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2005 Isuzu Ascender Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2005 Isuzu Ascender Review:
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2.
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4.
2005 Isuzu Ascender Review
Ascender is Isuzu's sole offering for 2005. Shedding the Axiom and Rodeo SUVs from its lineup, the ailing Japanese brand soldiers on with a single SUV based on General Motors' midsize truck-type SUV family. Ascender is closely related to the GMC Envoy. It comes in a regular-length version with 2-row, 5-passenger seating, and in extended-length form with 3-row, 7-passenger seating. Seven-passenger models offer 6-cyl or V8 power, 5-passenger versions only the 6-cyl. Both come with a 4-speed automatic transmission. For '05, the V8 comes with GM's Displacement on Demand feature, which automatically deactivates four cylinders to save fuel. A computer reactivates the cylinders as needed for full power. 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. Newly optional for '05 are head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows; they replace last year's available seat-mounted front side airbags. 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.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Larger than Compact SUVs, Midsize SUVs offer a mix of car- and truck-type construction, V6 and V8 power, and up to 8-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
Our Best Buys include the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, Ford Freestyle, Nissan Murano, and Toyota 4Runner.
News
Sources see no major near-term changes for Ascender apart from those made to its GM-badged relatives. Even then, it's unclear whether the slow-selling Isuzu would get all their updates.
Answering pleas from product-starved Isuzu dealers, this Japanese GM affiliate will offer retrimmed GMC Canyon pickups for 2006 under the prosaic name I-Series. It's a logical and easy move, as Isuzu-badged Canyons are already sold in Britain and other markets under the Rodeo name of Isuzu's now-departed SUV. The I-Series will be limited to an extended-cab 2WD with 2.8-liter 4-cyl engine and a 4WD crew-cab with 3.5-liter 5-cyl. On the other hand, dealers will not be getting a promised 7-passenger SUV sourced from Thailand. Apparently, U.S. Isuzu executives concluded this vehicle wouldn't make enough money.
Answering pleas from product-starved Isuzu dealers, this Japanese GM affiliate will offer retrimmed GMC Canyon pickups for 2006 under the prosaic name I-Series. It's a logical and easy move, as Isuzu-badged Canyons are already sold in Britain and other markets under the Rodeo name of Isuzu's now-departed SUV. The I-Series will be limited to an extended-cab 2WD with 2.8-liter 4-cyl engine and a 4WD crew-cab with 3.5-liter 5-cyl. On the other hand, dealers will not be getting a promised 7-passenger SUV sourced from Thailand. Apparently, U.S. Isuzu executives concluded this vehicle wouldn't make enough money.
2005 Isuzu Ascender Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Trailer-towing capability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Test regular-length 6-cyl Ascenders did 0-60 mph in 8.8 sec, is unstressed in everyday driving. 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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 4.9 |
Test regular-length 6-cyl Ascenders did 0-60 mph in 8.8 sec, is unstressed in everyday driving. 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. V8 logged 15.2-15.7 mpg in our '04 tests; the '05s should be slightly better. GM claims Displacement on Demand improves mpg by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
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. V8 logged 15.2-15.7 mpg in our '04 tests; the '05s should be slightly better. GM claims Displacement on Demand improves mpg by up to 8 percent in certain light-load driving conditions.
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
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.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., 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
Though Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space, Isuzu's longer warranty doesn't fully compensate for a spotty dealer network. Additionally, Isusu's financial woes put the company's future in doubt. Shoppers considering Ascender would do well to consider the similar GMC Envoy instead.
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Though Ascender matches most rivals for pace and space, Isuzu's longer warranty doesn't fully compensate for a spotty dealer network. Additionally, Isusu's financial woes put the company's future in doubt. Shoppers considering Ascender would do well to consider the similar GMC Envoy instead.
