It may be hard to believe, but there was a time on U.S. roads when SUVs were the exception, not the rule. And, there was also a time when seemingly invincible Japanese carmakers could do no wrong in their quest to take more and more share of the American automotive marketplace. This edition of Auction Dilemma looks at two vehicles from the early days of the SUV craze and two automakers that are or may become a footnote in automotive history. Let’s check out an eBay auction for a 2002 Isuzu Trooper and a 2006 Mitsubishi Montero auction at Doug DeMuro’s Cars & Bids.

2002 Isuzu Trooper

Auction Dilemma: Isuzu Trooper Vs. Mitsubishi Montero
Via: Ebay

Isuzu enjoyed a solid reputation for practical, reliable transportation as consumers snapped up its vehicles like the Rodeo and Amigo. With fewer options available twenty years ago, the Trooper slotted in nicely between large SUVs like the Chevy Tahoe and midsize models such as the Ford Explorer. 2002 did mark the Trooper’s last year in the U.S. as Isuzu became increasingly reliant on rebadged GM products like the Ascender SUV (a repackaged GMC Envoy). This situation proved problematic when GM filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Later that year, Isuzu announced it was shutting down its U.S. passenger car operations (it still sells commercial trucks).

This 2002 Dragon Green Mica Metallic Trooper is perhaps the ideal example of Isuzu’s ruggedized, straightforward design approach with its boxy styling. Nothing fancy, and everything serves a purpose. With a two-owner history, the SUV shows only 76,000 miles on the odometer. So, there should be a lot of life left in this overall clean condition SUV. The vehicle history report does show a 2019 accident, but the seller provides no details.

Equipped with a DOHC 3.5L V-6 making 215 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque, this four-wheel-drive Trooper includes a Borg-Warner torque-on-demand system. The four-speed auto has Isuzu’s Grade Logic system that automatically down-shifts on steep grades.

Auction Dilemma: Isuzu Trooper Vs. Mitsubishi Montero
ebay.com

Inside, the aftermarket JVC audio system jumps out as non-original, but otherwise, the cabin’s clean appearance is consistent with the rest of this two-row vehicle. Equipment includes air conditioning, cruise control, and power windows and locks.

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2006 Mitsubishi Montero

Auction Dilemma: Isuzu Trooper Vs. Mitsubishi Montero
carsandbids.com

While still pushing passenger cars, today’s Mitsubishi in the U.S. is a shadow of its heydays from the 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, the company had a knack for combining advanced engineering with appealing body styles. Remember the 3000GT sport coupe? Sold as the Pajero in most of the world, the Montero offered a three-row SUV alternative for American buyers not entirely wanting bigger and bulkier rides. The Montero’s curvaceous styling and stubby front end stand in stark contrast to the boxy form of its Auction Dilemma counterpart, the Trooper.

This 2006 Carbon Grey Metallic Montero marks the last year for the SUV in the U.S. while it lives on elsewhere across the globe. With 151,000 miles on the odometer, blemishes inside and out aren’t a surprise. But, overall, this Montero appears in decent shape with an accident-free history.

Matching the Trooper’s 215 hp rating, the 3.8L V-6 bests the Isuzu’s torque with 248 lb-ft. A five-speed automatic controls all four wheels along with a locking center diff and Mitsubishi’s 4WD management system.

Auction Dilemma: Isuzu Trooper Vs. Mitsubishi Montero
carsandbids.com

Despite a few expected interior imperfections, the cabin experience gets an upgrade thanks to gray leather upholstery, woodgrain accents, and a DVD entertainment system. Other interior features include power front seats with heat, automatic climate control with a rear air conditioner, and an Infiniti audio system with a six-disc CD changer.

Is Either Of These Memorable SUVs Bid Worthy?

Auction Dilemma: Isuzu Trooper Vs. Mitsubishi Montero
ebay.com/carsandbids.com

Nostalgia or history; no matter how you look at these two SUVs, each represents a solid vehicular example from an automaker that has seen better days in the U.S. With 11 days left on its auction, the 2002 Isuzu Trooper has a current high bid of $5,601. The 2006 Mitsubishi Montero’s auction has a $4,000 high bid and four days remaining.

Sources: ebay.com, carsandbids.com, gearpatrol.com

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