| Isuzu Trooper | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Manufacturer | Isuzu |
| Production | 1981—2003 |
| Assembly | Fujisawa, Japan |
| Successor | Isuzu Ascender |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Transmission(s) | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
The Isuzu Bighorn is a mid-size SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between 1981 and 2002. It was exported worldwide as the Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Honda Horizon, Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Vauxhall/Opel Monterey, Holden Jackaroo and Holden Monterey. It was a huge seller in the sport utility vehicle segment.
There were two generations of the Bighorn produced – the first spanning 1981 through 1991, and the second from 1992 through 2002 when Isuzu ceased export of the model. It began its production run being somewhat primitive and underpowered, offered only with a 4 cylinder motor, standard 5 speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive system. As the first generation progressed, it became more luxurious, and offered more amenities, including a V6 engine. The second generation was more refined, and was available with two-wheel drive.
First generation
| First Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Also called | Isuzu Trooper Holden Jackaroo Opel Monterey Vauxhall Monterey Holden Monterey Isuzu Trooper II (Pre-1989) |
| Production | 1981–1991 |
| Engine(s) | 2.6L 120 hp (89 kW) I4 |
| Wheelbase | 4-Door: 104.3 in (2649 mm) 2-Door: 90.6 in (2301 mm) |
| Length | 4-Door: 176.0 in (4470 mm) 2-Door: 162.3 in (4122 mm) |
| Width | 65.0 in (1651 mm) |
| Height | 4-Door: 71.7 in (1821 mm) 2-Door: 72.6 in (1844 mm) |
The first generation Bighorn was available as a 2 or 4 door, with a solid rear axle and the front featuring independent suspension. Early engines included 2.0 L 1.9 L and a 2.2 L diesel which many consider underpowered for the vehicle's weight—about 3700 lb (1678.3 kg) empty. The four-wheel drive system required the driver to engage the front axle by operating a three-position shifter adjacent to the regular transmission shifter. Both Aisin manual-locking and Isuzu's own auto-locking hubs were available. In 1986, Isuzu introduced a 2.3 L engine, which, though only 112 hp (102 kW), was a vast improvement over the previous engines. In 1987 Isuzu introduced its first fuel-injected engine,(v tech injection) a 2.6 L (4ZE1), for the Bighorn. Some U.S. models were equipped with a GM 2.8 L V6 engine. Manual transmission equipped models had a gear driven transfer case with a 2.28:1 low range ratio, models equipped with the 2.6L four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission had a 2.66:1 low range transfer case. As foreign SUVs gained market share, tariffs were introduced, and Isuzu for a time imported a model known as the Trooper II. In a bit of a creative loophole jumping, Isuzu avoided the tariffs by having the dealers install the rear seats. Later first-generation models included an option for a four-speed automatic transmission, a V6 engine sourced from General Motors (their 2.8 L pushrod V6), and a combination of 31"x10.5" tires with 4.77:1 differential gears. Standard differential gearing for all 1981-1991 Isuzu Bighorns is 4.555:1. Models from 1988-1991 are equipped with Isuzu 10-bolt 17-spline front IFS differentials and Isuzu 12-bolt live rear axles with 4-wheel disc brakes. Also new for 1987 were new rectangular headlights, a departure from the earlier round sealed-beam type lights. A clutch-type limited slip rear differential was available as an option, indicated by the code "G80" on the vehicle's option plate under the hood. Overseas model engines not released in the United States included the Isuzu 4JB1 and 4JB1-T engines, (2.8 L diesel inline four-cylinder engines, the "-T" indicating a turbocharged version).
In 1989 only, a short wheelbase (90") Isuzu Bighorn was imported to the US market as the Trooper. All of these short wheelbase Troopers were equipped with 2.6L fuel injected 4cyl engines, 4.77:1 differential gears and 31"x10.5 tires mounted on 15"x7" aluminium alloy "snowflake" pattern wheels. Automatic and manual transmissions were offered.
Further history of the first generation of Isuzu Trooper started in Central America, where smaller versions were made with removable roofs and a higher wheel clearance. Powertrain options included the Isuzu 2.9 L turbo diesel, a medium-RPM, slightly modified engine that was also used for portable freezer boxes, generators and lifeboats.[citation needed]
Second generation
| Second Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Also called | Isuzu Trooper Holden Jackaroo Acura SLX Opel Monterey Vauxhall Monterey Honda Horizon Chevrolet Trooper Holden Monterey |
| Production | 1992–1997 |
| Engine(s) | 3.2L 175 hp (130 kW) V6 3.2L 190 hp (142 kW) V6 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in (2761 mm) (4-Door) 91.7 in (2329 mm) (2-Door) |
| Length | 4-Door Base: 183.5 in (4661 mm) 2-Door: 166.7 in (4234 mm) 4-Door LS: 178.9 in (4544 mm) |
| Width | 1992-94: 68.7 in (1745 mm) 1995-97: 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
| Height | 1992-94: 72.8 in (1849 mm) 1995-97: 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
| Updated Second Generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Also called | Isuzu Trooper Holden Jackaroo Opel Monterey Vauxhall Monterey Honda Horizon Chevrolet Trooper |
| Production | 1998–2002 |
| Engine(s) | 3.5L 215 hp (160 kW) V6 3.0L 160 hp (119 kW) I-4 |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 in (2761 mm) |
| Length | 187.8 in (4770 mm) |
| Width | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
| Height | 72.2 in (1834 mm) |
Isuzu's completely redesigned Bighorn, introduced 1991 in Japan,was bigger than the old ones at 4510 pounds and was in keeping with the trend of making SUVs larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. These vehicles used a 3.2 L single overhead cam (SOHC) model that put out 175 hp (130 kW), with an available 3.2 L dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine rated at 190 hp (142 kW). A SOHC 3.2 L engine producing 190 hp (142 kW) was introduced in 1996, replacing the prior engines. Most models, with the exclusion of the 1996 SE Limited, still used a part-time four-wheel drive system, which required stopping the vehicle to engage and disengage the front axle. The 1996 SE Limited model came with shift on the fly engagement. Models after 1996 included the same shift on the fly arrangement.
