2004 Isuzu Ascender: Road Test
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2004 Isuzu Ascender ▼
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- MSRP: $25,699 -$31,199
- Invoice: $24,157 -$29,327
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Our road test for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Isuzu Ascender from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Isuzu Ascender help you decide if a 2004 Isuzu Ascender is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.8 |
Regular-length 6-cyl Ascenders unstressed in everyday driving, do fine in highway merging and passing. Seven-seat versions weigh about 350 lb more. In these, 6 cyl is still adequate, but V8 adds useful muscle for hauling or towing heavy loads. Too bad the V8 adds about $1500.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Test regular-length Envoys and Ascenders averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg. Test extended-length 2WD 6-cyl Ascender averaged 12.1 mpg in all city driving. Extended-use-test 4WD 6-cyl Envoy XL averaged 15.8 mpg over its 21,677-mi. test. Test V8 versions averaged 15.2-15.7 mpg.
RIDE QUALITY
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Suspension absorbs bumps quite well for an SUV, extendeds better than regulars. But without the air suspension available on GMC's Envoy, these Ascenders also porpoise through dips and swells.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.7 |
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 quick stops trigger marked nosedive and some wander. Optional traction control available on 2WD model worked well in snow.
QUIETNESS
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
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
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.4 |
Good head and leg room, even for taller folks. Seats too soft for optimal support, but not uncomfortable. Visibility restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by headrests and thick roof pillars. Available power-adjustable pedals may be helpful, especially to shorter drivers.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Six-footers have plenty of 2nd-row head room. Knee room adequate in regular-length version, ample in extended, and both have adequate under-seat foot space despite uneven floorboard. Split bench seat comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. With 7-passenger seating, 2nd-row seats slide forward and tilt up for accessing 3rd-row seat, which is roomy enough for two adults and more comfortable than those in most midsize SUVs.
CARGO ROOM
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.8 |
Generous in regular-length Ascenders, spacious in extendeds. The 60/40 split seat folds easily, helped by automatic-folding headrests. However, instead of a flat load floor with all seats folded, Ascender has a tiered floor that frustrates easy loading and packing. Liftgate's separate opening glass is relatively high, making it difficult to load some items. Cabins have a good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
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
| S 4WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 2WD, 6 cyl | S EXT 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56 | 57 | 58 | 52.3 |
Total Score: 57
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