Isuzu Ascender Review

2008 Isuzu Ascender S SUV

The Isuzu Ascender is a product of Isuzu's alliance with General Motors. In terms of design and running gear, it's pretty much identical to GM's other truck-based SUVs such as the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Only in terms of styling and trim levels does the Ascender offer any significant variation.

The Isuzu Ascender lacks brand recognition, a third-row seat and some desirable features. It also lags in terms of overall refinement. Only by virtue of its ruggedness and low price does it stand out. Those qualities might make it attractive to a few shoppers in this segment. But our recommendation for the majority is to go with the competition.

Current Isuzu Ascender

The Isuzu Ascender is a five-passenger midsize SUV. There are three trim levels: a base S, LS and Luxury. Even at the two-wheel-drive S trim level, the Ascender comes with dual-zone air-conditioning (with rear-seat climate control) and a stereo with CD player. The LS trim adds a moonroof, an in-dash CD changer and outside mirror defrosters. The Luxury package (discontinued for '08) adds more refinement -- such as leather and wood trim -- along with a six-speaker Bose audio system.

Power for the Isuzu Ascender comes from a 4.2-liter, inline six-cylinder engine. It produces 285-291 horsepower (depending on year) and 277 pound-feet of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Ascender is offered in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive variants.

In road tests, we've found the Ascender to offer a comfortable ride and decent power. However, the Ascender's handling is rather sloppy. Feedback to the driver is 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.

Past Isuzu Ascender models

The Isuzu Ascender is still in its first generation, but there have been a few changes. The Ascender was launched in 2003 as a seven-passenger extended-wheelbase model only. The smaller five-passenger version was first released in 2004. In 2006, Isuzu discontinued the larger Ascender, leaving the five-passenger model. Older models also 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.

SELECT A SPECIFIC ISUZU ASCENDER MODEL YEAR*

* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.