The Holden Jackaroo is a midsize SUV produced by the Japanese automaker Isuzu as the Isuzu Trooper and sold in Australia rebranded as the Jackaroo. The production of the Trooper/Jackaroo ended in 2002 after it had survived two generations, from 1981-1991 for the first generation and 1991-2002 for the second generation.
Initially, it was an on-road and off-road vehicle with a four-cylinder motor paired with a four-speed manual gearbox and a part-time four-wheel drive. The first generation evolved, and in 1981, the car was developed to add both amenities and luxuries, including power windows, a V6 engine, and optional air conditioning. The second generation was more refined, and it was now available in a two-wheel and four-wheel drive.
First Generation (1981-1991)
The first-generation Jackaroo was available as a three-door wagon with an independent front suspension. Later on, a five-door version was unveiled. The two-door version did not perform so well in the market and ended up being discontinued.
At first, the available engine was the 2,238cc 2.2L D4 diesel engine paired to a four-speed manual gearbox (45 kW and 130 Nm). The four-wheel-drive system was engaged using a three-position shifter.
Later on, in 1986, a 2,254cc 2.3L (81 kW and 184 Nm) four-cylinder petrol engine was introduced. The engine was much more powerful. It came fitted with a Kevlar timing belt and a larger two-barrel carburetor. It teamed up with a five-speed manual transmission.
In 1987, the Jackaroo was fitted with rectangular headlights. The following year, the 2,2771cc 2.8L DT4 diesel engine with a maximum power output of 74 kW and a torque of 225 Nm was introduced. In July 1991, the fuel-injected 2,599cc 2.6L four-cylinder engine that attains a maximum power of 88 kW and a torque of 195 Nm was introduced.
Second Generation (1991-2002)
The SUV market was rapidly changing. And in a bid to remain competitive, Isuzu made the Jackaroo larger, more powerful, and more luxurious. The vehicles now used a 3,162cc 3.2L SOHC petrol engine rated 130 kW and 260 Nm.
From 1992, the year when the Trooper won a class victory in the Australian Safari, the UBS series was offered with a 3.1L inline-four turbocharged engine that produced 84 kW at 3,600 rpm and a torque of 260 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The car was more fuel-efficient and was suitable for heavy-duty work, such as towing. The diesel engine was available with a five-speed manual gearbox and manual front hubs coupled to a part-time front-wheel-drive system. The 3.2L petrol engine was available with a four-speed automatic transmission as an option and came with automatic-locking front hubs.
The Trooper found its end in 2002. Looking back, you can't help appreciate it for its roomy cabin and impressive interior to match. It has a light steering wheel and is quiet on the highway. It is one of those SUVs that sellers on Carpart Australia offer that can serve you for years on end if adequately maintained. Who wouldn't want a car that negotiates rutted roads calmly without squeaking or rattling? Check out our list for used Holden Jackaroo aka Isuzu Troopers and find yourself a reasonable deal!
-Eric Anyega