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Isuzu Future Models
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Comments
Basically, I would like to see a larger, roomier, more powerful Trooper with a 3rd row seat and more of the comfort/convenience features that other SUVs have been offering the past few years.
Observations apply to 1998 and newer Troopers only unless otherwise stated.
Items to Add:
* Additional 12V power outlet(s) (Trooper currently has only one)
* Underhood engine light
* Lighted trim ring around ignition
* Third row seats that are easily removable(foldaway as in Odyssey would be ideal but not necessary).
* Full-time 4WD available with manual transmission - currently, the TOD system is not available with the manual trans
* Premium sound system option (JBL, Infinity, Bose, Alpine etc.)
* Rear climate control system – separate controls too.
Improvements:
* Make rear seats able to be folded into rear footwell to make the length of flat cargo floor longer for both cargo and people sleeping back there (either instead of or in addition to current method of folding seat down and tipping it forward against the back of the front seats).
* Gauges are bad - they look outdated
* Voltmeter and oil pressure would be nice – TOD display takes up their spot on dash (my '96 Trooper had both of these)
* Gas gauge doesn’t have enough markings and the low fuel light doesn’t come on until it’s almost too late (the low fuel light doesn't bother me; IMO, a low fuel light should be a true warning, not a statement that your tank still has 1/8-1/4 left)
* TOD display is cheesy and distracting because of the green lights and takes up too much space
* The center console needs to be redesigned — both the compartment and cup-holders are not big enough and there is a lot of wasted space.
* Cup-holders for rear passengers are a joke--can't they put a bigger magnet on that thing? I've seen a couple SUVs with rear cupholders integrated into the doors/armrests.
* More powerful headlights - current headlights are not bright enough.
* Paint is too thin / not durable enough, especially on the bumpers and overfenders.
* Better stock shocks
* Bigger tires – a meatier 16” tire and/or a 17” option would fill out the large wheel wells much more nicely than the current 245/70/16 size.
* More aftermarket parts available, such as those available in Japan.
* More adjustments for seats in S and LS models. Lumbar adjustment, height adjustment, seat cushion angle adjustment, etc. These are nice creature comforts for passenger and driver alike.
* Larger, more powerful engine - improved 3.5L V6 specs and/or V8. Actually, the 270hp 4.2L 6 in the new GM SUVs would we a welcome addition. Also, the Axiom's version of the 3.5L V6 will have 230hp, so it seems likely that the Trooper will have 230 hp in the 2001 or 2002 models.
* Better-sounding standard sound system - the stock speakers are particularly bad; the head unit seems okay.
* Independent rear suspension
* Flip-up liftgate with separately opening glass – for cover when loading/unloading/tailgating
* Longer, softer front armrests
* 5-speed automatic transmission - much of the competition is now providing a 5-speed auto instead of a 4-speed. Explorer has had it for several years. A 5-speed auto might be one way to squeeze more highway fuel economy out of the Trooper.
* More comfortable, wider front bucket seats
* More powerful climate control system
* Spare tire mounted under the vehicle
* 5mph front and rear bumpers
* Lighted vanity mirrors that work all the time - it took 2 trips to the dealer before they told me my lighted vanity mirrors were working fine, but that they don't come on unless the headlights are on. To me, that's an example of the engineers over-thinking.
Even though this is a fairly long list, I love my '98 Trooper. There are way more things on the list of items that Isuzu should not change than there are on this list of improvements.
TOD Lights are absolutely imperitive. I wouldn't have known my system was out of whack if it didn't show the torque split, cause mine would only do 15% split, even when spinning the rear tires before the dealer fixed it. I wouldn't have known had the indicator lights not been there.
Underside Spare- I feel the rear mounted is far better than underneath... Have you ever tried to get one of those things off the bottom when you get a rear tire blow out? Or if it's really rainy, you get soaked.
Lift Gate- I like the lifting glass, fold down tailgate of my Rodeo, but the 70/30 split doors are far better. A lift gate should stay on mini-vans.
Wider seats? I have a rather large rear end, and even I find the 2000 LS bucket seats to be very comfy, except the arm rest should be longer. My driver seat is 8-way power, wish the pass. was 8 way also.
-mike
There are a couple of areas that could definitely use some help. More power, improved economy come to mind. This can be and is being done by other manufacturers. A 4.5 liter V-8 with around 275hp and 280 lb. ft. of torque with the around the same mileage as the present V-6 would be heaven!
