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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  poor quality, not worth the money! - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By scott kelso - January 21 - 1:26 am

  I have only had my Ascender for 4 months now and I have been back to the dealership 6 times. Driving lamps 3 times, rear seatbelt 3 times, transmission 4 times and body molding 2 times. Transmission shifts hard on long trips. Driving lights keep fogging up. The front bumper moves up and down while driving. Center console wiggles by just putting your arm on it.

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  High Maintenance - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By wokeup - January 8 - 8:16 am

  Great looking and a great ride, but very poor mpg on highway 15. Also, at 70,000 mi it fell apart, new water pump, new alternator, stabler track problems, fuel gauge problems, window on passengers side leaks and exhaust leak. Not to mention normal maintenance of breaks and belts. Low initial price, but they make up for it later down the road on repair costs.

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  I like it! - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By postal worker - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I traded up from a Jeep Cherokee Sport model 4x4, so the handling, ride and quiet interior really shows up to me. I drove a lot of SUVs while I was shopping for this, and comparing quality, comfort and price, I am extremely happy with the value of this vehicle.

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  2004 Izusu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Albert Cepeda - November 13 - 7:20 am

  I had been driving Toyotas for the last 12 years. I have had a 4 Runner which had a very rough ride and was looking for an SUV that would handle better,and more like a car and still have the SUV look. After reviewing several models. I noticed that the Izusu was built in the GM Plant at Moraine Oh and shares the same body frame as the GMC Envoy and Buick Rainer but each of these is priced several thousands more and the Isuzu has a 7 year 75000 mile warranty while the GM versions only have 3 years 36 months. I thought the Izusu was a great value for the money. I dressed mine up with dealer installed Leather seats (The Izusu leather is cheesy at best) it really made vehicle.

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  Buying a car - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By markd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have realized why there are not many Isuzu Ascenders on the road. Recently I went to the dealership and test drove one as well as showed interest buying one. My wife and I really liked the car, but salesperson did not really show much energy to sell one at all. I have called him a couple of times, and all I got from him is he will call me back very soon, but have not heard since. I tried again, but no results. Its a good car, but they need to work how to sell it. No adds in the paper either escept Demo one which was sold (according to the dealership) day before it went to the paper. Honda and Toyota

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  My 2003 Isuzu Ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Pat K. - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am really enjoying my Ascender. It has provided comfort, good mileage, and a lot of flattering comments from per- sons who had not seen an Ascender before. It has all the extras that I could ask for including an outstanding warranty.

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  Great value - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By Isuzu owner - September 15 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a wonderful value. The LS is loaded with goodies I would never pay for and I got it for a steal at 25k,and low interest rate. The interior could use some dressing up, but for an active family the Ascender meets all my requirments. Not to many on the road and my wife is asked often about the SUV. Carbon Copy of Envoy, but lower cost and exterior is more appealing.

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  Love my Ascender - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By rbraxton - July 31 - 12:33 pm

  I have not had any problems with my SUV. I now have 38000 miles. I drive my Ascender at highway speeds and I love the ride. When we travel, this is the car that we drive (I also have a Lincoln LS).

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  Lots of electrical probs starting at approx 80,000mi. Listed in order of failure: check engine light came on thermostat, speedometer, fuel gauge and oil pressure gauge at 105,000mi. - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By mysuzuki - May 29 - 11:54 am

  Dealer where I purchased the vehicle said none of the probs were covered under warranty because of the mileage. I called Isuzu corporate office and they said there is a "policy extension" on the fuel gauge to 120,000mi. The policy extension has a campaign number issued for it. " SB 13-04-S004 (fuel sensor).They referred me to another dealer who has ordered the part for the fuel gauge. However, they say the instrument cluster" needs to be replaced and it is not certain that the fuel gauge will work unless it is replaced and some or all of the probs may or may not work unless the instrument cluster is replaced. Footnote: A linkage part in the transmission shifted broke at approx 100,000mi

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  Save Your Money Buy A Dodge! - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Pete - May 10 - 4:16 am

  I was told this is the top of its class. It had a high towing capacity. I needed something to tow my boat and that would be good on gas. Ive owned this SUV for almost 5 months and I had to go back to the dealer 6 or 7 time to fix it. I should of done more research on this SUV. I went to the dealer after the second visit in the first week of owning the SUV and talked to the man and told him if I could have my older car back and he could keep the $3500 I gave them, well I guess you no how that turned out. The Isuzu is a Chevy. I called Isuzu and told them all the problems that Im having; the man that should help me said "Im sorry sir, but I pull my boat with a Dodge." Now that was funny to me.