Total Score
| 4WD 5-pass. | 2WD 7-pass., 6-cyl | 4WD 7-pass., V8 | Class Average |
| 55 | 56 | 57 | 55.1 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 55 | |
| High Score | 67 |
2005 Isuzu Ascender Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/28/2005
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD 5-passenger 4-door wagon | $25,959 | $24,401 | $685 |
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| 4WD 5-passenger 4-door wagon | $27,959 | $26,281 | $685 |
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| 2WD 7-passenger 4-door wagon | $28,569 | $26,855 | $685 |
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| 4WD 7-passenger 4-door wagon | $31,398 | $29,514 | $685 |
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
5-passenger
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
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls and rear controls, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers, visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear intermittent wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 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, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
2WD 7-passenger adds to 5-passenger:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cruise control, 3rd-row split folding seat, universal garage-door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
4WD 7-passenger adds to 2WD 7-passenger:
Powertrain
4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover, floormats.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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2WD 7-passenger
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$1,036
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$980
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Heated power mirrors, 8-way power driver seat w/lumbar adjustment, remote keyless entry, illuminated visor mirrors, floormats, alarm. Std. 4WD 7-passenger.
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LS Pkg.
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4WD 7-passenger
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$3,287
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$3,052
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2WD 7-passenger
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$3,443
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$3,237
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Traction control (2WD), limited-slip differential, power sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate controls, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, steering-wheel and rear radio controls, leather-wrapped steering wheel, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, roof rack, machine-finished alloy wheels. 2WD requires Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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Luxury Pkg.
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2WD 5-passenger
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$3,379
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$3,176
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4WD 5-passenger
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$3,204
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$3,012
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Traction control (2WD), special axle ratio, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver-seat, mirrors), OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, Bose sound system, monotone exterior treatment, color-keyed bumpers. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg., LS Pkg.
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Limited Pkg.
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7-passenger
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$3,591
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$3,396
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Special axle ratio, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), power adjustable pedals, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, Bose sound system, mirrors-mounted turn signals, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing wipers, power rear-quarter windows, monotone exterior treatment, running boards. Requires LS Pkg., 5.3-liter V8 engine. 2WD requires Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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Powertrain |
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5.3-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
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7-passenger
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$1,499
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$1,409
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Requires LS Pkg. 2WD requires Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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Special axle ratio
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5-passenger
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$50
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$47
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Safety |
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Front and 2nd-row curtain side airbags
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2WD 7-passenger, 5-passenger
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$499
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$469
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5-passenger, 2WD 7-passenger require Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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OnStar assistance system
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5-passenger
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$791
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$744
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Includes one-year service, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg., LS Pkg.
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Leather Pkg.
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2WD 7-passenger, 4WD 7-passenger, 5-passenger
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$1,299
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$1,221
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Leather upholstery. Requires LS Pkg. 5-passenger, 2WD 7-passenger require Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Skid plates
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4WD 7-passenger
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$199
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$187
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2005 Isuzu Ascender Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Isuzu Ascender 5-passenger 4-door wagon | Isuzu Ascender 7-passenger 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 | 129.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.6 | 207.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.1 | 76.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 74.5 | 75.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4594 | 4967 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 85.1 | 100.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.7 | 25.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 7 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 43.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 | 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 | 300 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 275 @ 3600 | 330 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 4-speed automatic | 15/20 | 14/19 |
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 5-passenger 4-door wagon | Isuzu Ascender 7-passenger 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | 3 |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | 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: 5.3-Liter V8, Roof Rail Air Bags, 4WD Preferred Equipment Pkg. (POwer Driver Seat, Remote Keyless Entry System, Content Anti-thet System, Front/Rear/3rd Row Floormats, Power Mirrors with Remote and Heater, Visors with Illuminated Mirrors), Limited Equipment Pkg. (Leather Appointed Trim, Heated Driver Seat, Mem Mirrors with Turn Signals, Bose Premium Audio System, Power R. Quarter Window Vent, Runnign Boards), Underbody Shields Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 14.28 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat John Biel You'll save thousands by buying an Ascender instead of the related GMC Envoy, but--considering the points brought up in our overall evaluation--this might be one of those cases where the expression "You get what you pay for" has some meaning. Tom Appel Two thoughts: First, Displacement On Demand just isn't enough. GM needs to lighten this bad boy, and slap a 5-speed auto in there. Second: I wish Isuzu would give it up. If the best they can do is resell a single, marginally competitive SUV, their time has come. Daihatsu and Daewoo are waiting. |
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Also in the 2005 Isuzu Ascender Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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