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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  We love it! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Caryn - July 26 - 10:00 am

  We just got the LS with the optional V8. Its so great to get an Isuzu with so many fun American car features. We love the controls on the steering wheel. The V8 is very responsive and peppy. We havent towed with it yet, but Im looking forward to trying it. Weve driven just about everything else out there and nothing seems to compare for the money.

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  Still love my Ascender after 5 years! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By FLAscenderDriver - June 18 - 10:23 pm

  After 5 years and nearly 60K miles, I still love my Ascender. It looks good, tracks well, doesnt slide around on wet roads, is comfortable, and has plenty of power when needed for towing a trailer or just passing other vehicles. I love the Bose system stereo and 6 disc changer, the woodgrain dash and steering wheel, leather interior, and especially the dual seat heaters on colder evenings! Its been a reliable vehicle with only general maintenance/tire upkeep, and had to replace the shocks this Spring. Well made and comfy, just wish it got better mpg when gas was so pricey.

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  Not a beer can - 2008 Isuzu Ascender
  By donna steele - June 15 - 10:30 pm

  Just totaled an Equinox which folded up like a beer can at less than 30 mph with both air bags deploying even though I was alone in the car. The Ascender has a heavy frame, my husband crawled under it to check it out. It is quiet, very comfortable and has all the bells and whistles I love,as a spoiled woman including heated leather dual 6 way power seats and moon roof. My gas mileage so far has exceeded my expectations at 17 around town. Im very pleased with my "new" used car ( it had 4800 miles on it)and the price I paid for it. I also feel safer with automatic on/off front air bags and side air bags.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By jackie - May 15 - 11:56 am

  I did plenty of research and drove about every other van and SUV that was a 7 seater. The Ascender is really a great vehicle. It is very roomy in all rows. It is versatile with folding seats. Storage is better than any other SUV I tried. I have every option on mine and it is really nice and very enjoyable to drive. I had a minivan for 16 years and really am pleased with this change. I still have room for 7 people but it is a whole lot more fun to drive. The gas mileage is not great, but it is not much different than my older van. I get about 16 in the city and I got 19 on my first long trip. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By jackie - May 15 - 4:10 am

  I did plenty of research and drove about every other van and suv that was a 7 seater. The Ascender is really a great vehicle. It is very roomy in all rows. IT is versatile with folding seats. Storage is better than any other SUV I tried. I have every option on mine and it is really nice and very enjoyable to drive. I had a minivan for 16 years and really am pleased with this change. I still have room for 7 people but it is a whole lot more fun to drive. The gas mileage is not great, but it is not much different than my older van. I get about 16 in the city and I got 19 on my first long trip. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  GREAT VALUE - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By MARK ELDRIDGE - April 25 - 10:00 am

  WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR USE AS A TOW VEHICLE. CONSIDERD A YUKON AS ALTERNATIVE ANDD FOUND THIS MORE COST EFFECTIVE. I FOUND ISSUZU STYLING AND TO BE BETTER THAN BOTH THE TRAIL BLAZZER OR ENVOY. WE OPTED FOR THE V8 AND IT RIDES FAR BETTER THAN THE 6 CYLIDER. WE ARE AVERAGING 18 MPG WITH A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF CITY DRIVING. WE FOUND THIS VEHICLE TO BE ABOUT $4,000 LESS THAN A COPERABLE TRAILBLAZER AND ABOUT $6,000 LESS THAN AN ENVOY. ISUZZU OFFERS DOUBLE THE STANDARD WARANTY OF CHEVY OR GMC. WE HAVE THE LIMITED EDITION WITH EVEY OPTION. BOSE STEREO IS GREAT.

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  Better than the rest - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By randr - December 1 - 6:23 pm

  Searched and test drove all the other SUVs on the market , nothing else came close to the Ascender. My neighbour traded in his new Tahoe as soon as he seen my Ascender, this vehicle should be rated much higher amongst the others.

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  I love my Ascender and Saved a Bunch - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rodney - November 21 - 6:03 pm

  I keep reading the reviews and cant understand why they rate it low. I love the vehicle. It has power and steers fine and is great for hauling stuff around. I really enjoy this vehicle and would really recommend it. I went from a 2001 Honda Passport (AKA Isuzu Rodeo) and was very comfortable with my purchase.

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  Excellent SUV with lots of room - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Akbar - November 21 - 10:00 am

  This is an excellent SUV. I tried out Honda Pilot, Tahoe and found this one to be among the best in its class. The ride is unbelievable, very smooth and yet the engine spits out 275 Hp.

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  Worth The Price Spent For It - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Alex - October 5 - 2:10 am

  This SUV is great. I love the way it handles, almost like a sports car. Strong yet responsive. To know I have a 4.2 really feels like security. I recommend it to all who do not have a big family; recommend it if youve never had an SUV. Try it and you might buy.