The Isuzu Trooper is a full-size SUV manufactured and marketed by Isuzu between September 1981 and September 2002 over two generations, the first, produced between 1981 and 1991; and the second (UBS) produced between 1991 and 2002, the latter with a mid-cycle refresh in 1998. In its earliest iterations, the Trooper was based on the company's first generation Isuzu Faster/Chevrolet LUV pickup.

Marketed in the Japanese domestic market, as the , Isuzu marketed it internationally primarily as the Trooper, and in other markets as the Acura SLX (USA), Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.

In the United States, for the first generation, which was initially solely offered with two doors, Isuzu was required to comply with the 25% U.S. Chicken Tax on two-door trucks. Prior to its formal introduction Paul Geiger, product-development manager at American Isuzu Motors, noted the Roman numeral "II" designated the truck version (with the rear seat as a mandatory $300 option) and "I" indicating the passenger version with a rear seat included along with certain other features. Isuzu thus marketed the first generation two-door as the Trooper II, and when introducing the four-door retained the Trooper II nameplate. Isuzu never formally marketed a Trooper I, and Car & Driver later inferred the company had changed their mind about the suffix before the SUV went on sale.

Isuzu offered the Trooper initially with four-cylinder motor, four-speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive, subsequently adding amenities and luxuries, including optional air-conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6 engine. The second generation was available with two-wheel- or four-wheel drive.

Competitors included the Toyota Hilux Surf, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Nissan Terrano.

First generation (1981)

In December 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. Originally only the long wheelbase, five-door model was on offer, but in March 1992 the shorter three-door model was added. These vehicles used a 3.2 L (SOHC) petrol engine or 3.2-liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) version rated at . A SOHC 3.2-liter engine producing was introduced in 1996, replacing the earlier DOHC engine in selected export markets. Most models still used a part-time four-wheel-drive system, which required stopping the vehicle to engage and disengage the front axle. Starting in the 1996 model year, some Troopers came with a "shift-on-the-fly" engagement system.

The UBS series was also available with a pushrod overhead valve (OHV) 3.1-liter inline-four engine intercooled turbo diesel (designated "4JG2") producing at 3,600 rpm, and at 2,000 rpm. Japanese-market diesels have a claimed maximum power of and of torque at the same engine speeds. It was offered as a more rugged and fuel-efficient option for towing and heavy-duty operation, relative to the standard 3.2-liter petrol. The diesel-powered Jackaroo was available with a five-speed manual transmission and manual front hubs only coupled to a part-time four-wheel drive system with open front and limited slip rear differentials. The 3.2-liter V6 petrol engine version was also available with an optional four-speed automatic transmission with automatic locking front hubs. The same diesel engine was also available in the UK and other markets with a belt-driven overhead camshaft, which developed slightly more power. After 1998, and the introduction of the "4JX1" 3.0-liter diesel engine, a four-speed automatic transmission was made available in addition to the five-speed manual transmission.

Around the same period, General Motors, Isuzu and Honda established a working relationship. Under this partnership, the Trooper was thus sold in Japan as the Honda Horizon (1994 to 1999), in Europe as the Opel Monterey, in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Monterey (19941998), in Australia as the Holden Jackaroo (19982002), and in the United States as the Acura SLX (1996 to 1999). The Trooper received a mid-life facelift in 1998 with new grille, bumper, headlamps, and front fenders. The rear received a body-colored, hard spare-tire cover.

The 1998 Australasian and US-spec Trooper became equipped with the DOHC 3.5-liter engine from the Isuzu/Holden Rodeo producing . European and Asian buyers could opt for the diesel engine option of the 4JG2 3.1-liter (later superseded by the 4JX1 3.0-liter of ). A Borg-Warner torque-on-demand ("TOD") 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 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. 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.

While US-spec Troopers came only equipped with five seats, elsewhere in the world a seven-seater version was also offered. Optional on all models was a rear limited slip differential. In the US the three-door RS model was sold only from 1993 to 1995. The Trooper LS and S models offered cargo space, while Limited models had .

In 2002, the Trooper was discontinued in the United States in favor of the smaller Axiom and the larger GM-produced Isuzu Ascender, a rebadged GMC Envoy. In Japan, the last Bighorn was built in September 2002 as Isuzu withdrew from manufacturing their own passenger cars.

In April 2004, New Zealand issued recalls for Isuzu Troopers manufactured in 1992 and 1995 due to the warning from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the SUV's accelerator can stick.

A Trooper with the 16-valve 3.0-liter 4JX1-TC engine was sold in the Philippines from 2002 to 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 standard options included leather seats, wood trim, and a VCD entertainment system. It was later succeeded by the Isuzu Alterra.

<gallery widths=200 heights=145>

98-99 Isuzu Trooper.jpg|1998–1999 Isuzu Trooper

2001-2003 Holden Jackaroo (UBS) SE 5-door wagon 01.jpg|2001–2003 Holden Jackaroo (UBS) SE 5-door (Australia)

Opel Monterey RS.jpg|1992–1998 Opel Monterey RS 3-door (Germany)

1999 Isuzu Bighorn 3.5 Front.jpg|1999 Isuzu Bighorn (JDM)

Holden Jackaroo off-road.JPG|1998–2001 Holden Jackaroo SE 5-door

</gallery>

Badge engineered versions

Acura SLX

thumb|left|1998–1999 Acura SLX

The Acura SLX was a lightly upgraded and rebadged 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 Acura MDX in 2001. switching to the new 3.5-liter 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 (see Rollover Controversy, below). Autotrader says it has a 3-star safety rating (Front and Passenger) and the base entry price was $36,300.

