This Forgotten Japanese 4x4 Offers Land Cruiser Toughness at Half the Price

When it comes to old-school rugged SUVs, the Toyota Land Cruiser is the default pick. It's earned that reputation over decades of dependable service, from daily driving to war zones. But it isn't the only option. Another Japanese 4x4 from the same era, the Isuzu Trooper, offers similar capability but without the same fame or price tag.

The Trooper was built from 1981 to 2002 across two generations. It's a boxy, body-on-frame SUV designed for toughness and reliability. 8-liter V6. 2-liter turbodiesel was offered only in 1986 before being dropped. The second generation, sold from 1992 to 2002, came with more modern features like independent front suspension and shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive.

5-liter V6 with 215 hp.

The main drawback is support. Isuzu hasn't sold passenger cars in America for over 20 years, so parts and aftermarket options are scarce. However, some components are shared with GM and Acura vehicles, and the first-gen's 2.8-liter V6 is a GM unit, making those parts easier to find.

The upside is price. Troopers typically sell for $6,100 to $10,160, with the most expensive example seen at $25,000. Land Cruisers from the same period can go for $50,000 or even $80,000. That leaves room for upgrades, like a bull bar for around $450 or skid plates for $259-$382, and you'd still likely spend less than on a comparable Land Cruiser.

Even with some DIY adaptation for parts, it's a bargain for a capable overlanding build.