2006-2008 Isuzu i-280 and i-350: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
2008 Isuzu i-290 and i-370
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2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350 ▼
- Price Range: $7,000 - $18,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Front-seat comfort
- Control layout/materials
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Ride (rough pavement)
- Rear-seat comfort
- Wind noise
Vehicle Highlights
After a five-year hiatus, Isuzu returned to the compact pickup segment with trucks based on a design shared with General Motors. Two models were offered: the i-280 and i-350. The i-280 came only with rear-wheel drive and an extended cab, with rear-hinged back doors that did not open independently of the fronts. It had a 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine and a manual or automatic transmission. The i-350 came only as a four-wheel-drive Crew Cab with a 220-horsepower five-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. Its 4WD system had low-range gearing, but should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Antilock braking was standard. Traction control was available. Head-protecting curtain side airbags covering both seating rows were standard in the i-350, and available for the i-280. Vinyl floor covering, a vinyl three-passenger front bench seat, and rear jump seats were included with the i-280. Available for the i-280 and standard for the i-350 were carpeting, cloth upholstery, and power windows/locks/mirrors. The i-350 had front bucket seats and a three-passenger rear bench. Optional for the i-350 were heated power front seats and leather upholstery. The i-280 had a six-foot cargo box, while the i-350 had a five-foot box. Performance and accommodations should mirror those of the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Potential Isuzu buyers might also wish to consider the Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, or Toyota Tacoma.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Isuzu i-290 LS 4WD Crew Cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350.
Year to Year Changes
2007 Isuzu Pickup:
More powerful engines for 2007 prompted a change in model designations. The Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon got the same engine changes. The four-cylinder version, now a 2.9-liter with 185 horsepower, was renamed the i-290. A 3.7-liter five-cylinder, rated at 242 horsepower, went into the i-370. The i-290 came only in extended-cab form, but the i-370 could be a 2WD extended cab, or a crew cab with available 4WD.
2008 Isuzu Pickup:
The 2008 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 pickups got simplified option packages. Note that Isuzu announced it will discontinue sales of light-duty vehicles in North America during calendar 2009.
Our road test for the 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
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.
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.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Isuzu i-290 LS 4WD Crew Cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 43 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Isuzu Pickup includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Isuzu Pickup .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
None:
Installing a toolbox could damage the bed rails unless a reinforcement kit is installed first. (2006)
Transmission leak:
Transmission fluid leaks from the torque converter area due to scratches in the converter hub damaging the oil pump seal. (2006)
Transmission problems:
Transmission may not shift properly or may lack 3rd. and 4th. gear or feels like it goes into neutral above 30 mph due to a problem with the 2-3 shift valve or internal clutch damage. (2006)
Transmission problems:
Transmission may stick in 3rd. gear due to loss of electrical power to the transmission solenoid circuit. (2006)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $980 |
| Alternator | $970 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $3,695 |
| Brakes | $650 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $915 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $4,490 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $1,310 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $2,520 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $805 |
Our price chart for this generation Isuzu Pickup details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| I-290 | $12,000-14,000 | $10,800-12,600 | $6,800-8,000 |
| I-370 | $15,000-20,000 | $13,700-18,200 | $9,500-12,600 |
| 2007 | |||
| I-290 | $9,800-11,800 | $8,800-10,600 | $5,100-6,100 |
| I-370 | $12,000-16,000 | $10,800-14,400 | $6,800-9,100 |
| 2006 | |||
| I-280 | $7,800-9,500 | $7,000-8,600 | $4,000-4,800 |
| I-350 | $9,800-11,500 | $8,800-10,400 | $5,100-6,000 |
|
|
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This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Isuzu Pickup include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab | ext. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 125.9 | 125.9 |
| Overall Length, in. | 207.1 | 207.1 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.6 | 67.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 64.9 | 64.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3783 | 3346 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1516 | 1532 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 19.6 | 19.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 37.9 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.8 | 23.1 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Isuzu's pickups came with a four- or five-cylinder engine. In their opening season, the i-280 held a 175-horsepower 2.8-liter four-cylinder; the i-350 got a 220-hp 3.5-liter five-cylinder. The four-cylinder engine could mate with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission but the five-cylinder was automatic only. For 2007, both engines were enlarged and gained power. The new i-290 got a 2.9-liter four-cylinder with 185 horsepower, while the i-370 carried a 242-hp 3.7-liter five-cylinder. Isuzu's trucks came with rear-drive or four-wheel drive.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.8 / 169 | 175 | 185 | 5-speed manual: 20/27 4-speed automatic: 17/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.9 / 178 | 185 | 190 | 5-speed manual: 20/26 4-speed automatic: 17/24 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I5 | 3.7 / 223 | 242 | 242 | 4-speed automatic: 16/22 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I5 | 3.5 / 211 | 220 | 225 | 4-speed automatic: 17/22 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Isuzu Pickup include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 i-350/370 Crew Cab |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2006-2008 Isuzu i-280/i-350 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2006:
Certain trucks may experience permanent loss of brake-lamp function, or lamps may illuminate at all times; center high-mounted stoplamp also is affected, and cruise control would become inoperative.
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