I have a 1995 manual transmission Trooper-S. I went about 90K on the original set of brake pads. It was time to lube the wheel bearings so I changed the pads anyway even though they had about 1/3 life left. I put on a new set of genuine Isuzu pads brecause they work so well they are worth the 10% higher price. I tow a 4000# trailer and live in a hilly but not mountainous area.
I had a 1984 Trooper that also went 90K on the first brake pads. It was also a manual transmission.
I think the very fast brake pad replacement common on many vehicles today is because most automatic transmissions free wheel down hills to improve MPG. I find that feeling hard to get used to, when I let off the gas I want to feel the car slow down a bit. I think riding the brakes all the way down every hill is not a good idea, but it is todays normal way to do it for most cars.
I think the new Troopers have a sensor for letting the automatic transmissions so slow you down like a manual transmission on hills.
On GM minivans the transmission will stay hooked to the engine if you pull the shifter down from 4th-overdrive to 3rd. Then there is much more of a controlled feeling on hills, and I don't think MPG suffers much.
I have 37K so far and no brake work or problems. On my '97 Rodeo it went 70K on the first set of pads and I drive in heavy NYC traffic and when not in heavy traffic I drive on the highway usually pretty fast but out here you have to jam the brakes due to traffic even on the highway, so my brakes got a good workout.
I'll get you a VHS or digital (.avi) copy of the consumer reports video for you to post if you get me some big game tickets (I'll send you a check and you send me the tickets.) Let me know.
How many of us Trooper owners would be interested in a 2005 Hummer H3 if it were a rebadged Trooper with a Hummer hood and grill and maybe a few GBX features?
If they do it right, more off road equipt with torsen diffs and slightly larger tires a deep low range and the 3L Duramax. All this while keeping it light for better MPG maybe 23 MPG city and 29 MPG hwy.
It would be a baby Hummer good for a daily drive. Paison, please let Isuzu know to retune the Trooper factory for Hummer. Thank You
Would it keep costs down for Hummer if they offered the TrooperGBX H3 with a torsen diff in the rear and a torsen diff in the transfer case with full time 4WD like Subaru so the drive train is lighter simpler and always in 4WD? With the 3L Duramax Diesel it would need a 6 speed automatic and individual wheel brake control would be a nice touch. It would be the low end Hummer for the lowest common denominator driver that would not need to know about gear ranges. Of course aftermarket would affer ways to lock the diffs.
Hello everyone, All of a sudden the power windows on my 2001 Trooper S have stopped working. Luckily all 4 windows were in the up position when it happened, so i don't have to worry about rain. The truck only has 6000 miles on it. Any suggestion as to what might have happened-- has anybody else experienced the same problem? I'm taking it into the dealership on Friday, repairs should be covered under warranty. I'm really disappointed, did not expect this from a new Isuzu....
I believe there is a circuit breaker for the windows, not sure where it's located. Isuzu was smart enough to put a circuit breaker in cause they know how important it would be to close the windows in the rain!
Check the owners manual. The circuit breaker, IIRC (don't have my manual with me) is in the fuse panel under the driver side kick panel. It's easy to reset.
Does the US get Nissan's Patrol? It's a great unit now, especially with the 4.8l six or the 3.0 turbo diesel. In size, it is between Landcruiser and Trooper.
I think you'll find it quite a good alternative once the beloved Trooper passes on. I would have bought this instead of the Jackaroo, but it had quite an underpowered 4.5l six or 2.8l turbo diesel at the time.
Just a note of thanks for your efforts to direct the often misguided discussion at the "I don't like SUVs, why do you?" board to something of substance, like the utilization of diesel power for SUVs as a way of increasing fuel economy and durability.
Unfortunately, I employed this same tactic a month ago and received a room temperature response. You should expect the same.
Off topic? Hey, I just counted 12 messages in a row that were on-topic in there .
The Consumer Most Wanted vote will last about a month - you only get one bite at the survey, and you have to complete it once you start it. So make sure the boss is away golfing when you click the link :-) Steve Host SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I just completed the marathon. Skipped the "most significant vehicle of 2002" question since nothing immediately came to mind.
A couple feedbacks:
Boxster typo in #10 and 26-- survey is missing the "s".
Re: # 18-- GM would go nuts if you told 'em the Escalade and Avalanche were 'Large Crew Cab Pickups.' That's what they are, but I don't think they're being marketed that way!
Re: #14-- I don't know where Buick Rendezvous fits best, but calling it a Luxury SUV seems like a stretch.
Re: Small SUV-- Suzuki Vitara and Grand Vitara are really the same truck, right? Seems weird to show them as separate choices.
You had Suzuki spelled wrong in one spot but I don't remember where.
Weird problem. The drivers side seat back on my 02 LS feels like it doesn't come up all the way. Dealer and I are going to compare my car to new one on the lot. What it feels like is that the area behind my shoulder blades is bent back towards rear seat. Any one with similar issue??
