The 2008 Isuzu i-290 may not be the hottest selling compact pickup truck in the US, but it does offer several attractive features that are well worth consideration. One thing that stands out is that Isuzu offers shoppers a choice between 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions powering the rear wheels. There are four trims available: 2 with automatic trannies and 2 with manual trannies. A lot of truck drivers are still in love with the act of grinding those gears, especially for off-road driving! Automatic transmissions are obviously considered more luxurious, but the demand for manual shifting still exists. Isuzu gives us this choice.

As for pricing, the 2008 i-290 doesn't hurt that much. The MSRP is listed at $17,799 which is considerably below some of its competition's. The best invoice price is $16,820. Fuel efficiency ratings are able to be appreciated weighing in at 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Not bad at all. The engine is a 2.9L 185hp I4 and comes with a better warranty than does its competition. This 2008 Isuzu has been designed based on a combination of features present in the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon, but adds its own unique flair as well.

There are three new color choices available for the 2008 i-290, but the LS trim from 2007 has been discontinued. There is but one basic trim featuring a singular body style: the Extended Cab. The truck compliments its 3200 pound automatic transmission towing capacity with a payload tipping in at just over 1500 pounds. Front airbags with automatic passenger sensing, air conditioning, a CD/mp3 player, your choice of 15 inch aluminum or chrome wheels, tire pressure monitoring and automatic headlights are some of the standard features.

The gross vehicle weight rating is 5000 pounds with a curb weight of 3488 pounds. The exterior cargo length is 72.8 inches while the overall vehicle length is 207.1 inches. The exterior cargo volume rates at 44.0 cubic feet. The width of this sound, quality vehicle is 67.6 inches. Chrome bumpers and grill are accentuated by a clearcoat monotone paint scheme. A bumper-to-bumper warranty is in effect for 36 months or 50,000 miles outdoing the majority of the competition. Major components warranty rates at 84 months or 75,000 miles. A rust through warranty will give you peace of mind for 72 months or 100,000 miles and roadside assistance comes stock with these vehicles for 84 months or 100,000 miles.

The 2008 Isuzu i-290 may not be outselling the competition, but it is definitely worth your serious consideration.