Jump LinksIsuzu Trooper Generations And Model YearsAcura SLX Generations And Model YearsHow Did The Acura SLX Differ?When SUVs were starting to gain traction in the United States, it only made sense to combine family-sized comfort with rugged capabilities. Models like the Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Bronco, and others were popping up with these exact intentions. However, one brand - which no longer exists in America - wanted to compete against other Japanese automakers with reliable powertrains and a diverse lineup. Isuzu entered the US in 1972 as a partnership venture with General Motors. The brand managed to be a hit for its entire lifetime in the country, pushing against other popular models with its VehiCross and Rodeo. That said, there's one family-sized SUV that some people today may have never heard of: the Trooper.The Isuzu Trooper was also sold as the Acura SLX, which was built during the Trooper's second generation. It was more luxurious inside, but featured the same platform, engines, and other essentials. While the Acura SLX was eventually replaced by the MDX, a model that continues to sell across the country today, the Trooper was never replaced by another Isuzu in the United States. It has, however, continued to grow and change in other markets. In this article, we'll discuss everything there is to know about the Trooper and SLX, and why you should buy one instead of a Jeep Wrangler.Only U.S. Isuzu Trooper and Acura SLX specifications are used in this article. The Rugged SUV Nobody's Heard Of: Isuzu Trooper IsuzuKnown throughout the world by no fewer than 12 model names under eleven separate brands, the Trooper is what came to America in the 1981 model year. Seriously, though, this is one of the most rebadged cars in history, with different names and slightly different styling for markets across the world, including Japan, Vietnam, Australia, Central America, The United Kingdom, and more. There's a reason this model is so popular and widespread: it's rugged, relatively affordable, reliable, and it looks great. Here in the United States, we also got a redbadged variant under Acura's branding called the SLX. It was a bit more luxurious, but was built with the same bones. Isuzu Trooper Generations And Model Years The Trooper was sold in America for two generations. Its first generation was introduced for the 1981 model year, which lasted for an entire decade. This generation was available in either five-door or three-door variants. Both versions came with four-wheel drive, high ground clearance for true off-roading potential, and a variety of powertrains that we'll get into next.The second generation is why you're all here today, though. It was sold from 1992 through 2001, and carried on the model's legacy as a practical, yet capable, SUV. The Trooper's second generation was focused more on interior comfort than being a pure off-roader, but it didn't lose the prowess that its name was known for. A part-time four-wheel-drive system made it practical for on- and off-road applications. Acura SLX Generations And Model Years Bring A TrailerSince there were so many versions of the Trooper in markets across the globe, it only made sense to include a more luxurious variant in the American market. Thus, the Acura SLX was born. It only lasted for a few years, having been introduced for the 1996 model year. The SLX had a single, somewhat rushed facelift for the 1998 model year before being discontinued after 1999. Shortly thereafter, the model was replaced with the popular three-row MDX, which is still sold today. The SLX used the same powertrains as the second-gen Trooper, but had some small differences that we'll talk about next. Isuzu Trooper Powertrains And Specs Isuzu UKBuyers who got behind the wheel of a first-gen Trooper found themselves with standard four-wheel drive, and could choose from among five engines throughout the generation's lifetime. On the smaller end, there were two gas-powered four-cylinders that made 86 horsepower and 96 lb-ft of torque at most. The Trooper's 2.8-liter gas V6 was more powerful, as its outputs reached 120 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. That said, buyers could choose one of its efficient diesel engines that came in either 2.2L or 2.8L four-cylinder options. They had low horsepower, but up to 150 lb-ft of torque. Waiting until the second generation was released meant getting access to two V6 engines. It started out with a 3.2-liter V6 before later model years were available with a larger, more powerful 3.5L option. How Did The Acura SLX Differ? AcuraSince the SLX wasn't introduced until 1996, it missed out on the first-gen Trooper's fun. Instead, it started off with the 3.2-liter V6 and ended with a 3.5-liter V6. They were tuned for higher outputs than the Trooper, though, as this model was more luxurious and expensive. Like the Trooper during this period, the SLX had part-time four-wheel drive that could be activated via a lever next to its transmission shifter. Its final model year, 1999, left behind the traditional 4WD system for a "torque on demand" system that was ultimately less successful. What Made The Trooper/SLX Good Off-road? Bring A TrailerThe Trooper and SLX were both somewhat sluggish on the road; neither version made much power. However, they excelled off the pavement. Focusing on the Trooper's second generation for the rest of this article, and the SLX's only generation, we see how a sturdy body-on-frame platform with four-wheel drive made it a capable machine. Both models were initially equipped with a part-time 4WD system that had low-range gears to help climb or descend steep hills and crawl over obstacles. Four-wheel drive could be initiated on the fly at speeds up to 60 mph in case road conditions became worse while driving, too. The 1998 SLX had 8.3 inches of ground clearance at its lowest point (the rear axle), and its 108.7-inch wheelbase was the right size for tight trails. Isuzu Trooper And Acura SLX Reliability Isuzu UKPart of what made these vehicles popular at the time was their reliability. The second-gen Trooper and SLX both used reliable V6 engines that have held up until today. But it's somewhat difficult to pinpoint these cars' reliability today, since they're becoming increasingly rare. That said, there is some data available from Car Complaints and the NHTSA. There are some owner complaints reported to both platforms about suspension failure.That's not totally unwarranted, since the later years of both models were included in some major controversy. Its engines might be sound, but the later model years were known for instability at higher speeds. Isuzu sued Consumer Reports at the time, alleging the magazine lied about the vehicle rolling over during high-speed maneuvers. A federal jury found that the journal falsely reported that the Trooper "displayed a unique and extremely dangerous propensity to roll over during emergency turns." Current Trooper And SLX Values Bring A TrailerBoth the Trooper and SLX are somewhat rare these days, leading to wildly differing price ranges. In fact, Classic.com (a reputable source for old car prices and market availability) shows absolutely no public market data available for the Acura SLX. The Trooper, on the other hand, does have some movement. Over the last year, Troopers from both generations averaged out to be worth around $10,000. The lowest price came from the sale of a 1986 Trooper II 4x4 for $3,500, while the most expensive sale was an auction on Bring A Trailer for a 1991 BigHorn (an import from another market, but the same model nonetheless) for $25,000. How This Reliable SUV Compares To The Wrangler JeepNow back to the title of the article: how does the Trooper/SLX hold up against the Jeep Wrangler? Well, the Wrangler is still going down in the history books as one of the most capable off-road platforms ever made. With roots back to WWII, this off-road icon is hard to beat. We're comparing the Trooper to the Wrangler's TJ generation, which was on sale from 1997 to 2006. It also featured body-on-frame construction with coil-sprung suspension. It has better axle articulation that allows for more flex on uneven trails. Ground clearance varies by trim level, but is roughly around nine inches at its lowest point. Approach, breakover, and departure angles are better than the Trooper, as well as its ability to be heavily modified. The TJ is more capable at driving over rougher terrain than the Trooper, but it's less reliable. In Summary, This Rugged Japanese Platform Is Pretty Great Isuzu UKDespite some controversy at the end of the model's life, the Trooper is an iconic, reliable off-road SUV with roots spreading across the world. It's known by twelve different names, but the United States was lucky enough to have two versions on our home soil. The Trooper was sold for two generations spanning two decades, while the shorter-lived Acura SLX was more refined and had a nicer interior. It only lasted for a few years and a single generation. Neither model is as capable off-road as the Jeep Wrangler from the same era, but they were more reliable, and building one today would set you apart in the off-road community.
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