Review - 2006 Isuzu Ascender
http://www.kbb.com
July 2006
KBB Editors' Overview: Since joining the GM fold, Isuzu has gained a real advantage by having access to engines and platforms that have already been paid for by someone else. Such is the case with the Ascender, a GMC Envoy with a hint of Isuzu styling and a 7-year/75,000 mile powertrain warranty in the bargain. However, the only current Isuzu offerings are the Ascender and the i-Series pickups, which are based on the Chevrolet Colorado.
You'll Like This SUV If: If you love everything about the Chevy TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy but you want a better warranty and slightly different styling, the Ascender is the way to go.
You May Not Like This SUV If: The seven-passenger Ascender is a big SUV and may be more truck than you care to handle. Five-passenger models are more maneuverable. A sparse dealer network may make servicing a bit difficult, depending upon region.
What's New for 2006: The StabiliTrak stability control management system is now standard equipment.
Driving Impressions: On the road, you'll find the Ascender feels controlled and agile. A five-link rear suspension keeps the rear end from bouncing around on rough and broken pavement, and the shock absorber settings deliver a car-like ride that does not suffer once you move off-road. Four-wheel-drive models feature an automatically-engaged system, which can be left in the automatic mode during normal highway driving, or shifted into four-high, or four-low when traversing deep snow, loose sand or off-road trails.
Isuzu offers you plenty of power with a choice of two engines. The first is a sturdy in-line six-cylinder engine that makes a hardy 291 horsepower, or you can opt for a 5.3-liter V8 with 300 horsepower and an all-important 330 pound-feet of torque. Unless you need the extra torque for towing-or you just flat-out insist on having a V8-you'll find that the Ascender's in-line six is more than adequate in the areas of acceleration and passing, even when fully loaded.
Interior: The Ascender's instrument panel is modern and fresh, with neat semicircular air ducts on the center stack and tasteful wood grain appliqués surrounding the radio and heating controls. Upgraded models feature steering wheel-mounted touch controls, for the audio and cruise control functions, that allow you to keep your hands on the wheel while making adjustments. Color choices inside are limited to gray or beige, but the plastics have a nice heavy texture and generally fit together well.
Exterior: The Ascender is a solid-looking SUV with a purposeful front-end design and handsome sheet metal all around. Seven-passenger models have extra-long rear doors to make it easier to enter and exit the third-row seat. The Ascender has a number of thoughtful conveniences, like the right-side mirror that tilts down when the transmission is placed into reverse, or the puddle lamps built into the bottom halves of the outside mirrors, to illuminate the ground alongside the vehicle.
Notable Standard Equipment: The Ascender's standard equipment includes a four-speed automatic transmission, power windows, dual-zone manual air conditioning with rear-seat controls, engine immobilizer, three 12-volt power outlets, fog lights, two-tone paint, tilt wheel, AM/FM stereo with CD and rear wiper/washer.
Notable Optional Equipment: Options include a 5.3-liter V8 engine, dual power mirrors, rear privacy glass, leather-wrapped steering wheel, luggage rack with crossbars, full-time four-wheel drive, power adjustable foot pedals, front side-impact airbags, leather seats, eight-way power driver's seat, automatic air conditioning, heated front seats, Bose audio, cruise control and rear-seat audio controls.
Under the Hood: The 4.2-liter in-line six is all the Ascender needs unless you're towing something really big. The 5.3-liter V8, available only with the extended, seven-passenger version, gives more power and its Displacement-on-Demand technology helps improve highway fuel economy by cutting fuel to four of the eight cylinders when they're not needed.
Pricing Notes: The five-passenger Ascender with two-wheel drive has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,644, while the four-wheel-drive model has an MSRP of 28,644. Isuzu has held the pricing on its seven-passenger models, which starts at $28,683 for the two-wheel drive version and is $31,878 with four-wheel-drive. A look the New Car Blue Book Value shows the Ascender is being sold at around $800 over dealer invoice. The Ascender is projected to have a less-than-average residual value, on par with the GMC Envoy Denali and Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but below the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Dodge Durango.