The Isuzu Pickups made their debut in 2006, and the crew cab model was quickly nominated as "Truck of the Year" by two different magazines, "Truck of Texas" and "Four Wheeler of the Year." IntelliChoice named the 2006 models a "Smart Choice" in ten different ownership-cost categories, and singled out the 2006 i-280 Extended Cab S as the "Top Winner" in its class for lowest repair costs.
For 2007, the i-280 Extended Cab 4x2 becomes the i-290, and the i-350 Crew Cab 4x4 is renamed the i-370. Trim levels remain unchanged: the i-290 is available in base S trim, with Preferred Equipment, LS and Luxury packages optional, and the i-370 is available in LS or optional Limited trim. Both vehicles get larger, more powerful engines.
The changes for the 2007 model year:
• 2.9-liter inline four-cylinder engine replaces 2.8-liter, increasing horsepower to 185 hp (vs. 175) and torque to 190 ft.-lbs. (vs. 185)
• 3.7-liter inline five-cylinder engine replaces 3.5-liter, increasing horsepower to 242 hp (from 220) and torque to 242 ft.-lbs. (vs. 225)
• Base i-290 S available with automatic transmission as well as manual transmission
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System added as standard equipment on all models
• 3.73 rear axle ratio added on manual transmission models (replaces 3.42 rear axle ratio)
• Towing capacity of manual transmission models increases from 1,700 to 2,100 lbs.
• Pacific Blue exterior color added
• Deep Crimson Metallic replaces Red Rock Metallic exterior color
• Bering Blue Metallic replaces Adriatic Blue Metallic exterior color
• Ebony interior trim replaces Very Dark Pewter (LS, Luxury and Limited)
• Chrome accents added to HVAC lever, gauges, and speaker surrounds (LS, Luxury and Limited)
• Chrome accents to be added mid-year to interior door handles and locks (LS, Luxury and Limited
• Map lights deleted from inside rear view mirror
Despite these upgrades, pricing is unchanged from 2006. The i-290 Extended Cab 4x2 S begins at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,989, while the i-370 Crew Cab 4x4 LS starts at an M.S.R.P. of $27,358.