© JAMES TAYLOR
Editor: Land Rover Enthusiast Magazine

Background

lsuzu was the last major Japanese manufacturer to enter the 4x4 market in Britain, and aimed its Trooper at the market opened up by Mitsubishi with the Shogun. However, the first-generation Troopers were always cheaper than the equivalent Shoguns, their success being largely attributable to this shrewd market positioning and to the importers' careful choice of model mix and specification from the wide variety offered by the factory.

The major seller in Britain was always the long-wheelbase family estate, but the importers did bring in short-wheelbase vehicles to compete in the weekend-fun and chic categories, and there were also limited numbers of commercials on the short-wheelbase chassis. Most popular of all Troopers were the turbodiesel long-wheelbase models. Three different specification levels (Standard, Duty and Citation) allowed customers to tailor the models more precisely to their needs and budgets.

When the Trooper arrived in Britain during 1987, it was already a six-year-old design, having been launched in Japan in 1981. For that reason, its styling dates relatively quickly, and the first-generation Troopers were available in Britain for only five years before giving way to new models bearing the same name. In those five years, however, the Trooper had established a formidable and enduring reputation in the 4x4 market.

The Trooper is much liked because it is practical, easy to drive and - in turbodiesel form at least - not unduly expensive to run. However, its rather plain appearance is now causing it to look undistinguished alongside more modern 4x4s.

Character summary

The Trooper is a tough, practical and ultimately sensible 4x4. In short-wheelbase three-door form, it appeals as an everyday vehicle for those without families, and as one which will double as a source of weekend fun. In long -wheelbase five-door form, it is a commodious family estate with inoffensive if unimaginative styling. In Citation trim, its equipment levels verge on the luxurious.

Performance summary

All first-generation Troopers ore easy to drive, with a car-like gearchange (or effective automatic box) and pleasantly-weighted power steering. Motorway cruising is quiet and relaxed in both short and long-wheelbase types. The leaf-sprung rear axle is the weakest link in the suspension, giving an adequate ride in long-wheelbase models but causing unladen short-wheelbase models to pitch and bounce.

The good performance of the Troopers was always a strength, although the very early 2.2-litre turbodiesel is rather disappointing by more recent standards. The 2.3-litre petrol engine is smooth and willing, but the later 2.6-litre is altogether more responsive and satisfying. Best of all is the 2.8-litre turbodiesel, which is an excellent engine for most purposes, even though it lacks the top-end power to take even a short-wheelbase Trooper beyond 90mph.

The Trooper's independent front suspension has insufficient travel for serious off-road work, although the vehicle is competent enough over rough terrain. The best type for off-road use is a short-wheelbase 2.6-litre petrol model, whereas the best road vehicle is the long-wheelbase 2.8-litre turbodiesel. There is unfortunately no ideal compromise in this range of models for the buyer who wants the best of both worlds!

Reliability, weaknesses, spares

The first-generation Troopers boast an excellent record of mechanical reliability. They also have very few weaknesses: look out for excessive wear on the front tyres, which can often be caused by the front track going out of adjustment; beware, too, of seized drum brakes on the rear of early models -usually the result of inadequate maintenance. Chassis, paintwork, panels and interior trim are all hard-wearing, and only abused or neglected examples should show problems in these areas.

Spares can be obtained only through Isuzu dealers, as there are no aftermarket suppliers in Britain. The lsuzu dealership network has a good reputation.

Resale values

Long-wheelbase Troopers hold their value well, especially the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel models. Short-wheelbase models are very much less in demand and may prove harder to sell on. In the long term, the disappearance of the Trooper from the British market (as Vauxhall takes over with the Monterey) will probably cause damage to the Trooper's image and a consequent sharp fall in resale values.