2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 help you decide if a 2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 is right for you.

2007 Isuzu i-290 and i-370 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Instruments/controls	Rear-seat comfort (crew cab)

Cargo room (crew cab)	Acceleration (I-290 w/ auto)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

LS 4WD crew cab	Class Average
5	5

With either transmission, 4-cyl has adequate power for around town driving, but lacks reserve for passing or hauling heavy loads. 5-cyl is sprightly with 2WD, adequate with 4WD. Engine well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

LS 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	3.8

Test 2WD i-290 extended cab with automatic transmission averaged 21.1 mpg in mostly highway driving.

Ride Quality

LS 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	4.6

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 4WD 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 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	4.5

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.

Controls

LS 4WD crew cab	Class Average
6	5.9

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. Interior materials and fit-and-finish above average for the class. Still, some test models had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

LS 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	5.3

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 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	2.9

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 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	4.1

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 4WD crew cab	Class Average
4	6

Like their Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon cousins, the i-290 and i-370 are useful, well-balanced small trucks. But a sparse dealer network and questions about the Isuzu brand's long-term viability in the U.S. market blunt their value. Sales have been slow, so deep discounts should be available.

Total Score