2007 Isuzu i-370 Review

The Isuzu i-370 is available in extended cab (2WD) or four-door Crew Cab (2WD and 4WD) models. With room for a maximum of five occupants, the truck can handle towing weights of as much as 4,000 pounds. MSRP by configuration and trim levels range from $21,078 to $25,687. (Trim levels available are the LS and the Limited.)

The standard engine for the 2007 Isuzu i-370 line is a 242 horsepower, 3.7 liter, five-cylinder with an automatic transmission with four speeds. Estimated fuel consumption on a 19.6 gallon tank is 17 mpg city and 23 highway on the 2WD models and 16/22 on the 4WD. Top payload figures range from 1,516 to 1,532 lbs. All models come standard with airbags protecting front occupants as well as bags in the curtain position to shield against impact from the side. In addition, a bag suppression system protects the front-passenger. Child seats are anchored in place with the industry standard LATCH system and door locks to the rear of the vehicle are rated as child safe. The theft protection system includes an immobilizer and the vehicle can be accessed via remote.

The standard audio system is an AM/FM/CD/MP3 system with six speakers. The Limited models add a six-disc, in-dash changer. Instrumentation includes speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, coolant temperature gauges, LCD trip odometer, and shift position indicator.

2007 Isuzu Ascender Review

The 2007 Isuzu Ascender can carry up to five occupants and is classed as a mid-range sport utility vehicle. It has has an MSRP range of $26,664 to $28,683. Trim levels are the S, LS, and Luxury.

The engine is a 4.2 liter 6-cylinder generating 291 horsepower with an automatic transmission with four speeds and overdrive. Estimated fuel consumption is 16 mpg city and 22 highway for the 2WD and 15/21 on the 4WD. Fuel capacity is 21.7 gallons.

Cargo volume posterior to the first row is 80.1 cubic feet and 43.7 to the second. The upper payload limit on the 2WD is 1,133 lbs. and 1,156 on the 4WD. Towing capacity is 5,300/5,200 lbs. respectively (2WD/4WD) with the 3.42 axle and 5,800/5,700 lbs. on the 3.73 axle.

The standard audio system on the S model is a typical combo unit playing over six speakers. The LS and the Luxury add a changer in the dash capable of handling six discs. XM Satellite Radio is an option on both higher models and the Luxury can be equipped with a Premium Bose unit.

All models discourage car theft with an immobilizer system and entry via a remote. An alrm system is included. All occupants are protected by airbags in the front with additional bags in the curtain position to cushion against impact from the side. Child seats in the Ascenders are anchored in place with the standard LATCH system and the locks on the rear doors are rated as child safe.

The seven-passenger Isuzu Ascender is available in three trim levels -- the S, LS, and Limited in 2WD and 4WD. MSRP ranges from $28,683 (2WD) to $31,878 (4WD.)

Engine choices are a 4.2-liter 6-cylinder producing 291 horsepower with an automatic transmission or a 5.3-liter with 300 horsepower (also as an automatic.) Both engines get roughly 15 mpg city and 20 highway on a 25 gallon fuel tank. Maximum towing capacity ranges from 4,900 lbs. to 6,400 lbs. Cargo volume posterior to the first row is 107.4 cubic feet, to the second 66.5, and to the third 23.4.

The standard audio system on the 2007 Isuzu Ascender S Model is an AM/FM/CD combo with six speakers. The higher models include a six-disc in-dash changer. (XM Satellite Radio is also an option on the LS and the Limited. Both a bike package (including a hitch-mounted bike carrier) and a ski package are available as accessories. All-season, on/off road tires are standard on all models.

2008 Isuzu i-290 Review

The 2008 Isuzu i-290 truck is available in three trim levels (S, LS, Luxury) starting from $16,989. All are equipped with a 2.8 liter, 4-cylinder engine as a manual transmission with five speeds on the S and LS and an automatic with four speeds on the Luxury. Estimated fuel consumption on a 19.6 gallon tank is 20 mpg city and 26 highway on the manual two-wheel drive and 17/24 on the automatic. Maximum payload is 1,532 lbs. with the maximum trailer weight ranging from 2,100 to 3,100 lbs. The front brakes are ventilated disc units with drums to the rear and anti-locking technology (with additional monitoring of tire pressure) is present on all wheels.

The 2008 Isuzu i-290s are equipped with a full array of air bags covering the driver and passenger with bags in the curtain position to shield against impact from the side. (There is also an automatic system for the suppression of the passenger bag's deployment.) To discourage car thieves Isuzu has provided for entry via the remote and included an alarm with an immobilizer system. The vehicle's instrumentiation includes all standard gauges including an odometer with LCD display. The standard audio unit is a radio combo on the S model while the LS adds CD and MP3 capability. The Luxury includes a changer in the dash capable of handling six discs. (Both the LS and Luxury have six speakers.)