Исузу Тропер: История и Модификации Японского Внедорожника

SUV by the Japanese automaker Isuzu

The Isuzu Trooper is a full size SUV that was produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu between September 1981 and September 2002. In the domestic Japanese market it was sold as the Isuzu Bighorn, the car was exported internationally mainly as a Trooper but it also received several other nameplates including Acura SLX, Chevrolet Trooper, Subaru Bighorn, SsangYong Korando Family, Honda Horizon, Opel Monterey, Vauxhall Monterey, Holden Jackaroo, and Holden Monterey. In total, there were two generations of this vehicle: the first, produced between 1981 and 1991; and the second (UBS) produced between 1991 and 2002, with a substantial refresh in 1998. The Trooper began as a rather basic and somewhat underpowered on and off road vehicle, offered only with four cylinder motor, four speed manual transmission, and part time four wheel drive. The first generation evolved to add both amenities and luxuries, including optional air conditioning, power windows, and a more powerful V6 engine. The second generation was even more refined and available in two wheel drive as well as four wheel drive.

In December 1991 for the 1992 model year, Isuzu completely redesigned the Trooper to keep pace with changes in the SUV marketplace, making it larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. Originally only the long wheelbase, five door model was on offer, but in March 1992 the shorter three door model was added. These vehicles used a 3.2 L (SOHC) petrol engine or 3.2 liter dual overhead cam (DOHC) version rated at A SOHC 3.2 liter engine producing was introduced in 1996, replacing the earlier DOHC engine in selected export markets. Most models still used a part time four wheel drive system, which required stopping the vehicle to engage and disengage the front axle. Starting in the 1996 model year, some Troopers came with a "shift on the fly" engagement system. The UBS series was also available with a pushrod overhead valve (OHV) 3.1 liter inline four engine intercooled turbo diesel (designated "4JG2") producing at 3,600 rpm, and at 2,000 rpm. Japanese market diesels have a claimed maximum power of and of torque at the same engine speeds. It was offered as a more rugged and fuel efficient option for towing and heavy duty operation, relative to the standard 3.2 liter petrol. The diesel powered Jackaroo was available with a five speed manual transmission and manual front hubs only coupled to a part time four wheel drive system with open front and limited slip rear differentials. The 3.2 liter V6 petrol engine version was also available with an optional four speed automatic transmission with automatic locking front hubs. The same diesel engine was also available in the UK and other markets with a belt driven overhead camshaft, which developed slightly more power. After 1998, and the introduction of the "4JX1" 3.0 liter diesel engine, a four speed automatic transmission was made available in addition to the five speed manual transmission. Around the same period, General Motors, Isuzu and Honda established a working relationship that saw the two box design of the 5 door Trooper designed by GM with Honda providing petrol engine options and Isuzu providing diesel engine options. Under this partnership, the Trooper was thus sold in Japan as the Honda Horizon (1994 to 1999), in Europe as the Opel Monterey, in the United Kingdom as the Vauxhall Monterey (19941998), in Australia as the Holden Jackaroo (19982002), and in the United States as the Acura SLX (1996 to 1999). The Trooper received a mid life facelift in 1998 with new grille, bumper, headlamps, and front fenders. The rear received a body colored, hard spare tire cover. The 1998 Australasian and US spec Trooper became equipped with the DOHC 3.5 liter engine from the Isuzu/Holden Rodeo producing European and Asian buyers could opt for the diesel engine option of the 4JG2 3.1 liter (later superseded by the 4JX1 3.0 liter of ). A Borg Warner torque on demand ("TOD") all wheel drive system was introduced, along with freshened styling. The grille was redesigned again for the 2000 model year. Transmission options included a five speed manual transmission, the Aisin AR5 and the electronically controlled 4L30E four speed automatic. The 4L30E was fitted with both a "power" shift feature allowing the gearbox to take better advantage of the engine's power by adjusting the shifting nature and a "winter" mode permitting third gear starts for added stability in slippery conditions. The 2000 to 2002 Trooper included a feature called "Grade Logic" which allowed the transmission to automatically downshift on steep grades in order to slow the vehicle down. The suspension consisted of a fully independent torsion bar front suspension, and a multilink coil sprung rear suspension integrated with a solid rear axle. While US spec Troopers came only equipped with five seats, elsewhere in the world a seven seater version was also offered. Optional on all models was a rear limited slip differential. In the US the three door RS model was sold only from 1993 to 1995. The Trooper LS and S models offered cargo space, while Limited models had
In 2002, the Trooper was discontinued in the United States in favor of the smaller Axiom and the larger GM produced Isuzu Ascender, a rebadged GMC Envoy. In Japan, the last Bighorn was built in September 2002 as Isuzu withdrew from manufacturing their own passenger cars. A Trooper with the 16 valve 3.0 liter 4JX1 TC engine was sold in the Philippines from 2002 to 2005. Known as the Skyroof Edition, it came in a rear wheel drive configuration with anti lock brakes, a limited slip differential, billet type radiator grille, and large power moonroof. Other standard options included leather seats, wood trim, and a VCD entertainment system. It was later succeeded by the Isuzu Alterra.