From 1992, the UBS Series ("Holden Jackaroo", as it is known in Australia) was available with a pushrod overhead valve (OHV) 3.1 L intercooled turbodiesel (designated 4JG2) producing 84 Kw (113 hp) at 3600 rpm, and 260 Nm (192 ft·lbf) at 2000 rpm. It was offered as an alternative to the 3.2 L petrol, as a more rugged and fuel-efficient option for towing and heavy-duty operation. The diesel-powered Jackaroo was only available with a five-speed manual transmission and Aisin manually locking front hubs. This turbodiesel engine has established a reputation for excellent reliability and durability. The same engine was also available in the U.K. and other markets with a toothed rubber belt-driven camshaft, which developed slightly more power. After 1998, and the introduction of the 4JX1 3.0 L diesel engine, a four-speed automatic transmission was made available. RFH.
During this period, Isuzu and Honda had an agreement on working together in complimentary product areas.[1] Honda sold a rebadged Bighorn in Japan from 1994-1999, as the Honda Horizon, and in the United States from 1996-1999, as the Acura SLX. It has been rumoured that Honda assisted development in this generation of Bighorns.
Beginning in 1998, Troopers in the US were equipped with a DOHC 3.5 L engine producing 215 hp (160 kW). European and Asian buyers could opt for a 4.0 L diesel, and other diesel engine options appeared later on, including the 4JG2 3.1 L (later superseded by the more problematic 4JX1 3.0 L). At this time, the introduction of the Borg-Warner Torque on Demand system provided an All Wheel Drive setting. Freshened styling also debuted at this time, and the grille was redesigned again for the 2000 model year.
Of note, the Isuzu-designed 3.5L V6 engine available on later models of Isuzu trucks has been the target of some customer complaints due to an oil burning concern causing the engine to seize. Oil leaking past the piston rings during normal operation results in the engine "consuming" up to 2 quarts of oil during a typical 5,000-mile (8,000 km) change interval.[2] Reportedly this issue was fixed for the 2002 model year, and some 2001 model year vehicles were eligible for warranty extensions covering this specific defect.
Transmission options included a five-speed manual transmission, and an electronically controlled four-speed automatic. 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 also had a "winter" mode, which allowed the transmission to start off in third gear for added stability in slippery conditions. This 4-speed automatic is called the 4L30E, and is manufactured by GM Powertrain in Strasbourg, France. 2000 to 2002 Bighorns 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 front suspension, and a multilink rear suspension to handle the solid rear axle.
The Bighorn LS and S models contained 117.8 cubic feet of cargo space, while Limited models contained only 112.3.
In Europe and the UK, 7 seat and 3-door versions were offered, however US-spec Troopers came only in the 5-door, 5 seat models. Seating for 7 was also offered on the Opel/Vauxhall Monterey version.
Optional on all models was a rear limited slip differential. While skid plates protecting the fuel tank, transfer case and radiator, and, on four-wheel drive models, automatic locking front hubs, were standard features (until shift on the fly was introduced, at which point hub flanges were used). 1988 through 1991 Bighorns with the 2.6l 4ZE1 engine and automatic transmission received manual locking hubs.
In model year 2003, the Trooper was discontinued in the United States in favor of the smaller Axiom and the larger GM-produced Isuzu Ascender, a re-badged GMC Envoy.
Skyroof Edition The Isuzu Trooper was sold in the Philippines until model year 2005. Known as the Skyroof Edition with a rear wheel drive configuration, billet type radiator grille,and the largest power moonroof ever fitted in a Japanese SUV. It is available with the 4JX1-TC engine with 3.0 liters of displacement and 16valves that generates 160 hp (119 kW) and 333 N·m (246 ft·lbf) of torque. Inside, it is fitted with standard leather seats, wood trim and a VCD entertainment system.
The Isuzu Trooper is expected to be released again in 2009 in Europe.[citation needed]
Motorsport
- 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.
- 1994 - Trooper finished first in its class at the Pharaoh's Rally.
Consumer Reports
The second generation Trooper received some bad press in the United States 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 never recovered.
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