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:

• 

  quality suv - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By icatscan - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I found this suv to be a hidden gem among the big boys. Even though the vehicle is not widely marketed, Im very impressed with the soft ride. It has excellent pick-up and pull away speed.

• 

  Cool look - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By fivekids - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Ascender, instead of an Envoy, it was much cheaper. Pros- love the Fake wood! My extended package S is all I need. My kids love it! Tons of power, quick little thing for a big car. Great for highways. Cons- Switches for heat are a little loose, however, and I had to get a new starter right away.

• 

  GOOD VALUE - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By KRYSTAL - December 9 - 4:56 pm

  Our large family was looking for the biggest nicest SUV for the money. My husband was looking at the Highlander and Pilot. The Highlander was too small inside. It was nice but too small and pricey. The Pilot, well the Honda dealership was horrible. All full of lies. The Pilot was a nice SUV but the price was way too much. I talked my husband into looking at the Ascender. At first he was still leaning towards the ighlander until I put them side by side. I won, lol. It’s roomy and drives nice. Plus the dealership was great. They gave us a good deal and was willing to drive the Highlander back to the pushy Toyota dealership. This is a nice SUV with a good warranty.

• 

  Best Isuzu yet - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tdorsey - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Trooper LS and an Axiom LS and this one is the best Isuzu of the three. The ride, and ease of driving make it a pleasure. The seats are more comfortable than the others and the road and wind noise are lots less. With the warranty and the price, why would you buy GM

• 

  SUV Dream - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Chelo - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I 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!

• 

  Great midsize SUV - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Airport Guy - April 2 - 5:03 am

  Coming 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!

• 

  Review - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Jodie - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Love 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 am

  After 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 am

  Being 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!

• 

  Ascender the Undiscovered Gem - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By her suv - September 22 - 2:00 am

  If you are looking for a large SUV to transport 7 adults comfortable while riding in the lap of luxury, then the Ascender is for you. The exterior and interior designs are well defined and impressive. This SUV does everything but brew your coffee in the morning. The mileage is very good, I am averaging 18.5 in city driving. The warrantees on the Ascender are better than almost all other large SUVs.