I have the same sense about the seat back in my Isuzu. It does not swing up as far as many other vehicles do. My wife notices this most: she's one of those that drives with the back of her seat absolutely vertical. She got used to it, though, and always wants to drive it.
It could be because the front and back of the bottom adjust so much, though: if you got the seat bottom flat, I'll bet the back would feel more vertical. Of course, then the bottom wouldn't support your thighs as much.
I got used to it real quick. The Trooper seats are excellent. They are BIG, supportive, and very comfortable. I have a hard time even sitting behind the wheel of my wife's Sienna. I feel like I'm falling off the seat forward (and I'm only 5'8"). Tiny little seat cushions on those Camry based Toyotas...
I was curious about the Nissan Patrol mentioned in an earlier post. After checking out this site I was fairly impressed. I think I could live with one : ) if I couldn't get a Trooper. Wonder why Nissan doesn't sell this vehicle in the US?
A friend of mine had a Nissan Patrol back in the late 60's & had it equipped w/ a front winch which came in handy once when he stuck it in the middle of a pond the 2nd time through late one winter night (yeah, the water was cold). The Patrol was very basic back then but very capable. I enjoyed it more than the old Willy's he also drove - when it was running.
Nissan Patrol is very impressive and the dealer acceaaories are impressive (dealer winch in ARB like bumper and expedition roof rack ).
I think Consumer Reports Magazine's record of damaging Isuzu and Suzuki are a deterant to Nissan importing the Patrol. The other thing might be that Patrol only comes in off road ready form, no mushy suspension that seems to be required for USA versions.
The current Patrol shape was released in 1998 and is by all intentions a real off-roader. The 4wd system is part time with hubs that can be left in auto mode or locked up. Some models have locking diffs as standard. All in all a very rugged unit.
From 98 through to 2000, there was a lot of problems with dust sealing and auxiliary tailights dropping off the rear bumper. The 4.5l six was very underpowered and the 2.8l turbo diesel was too small for the vehicle and had problems with surging.
The new lineup of engines transforms the car completely. If I was buying today, I would be having a very hard time deciding. I'd probably still go for the Jackaroo/Monterey, because of TOD and better fuel economy (the 4.8l Nissan has a ridiculous thirst for unleaded - probably inline with Landcruiser). If Nissan offered a Pathfinder style of multi-mode 4WD system in the Patrol, that would be all it needs to swing me.
i finally saw the Kia Sorrento on the Kia website that i believe was mentioned on this board awhile back...it looks to me as if it may be a worthy successor to the Trooper...the drive system on the top model in the lineup is referred to as TorqueOnDemand (tm), so it would almost have to be a version of the Borg/Warner unit on the Trooper or they couldnt use the name!...pretty exciting stuff...it also has a ladder type frame, 3.5L engine from the Sedona, etc. and appears to be a "real" suv!...if any of you havent checked out the Kia site lately, you may find it worth another look!...Dave
Hey guys. This coming weekend there is a camping/off roading trip to The Uwharrie National Forest in NC. Anyone interested should check it out. I'll be there fri-Sunday. Info at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events
I'm looking at an 89 Trooper 4cyl. auto to use as a mail delivery vehicle. It has about 84,000 miles. Can anyone give me any info on past performance, reliability, problems, things to look out for etc.? I just found this board and it seems like a good idea. Thanks in advance for any help.
I can vouch for the peppiness of the 3.5L-- in our 2002 Sedona (2700 miles) it feels quite lively and eager.
However, I don't see the Trooper boxiness in the Sorento pics. One of my favorite aspects of the Trooper is how much stuff it holds, due to the boxy shape.
I have always enjoyed the boxy shape of the Trooper. When I look at other SUVs next to the Trooper's shape, I see that most SUVs have a sexy look, but then I see that my Trooper is handsome. Since I am a guy, and I like getting my Trooper dirty, I rather enjoy the handsome look over the sexy look for it :-) What are all of your thoughts on it?
and no Mike, I don't think we need a therapist. I just don't like vehicles that were designed to go off road and get dirty (SUVs and trucks) to be sexy. I think sexy should be left to the sport cars ;-)
I have sports cars and trucks To cover my macho and sexy sides
I spoke to Hyundai at the NY Autoshow and they said the Terracan won't be coming here but that another mid-full-sized SUV w/frame and low-range would be sold here in about a year. The guy actually owned a Trooper and said it would definitely appeal to the boxy, frame truck types! Probably 90% of that was just smoke up my butt but who knows.
