2005 New York Auto Show Coverage
Isuzu dealers have been starved for product in recent years, seeing Axiom, Hombre, Rodeo, and Trooper fade away without replacement. While yawns could be seen during the Isuzu press conference, as the new i-Series midsize pickups were unveiled, these rebadged GM trucks are much-needed nourishment for the dealer body. Like the Chevrolet S-10-based Hombre compact truck, the i-280 and i-350 leverage the GM-Isuzu partnership to deliver ready-made vehicles to the wafe-thin product portfolio. A simpler lineup than Chevy offers, the price-leading i-280 is a 2WD extended cab truck powered by a 2.8L/175-hp I-4. From this core configuration, the i-280 will be offered in four trim levels, ranging from pure utilitarian, workhorse to comfortably equipped with all the basic power amenities. The i-350 is 4WD crew cab pickup with a 3.5L/220-hp I-5 and automatic transmission. This model features a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, larger tires, and an off-road suspension. A Limited Package can outfit the i-350 with such niceties as six-disc changer, leather trim, and moonroof. Look for Isuzu sales staff to celebrate the pickups' arrival in July
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