Driving Impressions

Although the Isuzu Trooper generally won high marks for its cargo capacity and off-road sturdiness, it was uniformly criticized for its mystifying lack of shift-on-the-fly 4wd capability--not to mention the absence of a full-time 4wd system. Since the unsynchronized front hubs locked automatically, the front axle could not be engaged with the vehicle in motion. Acura insisted that Isuzu add on-the-fly 4wd to the Trooper as part of the vehicle's metamorphosis into the Acura SLX--especially since it's being positioned as an upmarket vehicle pushing the $40,000 envelope. Generally speaking, the SLX performed admirably. The all-aluminum 3.2-liter, 24-valve V6 generates 190 hp, with 188 lb.-ft. of torque at 4000 rpm. Although the SLX is big, that's sufficient muscle for most situations, whether it's a freeway merge or pulling yourself through a muddy, rutted road. The minimum ground clearance--i.e., the amount of space between the ground and the differential--is a rut-clearing 8.5 inches. However, a few quibbles: As we indicated earlier, sport-utes need to be versatile--which means some compromises have to be made in order for a sport-ute to function on every surface from smooth, well-traveled highways to rugged, uncharted terrain. And although the majority of buyers will only be rolling down the highway in the SLX, no one really expects the cushiony ride comfort of a Cadillac or the cornering agility of a 300ZX. Like most sport-utilities today, especially those in the luxury category, the SLX and Trooper favor ride over handling. Although an abrupt 90-degree turn at 25 mph was fairly routine, the body roll was significant. And when negotiating a tight hairpin--especially on the slightly wet surface we encountered--the combination of height and comparitively narrow track led to a feeling of not being firmly planted. However, that's an element of sport-utility driving that takes some getting used to. Underneath all the finery, they are, after all, trucks. More appealing is the SLX's sturdy 4-speed automatic transmission, which comes equipped with "power mode" and "winter mode" functions, both of which can be engaged with the push of a button. The power mode makes upshifts higher in the rev band, allowing for more rapid acceleration. The winter mode starts the vehicle in third gear to maximize traction and control on snowy or icy surfaces. The standard limited-slip differential helps in this respect, too. Braking performance, augmented by standard ABS and discs at all four corners, was good, particularly in view of this vehicle's mass.

Final Word

If you're one of the few and proud outbackers who intend to go cavorting through rugged terrain or navigate narrow, bumpy mountain roads, the SLX and Trooper will give you a strong sense of command and competence, something that applies to its on-road behavior as well. And if maximum cargo space is a priority, the richly appointed interior is also vast. Honda is very fussy about engineering and quality. As a consequence, the fact that Honda is willing to affix its logos to Isuzu products says something very positive about those products. And even though there's very little distinction between SLX and Trooper--aside from the Trooper's option of a 2-door model--going for the SLX does give you the small extra of Acura's outstanding sales and service organization.