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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  Great Deal - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By J in SD - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I checked out the Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Isuzu Ascender. Preferred Envoy/Ascender over the Explorer and neither could touch the deal I got w/the Ascender. On similar equipped Envoy I couldnt get the dealer under 30k. I picked up my Ascender for just over 23k on almost the exact same vehicle and received a better warranty.

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  comfort - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By AzRed - January 11 - 4:40 am

  Strong engine. Tows trailers well. Front passenger seat is very uncomfortable on trips; my hands fall asleep due to the low hard arm rest. Envoys seats are much more comfortable.

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  A real surpise - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tmbhawaii - December 31 - 2:00 am

  very roomy and provides a smooth ride. Engine is very quiet.

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  RIP ASCENDER :( - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By skyye - December 28 - 12:33 am

  My husband & I purchased our Ascender March 08, it being a car that’s not really common we had our doubts but was exactly what we were looking for. We never had any problems on it except for an electrical problem which is common on these cars. When making sure this was the right car to purchase I searched reviews & found the most informative ones on this site so I wanted to make sure that I added my thoughts of this car on here but most importantly how well it handles in accidents. Last week my husband was involved in an accident with a drunk driver which totaled our Ascender but it handled extremely well. Definitely a 10 on safety!!

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  Best bang for the buck - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By GSA - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this SUV for a month. Orignally wanted the GMC ENVOY. Guess what its the same SUV. The big difference is the Isuzu comes with a better warranty and costs less. Its a no brainer. I also like the looks of the isuzu better. The only real differnce is the front grill and lights. Plenty of horse power and great to load up the family into.

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  Nightmare - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By para333am - November 2 - 8:21 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Ascender brand new. Granted the body is great. I was hit by a large work van which in a car would of sent me to the hospital, the truck held up well. The engine is a nightmare. We just paid it off and it has less than 115,000 miles on it but the engine has died completely. I am very upset since it was purchased new and well taken care of.. I will never buy another one again.. I will only purchase Honda or Toyota from now on.

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  Best choice - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Bronco84 - October 20 - 12:56 pm

  In first 30 days drove over 4000 miles in rain, ice, sleet and snow. The vehicle performed beyond my expectations. Traction was great with total control. Only problem encountered was widnshield washer fluid freeze up with factory fluid at -30 degrees temperature. Engine performed great in mountains as well as on flatlands.

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  Great vehicle with a cars drivabilty - 2003 Isuzu Ascender
  By JARED KEYS - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I like this vehicle already! Wish is were mine. Purchased it for my wife (kid mobile) because it is large and safe on the roads yet has the driving feel of a car. I feel confortable knowing they are safe while I am not with them and if a problem occurs ONSTAR is there to the rescue!

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  love it - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By scuba1600 - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Love it so far, but it is new. Im coming from a Mitsubishi Outlander, so anything probably would be luxury and wonderful to drive compared to the Outlander. Hopefully I get many, many good, comfortable miles from my Ascender. I like the power, soft ride that it gives. Just wish the base model came with cruise control and floor mats, and not having keyless entry in the base model is ridiculous.

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  Treasure found - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Kirk - September 7 - 9:06 pm

  My wife and I looked for weeks for our first SUV. The Tribute, Escape, Pilot, CRV, RAV4 and more... The styling of the Ascender caught our eye, we test drove it, it was great, roomier than many other SUVs at much higher $$$. Our children thought it looked and drove awesome. It is basic but pretty inside, and quiet. The final price was wonderful, and a great warranty. I feel like we made out like bandits, thank you Isuzu (GM).