I think the 6.6 Duramax is probably overkill, but a smaller version (5.5l.?) would really be great and still have good power. According to Motor Trend, the Duramax gets about 18 MPG - not bad for a 300 hp torquemonster.
Styling? I really don't mind the "rounded square" look, but I'm sure Isuzu will Go Farther on the next Trooper.
Better speakers of course are imperative and the Nakamichi system from the Anniversary edition would be a plus.
*I am happy with the rear axle. Front independent and rear axle give the best of both world. The rear is heavy duty and provides the same ground clearance no matter what the load.
*If the tire is to go below, definitely inside. Underneath it gets destroyed, especially if you have an alloy rim. On the back is designed for offroading.
*I like the split rear, what I would add is glass that can be lowered inside the door for long items.
*A real roof rack available.
*Better wipers/lights
All things considered, I like the S model the best, simple (with enough amenities) and durable. Even though the truck is sold as an up scale SUV in the US I think it is more of an offroad/work truck in the rest of the world. This is at least what I have gotten from the international reviews I have read.
Downs: stodgy looking, gas pig (aren't they all?), acceleration below average, step up too much for my 70ish wife although I guess we could get boards or steps put on, no 2WD in stock but salesmen said he could order, maybe 500-800 cheaper. Rodeo was peppy but almost as expensive. Another local dealer has an '00 left with 2wd, quoted 21 K, I suppose would come off a bit. This S Model but with 6cd changer. I don't need 4wd and don't own any cds. Guess I could buy 6. Dealer had a crappu little brochure on Axiom, tells almost nothing but this truck looks super great (to me). Hope this truck and maybe pricing will be available by time of KC Auto show. Cheers!
I did install side steps on my 98 Trooper, and it makes entry/exit a bit easier. My wife needed some assistance since she's pregnant and drives the truck during the week.
-mike
VX 2001: Last year for the VX, the dies for the body panels are worn out and so they won't be able to make any more.
2003 Trooper: Isuzu V8 engine, slightly wider, stretched a bit, 3 rows of seats. Will be built in Japan.
Axiom: Dropped down Rodeo platform, shooting for the soccer moms
Rodeo: Aimed at the off-roaders, as opposed to the Axiom
Hombre: Even though Isuzu is designing the new S10/S15 trucks, Isuzu will likely not get a sister vehicle.
Ironman Sponsorship dropped, it was getting too expensive w/o enough payback. So you won't see anymore "ironman" editions.
-mike
I hope the Trooper info pans out, though I wouldn't consider anything from somebody like an Isuzu auto show rep to be rock solid.
-mike
-mike
I'm looking to put BFG TA KOs on my rig soon.
I just put new rims on mine (16x8) the offset
brings the wheels flush with the fender flares.
I know I could get the 245's on, in your opinion
do think I could do the 265's without flare mod's.
Also how much air pressure do you run? I beleive these things are rated at 65 psi max.
Oh, I live in So.Cal also, try getting the windows tinted DARK! it helped alot.
Thanks
I'm sure the guys at Discount Tires will mount one, just to be sure. I never considered the 265's until you posted....Thanks again.
Yes, raydahs, I'm looking forward to March Madness. Duke basketball is one of my other great loves. I am a huge Duke fan but didn't go to school there. Wish I had, but I never even applied. Didn't have the b***s to attend an out-of-state school (I'm in Michigan). I saw the entire Duke/North Carolina game last week. Very disappointing home loss for Duke, but Carolina deserved the win. But I digress...
I was originally planing on getting rid of the Trooper at the end of the year and getting a Tahoe or Sequoia but reading all the posts about reliability (i have had no problems and am at 50K) I am thinking of just keeping the Trooper. I have had a couple of mechanics comment on the nice work Isuzu has done on the Trooper. It fits my needs pretty well. Good luck with the baby! I pull for Duke - SC in the finals - like that will happen!
Bluedevils
my post should have read that USC is NOT that bad this year!
TOD + V8: Definitely see the TOD on here, possibly Traction Control system as well. The new one is basically going to be a wider stretched version of the current model with a bigger power plant, so I don't see much change.
Storage: I'd say that knowing how Isuzu works, they will likely have as much room behind the 3rd row as is currently behind the 2nd row in the Trooper.
Overall I'd look for this vehicle to be along the lines of the Sequoia or Landcruiser, but without all the doo-dads that those have, and a much cheaper price tag.
