| Overview: This week we’re looking at the 2006 Isuzu I 280 Extended Cab 2-WD LS Pickup Truck. Isuzu began in 1916 as a shipbuilding company with truck manufacturing in 1918. In 1936 Isuzu introduced the first diesel-powered truck to the Japanese market. The Isuzu name comes from a river near Japan’s oldest shrine. Isuzu Motors America, Inc. was established in 1975. Isuzu’s core businesses are commercial trucks, diesel engines and SUVs. As trucks go this I 280 is as typical as they come. I was never crazy about jump seats in the rear but that’s what my personal truck has and although most of us seldom need to tote a lot of folks around it fills the need of being primarily a work vehicle. My Dodge Ram is just that around the ranch but if I had to carry 5 people I could. Moral of the story is: buy what you need, and if you need more than 3 people to move around you’ll have to look at the competition. Also, this is a light duty pick up truck so if you need to haul a more than 1000 to 1500 lbs you’ll have to move up accordingly. The size is good for ease of handling and hauling smaller loads but it will make those trips with impressive fuel economy. |
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Handling & Performance:
It handles well but the 175 Inline 4Cylinder will struggle with a load. On the other hand you won’t be pumping as much fuel into the tank with a great 27 mpg highway due in part to electronic throttle control and electronically controlled variable exhaust valve timing.
Styling:
Except for the wild copper Orange Metalic paint this is a pretty basic truck.
Fit and Finish:
Consistent with the competition.
Cost:
Totally competitive.
Conveniences:
Abundantly endowed and if the small size bed needs expansion an option is available to allow you to drop the tail gate and flip the tubular cage for another two feet. I found that would have been helpful when called on to move a 74 inch long piece of furniture.
Consumer Recommendation:
Nissan and Toyota provide seating for 4 – curiously, all others noted only seat 3, including this Isuzu I 280.
The Competition:
Isuzu I 280 $17,000, Chevrolet Colorado $18,000, Toyota Tacoma $17,000, Ford Ranger $18,000, GMC Canyon $18,000, Nissan Frontier $16,000, Dodge Dakota $20,000.
Good News:
Basic truck – basic price – for a basic job and fuel economy is good … as trucks go and the ride is smooth.
Bad News:
Jump seat in the rear is tight and seats only one.
Standard Equipment:
2.8 liter inline 4-cylinder 175 horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission, power rack and pinion steering, stainless steel exhaust, heavy duty suspension, semi floating rear axle with 2-stage multi leaf springs, heavy duty battery, 5,000 lb GVW rating, 1,700 lb towing capacity, 1532 lb maximum payload capacity, front air bags, theft deterrent immobilizer system, power front disc and rear drum ABS brake system, auto on/off headlights, variable intermittent wiper/ washer, air conditioning, tilt wheel, cruise control, AM/FM stereo with 4-speakers CD/MP3 Player, manual fold away mirrors, carpeted floor covering.
Gas Stats:
20 City and 27 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $18,989.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
