Overview & Reviews

With its product lineup getting stale, Isuzu has called up the Ascender from the bull pen. Essentially a rebadged GMC Envoy XL, the Ascender offers seating for seven and V8 power.

• Strong six- or eight-cylinder power, clean interior design, plenty of passenger and cargo room.

• Spongy suspension, numb steering, odd exterior proportions.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 26.00

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  go for it - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By csieka - June 28 - 10:00 am

  We like this vehicle, however we have already had it in for repairs on the a/c switch. It is suposed to have a monitor for the life of oil, but the mechanic manager said we should change oil every 3,000 miles anyway. As front passenger sometimes the consule proved to be uncomfortable when traveling long distances. Overall we are still very pleased.

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  Surprise!!! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By tix6174 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle!! Had already been looking at the Envoy XL and Trailblazer EXT, but didnt really care for the stylings of those. Stumbled across the Ascender here on Edmunds and discovered it was the same truck, so had to find one to test drive. What a difference!!! The GMC "felt" smaller inside and I dont like the look of the TB (plus there are hundreds around here). The ride was much better too! So for about $5000 less, I got a better warranty and up-level options (Limited minus leather), plus that great V8.

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  Great Balance-Features and Performance - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By PaulG6373 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We test drove many vehicles looking for a quality mid-size SUV, Explorers, 2003 Cherokees, Mountaineers, Envoys, etc. The last SUV we tested was a beautiful black, 2003 Isuzu Ascender Limited (V8 4WD).it was impressive from the outside and even more impressive on the inside. Interior is beautifully crafted, of great materials, and contained every feature we could imagine.. the 3rd row seat had plenty of room (unlike Explorers), and the seat folded down much better than the one in the explorer as well. During the test drive, the vehicle handled like a much smaller vehicle, with very little body roll, road noise, yet with plenty of power.

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  2003 Isuzu Ascender Ltd - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Alfred T. Child - November 22 - 6:36 pm

  Better interior lighting is needed.

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  2003 Isuzu Ascender LS 2WD 5.3 V8 - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By robertabf - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Owned an Envoy, but was looking for the V8 engine. The GM Envoy/Trailblazer has great front leg room for a tall person, so it had to be either the Envoy or Trailblazer XL models since they are the only ones available with the V8.until I saw the Ascender that is!...WOW It is the only way to get two-tone paint and that really makes it look great. The V8 is very powerful and much more fun to drive than the I6. Very quiet running and the ride is great...Really appreciate the details put into this vehicle. Great stereo and rear air too...I think Isuzu could sell a lot more of these if they were more available.

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  Great value - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Isuzu owner - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a wonderful value. The LS is loaded with goodies I would never pay for and I got it for a steal at 25k,and low interest rate. The interior could use some dressing up, but for an active family the Ascender meets all my requirments. Not to many on the road and my wife is asked often about the SUV. Carbon Copy of Envoy, but lower cost and exterior is more appealing.

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  2003 Envoy Limited - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By mark076 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Was Looking for a GMC Envoy but the Isuzu had a much better exterior kit on it.

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  Acender review - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By bebe237i - February 7 - 11:36 am

  My Acender has been wonderful because of the size, we have taken it on many trips. I bought the third row Acender and the extra space is wonderful. The seats are easy to move. I have only had a few mecanical problems window motror, the ac doesnt work on the 5th setting and the clutch fan went out. But the clutch fan was kind of pricey but you can buy the gmc envoy clutch fan, its cheaper and its the same part. Other than that I love my Acender.