Car reviews

Introduction

The Trooper is one of the few 4x4’s that can be called a true off-roader with it’s low-ratio gearing, high ground clearance and 4-wheel-drive that can be engaged at the flick of a switch. All of these features enable it to tackle even the stickiest of situations. It’s a pity it’s not as good on the road where it has lots of body roll, vague steering and an unsettled ride. It is extremely spacious inside with the five-door model being able to seat seven in comfort and the top level Insignia trim comes with all the luxuries you are ever likely to want.

Exterior & Interior

The Troopers image isn’t quite as appealing anymore with more modern and stylish 4x4’s coming out. However, the interior space is cavernous with all passengers have more than enough head and legroom and in the long wheelbase five-door model. An optional extra row of seats can also be put in the boot so that it can carry seven people. The three-door model comes with less space inside, it isn’t quite as good looking either and you can’t get a third row of seats into the boot. The rear seats do split and fold though as they do in the five-door, expanding the load space further for any large and unwieldy items. The boot door is split opening, but with it not opening to the full width it does become annoying. The dash and trim is all plastic and cheap looking, but at least it’s easy to wipe clean.

Avoid the entry level trim at all costs as you get practically nothing for your money. The Duty and citation are better coming with plenty of options so owners could kit it out to their specific needs. The Insignia gave you everything on offer including leather upholstery, ABS, alloys, a CD multichanger, climate and cruise control, electric windows and sunroof, headlight washes heated seats and a lot more.

Drive

On the road the Trooper is far from a good car to drive with lots of body roll in the corners, vague steering and it never feels very settled. It wasn’t built as a road car though and when taken off-road it excels with its low range gearbox, high ground clearance and four-wheel-drive that can be engaged at the flick of a switch.

Faults & Repairs

The Trooper has proven to be extremely reliable over the years with hardly any problems being reported. There were two recalls over its lifetime with the first being over fears of the ceramic heater terminal causing fires and the second was over problematic fuel injectors. Other problems areas are with the gearbox and steering which wears rapidly when it is used for towing, the engine and the brakes. It would be a wise decision to get any model looked at by a professionally before parting with any of your cash as all of these could prove costly to fix. The service intervals are fairly short and they work out as being rather costly however any repairs should prove cheaper than average with Isuzu’s labour and repair costs being fairly cheap.