Isuzu Ascender SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The Isuzu Ascender came to be when the Isuzu car company and General Motors collaborated into their alliance. This meant that the design was extremely similar to many of the full size SUV designs put out by GM. The ultimate differences are found in the styling details and the variations that are offered through the trim levels. Because the Isuzu Ascender was not heavily marketed or well recognized throughout the industry all efforts in the US were halted to make the Ascender a household SUV.
Some of the design flaws were a big reason that the Isuzu Ascender did so poorly in US markets. Without a third row of seating the average consumer didn't consider it very competitive. If a consumer was going to make a viable purchase for a full size SUV they wanted to get all of the perks of SUV ownership, including the capacity to haul more than 5 people. The first model year, 2003, was the only model year to offer 7 passenger seating.
Once the Isuzu Ascender shrank to the 5 passenger seating arrangement it was available in both the 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive versions. The rear wheel drive proved to be even less popular. With a 6 cylinder inline engine, the 4.2 liter could be counted on to provide 285 up through 291 horsepower. The variation depends on the model year, ascending as in horse power as it ascended in year. It offered about 277 pounds of torque. For a short time the Isuzu Ascender could be purchased with a V8 290 horsepower 5.3 liter engine. Only models that were built previously to 2007 had this option. Naturally, this option increased the monthly car payment.
Throughout the years the Isuzu Ascender was treated to a wide variety of trims and option packages. If you went with just the base model you were buying a box with wheels that offered pretty much only the essentials for getting the SUV to start and move. At the same time if you went with the highest trim level the Ascender could have been competitive with many of the luxury SUVs that were available at the time. Standards like dual zone climate personalized control options which placed the rear climate control panels in the rear passenger seat made the Ascender a good choice for many.
The standards on the highest trim models would vary from one year to the next yet most owners were happy to find that keyless entry, power accessories, heated seats, leather upholstery, 6 disc CD changer, power windows, power seats, power pedals, and even power mirrors were usually part of the package.
The Isuzu Ascender is highly powerful when off road. It is highly respected among peers who understand the value of finding a great off road vehicle even if means making some sacrifices during the working week. While the handling was considered to be sloppy at best, the Isuzu Ascender was actually a smooth and comfortable ride that was urged on by significant power.
Some of the design flaws were a big reason that the Isuzu Ascender did so poorly in US markets. Without a third row of seating the average consumer didn't consider it very competitive. If a consumer was going to make a viable purchase for a full size SUV they wanted to get all of the perks of SUV ownership, including the capacity to haul more than 5 people. The first model year, 2003, was the only model year to offer 7 passenger seating.
Once the Isuzu Ascender shrank to the 5 passenger seating arrangement it was available in both the 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive versions. The rear wheel drive proved to be even less popular. With a 6 cylinder inline engine, the 4.2 liter could be counted on to provide 285 up through 291 horsepower. The variation depends on the model year, ascending as in horse power as it ascended in year. It offered about 277 pounds of torque. For a short time the Isuzu Ascender could be purchased with a V8 290 horsepower 5.3 liter engine. Only models that were built previously to 2007 had this option. Naturally, this option increased the monthly car payment.
Throughout the years the Isuzu Ascender was treated to a wide variety of trims and option packages. If you went with just the base model you were buying a box with wheels that offered pretty much only the essentials for getting the SUV to start and move. At the same time if you went with the highest trim level the Ascender could have been competitive with many of the luxury SUVs that were available at the time. Standards like dual zone climate personalized control options which placed the rear climate control panels in the rear passenger seat made the Ascender a good choice for many.
The standards on the highest trim models would vary from one year to the next yet most owners were happy to find that keyless entry, power accessories, heated seats, leather upholstery, 6 disc CD changer, power windows, power seats, power pedals, and even power mirrors were usually part of the package.
The Isuzu Ascender is highly powerful when off road. It is highly respected among peers who understand the value of finding a great off road vehicle even if means making some sacrifices during the working week. While the handling was considered to be sloppy at best, the Isuzu Ascender was actually a smooth and comfortable ride that was urged on by significant power.
Have a 2004 with 5.3lv-8.ride very smooth but gas mileage is terrible