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2004 Isuzu Ascender Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Isuzu Ascender Review:
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2.
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4.
2004 Isuzu Ascender Review
Front side airbags and keyless remote become optional instead of standard for 2004 editions of Isuzu's flagship SUV, which added a shorter-wheelbase version midyear. Based on General Motors' midsize SUVs, Ascender is closely related to the GMC Envoy. Ascender originally came only in an extended-length version with 3-row, 7-passenger seating; added midyear was a regular-length version with 2-row, 5-passenger seating. Extendeds offer 6-cyl or V8 power, regulars only the 6 cyl. Both come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard. Curtain side airbags are not offered. OnStar assistance and power-adjustable pedals are optional; 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. Ascender's performance and accommodations mimic those of similarly equipped Envoys.
News
Ascender is a life raft thrown by General Motors in hopes of saving Isuzu's retail business. Even so, prospects for GM's Japanese affiliate remain grim both at home and abroad. In fact, some industry-watchers see Isuzu ultimately pulling back to making just commercial vehicles and engines, businesses where it does enjoy some success. The next two years will be critical, especially in the U.S., where Ascender will be Isuzu's only offering until 2007. And ominously, Ascender's only major near-term change involves the addition of a five-passenger model for 2005.
With all this, plus Isuzu's faltering brand image, Ascender doesn't look much like a saviour, 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.
With all this, plus Isuzu's faltering brand image, Ascender doesn't look much like a saviour, 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.
2004 Isuzu Ascender Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Trailer-towing capability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Clear and handy. Switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-mounted climate controls forces a long look away from the road.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2004 Isuzu Ascender Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/31/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD S regular length 4-door wagon | $25,699 | $24,157 | $685 |
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| 4WD S regular length 4-door wagon | $27,699 | $26,037 | $685 |
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| 2WD S EXT extended length 4-door wagon | $27,999 | $26,319 | $685 |
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| 4WD S EXT extended length 4-door wagon | $31,199 | $29,327 | $685 |
Price note: 4WD EXT requires Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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
S
Powertrain
4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls, rear air conditioning w/rear controls (EXT), power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control (EXT), cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat (EXT), power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, map lights, universal garage-door opener (EXT), variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear intermittent wiper, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass (EXT), fog lights, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Platform hitch, 7-wire trailer harness, full-size spare tire, 245/65R17 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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regular length
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$2,410
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$2,271
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2WD EXT
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$1,616
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$1,526
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4WD EXT
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$0
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$0
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Front side airbags, cruise control (regular length), heated power mirrors, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, universal garage-door opener (regular length), illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console (regular length), floormats, rear privacy glass (regular length).
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LS Pkg.
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2WD EXT
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$3,443
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$3,237
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4WD EXT
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$3,267
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$3,072
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Traction control (2WD), limited-slip differential, dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, rear radio controls, automatic day/night rearview mirror, driver information center, roof rack, machine-finished alloy wheels. Requires Preferred Equipment Group.
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Luxury Pkg.
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2WD regular length
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$3,215
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$3,021
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4WD regular length
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$3,039
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$2,856
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Traction control (2WD), OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), Bose sound system, bodyside moldings, monotone paint. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg., LS Pkg.
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Limited Pkg.
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EXT
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$3,461
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$3,253
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Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat and mirror), OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, Bose sound system, rain-sensing wipers, mirror-mounted turn signals, running boards, monotone paint, skid plates. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg., LS Pkg., 5.3-liter V8 engine.
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Leather Pkg.
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regular length
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$1,299
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$1,221
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EXT
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$1,299
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$1,193
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Leather upholstery, 8-way power passenger seat. Requires LS Pkg., Preferred Equipment Pkg. NA w/5.3-liter V8 engine.
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Powertrain |
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5.3-liter V8 engine
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EXT
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$1,499
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$1,409
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Requires LS Pkg., Preferred Equipment Group.
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Safety |
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Front side airbags
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2WD EXT
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$355
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$334
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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OnStar assistance system
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S
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$615
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$579
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Includes one-year service. Regular length requires LS Pkg.
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Power-adjustable pedals
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S
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$160
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$150
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Regular length requires Luxury Pkg. EXT requires 5.3-liter V8 engine.
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Floormats
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regular length
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$44
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$42
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3rd-row floormat
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S
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$35
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$33
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Std. w/Preferred Equipment Group.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Bodyside moldings
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regular length
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$160
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$150
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2004 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 | 285 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 275 @ 3600 | 325 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 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 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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
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Tester's Comments
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Major Options: Preferred Equipment Pkg. (Power OSRV Mirrors with Defrosters, Privacy Glass, Body Side Moldings, Content Anti-theft System, Power Driver Seat, Driver and Passenger Side Airbags, Sunvisors with Illum Vanity Mirror, Cruise Control, Overhead Console, Front and Rear Floormats), LS Equipment (Power Moonroof, Roof Rail Crossbars, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel, AM/FM 6-CD Changer, Limited-Slip Differential, Machined-Finish Alloy Wheels), Leather Pkg. (Pwer Passenger Seat, Leather-Appointed Interior Trim) Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 16.52 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Damon Bell If you're really, really crazy about the instrument panel font and Isuzu grille, then get an Ascender over an Envoy. John Biel There's nothing compelling to the Ascender that makes it stand out in the SUV field--especially one already well-populated with plenty of General Motors kith and kin. But neither is there anything that screams "Stay away." If you can get the right deal on one, then the Ascender might be THE right SUV for you. |
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Also in the 2004 Isuzu Ascender Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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