That Kia Sorento is an interesting vehicle. Sort of what the Trooper could have become. - minus the swoopy lines. I know the CEO of GM stated that his biggest fear in the market place is KIA - I can see why. New 4-Runner is coming out soon and Jeep is seriously considering a 4-door version of the Wrangler - I think there is a strong market for getting back to basics - role up windows - removeable carpet and rugged looks - heck I'd love to have a bench seat so I can feel the little woman next to me - heck the dog too. Stick in the air conditioning and a good stereo - I would be happy. I agree the Kia thing is just too swoopy blah - looks like a Lexus or BMW or a Highlander - just like all the midsize cars - I want flat pieces of steel and round headlight - ran steel bumpers - and even though I love my Trooper - a transmission dipstick.
These were pretty good trucks, although not as good at the new ones... I remember seeing a couple of posts from people that ran their late 80's Troopers 150,000 miles or more.
It all depends on how the original owner(s) took care of the truck and how often the changed the oil. Take it to a mechanic for your peace of mind, but only 84,000 miles sounds like it was babied by its owner..
I have an MDX, its new, so I haven't read the manual cover to cover...it system should be very similar to the pilots, anyway I am not sure about the locking rear. It supplies a 50/50 split front rear, but is that to each wheel too? Or just more like a locking center differential? I believe it only locks under 6 mph, after that it gradually reduces front/rear distribution up to I believe 18 mph. It is a nice system and I am sure great in snow, however, I don't think it is as robust as the 4wd system in the trooper. I will read up in the owners manual tonight and try to figure out its exact operation.
Although the marketing piece made some indication to the sophistication of the Pilot's VTM system, I think they overstated the facts a little bit.
The Pilot/MDX are not actually full-time 4wd vehicles. The Pilot/MDX VTM-4 system consists of an open front differential and no center or full-time rear differential. It is similar in design to various temporary AWD systems, like in the Pontiac Aztec The "locking" rear-dif has more to do with the getting out of slippery situations (like the mall parking lot in winter), ie, temporarily, via a dash-mounted button, putting the vehicle into full-time 4wd. It only works with the gearshift in first, second, or reverse, and below 18 mph.
The Pilot and MDX are front-wheel drive in normal mode with the rear axle turning but not providing power through the system to the rear tires. When slippage is noted (or predicted, like the TOD) the rear diffy "locks," simply meaning it provides power to the rear wheels. Then there is the dash-button that can be depressed to "hold" the vehicle in 4wd temporarily in really slippery situations that engages the clutches to direct up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels.
The Pilot/MDX is still a front wheel drive, temporary awd vehicle for on-road and light off-road conditions only. There is no low range. Not that it is bad, Honda obviously makes well-engineered and quality vehicles.
I believe the question as to tow rating is somewhat questionable at this time. We'll have to wait and see.
So, Pilot good vehicle, yes; category crusher, no.
Also don't forget that the clearance will always be higher on a Indy rear vehicle due to the rear diffy being up high. Our stated clearance 9.1" I believe is at the rear diffy, the rest of the vehicle has a lot more than 9" of clearance.
Comments
I had a 1984 Trooper that also went 90K on the first brake pads. It was also a manual transmission.
I think the very fast brake pad replacement common on many vehicles today is because most automatic transmissions free wheel down hills to improve MPG. I find that feeling hard to get used to, when I let off the gas I want to feel the car slow down a bit. I think riding the brakes all the way down every hill is not a good idea, but it is todays normal way to do it for most cars.
I think the new Troopers have a sensor for letting the automatic transmissions so slow you down like a manual transmission on hills.
On GM minivans the transmission will stay hooked to the engine if you pull the shifter down from 4th-overdrive to 3rd. Then there is much more of a controlled feeling on hills, and I don't think MPG suffers much.
-mike
If they do it right, more off road equipt with torsen diffs and slightly larger tires a deep low range and the 3L Duramax. All this while keeping it light for better MPG maybe 23 MPG city and 29 MPG hwy.
It would be a baby Hummer good for a daily drive.
Paison, please let Isuzu know to retune the Trooper factory for Hummer. Thank You
It would be nice though.
-mike
All of a sudden the power windows on my 2001 Trooper S have stopped working. Luckily all 4 windows were in the up position when it happened, so i don't have to worry about rain. The truck only has 6000 miles on it. Any suggestion as to what might have happened-- has anybody else experienced the same problem?
I'm taking it into the dealership on Friday, repairs should be covered under warranty.
I'm really disappointed, did not expect this from a new Isuzu....
I believe there is a circuit breaker for the windows, not sure where it's located. Isuzu was smart enough to put a circuit breaker in cause they know how important it would be to close the windows in the rain!
-mike
I think you'll find it quite a good alternative once the beloved Trooper passes on. I would have bought this instead of the Jackaroo, but it had quite an underpowered 4.5l six or 2.8l turbo diesel at the time.
It looks ok too.
-mike
-mike
Unfortunately, I employed this same tactic a month ago and received a room temperature response. You should expect the same.
