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2003 Isuzu Ascender Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Isuzu Ascender Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
2003 Isuzu Ascender Review
Isuzu replaces the aging Trooper for 2003 with a new flagship based on General Motors' extended-length midsize SUVs. Except for some appearance trim, Ascender duplicates the Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL, including their three-row, 7-passenger seating. It offers their 6-cyl or V8 power and 4-speed automatic transmission. Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or GM's 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags are standard; curtain side airbags are not offered. OnStar assistance is optional and traction control is available with 2WD. Ascender comes with Isuzu's 3-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and 7-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty vs. GM's 3-year/36,000-mile coverage. Maximum towing capacity is 7200 lb. A 5-seat, regular-length Ascender is due during the 2004 model year. Ascender's performance and accommodations mimic those of similarly equipped Envoys.
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
Desperate to escape a downward sales-and-earnings spiral, American Isuzu Motors has confirmed a 5-passenger Ascender for sometime later this year. It's based on the shorter version of the Chevy TrailBlazer/GMC Envoy.
The inaugural 7-seat Ascender exists because Isuzu couldn't afford to develop a new top-line SUV on its own. Also, GM owns a major stake in Isuzu of Japan, and wants to boost the value of its holdings by boosting the company's bottom line. But that's been a tough task lately. Though Isuzu still earns money with commercial trucks and engines, overall profits have eroded into losses due to crumbling demand in the vital U.S. market, where total retails sales plunged 35.7 percent in 2002. To raise badly needed cash, Isuzu recently sold its stake in the Indiana plant it started with Subaru. It then contracted with Subaru, also a GM affiliate, to build midsize Axiom and Rodeo SUVs, but only until mid-2004.
Ascender alone isn't enough to solve Isuzu's many problems in America or anywhere else, and that could make it a here-today, gone-tomorrow proposition. If you must buy one, don't drive off without a discount. And be prepared for a heavy hit in first-year depreciation.
The inaugural 7-seat Ascender exists because Isuzu couldn't afford to develop a new top-line SUV on its own. Also, GM owns a major stake in Isuzu of Japan, and wants to boost the value of its holdings by boosting the company's bottom line. But that's been a tough task lately. Though Isuzu still earns money with commercial trucks and engines, overall profits have eroded into losses due to crumbling demand in the vital U.S. market, where total retails sales plunged 35.7 percent in 2002. To raise badly needed cash, Isuzu recently sold its stake in the Indiana plant it started with Subaru. It then contracted with Subaru, also a GM affiliate, to build midsize Axiom and Rodeo SUVs, but only until mid-2004.
Ascender alone isn't enough to solve Isuzu's many problems in America or anywhere else, and that could make it a here-today, gone-tomorrow proposition. If you must buy one, don't drive off without a discount. And be prepared for a heavy hit in first-year depreciation.
2003 Isuzu Ascender Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Trailer-towing capability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
The 6 cyl provides adequate acceleration under most driving conditions. The V8 adds some useful muscle when towing or hauling heavy loads, but costs about $1500, several hundred more than the V8 option in such rivals as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
The 6 cyl provides adequate acceleration under most driving conditions. The V8 adds some useful muscle when towing or hauling heavy loads, but costs about $1500, several hundred more than the V8 option in such rivals as the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Fuel Economy
Test 2WD 6-cyl Ascender averaged 12.1 mpg in all city driving. Test 4WD 6-cyl TrailBlazer EXT averaged 14.9 mpg in a city/highway mix. Test 4WD V8 TrailBlazer EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
Test 2WD 6-cyl Ascender averaged 12.1 mpg in all city driving. Test 4WD 6-cyl TrailBlazer EXT averaged 14.9 mpg in a city/highway mix. Test 4WD V8 TrailBlazer EXT averaged 15.7 mpg in almost exclusively highway driving.
