at higher speeds. If you see videos of someone getting a Trooper--or any
other sport-utility--up onto two wheels it's because that person has challenged
the laws of physics and exceeded the laws of common sense.
While the Trooper and SLX aren't slalom champs, they do have exceptionally
precise steering, and very good brake feel. And their ride quality scores
as better than average, thanks to suspension components tuned more for
all-around driving comfort than heavy-duty off-road use.
Engine performance, as noted, is so-so, but good gearing gives the Trooper
decent stoplight getaway and at freeway speeds the 3.2-liter V6 is smooth
and quiet.
In low-speed off-road crawling, there's enough power to get the job
done, and the 4WD system does a good job of clawing through gooey going.
The relatively soft suspension tuning isn't the ideal setup for tough off-road
conditions, but there's sufficient ground clearance--8.5 inches--to handle
the dirty driving most owners are likely to take on.
Our only criticism of the Trooper's drivetrain in this regard is the
absence of a full-time 4WD system, which is fairly common among its competitors. Next Page