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User:Bravada/Isuzu Bighorn

Isuzu Trooper
Overview
ManufacturerIsuzu Motors
Production1983–2002
Body and chassis
ClassMid-size SUV

The Isuzu Trooper (JDM name Isuzu Bighorn) is a mid-size SUV manufactured between 1983 and 2002 by Isuzu Motors Limited of Japan. Typically for Isuzu models of this period, it was sold under many different names and brands in different markets, which are listed below in appropriate sections.

Contrary to most later SUV models, the Trooper possesses substantial off-road capabilities and a sturdy, rugged chassis. Thanks to that it continues to enjoy an enduring fan base amongst off road enthusiasts, even in spite of mixed sales results.

First Generation

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First generation
 
Overview
Also calledIsuzu Bighorn
Subaru Bighorn
Production1983–1991
Body and chassis
Body style3-door SWB SUV
3-door SWB softtop SUV
3-door LWB SUV
5-door SUV

The first Trooper was an evolution of Isuzu's Rodeo (TF-series) pickup (not to be confused with the later American-market Isuzu Rodeo), with a solid rear axle and the front featuring independent suspension. At first, it was only available with a 3-door body, in short- and long-wheelbase versions (the short wheelbase version was also available with a softtop). In 1985, a 5-door body on the longer wheelbase chassis was added. In general, this model was always sold as Isuzu (Bighorn or Trooper), except for a very rare JDM-only Subaru Bighorn.

Early engines included 1.9L and 2.0L that were considered underpowered for the vehicle's about 4500 pounds (2000 kg) of weight. The 4x4 system required the driver to engage four wheel drive operating a 3 position stick adjacent to the regular transmission shifter. Both Asin manual locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were available. Later first-generation models included an option for a 4-speed automatic transmission and a GM-sourced V6, along with a 7.5 in (191 mm) differential.

Isuzu Trooper II

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During the time when the increasing popularity of imported SUVs caused the United States government to impose tariffs, Isuzu used a creative loophole exploit to avoid them by importing a model, known as Trooper II, without rear seats, which were installed by the dealers.

Engines

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Names and markets

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  • Isuzu Bighorn - Japan
  • Subaru Bighorn - Japan
  • Isuzu Trooper - Europe, North America

Second Generation

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Second generation
 
Overview
Also calledIsuzu Bighorn
Subaru Bighorn
Honda Horizon
Acura SLX
Subaru Trooper
Opel Monterey
Holden Jackaroo/Monterey
Production1991–2002
Body and chassis
Body style3-door SWB SUV
5-door LWB SUV
3/5-door SWB/LWB panel van
RelatedIsuzu VehiCROSS
Chronology
SuccessorIsuzu MU7
Isuzu Ascender
Acura MDX
 
Facelifted second-generation 1999 Isuzu Trooper

The completely redesigned second-generation Trooper was much more in keeping with the trend of making SUVs larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. The 3-door body was limited to the short wheelbase. A 1998 facelift brought about not only a slightly modernized outside appearance, but also imporant mechanical changes.

Transmission options were a 5-speed manual transmission and an electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic had a "power" shift program wherein shift points were moved higher in the RPM band to take better advantage of the engine's power. It has a "winter" mode which allowed the transmission to start off in 3rd gear for extra slippery conditions.

Standard on all models were a rear Limited Slip Differential, skid plates protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and radiator, and on 4x4 models automatic locking front hubs.

Initially, most models still used a part-time 4x4 system which required stopping the vehicle to engage & disengage. The shift-on-the-fly system came only in top-spec models (SE Limited in America). The introduction of the Borg-Warner Torque on Demand system during the facelift allowed shift on the fly 4x4 engagement.

Honda Horizon and Acura SLX

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The second-generation Trooper was one of the vehicles that took part in the "model exchange" in the 90s, when Honda provided Isuzu with their passenger cars and minivan, and in exchange sold Isuzu SUVs in their showrooms. In Japan, the Trooper became Honda Horizon, and in North America Acura SLX. Both models were available with 5-door body only. This arrangement lasted until 1999, as in 2000 Honda launched their own mid-size SUVs, the Pilot and the MDX.

Opel/Vauxhall Monterey

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In Europe, General Motors decided to take advantage of Opel's more estabilished nameplate and dealer network, so the second-generation Isuzu Trooper became Opel Monterey (later joined by Opel Frontera - Isuzu MU and Opel Campo - Isuzu TF), joined by UK-market Vauxhall Monterey in 1999. The Monterey was available in both 3-door and 5-door guises, but contrary to Frontera, was not assembled in Luton and not quite that popular. This was due to the fact that the vehicle was significantly more expensive than other Opel models, and that GM did not pay that much attention to its marketing. Due to sluggish sales, the Montereys were dropped for 1999, but the Trooper reappeared in Europe and UK as Isuzu (distributed via separate dealer networks) for 2000.

Interestingly, the facelifted Trooper was available in panel van versions (in which all the side windows after the B-pillar were replaced by body-colored panels) of both the 3-door and 5-door in the UK only.

Due to constantly declining sales, Isuzu decided to phase out the model completely after 2002. It meant almost complete withdrawal from the passenger vehicle market in continental Europe (though Isuzu maintained a presence in the UK with their pickups). In the United States the Trooper was replaced by the Isuzu Ascender, a rebadged GMC Envoy made by GM.

Engines

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Names and markets

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  • Isuzu Bighorn - Japan
  • Subaru Bighorn - Japan, 5-door only
  • Isuzu Trooper - Europe, North America
  • Opel Monterey - Europe (continental) - until 1999
  • Vauxhall Monterey - Europe (continental) - 1994-1999
  • Holden Jackaroo/Monterey - Australia, New Zealand (high-spec versions were called Monterey)
  • Honda Horizon - Japan, 5-door only - until 1999
  • Acura SLX - North America, 5-door only - until 1999
  • Chevrolet Trooper - Latin America

Consumer Reports

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The second generation Trooper received some bad press in the US when the 1995-1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing. In a lawsuit brought by Isuzu against Consumers Union, the court found that some of the magazine's statements showed a "reckless disregard" for the truth. The court found in favor for Isuzu on 60% of the claims in the suit. Ultimately, however, many of Isuzu's other major allegations - including negative statements, test doctoring, and stunt driving - were dismissed by the jury, and the lawsuit favored Consumers Union. Trooper sales figures, already trailing larger and more powerful SUVs, never recovered.

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Trooper xCategory:SUVs

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