Isuzu Ascender

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Isuzu Ascender

Manufacturer	General Motors
Parent company	Isuzu
Production	2003–2009
Assembly	Moraine, Ohio (SWB) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (LWB)
Predecessor	Isuzu Axiom (For 5-Passenger Version) Isuzu Rodeo (For 5-Passenger Version) Isuzu Trooper (For 7-Passenger Version)
Class	Mid-size/Full-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Platform	GM GMT360 platform
Engine(s)	4.2 L Vortec I6 5.3 L Vortec V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	113 in (2870 mm) (SWB) 129 in (3277 mm) (LWB)
Length	191.6 in (4867 mm) (SWB) 207.6 in (5273 mm) (LWB)
Width	76.1 in (1933 mm)
Height	71.9 in (1826 mm) (SWB) 75.5 in (1918 mm) (LWB)
Related	GMC Envoy Chevrolet TrailBlazer Buick Rainier Oldsmobile Bravada Saab 9-7X Chevrolet SSR

5-passenger Ascender

The Isuzu Ascender is a mid-size/full-size SUV from Isuzu. Introduced for 2003, the 7-passenger Ascender is a re-badged GMC Envoy. It replaced the Japanese built mid-size Isuzu Trooper. A shorter 5-passenger model was made available for the 2005 model year as a replacement for the Rodeo and the Axiom. A Displacement on Demand V8 was used for 2005. Isuzu once offered a wide line of trucks, cars and SUVs but the Ascender was Isuzu's last and only passenger vehicle until the introduction of the also slow-selling Isuzu i-Series pickup trucks, also built by GM in North America.

The Ascender is the only one of the six mid-size SUVs that is not actually a GM branded product (Isuzu was partially owned by GM until spring 2006). The 7-passenger Ascender was dropped after the 2006 model year, and the V8 is no longer offered. Reviews warn of a thin dealer network for warranty repairs, and the Kelley Blue Book projects a relatively low resale value similar to the Trailblazer. However, Isuzu offers a seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty, and substantial factory incentives.

The Ascender ends production after the 2009 model year as part of Isuzu's withdrawal from the United States market.

Engines: