The Trooper is a great vehicle, very capable offroad and very reliable - if it comes with the manual transmission. Avoid auto Troopers. My friend went through 3 or 4 transmissions in his 2002 Trooper (same tranny as in mid 90s). Now he transplanted an Aisin transmission from 2004 Rodeo.

If I'd be buying an Isuzu now, I would choose one of these vehicles, in the following declining order of preference:

1) 95+ Trooper with manual transmission;
2) 2004 Axiom with Aisin auto transmission, 3.5DI engine and TOD.
3) 2004 Rodeo with Aisin auto transmission.
4) 1996-1997 Rodeo with manual transmission.
5) 1998+ Rodeo / Rodeo Sport with manual transmission.
6) 1985-1991 Trooper with older Aisin transmission.

I'd avoid everything else.

Oleg
Axiom 4WD 2004: OME shocks, 32" BFG Mudders, RockSliderz, OME929+2" spacers, Stinkyfab bent RE rear links, front ARB locker, rear No-Slip locker, DOR front axle lowering kit, custom middle section skid plate, IronMan torsion bars.
Deceased Rodeo'02 4WD.