2006-2008 Isuzu i-280 and i-350: Road Test

In Isuzu's pickups as well as their Canyon/Colorado counterparts, four-cylinder acceleration is adequate for around-town driving, but sluggish when passing or hauling heavy loads--especially with 4WD and automatic. The five-cylinder is sprightly with 2WD and adequate with 4WD. Both engines are well matched to the quick-shifting automatic transmission. A four-cylinder i-290 extended-cab with 2WD and automatic averaged 21.1 mpg in mostly highway driving. An early extended-cab 2WD five-cylinder model averaged 18.8 mpg, while a Crew Cab 4WD five-cylinder averaged 18.1 mpg--both with mainly highway miles. General Motors recommends regular-grade fuel for all engines. Overall, Isuzus and their GM cousins deliver a better ride 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. The base suspension furnishes the best ride. Overall, these are among the more-agile compact pickups. All models corner with reasonable poise, though some testers have found them slow to react to steering inputs. Expect good straightline stability. 4WD models have a noticeably larger turning radius than 2WD versions. Brakes provide quick, even stops with good pedal feel. Isuzu pickups produce less wind and road noise than most competitors, though highway wind rush is prominent around doors. GM's five-cylinder engine is louder and coarser than rivals' V6s; four-cylinder is par for the class. Gauges are easy to read, but some digital readouts wash out in direct sunlight. Audio and climate controls are simple to use and clearly marked. Interior materials and fit/finish are above average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area. Front occupants enjoy plenty of leg and headroom. Seats are adequately comfortable for long drives. The middle seat is for occasional use only. The extended-cab's rear seat best suits preteens; adults lack legroom even if front seats are pushed well forward. Crew Cabs are more spacious, but legroom is still no better than a compact sedan's. On both, rear seats are hard and undersized, and entry/exit is difficult through small door openings. Interior storage is good on both extended-cab and Crew Cabs with rear seats folded. A unique dual-position support cable allows the tailgate to be secured partially open, permitting 4x8 sheets to be carried atop wheelwells with support from the tailgate.

Value for the Money
Isuzu's i-Series and the Colorado/Canyon duo focus on light-duty, non-commercial users--assuming that heavy haulers will move up to heavier-duty trucks. Given that mission, these are useful, well-balanced small trucks. Isuzu models share these attributes, but a sparse dealer network and uncertainty about Isuzu's long-term viability blunt their value. Rather rapid depreciation, compared to a Colorado or Canyon--especially of four-cylinder models--tends to keep used-vehicle prices down.