Overview & Reviews
The Isuzu Ascender was a product of Isuzu's alliance with General Motors. In terms of design and running gear, it was pretty much identical to GM's other truck-based SUVs such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Only in terms of styling and trim levels did the Ascender offer any significant variation.
The Isuzu Ascender lacked brand recognition, a third-row seat and some desirable features. It also lagged in terms of overall refinement. Only its low price stood out. Given that Isuzu no longer sells cars in the United States, this is a lame duck best avoided.
Most Recent Isuzu Ascender
The Isuzu Ascender was launched in 2003 as a seven-passenger extended-wheelbase model only. The smaller five-passenger version was first released in 2004. Both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive variants were available. Power for the Isuzu Ascender came from a 4.2-liter, inline six-cylinder engine. It produced 285-291 horsepower (depending on year) and 277 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard. Older models had the option of a 290-hp 5.3-liter V8. In 2005, the V8 was equipped with Displacement on Demand technology to improve fuel economy. But the V8 and seven-passenger Ascender were discontinued for the 2007 model year.
Trim levels were added and subtracted over time, as were equipment items. Generally, though, base Ascenders were sparsely equipped, while upper trims were borderline luxurious. Standard equipment included dual-zone manual climate control (with rear-seat controls), power locks and windows, power accessories and a CD player stereo. Available items included power mirrors and driver seat, power-adjustable pedals, keyless entry, cruise control, sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats, driver memory functions, a six-CD changer and upgraded audio.
In road tests, we found the Isuzu Ascender to offer a comfortable ride and decent power. However, the Ascender's handling was rather sloppy. Feedback to the driver was numb and slow. Buyers looking for an urban-oriented SUV might be disappointed and would be better off looking at more evolved midsize SUVs or crossovers. Off-road, the 4WD Ascender comes more into its own given its body-on-frame construction and low-range gearing.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 124.00-
SUV Dream - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
By Chelo - May 18 - 2:00 amI purchased my 2004 Ascender Jan 2. It caught my eye - exterior/interior design, Isuzus reliability, quality & performance - Sweet & Fully loaded! As for fuel economy - the mileage is almost the same as my Lexus ES 300 - just a few bucks a week. And, my insurance is a few buck more than my ES 300 because of all the safety features! I enjoy driving my Ascender as much as my Lexus - which is now parked in my garage! Austins traffic is like an obstacle course & wild - I feel much safer in my Ascender!
-
Jimmy goes Isuzu - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
By Luv2Go - April 7 - 5:40 amI enjoy the Isuzu Ascender, its a nicely designed vehicle which has a great turning radius for an SUV. The driving performance is smooth and acceleration transitions nicely. Its competitor, the Envoy, has better standard features and doesnt skimp on basic items as a resume button for cruise control. The Ascender is great for a small family of 4 taking a trip. Rear cargo is adequate for big suitcases.
-
Excellent SUV on and off road - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
By winniemt - April 3 - 3:06 pmThis SUV has been fantastic. It drives like a truck on the highway, but off-road, its phenomenal. Took it up a narrow, rocky, rutted pass over the Brider Mountains in Montana just for fun. It must be called Ascender because it can - ascend, that is. Went straight up the mountain like it was nothing! Beautiful and comfortable, too. Perfect for Montana winters.
-
Great midsize SUV - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
By Airport Guy - April 2 - 5:03 amComing up on three years and this has been a great vehicle. No service issues at all. Nice style, great ride, roomy and comfortable interior, good equipment packages. Would definitely recommend!
-
Salex - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
By stephanie4au - April 1 - 10:00 amGreat suv for an affordable price. Drives and handles well with room for everything. This should become a popular choice over the GMC envoy or Chevy trailblazer.
-
Review - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
By Jodie - March 21 - 10:00 amLove driving this vehicle.....Have had no problems with it....I would change some features in the interior, such as arm rest in the front seat areas, that is the only negative thing that I have to say about it.
-
The Best SUV Out There - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
By mesnsbs - March 12 - 10:00 amAfter testing different SUV, me & my husband decided to get the Acura MDX. One day we road past a Isuzu dealership & saw a new SUV. We made a u-turn to go back to see what it was & fell in love with the Ascender. After test driving it we knew we found what we were looking for, especially the price.
-
Our First Isuzu SUV - 2007 Isuzu Ascender
By Heidarella - February 12 - 7:23 amBeing used to a big Dodge I was skeptical to purchase a smaller vehicle. Surprisingly the interior feels roomy with pretty good leg room. Fits my family and animals well. Handles wonderful in the snow and the ride is quite comfortable. I travel to CT a lot and this SUV is more than satisfactory in comfort for the long trips. I love the turning radius when parking especially in Boston. The engine has pretty good zip as I waited for a "Lag" when going up hills, but that never happened. The pick up was right on and the full frame gives the feeling of sturdiness. With all the outside recreational activities this SUV has supported us well!
-
Best Kept Secret - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
By dapperD - January 18 - 12:46 amI have only had this Ascender for a short while but fell in love with it the moment I took it on a test drive. It has a very soft ride for city driving. Highway driving while smooth is a bit choppy. I think it has to do with aerodynamics and that Im used to owning a car. Compared to the Ascenders cousins (Trailblazer, Envoy), it cant be beat for warranty and price. I bought mine brand new for $19,965. Apparently, Isuzu was offering quite a bit off of MSRP yet it wasnt advertised. This is almost $7,000 off of sticker price (I think its because Isuzu is in big trouble financially). How was I going to pass that up? This SUV is a beauty and you wont see many on the road.
-
Best deal in the large SUV market! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
By sanabu - December 17 - 1:16 amI just picked up my 2005 Isuzu Ascender Limited. It is a real joy to drive. It is a very smooth drive and highly comfortable when you have a family of four. The best part of this giant SUV is the price. It is GMC made. It is actually the GMC Envoy minus 8,000 dollars. It is very pretty car. I get a lot compliments on its looks.
