2008 Isuzu i-290

Available only as an extended cab with a five-person capacity, the Isuzu i-290 is one third of the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado triplets so it should look, sound and feel familiar. As the name suggests, it is powered exclusively by a 2.9 liter inline-four cylinder engine. The big four-banger makes 185 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 190 lb-ft at a low 2,800 rpm and returns 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the open road, according to Isuzu, no matter which transmission it's mated with. The i-290 is strictly rear-wheel drive, with no four-wheel drive option, and the standard transmission is a five-speed manual, with a four-speed auto optional.

Stopping is taken care of by power-assisted front disc / rear drum brakes with three-channel, 4-wheel anti-lock braking system. The front rotors are 11.0 inches in diameter, while 11.6 inch drums do duty in the back. As with most pick-ups, the rear suspension is comprised of multi-leaf springs. Hauling capacity is 1,512 lbs, while the towing cap is 2,200 lbs.

Isuzu makes a big deal out of the i-290's two-tiered tailgate that stays closed in the full, conventional sense, or slightly open, at about a 45-degree angle, to extend the bed's length somewhat. Another feature Isuzu seems to push are storage compartments that hide neatly away beneath the available rear jump seats.

Standard safety options include a tire-pressure monitoring system, and Isuzu's 7-year / 75,000-mile limited powertrain warranty with roadside assistance.

Apart from the automatic, there is just one option package that includes a CD / MP3 player in addition to the AM / FM stereo on the standard truck, tinted rear windows, two forward-facing rear jumper seats with 3-point seatbelts, carpeted floor covering, rubberized front and rear floor mats, LATCH child seat tether anchor brackets and medium pewter cloth seats.