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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  just like the Envoy - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By sign guy - February 14 - 9:13 pm

  Made by GM and looks just the GMC Envoy but has a better warranty.

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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.

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  Best Buy - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Rich1mck7 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Ascender for just over 2 months and WE LOVE IT! We compared it with the Pilot, Trailblazer, Durango and Murano. It was very clear to us that the Ascender was the best all around deal for the money! Our 7 passenger LS came with sunroof, 5 disc cd player, rear ac, onstar, pw, plocks, and top luggage rack. Our color is black & grey with greyish cloth interior. After the $3500 rebate we bought ours for $26500 plus ttt. We financed with for four years with 4.5% interest using Capitol One online auto finance which was easy, fast and worked out great!

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  A Diamond in the rough! - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By J Bolen - January 16 - 10:00 am

  My son plays travel ice hockey and we put some serious miles on a vehicle. We drove several SUVs and were leaning torwards the Trail Blazer. A major factor in that desicion was that I am very close friends with the son of the owner of the dealership. My wife stumbled across the Isuzu on a fluke, and she was hooked. We test drove it and bought it the next day. Needless to say, I had some explainging to do to my friend at the Chevy dealership. If you dont at least try this vehicle...you are missing out!