Acceleration
"Extended cab's 4-cyl is adequate with either transmission. Crew cab's 5-cyl only somewhat sprightlier. Both engines well-matched to quick-shifting automatic transmission. One test i-350's throttle would periodically stick, causing vehicle speed to climb until gas pedal was depressed repeatedly."

Value
"Like their Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon cousins, the i-280 and i-350 are useful, well-balanced small trucks. But a sparse dealer network and questions about Isuzu's long-term viability blunt their value. Sales have been slow, so deep discounts should be available. "

Ride
"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. "

Economy
Test crew cab averaged 17.8 in mostly highway driving. Manual-transmission regular cab averaged 18.1 mpg in mostly city driving. General Motors recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.

Noise
"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; 4-cyl par for the class."

Comfort - Front
"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."

Comfort - Rear
"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."

Controls
"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. Fit-and-finish above average for the class, but materials sub par. Still, some test Colorados had a few squeaks and rattles from the dashboard area."

Cargo Room
"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."