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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  2003 ISUZU - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Batman16 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  We have only 500 miles on our Isuzu so far, but this feels like a quality piece of work. Everything about this auto is smooth and quite. The ride is great.

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  Great value and a true workhorse - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Katmandu-1 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  If you like the GMC Envoy XL or the Chevy Trailblazer EXT then check out the Isuzu. The Isuzu specific version including unique front grill, headlights, bumpers, and fenders. Most of all, we liked paying 4 grand less than for the GMC/Chevy, and getting a better warranty! We wish front seats were not so stiff, but incredible mix of interior features more than makes up for things.

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  One great SUV! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Scottl29 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 2002 axiom and had it end up being a lemon. Dont believe that it can really tow what it saws. I towed my boat at 2500 lbs total and it bent the axles, ruined the brakes, and had problems with the drive shaft. I stepped up on trade to the Ascender. Awesome. You can tell it is manufactured differently. A lot sturdier, more power, and more comfortable as well. I love everything about this SUV and would buy another one in a heart beat!

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  Great - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By allison milford - August 15 - 10:00 am

  It has been great!!!!!

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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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  Impressive SUV - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By gunter - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been test driving SUVs for the past 6 months and had decided on the Acura MDX. A friend suggested I check out the Isuzu Ascender. After driving both vehicles and comparing styling, cargo area, passenger comfort and overall value, the Ascender has won me over. It is a much better looking vehicle than the MDX both inside and out. I felt more comfortable driving the Ascender (I am 5ft 2, 118 lbs) and I can actually carry other adults in the third row. The gas mileage is better on the MDX, but the MDX lacks the style and comfort of the Ascender.

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  isuzu Review - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Jack Sang - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I liked the car. It is the best car in the world

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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.