OK, OK, here we go. When you want to discuss which is better, there are really only a few things to think about:

1) Technical 4x4 'setup'
We all know 75% of offroad ability is behind the steering wheel. The other 25% might be the vehicle. The only thing I can see a Jeep having over the VX is a stock solid front axle, and in stock form, kinda a moot point. The rest might be up to stoutness, etc. And we all know the Zus were built tough.

2) Reliability
I hear a lot of people complain about mechanical problems with their Jeeps. I'd be lying if I said our Isuzus have no mechanical problems. I'd say there's a tie here.

3) Looks
Jeeps fall short in this catagory BIGTIME. 'nuff said.

4) Comfort
From a comfort POV, I know my VX is really nice on the inside. Its been a while since I sat in a Wrangler, but I would imagine they are pretty vanilla. That said, I bet they have real cup holders.


So, if you were to take a brand new, stock 2001 VX, and a brand new, stock Jeep Wrangler, I bet their offroad performance might be quite similar. The Jeep would have some advantages over the VX and the VX would have some advantages over the Jeep.

Now, lets compare my 1991 Isuzu Trooper to a 1991 Jeep Cherokee. Both nice, both very capable offroad, both about equally reliable, both with similar options in stock form. I like the old Jeep Cherokees. In a world with only Jeeps, I would drive an old Cherokee. But (afaik) Cherokees are unibody, strike number one. They are also very small inside compared to the old Troopers (I've been in both, and the space in my Trooper is ridiculous compared to my buddy's old Jeep). Not to mention, the old Jeeps have NO headroom. My 3" lifted 91 Trooper compared to my friend's 3" lifted Cherokee pretty much can do the same trails with no issues. We both have lunchbox lockers in the rear, 33" MTs (both Procomps in fact), and I would say they both perform just as well. His is no rock climber and neither is my Trooper, but they both make great expedition vehicles. I think the Trooper is still better because it is more unique, bigger on the inside, and just plain cooler looking.

This has been discussed on many occasions, and in many different ways. I think there is no denying that both Jeeps and Isuzu light trucks are among the most capable civilian 4x4 vehicles in the world. What it comes down to really, is personal taste. A Jeep is just a Jeep. A VX is so much more. And a well built Trooper is also going to stand out when lined up with just another group of Jeeps.

There's really nothing wrong with Jeeps. I just think they are cookie-cutter and boring. Anyone can go buy a Jeep and wheel it. It takes a different kind of person to WANT to be different.

The important thing here, is that some random dude acknowledged the VX the way he did, and despite all the opinions, he said that the Isuzus were, "better than Jeeps".

So I will throw in another one of these---->

Bart