . The Washington Post. 9 February 2000.
11. ^ a b c "Jury clears Consumers Union". Daily Union. 7 April 2000. p. 3.
12. ^ Pollack, Andrew (7 April 2000). "Isuzu Is Denied Damages in a Lawsuit Against Consumer Reports"
(http://www.nytimes.com/2000/04/07/business/isuzu-is-denied-damages-in-a-lawsuit-against-consumer-reports.html)
. The New York Times.
13. ^ Dee-Ann Durbin, Tom Krisher (2008-02-02). "Isuzu to stop selling new vehicles in North America"
(http://www.projo.com/projocars/content/ca_isuzuout_02-02-08_OG8RD1F_v6.1f10cef.html) . projo.com.
Retrieved 2011-08-27.
14. ^ "Business solutions from AllBusiness-Redesign" (http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/trial-procedure-judges
/6479006-1.html) . AllBusiness.com. Retrieved 2011-08-27.

External links
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Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Isuzu_Trooper&oldid=548010722"
Categories: Isuzu vehicles SUVs Mid-size SUVs Rear-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles
Vehicles introduced in 1981
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