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2008 Isuzu Ascender Full Review
Date Published: 4/11/08
Also in the 2008 Isuzu Ascender Review:
1.
2.
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4.
5.
6.
Isuzu Ascender Full Review
7.
8.
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2008 Isuzu Ascender Review
The 2008 Isuzu Ascender SUV is largely unchanged. Ascender is a traditional truck-type SUV and is essentially a retrimmed version of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. The sole powertrain teams a 285-hp 4.2-liter 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5800 lb. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and curtain side airbags. Note that Isuzu will discontinue sales of light-duty vehicles in North America during calendar 2009.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 eight-passenger seating. This class also includes crossover vehicles.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
Our Best Buy choices are the Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Mazda CX-9, and Saturn Outlook. Our Recommended picks are the Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Veracruz, and Toyota Highlander.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Toyota Highlander.
News
We hear this SUV will be dropped along with its GM-brand cousins during or after the 2009 model year. That's bad news for the few Isuzu dealers still catering to retail buyers, as the brand's only other products, the i-series pickups, are said to get the ax by model-year 2010, perhaps '09.
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2008 Isuzu Ascender Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Steering/handling |
| Trailer-towing capability | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Ascenders are unstressed in routine driving and do fine in highway merging and passing. The responsive automatic transmission helps the 6-cylinder engine deliver decent passing punch.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.5 |
Ascenders are unstressed in routine driving and do fine in highway merging and passing. The responsive automatic transmission helps the 6-cylinder engine deliver decent passing punch.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, Ascenders averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg. That's slightly sub-par against crossovers, but is typical of traditional truck-type SUVs. Ascender uses regular-grade gas.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.6 |
In Consumer Guide testing, Ascenders averaged 12.1-17.4 mpg. That's slightly sub-par against crossovers, but is typical of traditional truck-type SUVs. Ascender uses regular-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The suspension smothers most bumps quite well for a truck-type SUV, but dips and swells can induce unwanted porpoising at highway speed. There's less overall compliance than in most of Ascender's rivals.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.5 |
The suspension smothers most bumps quite well for a truck-type SUV, but dips and swells can induce unwanted porpoising at highway speed. There's less overall compliance than in most of Ascender's rivals.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and imprecise steering that demands lots of correcting at highway speed. The relatively tight turning radius is a plus. Braking control is merely OK, with simulated panic stops inducing lots of nosedive.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 3 | 4.4 |
Disappointing overall, with marked body lean in sharp turns and imprecise steering that demands lots of correcting at highway speed. The relatively tight turning radius is a plus. Braking control is merely OK, with simulated panic stops inducing lots of nosedive.
Quietness
Wind rush can annoy at highway speeds, even with a closed sunroof. The 6-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. Tire noise is not intrusive but it is never absent either.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.4 |
Wind rush can annoy at highway speeds, even with a closed sunroof. The 6-cylinder engine cruises quietly enough but sounds gruff when cold and a touch ragged at full throttle. Tire noise is not intrusive but it is never absent either.
Controls
Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with its GM siblings. The switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-set climate controls forces a long look away from the road.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.3 |
Ascender share a user-friendly dashboard with its GM siblings. The switchgear works smoothly, but adjusting the low-set climate controls forces a long look away from the road.
Details
Envoy and Ascender use unimpressive imitation wood trim, but their interiors are more upscale than that found in the TrailBlazer.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.4 |
Envoy and Ascender use unimpressive imitation wood trim, but their interiors are more upscale than that found in the TrailBlazer.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are too soft for best support but are not uncomfortable. Visibility is restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by headrests and thick roof pillars. The available power-adjustable pedals are helpful, especially for shorter drivers.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.1 |
Good headroom and legroom, even for taller folks. The seats are too soft for best support but are not uncomfortable. Visibility is restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by headrests and thick roof pillars. The available power-adjustable pedals are helpful, especially for shorter drivers.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Six-footers enjoy ample headroom and OK kneeroom, plus good under-seat foot space despite the stepped floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. As in front, step-in is a bit high. Entry and exit are just OK.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.1 |
Six-footers enjoy ample headroom and OK kneeroom, plus good under-seat foot space despite the stepped floorboard. The split bench seat is comfortable, fairly supportive, and wide enough for three adults with a little squeezing. As in front, step-in is a bit high. Entry and exit are just OK.
Cargo Room
Generous volume is abetted by an easy-fold 60/40 split rear seat with self-stowing headrests, but the resulting load deck is uneven and can frustrate packing. The liftgate's separate opening glass is fairly high, thus partly negating its usefulness. The cabin has good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 9 | 8.6 |
Generous volume is abetted by an easy-fold 60/40 split rear seat with self-stowing headrests, but the resulting load deck is uneven and can frustrate packing. The liftgate's separate opening glass is fairly high, thus partly negating its usefulness. The cabin has good array of pockets and compartments for small items.
Value within Class
Ascender matches most traditional truck-type rivals for pace and space. Intenders would be better off with a Chevy TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy, as their pricing and equipment are much the same. Further, Isuzu is discontinuing light-duty vehicle sales in North America.
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.8 |
Ascender matches most traditional truck-type rivals for pace and space. Intenders would be better off with a Chevy TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy, as their pricing and equipment are much the same. Further, Isuzu is discontinuing light-duty vehicle sales in North America.
Total Score
| 4WD Base | Class Average |
| 60 | 63.7 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 53 | |
| Average Score | 63 | |
| High Score | 76 |
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2008 Isuzu Ascender Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/19/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Base 4-door wagon | $27,149 | $25,656 | $735 |
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| 4WD Base 4-door wagon | $29,149 | $27,546 | $735 |
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, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone manual climate controls and rear controls, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, split folding rear seat, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, 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.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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S
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$1,489
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$1,408
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Power mirrors, cruise control, 8-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, overhead console, floormats, cargo cover, alarm, rear privacy glass, bodyside moldings.
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LS Pkg.
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S
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$1,911
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$1,805
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Limited-slip differential, power sunroof, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof rack. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg.
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Luxury Pkg.
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S
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$2,070
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$1,956
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Special axle ratio, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 8-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors), Bose sound system, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, monotone exterior treatment, color-keyed bumpers. Requires Preferred Equipment Pkg., LS Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Satellite radio
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S
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$325
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$306
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Requires LS Pkg.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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S
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$99
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$94
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Isuzu Ascender Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Isuzu Ascender 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.6 |
| Overall Width, in. | 76.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 71.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4594 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 80.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /256 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 285 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 276 @ 4600 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 14/20 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Isuzu Ascender Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Isuzu Ascender Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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