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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  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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  Ascender review - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bkel - September 25 - 4:06 am

  Drives well. Lots of fun. Seems to be an electrical issue with lights dimming at random. Also, the check engine light comes on periodically. Already had battery replaced and light still coming on! Hope this doesnt turn into 7 trips to the dealership like the other review. The paint on the radio controls coming off. This is my first Isuzu and Im still kinda on the fence whether Ill purchase another one.

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  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.

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  Good Value - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Edwin Lowe - September 10 - 2:26 am

  We have had it 2 months so the story still remains to be told, but we bought it because of the superior longevity and performance of our former SUV, an Isuzu Trooper. So far we have been thrilled with the Ascender. It was more reasonably priced and better warranty than other 7 passenger SUVs we priced.

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  Isuzu Ascender feel like your floating - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ruben Gonzalez - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride, comfortable seating with plenty of room. Turns very good with no problem especially on U-Turns

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  My third Isuzu SUV - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ron - May 21 - 7:16 am

  This is my third Isuzu SUV, I have owned 1996 and 1999 Troopers both bought new. Never had a problem with either. But the 1996 trooper only had 195 horsepower, so I thought it was underpowered.The 1999 had better horsepower at 215. The ascender has 275 horses, which is plenty, but I havent had it long enough to tell what the fuel econemy is yet, because I have not had it long enough to take any road trips.But I can say, It handles and rides nicely and looks a lot more expensive.

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  What is an Ascender? - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Tmon7765 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We sure didnt know. We had been out looking for a new utility vehicle for the family and work for a little over two weeks and almost settled for a Mitsubishi Montero Limited. Now dont get me wrong I own two already a 1991 (still running strong) and a Sport 2000. We needed something bigger and newer. We looked at GMC, Ford, Toyota and Nissan until we found a small add on the internet for an Ascender. We went to our local dealer and were amazed at the size and amount of equipment being offered for the price. Well 48 hours (weekend) later we drove off in ours. Great buy! Well worth your investment, take a look.

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  my car from dad - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ascender - April 8 - 8:43 am

  I actually love this car; its seats are soft, itÂ’s very roomy inside and it has several power outlets for you to use. I have two cell phones that do need to be charged at times. I think the ride is so smooth and quite and I think itÂ’s actually bigger then it looks but overall I enjoy this car very much.

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  WOW! What you need and more..... - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Greg Thorton - March 1 - 10:00 am

  All we can say is wow. It has everything we need and our luxurious Limited model was less than Envoys base model. Plus the warranty is really great. No problems in our six months of ownership, we are very very pleased. The interior is much more pleasing than the bland Hondas. Most people who own an Ascender as just as happy as us. The powerful engine makes highway driving a breeze and city driving safer. Plus, it looks beautiful. People stare it it and they ask waht it is, because it looks so nice and luxurious. Compare it to any other SUV and it wins. Best kept secret SUV!!!! Visit Isuzus website!!!

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  our 7 passenger Ascender - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By yibari4 - February 18 - 6:23 pm

  Took 6 people on a 3000 mile trip to Florida and back and it handled the job great; super comfort, tracked great and over 21 MPG while also carrying a scooter on a platform in the trailer hitch.