Overview & Reviews

New options include XM Satellite Radio and a side curtain airbag system (available midyear). The 5.3-liter V8 now includes Displacement-on-Demand technology to improve fuel economy and is rated for five more horsepower this year for a total of 300.

• Strong six- and eight-cylinder engines, simple interior design, plenty of passenger and cargo room, long warranty.

• Spongy suspension, numb steering, low-grade interior materials, odd exterior proportions, poor expected resale value.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 29.00

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  Never Again!! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By bamaboy36863 - November 11 - 1:00 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems. First year we had it, AC motor went out and it took over a week to repair. Blower motor will start to weaken when AC runs for an extended period of time. Third year, speakers in rear and left front began working intermittently or not at all. At the same time the front passenger, rear driver side and hatch locks have worked intermittently. Both underneath panels under front seats where seat adjusters are located have broken loose due to inferior construction. We are NOT rough on this vehicle at all and it has not held up "cosmetically". Engine-wise, no problems, yet.

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  Great Buy - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Gail ETaylor - August 1 - 7:40 am

  This is my second Asscender. I love them its very dependable I have had this one soon to by 5 years other than regular maintenance only one shop repair has occurred in 5 years. This is the best SUV I have owned. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  good SUV - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Scott - May 5 - 10:13 am

  Im not a big fan of any SUV basically because they all look the same. Having said that, my 2005 Ascender runs perfectly. The suspension is just fine; its one of the few SUVs that have a truck suspension rather than an automobile suspension. Oh and by the way it has the best turning ratio than anything Ive ever driven, and I used to have a Chevette.

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  Comfortable limo type ride - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Kent - December 19 - 2:13 pm

  Great ride, good performance and comfortable for 6 of us on a 1500 mile trip to South Florida. Gas mileage of 21 was great and on regular gas. The AWD was great in the rain, and using the trailer hitch and wiring was easy. Good heater and A/C system. Price of $24,000 was lower than some minivans we looked at and this has all wheel drive. Much tighter vehicle than the Town and Country, and more versatile than the van.

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  good family room and value - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By kent - July 20 - 5:46 pm

  Great comfortable ride and the fuel economy is pretty good, 6 of us and luggage on a trip over 21 mpg, in comfort. Pleased with the value and the 7 year warranty. And got a great price, $24,250 bucks for this 7 passenger and all the features. We enjoy it more than our Chrysler minivan that we never could feel safe about, or always worried when the infamous Chrysler quality and transmission would break down. Pleased with the Ascender.

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  My Isuzu Ascender LS Review - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Lancer95 - June 25 - 1:56 am

  I like Isuzu Ascender which is the same as the Trailblazer and Envoy, but I think that the Ascender is a lot better looking in design and has a better price and warranty.

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  I would buy a second one!!! - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By sanabu - November 21 - 4:13 pm

  It is a real shame that Isuzu will no longer offer personal automobiles as of January 1, 2009. My 2005 Ascender Limited is probably one of the best buys I have completed based on value and acquisition. I wrote my first review on this car on 6/05. I liked the car then and now I just love it. 72000 miles later the truck still has that new feel. When it was brand new the radio broke and it was fixed by the dealer promptly. Other than that just standard maintenance. Everything works on this SUV. Last time I rated the mileage as a 5. Now Im rating it as a 7 as the truck will usualy do between 18 to 20 miles per gallon which is not bad for the size of truck that I am driving. No complaints.

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  Ascender road trip - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By kent - May 17 - 1:03 pm

  Took 3 teenagers and 3 adults to Florida in the new Ascender and it ran great, plenty of room, and very secure in all the bad weather. Also carried cargo on the standard hitch. Got 22 MPG, long cruising range, very comfortable.

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  I Love My Isuzu - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Deb - May 1 - 1:20 pm

  I previously owned a 96 Rodeo and loved it, but I now adore the luxury and reliability of my Ascender. I rarely need the 4 wheel drive because it just plows through almost anything! It is so comfortable with the electric driver seat, audio system, great ride, quiet and enjoyable, roomy - definitely a step up in luxury from my Rodeo. Cargo space easy to get to, back lift gate easy to use, exterior handsome and easy care. Gas mileage same as Rodeo. I hope it is as reliable as my Rodeo was. It had no problems and body was excellent shape after 10 years. Hope GMC put same quality into the Ascender. I DO LOVE THIS VEHICLE AND WOULD PURCHASE ANOTHER!

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  Good Value - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By dogzallez - December 10 - 12:00 pm

  While the mileage could be better, the Ascender is a pleasure to drive. The cabin is roomy and easy to haul things with. The fold down seats also have headrests that fold down when the seats do so that the head rest doesnt have to be removed from the seats like the older Rodeos did. Peppy V-6 engine and a smooth ride. The instruments are easy to see through the steering wheel while driving.