2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350: Road Test
2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350 ▼
- MSRP: $16,989 - $27,358
- Invoice: $15,970 - $25,717
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Our road test for the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350 includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350 help you decide if a 2006 Isuzu i-280 and i-350 is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Extended cab's 4-cyl is adequate with either transmission. Crew cab's 5-cyl only somewhat sprightlier. Both engines well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission. One test i-350's throttle would periodically stick, causing vehicle speed to climb until gas pedal was depressed repeatedly.
FUEL ECONOMY
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Test crew cab averaged 17.8 in mostly highway driving. Manual-transmission regular cab averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. General Motors recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.3 |
Overall, better than most compact pickups. Still evident, however, are abrupt vertical motions over bumps and dips, with some jittery feel on badly broken surfaces; otherwise composed.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.9 |
All corner with reasonable poise, though some testers found them slow to react to steering inputs. Grip limited in corners. Overall, among the more-agile compact pickups. Good straightline stability. 4WD models have noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. Brakes provide quick, even stops.
QUIETNESS
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.4 |
Less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush prominent around doors. Prominent tire whine on coarse surfaces. GM's 5-cyl engine louder, coarser than rivals' V6s; 4-cyl par for the class.
CONTROLS
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.8 |
Climate controls simple to use, clearly marked, though audio controls require a long reach. Gauges easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight. Fit-and-finish above average for the class, but materials sub par. Still, some test Colorados had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.2 |
Lots of leg and head room. Seats adequately comfortable for long drives, though some testers complain of hard, flat seatbacks. Middle seat for occasional use only.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 2.5 |
Extended cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack leg room even if front seats pushed well forward. Crew cab more spacious, but leg room still no better than a compact sedan's. On both, rear seats hard and undersized, and entry/exit difficult through small door openings.
CARGO ROOM
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.7 |
Interior storage limited on regular cabs, good on extended and crew cabs with rear seats folded. Unique dual-position support cable allows tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop wheelwells with support from tailgate.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 6.2 |
Like their Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon cousins, the i-280 and i-350 are useful, well-balanced small trucks. But a sparse dealer network and questions about Isuzu's long-term viability blunt their value. Sales have been slow, so deep discounts should be available.
Total Score
| LS crew cab | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 42 | 44.8 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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