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:

• 

  isuzu ascender - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By ascender - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable ride, lots of power, good off road capability, plenty of interior room, dual comfort controls for driver and passenger, seperate comfort controls for rear passengers, controls for radio, ac, etc. are very visible.

• 

  Worth The Price Spent For It - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By Alex - October 5 - 2:10 am

  This SUV is great. I love the way it handles, almost like a sports car. Strong yet responsive. To know I have a 4.2 really feels like security. I recommend it to all who do not have a big family; recommend it if youve never had an SUV. Try it and you might buy.

• 

  quality suv - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By icatscan - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I found this suv to be a hidden gem among the big boys. Even though the vehicle is not widely marketed, Im very impressed with the soft ride. It has excellent pick-up and pull away speed.

• 

  Isuzu Fan deeply disappointed - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By Penny Conners - June 28 - 7:16 pm

  After owning a Rodeo for 8 yrs with 160,000 trouble free miles. I was excited about my new Ascender. Noticed roaring noise from start and noted with dealership and Isuzu new owner survey. By March whole new rear end was installed. Still roars as of 6/2005. Dealership still waiting on tools? Oil sending unit now bad and on order. Dealership is a nightmare and the Owner Assistance hotline with Isuzu useless! Im a very disappointed owner who is no longer a fan. Shame on Isuzu!

• 

  Real SUV no crossover! - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
  By OHIO BOY - March 25 - 1:13 pm

  If you want a real SUV this a great car. The mileage is not great but it is a big SUV . Brakes are a problem on this SUV . The heat builds up and takes out the rotors. Put the better rotors on it.

• 

  Cool look - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By fivekids - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Ascender, instead of an Envoy, it was much cheaper. Pros- love the Fake wood! My extended package S is all I need. My kids love it! Tons of power, quick little thing for a big car. Great for highways. Cons- Switches for heat are a little loose, however, and I had to get a new starter right away.

• 

  GOOD VALUE - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By KRYSTAL - December 9 - 4:56 pm

  Our large family was looking for the biggest nicest SUV for the money. My husband was looking at the Highlander and Pilot. The Highlander was too small inside. It was nice but too small and pricey. The Pilot, well the Honda dealership was horrible. All full of lies. The Pilot was a nice SUV but the price was way too much. I talked my husband into looking at the Ascender. At first he was still leaning towards the ighlander until I put them side by side. I won, lol. It’s roomy and drives nice. Plus the dealership was great. They gave us a good deal and was willing to drive the Highlander back to the pushy Toyota dealership. This is a nice SUV with a good warranty.

• 

  Best Isuzu yet - 2004 Isuzu Ascender
  By tdorsey - August 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Trooper LS and an Axiom LS and this one is the best Isuzu of the three. The ride, and ease of driving make it a pleasure. The seats are more comfortable than the others and the road and wind noise are lots less. With the warranty and the price, why would you buy GM

• 

  Love My Ascender - 2007 Isuzu Ascender
  By desertdog - July 31 - 6:26 am

  We have had our ascender more than 2 years so far, and we love it. It has a great smooth ride, and is pretty much a rebadged trail blazer. The car literally is labeled GM everywhere except on the hood, and the steering wheel.

• 

  Good Value - 2005 Isuzu Ascender
  By Ron - July 28 - 10:06 pm

  Good value for the money, no problems after two years, good smooth car like ride with plenty of power.