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:

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  My Truck - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rebecca - August 11 - 12:06 pm

  I love this truck. I drove from Virginia to California and it was the most comfortable ride I have ever had. Even with towing a U-haul trailer this truck had no problems going up the mountain and was so easy to handle. I am a person who trades vehicles in every 2 years, I believe I will have this truck for a lot longer.

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  I like it! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By postal worker - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a Jeep Cherokee Sport model 4x4, so the handling, ride and quiet interior really shows up to me. I drove a lot of SUVs while I was shopping for this, and comparing quality, comfort and price, I am extremely happy with the value of this vehicle.

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  2004 Izusu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Albert Cepeda - November 13 - 7:20 am

  I had been driving Toyotas for the last 12 years. I have had a 4 Runner which had a very rough ride and was looking for an SUV that would handle better,and more like a car and still have the SUV look. After reviewing several models. I noticed that the Izusu was built in the GM Plant at Moraine Oh and shares the same body frame as the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainer but each of these is priced several thousands more and the Isuzu has a 7 year 75000 mile warranty while the GM versions only have 3 years 36 months. I thought the Izusu was a great value for the money. I dressed mine up with dealer installed Leather seats (The Izusu leather is cheesy at best) it really made vehicle.

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  Buying a car - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By markd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have realized why there are not many Isuzu Ascenders on the road. Recently I went to the dealership and test drove one as well as showed interest buying one. My wife and I really liked the car, but salesperson did not really show much energy to sell one at all. I have called him a couple of times, and all I got from him is he will call me back very soon, but have not heard since. I tried again, but no results. Its a good car, but they need to work how to sell it. No adds in the paper either escept Demo one which was sold (according to the dealership) day before it went to the paper. Honda and Toyota

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  My 2003 Isuzu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Pat K. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am really enjoying my Ascender. It has provided comfort, good mileage, and a lot of flattering comments from per- sons who had not seen an Ascender before. It has all the extras that I could ask for including an outstanding warranty.

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  Love my Ascender - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By rbraxton - July 31 - 12:33 pm

  I have not had any problems with my SUV. I now have 38000 miles. I drive my Ascender at highway speeds and I love the ride. When we travel, this is the car that we drive (I also have a Lincoln LS).

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  A real surpise - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tmbhawaii - December 31 - 2:00 am

  very roomy and provides a smooth ride. Engine is very quiet.

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  RIP ASCENDER :( - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By skyye - December 28 - 12:33 am

  My husband & I purchased our Ascender March 08, it being a car that’s not really common we had our doubts but was exactly what we were looking for. We never had any problems on it except for an electrical problem which is common on these cars. When making sure this was the right car to purchase I searched reviews & found the most informative ones on this site so I wanted to make sure that I added my thoughts of this car on here but most importantly how well it handles in accidents. Last week my husband was involved in an accident with a drunk driver which totaled our Ascender but it handled extremely well. Definitely a 10 on safety!!

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  Great vehicle with a cars drivabilty - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By JARED KEYS - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle already! Wish is were mine. Purchased it for my wife (kid mobile) because it is large and safe on the roads yet has the driving feel of a car. I feel confortable knowing they are safe while I am not with them and if a problem occurs ONSTAR is there to the rescue!

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  love it - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By scuba1600 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far, but it is new. Im coming from a Mitsubishi Outlander, so anything probably would be luxury and wonderful to drive compared to the Outlander. Hopefully I get many, many good, comfortable miles from my Ascender. I like the power, soft ride that it gives. Just wish the base model came with cruise control and floor mats, and not having keyless entry in the base model is ridiculous.