The Acura SLX was a lightly upgraded and rebadged Isuzu Trooper sold by the Acura division of Honda from 1995 to 1999, as 1996 to 1999 year models. Sold only in the United States, the SLX was later replaced by the Acura MDX in 2001. switching to the new 3.5 liter DOHC V6 engine in 1998. The SLX received a restyled front end for the 1998 model year, but continued to sell poorly and was ultimately discontinued after 1999. It is said that sales were affected by bad press when the 1996 to 1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for their tendency to roll over during testing (see Rollover Controversy, below). Autotrader says it has a 3 star safety rating (Front and Passenger) and the base entry price was $36,300. On December 5, 2019, Acura presented a 1997 SLX outfitted with a modern turbo, four cylinder engine, 10 speed automatic transmission and an SH AWD system used by the RDX. It was placed on display at the Radwood show in Orange County, California. Later, Holden Monterey became a standalone name for the more luxurious part of the range. In July 1993, Holden Special Vehicles also launched 79 HSV Jackaroo models, followed by a second run of 234 by HSV under the Jackaroo SE badge. Both were cosmetic upgrades to the Holden donor and powered by the same 3.2 liter (SOHC) petrol engine. The Jackaroo SE had the HSV badging optional.

The Honda Horizon was retailed in Japan with either a 3.2 liter V6 gasoline engine or a 3.1 liter turbo diesel engine. On March 19, 1998, the Horizon (and the Bighorn/Trooper) was updated to a direct injection 3.0 liter engine with , equipped for low noise and cleaner exhaust.

In Europe, the Trooper/Big Horn was sold as the Opel Monterey from 1992 to 1999. It received a light facelift for 1996, now with a honeycomb grille rather than the original design with vertical elements. Twin airbags were also new. The Monterey underwent a more thorough facelift and diesel engine changes for 1998, same as for the Trooper/Bighorn elsewhere. The Monterey nameplate lasted until 1999, after which sales were picked up by Isuzu's dealership network as the Trooper. The Trooper remained on sale in Europe until 2003. From 1994 to 1998, the Trooper/Big Horn was sold in the UK with as the Vauxhall Monterey, but no other changes. However, it was not a strong seller and was withdrawn from sale a year before the Opel version. In mid 1994, Subaru discontinued further sales since the OEM contract signed by Subaru and Isuzu was expiring.

The second generation Trooper received negative press in the United States when the 1995–1997 models were rated "Not Acceptable" by Consumer Reports for an alleged tendency to roll over under testing. In response to a petition from the publication's publisher, Consumers Union, the National Highway Traffic Administration conducted its own tests and found no issue that could lead to a need for a recall. After the release of the NHTSA report, Isuzu filed a lawsuit against Consumers Union seeking $242 million in damages, claiming that during Consumer Reports's tests the steering wheel had been twisted more sharply than "a driver is willing or able to make in response to an unexpected event. The judge in the suit, Richard Paez, determined that because Isuzu had engaged in an extensive public relations campaign to refute the claims prior to filing suit, it was considered a public figure, raising the standard for defamation from a simple preponderance of evidence that the report was false to "clear and convincing evidence" that Consumer Reports published the article knowing it was false or with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false. The defamation suit went to a jury, which found that eight of the 17 statements in the report questioned by Isuzu were false, with one displaying "reckless disregard" for the truth on the part of Consumer Reports magazine, but that Isuzu was not damaged by that statement. Two of the ten jurors on the panel did not believe the magazine believed that the other seven statements were untruthful when they published them. As Isuzu was denied damages on all counts, the formal court judgement in favor of Consumers Union entered by Paez required Isuzu to pay CU's "reasonable costs" of defending itself against the suit, not including attorney's fees.