Holden Jackaroo

Isuzu Trooper

Company type	Product
Industry	Automotive
Predecessor	Isuzu Faster/Chevrolet LUV pickup truck platform
Founded	September 1981 (1981-09)
Defunct	September 2002 (2002-09)
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Full-size SUV

The Isuzu Trooper is a Full-size SUV manufactured by Isuzu from September 1981 until September 2002, spanning two distinct generations: the initial generation from 1981 to 1991, followed by the second generation (UBS) from 1991 to 2002, which underwent a mid-cycle update in 1998. The earliest versions were derived from Isuzu's first-generation Isuzu Faster/Chevrolet LUV pickup truck platform.

In Japan, it was sold under the name Isuzu Bighorn, while internationally it was primarily marketed as the Trooper. The vehicle was also distributed under various other badges such as Acura SLX (in the USA), Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey.

Within the United States market, the first generation initially appeared as a two-door variant subjected to the 25% Chicken Tax tariff on trucks. Isuzu labeled this two-door model as the Trooper II, with "II" indicating the truck-style version that offered an optional rear seat. This designation persisted even after the introduction of four-door models; notably, there was no model named Trooper I, implying a change in branding strategy before release.

The original Trooper came equipped with a four-cylinder engine, a four-speed manual transmission, and part-time four-wheel drive. Over time, enhancements such as air conditioning, power windows, and a V6 engine option were added. The second generation expanded drivetrain choices by providing both two- and four-wheel drive variants.

Its main rivals in the market included the Toyota Hilux Surf, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Nissan Terrano.

First generation (1981)

Introduced in September 1981, the first-generation Trooper was available as a three-door wagon or a soft-top model featuring independent front suspension. Due to poor sales, the soft-top version was soon discontinued. In Japan, it initially launched as the "Isuzu Rodeo Bighorn," but the "Rodeo" name was quickly dropped. Early powertrains consisted of a 1.95-liter gasoline engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine producing , which was modest considering its empty weight. Four-wheel drive engagement was managed through a three-position shifter located near the transmission and utilized both Aisin manual-locking hubs and Isuzu's automatic-locking hubs.

In 1983, a five-door variant was introduced alongside a more potent 2.3-liter 4ZD1 petrol engine equipped with a Kevlar timing belt and an enlarged carburetor. The US briefly offered a turbocharged 2.2-liter C223T diesel in 1986; however, it did not gain popularity. By 1988, Isuzu replaced this engine with a larger petrol-powered 4ZE1 unit and subsequently added a GM-sourced 2.8-liter V6 in 1989 until their proprietary V6 engines became available.

The Trooper received rectangular headlamps in 1987 along with LS trim for five-door models. In the US market, upgrades in 1988 included an enhanced 110 hp version of the 4ZD1 engine and a new fuel-injected 2.6-liter 4ZE1 generating . Starting in 1989, a GM-supplied four-speed automatic transmission became an option—Aisin units were used for four-cylinder models while GM's 4L30E served V6 variants. Models produced between 1988 and 1991 featured live rear axles and four-wheel disc brakes.

Globally, diesel powertrain options comprised inline-four C223 engines and their turbocharged versions as well as naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants of the 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel 4JB1 engine. Japan saw a limited edition of 100 "Bighorn Irmscher R" units that included German-engineered tuning enhancements.

The turbocharged 2.8-liter diesel initially delivered , comparable to the smaller C223T due to emission regulations; however, later iterations equipped with intercoolers achieved up to .

In the United States during 1989 only, a short-wheelbase two-door Trooper RS was offered featuring a fuel-injected 2.6-liter inline-four engine, specialized differential gearing, unique alloy wheels, and availability with either manual or automatic transmissions.

In Central America, Troopers were equipped with removable roofs and increased ground clearance; powertrain options included Isuzu’s 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine. In Venezuela, local assembly produced the vehicle under the name Caribe 442 to comply with import restrictions; by weight, locally sourced parts constituted up to 35%.

Chevrolet Trooper

In Indonesia, PT Garmak Motors assembled the vehicle locally and marketed it as the Chevrolet Trooper. Circa 1987, a rear-wheel-drive version called the Chevrolet Stallion was introduced, combining the Trooper’s body with the Chevrolet LUV chassis featuring a solid front axle. Furthermore, early 1980s Indonesian-developed SUVs derived from Isuzu pickup trucks were sold under the names Holden Lincah and Holden Raider, characterized by simpler construction and partial use of fibreglass body panels.