Ride Quality
Suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, and long wheelbase helps smooth out ride. But without the air suspension available on GMC's Envoy, these Ascenders also porpoise through dips and swells.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, and long wheelbase helps smooth out ride. But without the air suspension available on GMC's Envoy, these Ascenders also porpoise through dips and swells.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Disappointing overall. Lots of body lean in sharp turns. Steering has vague feel and demands lots of correcting at highway speed. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes deliver adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops trigger marked nosedive and some wander. Optional traction control available on 2WD model worked well in the snow.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Disappointing overall. Lots of body lean in sharp turns. Steering has vague feel and demands lots of correcting at highway speed. A relatively tight turning radius makes close-quarters maneuvering fairly easy. Standard antilock 4-wheel disc brakes deliver adequate stopping power but spongy pedal action, and quick stops trigger marked nosedive and some wander. Optional traction control available on 2WD model worked well in the snow.
Quietness
Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush can be considerable at highway speeds; there's roar even around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The V8 is quieter overall.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
Tire noise pleasingly low, but wind rush can be considerable at highway speeds; there's roar even around a closed sunroof. The 6-cyl engine cruises quietly enough, but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. The V8 is quieter overall.
Controls
Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road. Interior suffers from GM's generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics, which don't match the look and feel of most competitors' materials.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road. Interior suffers from GM's generic fabrics and unappealing molded plastics, which don't match the look and feel of most competitors' materials.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good to front and sides, though headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility good to front and sides, though headrests and thick pillars can block over-the-shoulder and aft sightlines.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. The 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry/exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Six-footers have ample 2nd-row head and knee room, plus adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. The 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for entry/exit to the 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
Cargo Room
The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, 3rd-row seatbacks rest several inches above the cargo floor when folded, denying the convenience of a flat load surface. Liftgate's opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to use as a loading or unloading portal. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
The 60/40 split 2nd-row seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, 3rd-row seatbacks rest several inches above the cargo floor when folded, denying the convenience of a flat load surface. Liftgate's opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to use as a loading or unloading portal. Cabins have good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
Value within Class
Lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market. Otherwise, Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space. Isuzu's longer warranty helps make up for a spotty dealer network, but overall, most buyers would be better off with a GMC Envoy.
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 |
Lack of curtain side airbags is a minus in today's SUV market. Otherwise, Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space. Isuzu's longer warranty helps make up for a spotty dealer network, but overall, most buyers would be better off with a GMC Envoy.
Total Score
| 2WD, 6 cyl | 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
| 57 | 58 | 51.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2003 Isuzu Ascender Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 12/19/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door wagon, 2WD | $28,649 | $26,935 | $625 |
|
|
|||
| S 4-door wagon, 4WD | $31,349 | $29,416 | $625 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
2WD S
Powertrain
4.2-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, map lights, universal garage-door opener, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear intermittent wiper, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass, fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Platform hitch, 7-wire trailer harness, 245/65R17 tires.
4WD S adds to 2WD S:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, illuminated visor mirrors.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Equipment Pkg. 1
|
||
|
2WD S
|
$586
|
$555
|
|
Heated power mirrors, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, illuminated visor mirrors. Std. 4WD S.
|
||
|
LS Preferred Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
2WD S
|
$4,076
|
$3,868
|
|
4WD S
|
$3,899
|
$3,701
|
|
Traction control (2WD), limited-slip differential, OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), dual-zone automatic climate controls, power sunroof, 8-way power passenger seat, AM/FM/cassette/CD player, steering-wheel radio controls, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, driver information center, digital memo recorder, roof rack, machine-finished alloy wheels. 2WD S requires Preferred Equipment Group 1.
|
||
|
Limited Preferred Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
2WD S
|
$2,513
|
$2,385
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers, mirror-mounted turn signals, running boards, color-keyed bumpers. Requires LS Preferred Equipment Pkg., 5.3-liter V8 engine.
|
||
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Powertrain |
||
|
5.3-liter V8 engine
|
||
|
2WD S
|
$1,490
|
$1,415
|
|
Requires LS Preferred Equipment Pkg.
|
||
|
|
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2003 Isuzu Ascender Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Isuzu Ascender 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 129.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 207.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 75.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4967 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 100.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 25.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | ohv V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /256 | 5.3 /327 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 275 @ 6000 | 290 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 275 @ 3600 | 325 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 4-speed automatic | 15/20 | 14/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Isuzu Ascender 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/75,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 7/75,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Isuzu Ascender Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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