Thanks again.
-mike
The Consumer Most Wanted vote will last about a month - you only get one bite at the survey, and you have to complete it once you start it. So make sure the boss is away golfing when you click the link :-)
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
A couple feedbacks:
Boxster typo in #10 and 26-- survey is missing the "s".
Re: # 18-- GM would go nuts if you told 'em the Escalade and Avalanche were 'Large Crew Cab Pickups.' That's what they are, but I don't think they're being marketed that way!
Re: #14-- I don't know where Buick Rendezvous fits best, but calling it a Luxury SUV seems like a stretch.
Re: Small SUV-- Suzuki Vitara and Grand Vitara are really the same truck, right? Seems weird to show them as separate choices.
You had Suzuki spelled wrong in one spot but I don't remember where.
-mike
Dealer and I are going to compare my car to new one on the lot.
What it feels like is that the area behind my shoulder blades is bent back towards rear seat. Any one with similar issue??
-mike
It could be because the front and back of the bottom adjust so much, though: if you got the seat bottom flat, I'll bet the back would feel more vertical. Of course, then the bottom wouldn't support your thighs as much.
I got used to it real quick. The Trooper seats are excellent. They are BIG, supportive, and very comfortable. I have a hard time even sitting behind the wheel of my wife's Sienna. I feel like I'm falling off the seat forward (and I'm only 5'8"). Tiny little seat cushions on those Camry based Toyotas...
http://www.uae4x4.com/suv/testdrive/nissan.html
-mike
http://www.nissan.com.au
Nissan Patrol is very impressive and the dealer acceaaories are impressive (dealer winch in ARB like bumper and expedition roof rack ).
I think Consumer Reports Magazine's record of damaging Isuzu and Suzuki are a deterant to Nissan importing the Patrol. The other thing might be that Patrol only comes in off road ready form, no mushy suspension that seems to be required for USA versions.
From 98 through to 2000, there was a lot of problems with dust sealing and auxiliary tailights dropping off the rear bumper. The 4.5l six was very underpowered and the 2.8l turbo diesel was too small for the vehicle and had problems with surging.
The new lineup of engines transforms the car completely. If I was buying today, I would be having a very hard time deciding. I'd probably still go for the Jackaroo/Monterey, because of TOD and better fuel economy (the 4.8l Nissan has a ridiculous thirst for unleaded - probably inline with Landcruiser). If Nissan offered a Pathfinder style of multi-mode 4WD system in the Patrol, that would be all it needs to swing me.
-mike
-mike
http://isuzu-suvs.com/events for more info.
-mike
...Steve
However, I don't see the Trooper boxiness in the Sorento pics. One of my favorite aspects of the Trooper is how much stuff it holds, due to the boxy shape.
-mike
-mike
and no Mike, I don't think we need a therapist. I just don't like vehicles that were designed to go off road and get dirty (SUVs and trucks) to be sexy. I think sexy should be left to the sport cars ;-)
I have sports cars and trucks
I spoke to Hyundai at the NY Autoshow and they said the Terracan won't be coming here but that another mid-full-sized SUV w/frame and low-range would be sold here in about a year. The guy actually owned a Trooper and said it would definitely appeal to the boxy, frame truck types! Probably 90% of that was just smoke up my butt but who knows.
-mike
-mike
It all depends on how the original owner(s) took care of the truck and how often the changed the oil. Take it to a mechanic for your peace of mind, but only 84,000 miles sounds like it was babied by its owner..
Good luck.
I am amazed at how close this is to Trooper.
http://ca.autos.yahoo.com/020107/11/k3vu.html
The Pilot/MDX are not actually full-time 4wd vehicles. The Pilot/MDX VTM-4 system consists of an open front differential and no center or full-time rear differential. It is similar in design to various temporary AWD systems, like in the Pontiac Aztec The "locking" rear-dif has more to do with the getting out of slippery situations (like the mall parking lot in winter), ie, temporarily, via a dash-mounted button, putting the vehicle into full-time 4wd. It only works with the gearshift in first, second, or reverse, and below 18 mph.
The Pilot and MDX are front-wheel drive in normal mode with the rear axle turning but not providing power through the system to the rear tires. When slippage is noted (or predicted, like the TOD) the rear diffy "locks," simply meaning it provides power to the rear wheels. Then there is the dash-button that can be depressed to "hold" the vehicle in 4wd temporarily in really slippery situations that engages the clutches to direct up to 50 percent of the available torque to the rear wheels.
The Pilot/MDX is still a front wheel drive, temporary awd vehicle for on-road and light off-road conditions only. There is no low range. Not that it is bad, Honda obviously makes well-engineered and quality vehicles.
I believe the question as to tow rating is somewhat questionable at this time. We'll have to wait and see.
So, Pilot good vehicle, yes; category crusher, no.
-mike