The Chevrolet Trooper designation was also applied in various South American countries, with the exception of Venezuela.

Holden Jackaroo

In both Australia and New Zealand, the Trooper was branded as the Holden Jackaroo, a name inspired by an Australian term referring to a young cattle station worker. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, the standard Trooper was also retailed under the Isuzu marque.

Subaru Bighorn

Introduced in November 1988, the Subaru Bighorn came with an Irmscher trim and was exclusively powered by Isuzu’s 2.8-liter inline-four turbo diesel engine. Transmission options included a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual paired with part-time four-wheel drive. Production and sales ended in February 1992.

SsangYong Korando Family

SsangYong Motors commenced licensed production of the Isuzu Trooper with distinctive body styling in November 1988, marketing it as the Korando Family (). The concept vehicle KR-600 debuted at the 1984 Seoul International Trade Fair following initial development by Keohwa Motors starting in 1982. After Dong-A Motors acquired Keohwa in 1984 and continued development, SsangYong took over in 1987 and launched the Korando Family under its own brand. The name Korando signifies Korea Can Do or Korea Can Do It, with other interpretations including Korea Land Over and Korean Land Dominator.

This model targeted markets across South Korea, Southeast Asia, selected European countries, and parts of South America. In Europe, it was marketed as the SsangYong Family. Initially powered by the Trooper’s 2.2-liter diesel engine (the Korean-produced "DC23"), a Peugeot-sourced 2.5-liter XD3P diesel engine became available from September 1991. Additionally, starting July 1991, Isuzu’s fuel-injected 2.6-liter petrol engine was offered. Design revisions included clear headlamp lenses, a chrome-finished radiator grille, and introduction of a five-speed manual gearbox.

The updated New Korando Family () appeared in August 1994, replacing earlier powertrains with a 2.3-liter Mercedes-Benz OM601 diesel engine. The SsangYong Korando ("New Korando") model launched in July 1996 succeeded the KF variant following its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Mekong Star 4WD

The Mekong Star 4WD, also referred to as Mekong Stars-4WD, marked Mekong Auto’s inaugural vehicle release in 1992. It utilized a diesel powertrain sourced from Ssangyong and was assembled at the Cuu Long Factory located in Ho Chi Minh City. Exports reportedly extended to China and Japan beginning in 1993. By 1997, production reached approximately 30,000 units before halting due to difficulties securing parts after Ssangyong transitioned to manufacturing the New Korando model.

Second generation (1991)

In December 1991, Isuzu introduced a redesigned Trooper for the 1992 model year, featuring increased size, enhanced power, and upgraded luxury appointments. Initially, the lineup consisted solely of a long wheelbase five-door version; however, in March 1992, a shorter three-door variant was added. Engine options included SOHC and DOHC 3.2 L petrol units delivering up to , with some export markets transitioning to SOHC engines by 1996. Most variants employed part-time four-wheel drive systems that required the vehicle to be stationary to engage the front axle, while select models from 1996 onward offered "shift-on-the-fly" capability.

Diesel powertrains comprised a durable intercooled turbocharged OHV 3.1 L inline-four ("4JG2") engine producing and torque, preferred for towing and demanding applications. This engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission and manual front hubs in part-time four-wheel-drive configurations. Petrol V6 models provided an optional four-speed automatic transmission with automatic locking hubs. Later on, the "4JX1" 3.0 L diesel engine was introduced, accompanied by an automatic transmission option.

A collaborative venture between General Motors, Isuzu, and Honda resulted in multiple rebadged versions of the Trooper across various regions: it was marketed as the Honda Horizon in Japan (1994–1999), Opel/Vauxhall Monterey in Europe and the UK (1994–1998), Holden Jackaroo in Australia (1998–2002), and Acura SLX in the United States (1996–1999). The Trooper underwent a mid-cycle refresh in 1998 featuring a redesigned grille, bumper, headlamps, and a body-colored rear spare tire cover.

Models sold in Australasia and the US adopted a DOHC 3.5 L V6 engine generating , whereas diesel variants persisted in European and Asian markets, eventually upgraded to the "4JX1" engine rated at . Alongside updated styling, a Borg-Warner torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system was introduced; furthermore, the grille received another redesign for the 2000 model year.

Transmission choices included a five-speed manual Aisin AR5 gearbox and an electronically controlled GM "4L30E" four-speed automatic transmission equipped with power shift and winter driving modes. Between 2000 and 2002, "Grade Logic" technology was implemented to facilitate automatic downshifting on steep inclines for improved vehicle control.

