The Isuzu Ascender is a mid-size SUV that General Motors built for Isuzu. The seven-passenger Ascender arrived for the 2003 model year as a replacement for the Isuzu Trooper, and a five-passenger version followed for 2004 in place of the Isuzu Rodeo and Axiom. Because Isuzu had withdrawn from Canada after 2002, the Ascender was sold only in the United States.
Isuzu Ascender at a glance
| Maker | General Motors for Isuzu |
|---|---|
| Production | 2002–2008 |
| Class | mid-size SUV |
| Platform | GM GMT360 |
| Seven-seat model | from the 2003 model year, replacing the Trooper |
| Five-seat model | from the 2004 model year, replacing the Rodeo and Axiom |
| Market | United States only |
| Long wheelbase | dropped after the 2006 model year |
| Engines | 4.2 L straight six; 5.3 L V8 (5.3 with Active Fuel Management from 2005) |
| End of production | 6 June 2008 |
based on one source (English Wikipedia)
History of the Isuzu Ascender
A GM SUV with an Isuzu badge
The Ascender was the only one of GM’s GMT360 mid-size SUVs that was not sold under a GM brand. Isuzu was already cooperating closely with General Motors, and the new model replaced the Japanese-built Trooper at the top of its American range and then the Rodeo and Axiom in the smaller segment. The Ascender came as a seven-seater on the long wheelbase and, from 2004, as a five-seater on the short one.
Selling a rebadged SUV
Reviews warned of a thin dealer network for warranty repairs, and the Kelley Blue Book projected a resale value similar to that of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer. Isuzu answered with a seven-year, 75,000-mile powertrain warranty and substantial factory incentives. The long-wheelbase version was dropped after the 2006 model year, and the Ascender went out of production on 6 June 2008 as part of Isuzu’s withdrawal from the United States market.
Recalls
In 2012 General Motors and Isuzu recalled more than 258,000 SUVs in the United States and Canada to fix short circuits in the power window and door lock switches that could cause fires; the campaign covered the Chevrolet TrailBlazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X of the 2006 and 2007 model years. Late in 2014 GM recalled 316,357 vehicles, among them 2006–2008 Isuzu Ascenders, to correct a headlamp driver module that could put out the low beams and daytime running lights.
Design and features
- Three rows: the long-wheelbase Ascender seated seven.
- Two wheelbases: a five-seat short version joined the range for 2004.
- Straight six or V8: a 4.2-litre six or a 5.3-litre V8, the latter with Active Fuel Management from 2005.
- Long warranty: seven years or 75,000 miles on the powertrain.
Isuzu Ascender versions
- Ascender LWB (2002–2006): seven seats, dropped after the 2006 model year.
- Ascender SWB (2003–2008): five seats, replacing the Rodeo and Axiom.
- 5.3 V8 (2003–2004): LM4 engine.
- 5.3 V8 (2005–2007): LH6 engine with Active Fuel Management.
The Ascender replaced the Trooper and the Rodeo and Axiom. More models are in the Isuzu collection.
Video: 2008 Isuzu Ascender
Video by MyRide on Autobytel on YouTube.
Sources
- Isuzu Ascender, English Wikipedia: history, engines, recalls