On December 5, 2019, Acura presented a 1997 SLX outfitted with a modern turbo, four-cylinder engine, 10-speed automatic transmission and an SH-AWD system used by the RDX. It was placed on display at the Radwood show in Orange County, California. Later, Holden Monterey became a standalone name for the more luxurious part of the range. In July 1993, Holden Special Vehicles launched the sporting HSV Jackaroo model, followed by a second HSV run under the Jackaroo SE badge. 79 of the HSV Jackaroo were built, followed by 234 of the Jackaroo SE. Both were cosmetic upgrades to the Holden donor and powered by the same 3.2-liter (SOHC) petrol engine. The Jackaroo SE had the HSV badging optional.

V8 HSV Jackaroo

In 1996, HSV briefly explored the idea of fitting a Holden 5.0L V8 engine into both the Jackaroo and the Rodeo, but this concept was abandoned due to concerns that it would negatively impact sales of the SS Commodore. The project did not progress beyond early discussions.

Holden Jack8 Concept

thumb|Holden Jack8 Concept

The 2001 Holden Jack8 concept was an innovative reinterpretation of the Jackaroo 4x4, created to reinvigorate interest in the aging model as it marked its twentieth anniversary in the Australian market. The concept debuted at the National 4x4 Show in Melbourne and featured dramatic modifications, including a removed roof, extended front doors, and a heavily modified rear end. The design drew inspiration from V8 desert racing rigs, with the vehicle receiving a 50mm body lift, heavy-duty suspension, and a Gen III 5.7L V8 engine.

The Jack8 was equipped with custom wheels, a reinforced roll cage, side-exit exhausts, and a range of other off-road modifications, including Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tyres and a heavy-duty suspension system. Inside, it featured Monaro-style bucket seats, a high-end audio system, and advanced GPS technology.

Although it was a running, driving concept and even registered in Victoria, the Jack8 did not significantly boost Jackaroo sales. The Jackaroo was discontinued in 2003, replaced by the Commodore-based AWD Adventra. Despite this, the Jack8 remains a symbol of Holden's design ambitions and was recently preserved in the Holden Heritage Collection.

Honda Horizon

The Honda Horizon was retailed in Japan with either a 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engine or a 3.1-liter turbo diesel engine. On March 19, 1998, the Horizon (and the Bighorn/Trooper) was updated to a direct-injection 3.0-liter engine with , equipped for low noise and cleaner exhaust.

It was sold from 1994 to 1999. The difference between the Horizon and the Trooper/Big Horn was the use of a 5-door body instead of a 3-door body instead of changes on the logo and grille. The grades consist of Lotus and SE. It received a light facelift for 1996, now with a honeycomb grille rather than the original design with vertical elements. Twin airbags were also new. The Monterey underwent a more thorough facelift and diesel engine changes for 1998, same as for the Trooper/Bighorn elsewhere. The Monterey nameplate lasted until 1999, after which sales were picked up by Isuzu's dealership network as the Trooper. The Trooper remained on sale in Europe until 2003.

From 1994 to 1998, the Trooper/Big Horn was sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Monterey, but with no other changes. However, it was not a strong seller and was withdrawn from sale a year before the Opel version. In mid-1994, Subaru discontinued further sales since the OEM contract signed by Subaru and Isuzu was expiring.

Rollover controversy

The second-generation Trooper received negative press in the United States when the 1995–1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for an alleged tendency to roll over under testing.

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.

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."

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 preponderance of evidence that the report was false to "clear and convincing evidence" that Consumer Reports published the article knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false.

The defamation suit went to a jury, which found that eight of the 17 statements in the report 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. Two of the ten jurors on the panel did not believe the magazine believed that the other seven statements were untruthful when they published them. 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.

Motorsport

  • 1989: Jackaroo SWB won the Marathon class victory in '89 Australian Safari driven by Peter Lockhart.
  • 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, and finished 12th overall.
  • 1994: Trooper finished first in its class at the Photographs Rally.
  • 1995–1997: The Holden Jackaroo served as the official Safety Car for the Bathurst 1000, a decision that surprised many due to its off-road nature. However, its high vantage point and stable handling made it well-suited for controlling race pace under caution conditions.
  • 1996: Holden Jackaroo finished first place – Driven by Bruce Garland Australian Safari
  • 1998: Holden Jackaroo Finished 1st and 2nd in the Round Australia Trial known as the Playstation Rally. First place driven by Wayne Webster/Harry Suzuki, and second, Peter Brock. Brock competed in the Production class racing a showroom condition Holden Jackaroo finishing first in the Production class.
  • 1999: Holden Jackaroo finished first place – Driven by Bruce Garland Australian Safari
  • 2000: Holden Jackaroo finished first place – Driven by Bruce Garland Australian Safari
  • 2001: Holden Jackaroo finished first place – Driven by Bruce Garland Australian Safari
  • 2002: Holden Jackaroo finished first place – Driven by Bruce Garland/Harry Suzuki Australian Safari

Naming conventions

  • North America – Isuzu Trooper II (1983–1991), Isuzu Trooper (1991–2002), also sold by Honda as the 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 – Isuzu Trooper, also sold by Chevrolet as Chevrolet Trooper
  • Japan – Isuzu Bighorn, Subaru Bighorn, sold by Honda as Honda Horizon (similar to the 1995–1999 Acura SLX, introduced in 1994, discontinued in 1999)
  • Europe – Isuzu Trooper (1st and 2nd Generation) and Vauxhall Monterey (UK, 1992–1998), Opel Monterey (the rest of Europe and Ireland, 1992–1999)
  • New Zealand – Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey
  • Australia – Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey and Holden Special Vehicles Jackaroo

References

Bibliography