REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Abandoned to its fate

This model’s headlights, grill, bumpers and windshield pillars were all restyled 4 years ago. But obviously the changes weren’t enough to get utility vehicle fans out to see the Trooper. And it’s easy to see why: like Saab products, Isuzu’s models live in the shadow of the Saturns, the main breadwinner for SSI dealers in North America and direct competition for some of GM’s utility vehicles.When you climb inside, you’ll be amazed at the resemblance between the Trooper and the famous Range Rover. Superb finishing, careful manufacturing, a tasteful and elegant dashboard - there’s no question that the Trooper is the most British of all Japanese sport utilities. Only the long, nickel-wrapped gearshift lever jars with the overall classic ambience. The driving environment is as close to perfect as you can get, and so is visibility. But narrow doors will have rear-seat passengers holding their breath until they’re aboard. Trunk volume is attractive and as always, access to the cargo area is via two Western-style unevenly split doors, which hinder rear visibility to some extent.Renowned for its comfortable and quiet ride, the old-style Trooper was also known as a utility with outdated handling. Steering has since improved in precision, the gear box no longer sounds like a locomotive and ABS brakes come as standard equipment. But the all-wheel drive system has neither the refinement nor the efficiency of its rivals and when winds are strong, the Trooper loses its confidence. As for the DOHC 3.5-liter V6 engine, it generates 215 horsepower.

It’s a valiant piece of machinery, provided you bring it in regularly to fill its 83-liter gas tank.

PROS
Off-road capabilities
Fully-equiped
Soft ride

CONS
Minimal support from
General Motors High fuel consumption
Significant roll when cornering

REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Truth or propaganda?

Isuzu took a long time to revamp its Rodeo, and it looks as though the current incarnation will be short-lived. Indeed, there are rumours suggesting that the next generation of Rodeo could share the same platform as the future Trailblazer, Envoy and Bravada. Are they truth, or propaganda?Aerodynamically styled (with a drag coefficient that has shifted from 0.54 to 0.46), a rigid chassis, better soundproofing but a windshield that still comes up short, the Rodeo’s features make its interior as intimate as a confessional. In the design department the LS package comes with a number of highly polished wood inlays that alleviate an otherwise depressing look. To distract us a bit Isuzu came up with the bright idea of decorating the instrument panel with an array of buttons and controls. Incidentally, the instrumentation graphics were changed last year. Even though front-seat cushions have some drivers leaning too far forward to reach the pedals, the Rodeo’s bucket seats are comfortable enough to make driving long distances problem- free. But the best off are rear-seat passengers (a very rare phenomenon, you have to admit): the fold-down bench is a good fit, there ’ s plenty of room for heads and legs and, most importantly, adjustable seat belts mean more comfort for passengers who have to sit on either end. The middle passenger may complain about the "stomach belt" and lack of headrest. Lastly, the trunk is roomier than before and access is easier thanks to a side-opening door.The new Rodeo is more mature these days, but it still has the slightly rebellious side that has thrilled and enthraled some 355,000 buyers since 1990. To make life easier for the driver, the ball steering system has been traded in for a more precise rack-and-pinion alternative. Brakes have bite, thanks to an efficient and modern anti-lock system that ensures straight-line stops over surprisingly short distances compared to rival models. The rear suspension has also been improved and it’s so good at filtering out road defects that the ride could almost be described as less exciting than it used to be. The 3.2-liter V6 is plenty strong - no, it’s very strong! In fact, its performance capabilities are so impressive they put most of the competition ’ s V8 units to shame. Pick-up is impressive as well and the Rodeo leaves its counterparts blinded by its taillights. Some credit goes to the transmissions - manual or automatic. Their gear ratio is perfect and they’re as smooth as silk. A drawback: the all-wheel drive selected for the Rodeo has neither the refinement nor the efficiency of similar systems found on today’s market.

PROS
Comfortable ride
Powerful V6
Strong braking

CONS
Slow-paced development
Some design details
Outdated all-wheel drive

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
Driver: * * * *
Passenger: * * * * *