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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  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 SUV - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Big Sexy - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I live in Charleston, SC and have seen only two other Ascenders on the road. I get looks every where I go. I know there will be others on the road soon, but Im going to enjoy it while it lasts. Its an SUV but doesnt drive or feel like one. You feel like you are driving a luxury vehicle.

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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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  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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  All-Around best, Why buy anything else?? - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ascender2003 - May 16 - 2:00 am

  The Ascender is the best midsize SUV around. Even our base model is very well equipped, and a warranty so long well never have to worry about costs. A base price that competes with small SUVs, and gives so much. The interior is elegant, with woodtrim, and the console is very easy to read. The 3rd seat is huge even for adults, and useful cargo space in back. The exterior look is commanding and stylish, and catches eyes on the road. Dont settle for anything less than the Isuzu Ascender, and the new 5 passenger version is great too, with an even lower price!!! :)

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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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  BEST ISUZU - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By SASAS - April 16 - 10:00 am

  GREAT SUV GOT TO BUY ISUZU IS THE BEST

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  ASCENDER IS AN AWESOME PURCHASE!!! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By ISACC - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I COMPARED THE ASCENDER TO A HONDA PILOT, CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND GMC ENVOY. I DID EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND MY CHOICE WAS BASED ON WARRENTY, PRICE OF VEHICLE AND BIGGER BANG FOR THE BUCK. I CONTACTED 6 DEALERSHIPS & HAD THEM COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHERS "OFFER". THEY WERE FIGHTING FOR MY BUSINESS, I DID NOT STRESS OR WORRY, THE PHONE RANGED EVERY FEW HOURS & EACH TIME IT WAS A ISUZU SALESPERSON DROPPING THE PRICE OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER ONLY 3 DAYS OF PRICE WARS, I BOUGHT A LIMITED 7 PASS FOR ONLY $28,500 FROM MILI GORDON DEALERSHIP IN OKLAHOMA. I DID NOT DO ANY FINACING WITH THE DEALERSHIP. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 10 MILES ON IT. EMAIL ME IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS.

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  Very Impressed - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By sirrundmc - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is unreal. I am so impressed with the quality and make of the vehicle. Roominess is an understatement. The quality of this vehicle is beyond my expectations. I use to own a Chevy Suburban and I swore up and down I would never buy another American made car. But even though this car is American made, it has the quality of a Japanese made car without the price or the shortcomings in roomyiness. This SUVis the secret of 2004.

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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.