The suspension system combined fully independent torsion bar front suspension with a multilink coil-sprung solid rear axle. Seating arrangements varied depending on market requirements: US models were limited to five seats only, while seven-seat configurations were available elsewhere. Rear limited slip differentials were offered as an option worldwide.

The three-door RS variant was available exclusively in the US from 1993 through 1995; cargo capacity ranged from depending on trim level.

Production of the Trooper concluded in the US market in 2002 as Isuzu redirected its focus toward smaller Axiom and larger GM-derived Ascender SUVs. The same year marked the end of Bighorn production in Japan amid Isuzu's exit from passenger car manufacturing.

In April 2004, New Zealand issued a recall for early Trooper models due to concerns over accelerator pedal sticking.

Between 2002 and 2005, the Philippines market featured a Skyroof Edition Trooper equipped with rear-wheel drive and powered by the DOHC turbocharged "4JX1-TC" diesel engine producing . This edition included anti-lock brakes, limited slip differential, leather upholstery, wood trim accents, power moonroof, and a VCD entertainment system. It was later replaced by the Isuzu Alterra.

Acura SLX

The Acura SLX represented a rebadged version of the Isuzu Trooper, marketed through Honda’s Acura brand in the United States between 1995 and 1999, before being succeeded by the Acura MDX in 2001.

Unlike the Trooper, the SLX did not offer some features such as manual transmissions or certain engine options. Initially, it came equipped with either a 3.2-liter SOHC or DOHC V6 engine (1996–1997), which was upgraded to a 3.5-liter DOHC V6 in 1998. A facelift was introduced at the front end in 1998; however, sales remained sluggish, partly due to unfavorable safety evaluations from Consumer Reports that highlighted rollover concerns in earlier models. According to Autotrader, the vehicle received a 3-star safety rating for front and passenger protection, with a starting price of $36,300.

On December 5, 2019, Acura unveiled a restomodded 1997 SLX at the Radwood event in Orange County, California. This updated model featured a modern turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and incorporated the SH-AWD system derived from the RDX.

Holden Jackaroo/Monterey

In Australia, the UBS-series was sold as the Holden Jackaroo and later rebranded as the Monterey, debuting in 1994 as the premium V6 trim level. The Monterey eventually became an independent luxury model. In July 1993, Holden Special Vehicles introduced the sporty HSV Jackaroo, followed by the Jackaroo SE. Production numbers included 79 HSV Jackaroos and 234 Jackaroo SEs, both featuring cosmetic enhancements and powered by a 3.2-liter SOHC petrol engine producing 177 PS. The Jackaroo SE also offered optional HSV badging.

Holden issued recalls for both the Jackaroo and Monterey models due to defective earthing within the main engine wiring harness, which had the potential to cause unintended acceleration when idling.

V8 HSV Jackaroo

In 1996, HSV explored fitting a Holden 5.0L V8 engine into both the Jackaroo and Rodeo models; however, this plan was abandoned over concerns that it might negatively impact sales of the SS Commodore. The initiative did not progress beyond preliminary discussions.

Holden Jack8 Concept

The 2001 Holden Jack8 concept was developed to rejuvenate the aging Jackaroo on its twentieth anniversary in Australia. Revealed at Melbourne’s National 4x4 Show, it showcased extensive modifications including removal of the roof, lengthened front doors, a significantly altered rear section, a 50mm body lift, heavy-duty suspension components, and a Gen III 5.7L V8 engine inspired by desert racing vehicles.

Additional features comprised bespoke wheels, a reinforced roll cage, side-exit exhausts, Mickey Thompson Baja Claw tires, Monaro-style bucket seats, premium sound system, and advanced GPS navigation. Despite being fully operational and road-legal, the Jack8 did not generate notable sales growth. The Jackaroo was discontinued in 2003 and replaced by the Commodore-based AWD Adventra. The Jack8 remains an important example of Holden’s design creativity and is preserved within the Holden Heritage Collection.

Honda Horizon

The Honda Horizon was offered in Japan with either a 3.2-liter V6 gasoline engine or a 3.1-liter turbocharged diesel unit. On March 19, 1998, it received an update featuring a direct-injection 3.0-liter engine producing 160 PS, noted for its reduced noise levels and cleaner emissions. Available from 1994 until 1999, it differed from the Trooper/Big Horn primarily through its five-door body style compared to their three-door configuration, along with unique logos and grille designs. Trim levels included Lotus and SE variants.