Let's hope that some Isuzu engineer is researching the net and comes across this forum...
-mike
Also, they should put a door handle on the inside of the cargo doors so someone could get out that way if necessary.
1) Glas that retracts into the 70% door so you could stick long items out window.
2) Defroster wire in the 30% glass
3) Inside release handle on the 70% side
Add to the rear cargo area:
1) lights built into the walls of the cargo area to illuminate in addition to the overhead one.
2) Power outlet(s)
3) Better Jack (this is a problem on all SUVs)
-mike
http://www.autonews.com/html/main/fp/tro03.htm
I get tired of having to set everything down to push on the door and reach down to release the catch.
-mike
There is more information on the Isuzu dealer's site - including a link to the article on SUV.com.
What's going on? Is the car really going to be available in March? Has any dealer test driven it yet? I see all sorts of information on cars that won't be available until fall on different sites, but nothing on the Axiom. It certainly seems as though Isuzu has been unable to create any buzz around this new model.
Any thoughts?
I offered to buy one, sight unseen, for the right kind of deal. He came back with 6% over as a figure. I would estimate this would be about $1400-$1500. Hope to do better, maybe a little later than sooner.
-mike
I'd prefer that Isuzu put its money into the vehicles, not the advertising. I'll find out about the available vehicles on my own. Isuzu doesn't need to hit me over the head with any gee-whiz marketing crapola. Now if they decided to do that, I would have no problems with it. But it doesn't disappoint me if they don't do it.
Has anyone noticed Toyota is using their ad guy from the 80s also currently in their ads where TV guy goes to heaven?
-mike
There really is 0 reason as to the poor marketing plan that is following this car this close to the launch date. The Matrix and Vibe have as much information out on their web sites and they don't come out to Spring 2002.
I am not that familiar with Isuzu, but the Toyota Highlander had reviews out about it a couple of months before it was released. So far, I have read 2 reviews on the Axiom and neither one of them has been posted to the Axiom web site. Perhaps Isuzu has a plan, but they are missing the boat. A lot of people looking at the Highlander now might be persuaded to hold out for the Axiom in 6 weeks, if they knew anything about it or even that it was going to exist. Too bad for Isuzu. If the information were out there now, it could be a real competitor with the Highlander.
Just a note, but the Isuzu dealer web site says that the Axiom is going to be available in March. Also, I think I would avoid the Joe Isuzu approach and come up with something new to get to the target market.
Just my 2 cents.
-mike
Just thought I would let people know.
XS model includes Leather and roof, heated front seats, all of these options on Van. model.
XS also includes compass, temp, trip comp screen (I guess) apparantley n/a on Vanilla.
Option on both is exteriot rack and cargo net, passenger power seat.
It was my understanding that this vehicle was going to offer TOD but comparison schedule shows driveline for XS as Selectable AWD, for Van. partime AWD (not 4WD). Will someone please clarify the difference?
The only difference is that it has pushbutton Low-Range instead of a leaver (you still need to put it in neutral to engage 4wd-lo)
They may have worded it differently on their comparisons to other vehicles but they are the same. The computer screen IIRC is just an LED type display.
I don't recall a rear HVAC unit, but I could be wrong on that.
-mike
Viktoria, I believe "Nav" center is actually driver info center, i.e. outside temp, compass, trip computer, mpg etc.
Anyone with new info or sites please post. Thanks
But I'll agree about the Trooper and LC being world vehicles and therefore need to be more reliable than US specific vehicles. When you are 200miles from another human being in sub-saharan africa, it's hard to say "AAA will come and tow your truck in...."
-mike
My wife wnt to the car show and seemed to really like the Trooper (also MDX, Envoy and Highlander).
-mike
-mike
I'm assuming the Axiom will sell fairly well.
cey for what you get. Assume some of this stuff would be available as after market. Trailer hitch is not shown as available option separately. Also step up to XS is $2158 invoice on 2WD. You get leather, sunroof, fog lights and molding. Isn't this a bit much?
Comments on4.30 axle ratio with230hp engine? Lots of standard equipment included that is extra cost on Highlander etc., but no side air bags available. Since I have no need of off road capability and don't need to drive much in really bad weather (1,500,000 miles no stuck, no bang) the 2WD, no roof, (don't care about leather) looks like my cuppa. Otherwise over to Toyland or maybe Explore. Appreciate your frank and knowedgeable comments. Thanks.
-mike