1
0
Compact pickup truck; Built in USA
  • crew cab
  • ext. cab
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,200 – $12,500*


2006 Isuzu i-280/i-350


2006 Isuzu i-280/i-350


2006 Isuzu i-280/i-350


2006 Isuzu i-280/i-350

Pros:
  • Control layout/materials
  • Front-seat comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Ride (rough pavement)
  • Wind noise

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.

Overview

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.

Yearly Updates

2007 i-290/i-370
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 i-290/i-370
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.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

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.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.8/169
Engine HP 175
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 185
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		20/27
17/23
dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.9/178
Engine HP 185
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 190
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		20/26
17/24
dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.5/211
Engine HP 220
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 225
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 17/22
dohc I5
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.7/223
Engine HP 242
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 242
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
4-speed automatic

 16/22

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 4×8 sheets to be carried atop wheelwells with support from the tailgate.

Ratings

Model Tested: Isuzu i-290 LS 4WD Crew Cab

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 4
40%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 43

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
125.9 207.1 68.6 64.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1516 19.6 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
38.6 38.3 42.2 34.8
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
125.9 207.1 67.6 64.9
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1532 19.6 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 37.9 42.2 23.1
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 i-350/370 Crew Cab crew cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Blower motor
Description: Blower motor noises can be reduced by installing sound insulation of the motor. (2007)
Cold-starting problems
Description: Hard starting or poor drivability, especially when cold, caused by clogged fuel injectors. (2003-08)
Audio system
Description: Audio system may not accept CDs, may not eject or may display the initializing screen due to a software glitch. (2007)
Transmission leak
Description: Transmission fluid leaks from the torque converter area due to scratches in the converter hub damaging the oil pump seal. (2006)
None
Description: Installing a toolbox could damage the bed rails unless a reinforcement kit is installed first. (2006)
Transmission problems
Description: 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
Description: Transmission may stick in 3rd. gear due to loss of electrical power to the transmission solenoid circuit. (2006)

Recall History

2006
Description: 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.
2006 I-280/I-350 regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat.
Description: The top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint which can result in a reduction in the restraint’s performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint. Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner’s manual.
2007-2008 I-290/I-370 regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat.
Description: The top tether anchor for the front center seat is not accessible and the owner manual does not include instructions regarding how to use the top tether. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint which can result in a reduction in the restraint’s performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint. Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner’s manual.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on July 18, 2014.
Share this:
, , , , ,