Isuzu I-series

Impressions: The Isuzu lineup was the subject of a major house-cleaning a few years ago, to the point where we thought the company's doors might close for good. That certainly doesn't appear to be the case for 2007 as Isuzu continues to offer its Chevrolet-Trailblazer-based Ascender sport-utility vehicle and the Colorado-derived mid-size pickup truck. General Motors, which owns a small percentage of Isuzu, so far supplies the base platforms and builds the vehicles to Isuzu specifications. The i-290 and i-370 (formerly the i-280 and 350) mid-size pickups have names that reflect what's under the hood: a 185-horsepower 2.9-liter four-cylinder (up 10 from last year's 2.8) in the case of the extended-cab two-wheel-drive i-290; and a 242-horsepower 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder (up 22 from last year's 3.5) for the four-door, four-wheel-drive i-370. The latter is also the same engine you'll find in the Hummer H3. Both the i-290 and the i-370 can be specified with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the i-290 is the only one to offer a five-speed manual. All models come with 15-inch alloy wheels, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, automatic on/off headlamps. The i-370 piles on the power features (locks/windows/mirrors) as well as remote keyless entry in addition to its four-door 4x4 platform. A number of trim levels and upgrade packages are also available for both trucks that add features such as head-curtain airbags. Certainly of benefit to buyers is Isuzu's seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty and roadside assistance for the same period of time. Base price: $17,000 Type: Two/four-door mid-sized pickup Base engine (hp): 2.9-liter DOHC I4 (185) Optional engine (hp): 3.5-liter DOHC I5 (242) Layout: Front engine, rear- /four-wheel drive Transmission: Five-speed manual; four-speed automatic (i-370 only) Mileage (city/hwy): 21/27 (2.9 MT, RWD) est. Safety: Front airbags; side-curtain airbags (opt.); anti-lock brakes Weight (lb.): 3,450 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: isuzu.com