Vehicle Overview
Isuzu offers four SUVs in the United States, and the Trooper is the largest of the quartet. It receives minor appearance and equipment changes for 2000. Last year, Trooper came in a single price level with additional features grouped in option packages. This year, there are S, LS and Limited models, and all three are available with either two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Acura dealers previously sold a clone of the Trooper as the SLX, but the SLX is discontinued for the 2000 model year.
Isuzu has extended the warranty on its 2000 models to cover major powertrain components (engine, transmission, axles, etc.) for 10 years or 120,000 miles for the original owner, the longest warranty in the industry.
Interior
Cargo room expands to a generous 90 cubic feet when both sides of the split rear seat are folded. If you want leather, the top-of-the-line Limited model is the choice, and it is an extra-cost item. All models come with automatic air-conditioning this year. The driving position is bus-like in the Trooper because the steering wheel is more horizontal than in most vehicles.
Exterior
Trooper is conventional with its four side doors and upright styling but has a unique arrangement at the rear. Vertical cargo doors split 70/30 like a refrigerator/freezer combination and open to the sides. The spare tire attaches to the outside of the larger door.
At 188 inches front to rear, Trooper is a foot shorter than the new Chevrolet Tahoe, but at 72.2 inches nearly as tall. A minor facelift brings a new grille, tail lamps, wheel designs and two-tone color schemes.
Under the Hood
The 3.5-liter V-6 produces 215 horsepower and comes with manual or automatic transmissions. With manual shift, 4 x 4s have a part-time 4WD system for use on slippery surfaces. With the automatic, 4WD can be engaged on dry pavement.