Opel/Vauxhall Monterey

Between 1992 and 1999, the Trooper/Big Horn was sold in Europe under the Opel Monterey name. A minor redesign in 1996 introduced a honeycomb-style grille along with dual airbags. In 1998, the model underwent a more significant update, including revisions to the diesel engines, paralleling modifications made to the Trooper/Bighorn in other markets. The Opel Monterey name was discontinued in 1999, though the vehicle continued to be available through Isuzu dealerships as the Trooper until 2003.

In the United Kingdom, from 1994 to 1998, the Trooper/Big Horn was marketed as the Vauxhall Monterey. While mechanically identical to its European equivalent, it experienced lower sales figures, resulting in its withdrawal a year prior to the Opel version's discontinuation.

Subaru Bighorn

Subaru introduced the Subaru Bighorn in 1992, equipped with a 3.2-liter V6 petrol engine and a 3.1-liter inline-four turbo diesel. Buyers could choose between a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. By mid-1994, Subaru ended sales of this model following the expiration of its OEM agreement with Isuzu. The final edition, known as "Long Handling by Lotus," featured the turbodiesel engine paired with either transmission option, benefiting from Lotus's involvement in transmission tuning.

Rollover controversy

The second-generation Isuzu Trooper attracted unfavorable media attention in the United States when Consumer Reports assigned 1995–1997 models a "Not Acceptable" rating due to alleged rollover hazards. After Consumers Union petitioned for further examination, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted tests and determined there were no defects justifying a recall. Isuzu argued that this report negatively impacted their sales performance.

Isuzu filed a $242 million lawsuit against Consumers Union, contending that the testing involved exaggerated steering inputs beyond typical driver behavior. The court recognized Isuzu as a public figure because of its extensive public relations activities, thereby applying a higher defamation standard requiring "clear and convincing evidence" of knowingly false statements.

The jury concluded that eight out of seventeen disputed claims were false, with one instance demonstrating Consumer Reports acted with "reckless disregard." However, they found no compensable harm to Isuzu. Some jurors believed that falsehoods were not published intentionally by the magazine. As a result, Isuzu received no financial compensation.

Isuzu estimated that the report led to losses amounting to $244 million. Following their legal defeat, Isuzu was ordered to cover Consumers Union’s reasonable defense expenses, excluding attorney fees.

Motorsport

• 1989: The Jackaroo SWB claimed victory in the Marathon class at the Australian Safari with Peter Lockhart behind the wheel.
• 1992: The Trooper secured first place in its class during the Australian Safari.
• 1993: Troopers achieved both first and second positions within their class at the Australian Safari.
• 1994: Trooper won the Marathon category at the Paris–Dakar Rally, finishing twelfth overall, and also topped its class at the Rallye des Pharaons.
• 1995–1997: The Holden Jackaroo was selected as the official Safety Car for the Bathurst 1000 race due to its elevated driving position and stable handling characteristics despite its off-road design.
• 1996: Bruce Garland piloted a Holden Jackaroo to victory at the Australian Safari.
• 1998: In the Round Australia Trial (Playstation Rally), Holden Jackaroo vehicles finished first and second overall; Wayne Webster and Harry Suzuki won outright while Peter Brock secured first place in the Production class.
• 1999–2002: The Holden Jackaroo dominated consecutive Australian Safari events with multiple first-place finishes primarily driven by Bruce Garland and Harry Suzuki.

Naming conventions

• North America – Known as Isuzu Trooper II from 1983 to 1991 and simply Isuzu Trooper between 1991 and 2002; additionally retailed as the Acura SLX by Honda from 1996 to 2000
• South America and Africa – Marketed under the names Isuzu Trooper and Chevrolet Trooper
• Colombia – Sold as Chevrolet Trooper for the first generation, followed by Chevrolet Trooper 960 for the second generation
• Venezuela – Referred to as Caribe 442
• Asia – Distributed as Isuzu Trooper and also under the Chevrolet Trooper badge
• Japan – Identified as Isuzu Bighorn and Subaru Bighorn; Honda Horizon, comparable to the Acura SLX, was produced from 1994 to 1999
• Europe – Offered as Isuzu Trooper in both first and second generations; branded Vauxhall Monterey in the UK from 1992 to 1998; Opel Monterey across Europe and Ireland between 1992 and 1999
• New Zealand – Available as Isuzu Bighorn, Isuzu Trooper, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey
• Australia – Marketed through Holden Jackaroo, Holden Monterey, and Holden Special Vehicles Jackaroo