Background and Identification

The first generation Isuzu Trooper was introduced in Japan for the 1981 model year. Offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, the Trooper was also offered in numerous body styles: a two-door soft top utility roadster model, a 3-door long wheelbase model, a 3-door short wheelbase model, and a 5-door long wheelbase model.

Isuzu changed the front grille and headlights from round to rectangular in 1987, and introduced a premium LS trim for the 5-door LWB models that added cruise control, automatic windows, folding seats, and other upgrades. The Trooper was upgraded to disc brakes at all four wheels for the 1988 model year.

The first generation Trooper was sold in the US from 1984-1991. It was available in 3 and 5-door LWB configurations from 1984-1986. The 3-door LWB configuration was dropped in 1987, with the 5-door LWB continuing through the end of 1991 production. For the 1989 model year only, the US got a limited production run of 3-door SWB models, called the Trooper RS. It's reported that fewer than 800 RS's were imported for 1989.

Technical Specifications

Body and Chassis:

  • 3/5-door SUV
  • 2-door utility roadster

Powertrain:

  • Engines:
    • Gas:
      • 1.9 L Isuzu G200Z inline-4
      • 2.3 L Isuzu 4ZD1 inline-4 (1983-1988)
      • 2.6 L Isuzu 4ZE1 inline-4 (1988-1991)
      • 2.8 L General Motors LH7/LL2 V6 (1989-1991)
    • Diesel:
      • 2.2 L Isuzu C223 inline-4
      • 2.2 L Isuzu C223T turbodiesel inline-4
      • 2.8 L Isuzu 4JB1 inline-4
      • 2.8 L Isuzu 4JB1-T turbodiesel inline-4
  • Transmissions:
    • 4-speed Isuzu MSG-4 manual
    • 5-speed Isuzu MSG-5 manual
    • 5-speed Isuzu MUA5 manual
    • 4-speed Aisin Warner AW30-80LE automatic (with the 4ZE1)
    • 4-speed General Motors 4L30E automatic (with the LH7/LL2)
  • Four-wheel drive
    • 3-speed transfer case
    • Aisin manual hubs or Isuzu auto-locking hubs

Dimensions:

  • Wheelbase:
    • 3-door: 2,300 mm (90.6 in)
    • 5-door: 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
  • Length:
    • SWB: 4,075 mm (160.4 in)
    • LWB: 4,380 mm (172.4 in)
  • Width: 1,650 mm (65.0 in)
  • Height: 1,800–1,830 mm (70.9–72.0 in)
  • Weight: 1,678 kg (3700 lb) empty

Additional Information