2007 Isuzu Ascender [ 2008 ]
Isuzu Ascender
Overall Score - 5.7 (Mediocre)
The Ascender delivers an outstanding warranty and a smooth ride, but it can't match the fuel economy or interior quality of others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable midsize SUV, you should also consider the GMC Acadia or Honda Pilot.
The 2007 Isuzu Ascender is generally viewed by auto reviewers as offering a smooth ride and a versatile five-seat interior, though it's extremely similar to its GM cousins, the Chevrolet TrailBlazer and GMC Envoy. Introduced in 2003 to replace the Isuzu Trooper, the Ascender is a carryover for 2007, although an optional V8 engine and a seven-seat version are no longer offered. "The Ascender isn't exactly a standout in the crowded SUV field, but at least it falls at the appealing end of the spectrum," says Cars.com.
The Detroit News comments, "Surely Isuzu is going to be around for a long time if it's selling vehicles like the Ascender, which rivals the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Explorer in terms of quality, performance, style and amenities." The majority of reviewers say the Ascender is a good deal because of its seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is "one of the best in the business and is over twice as long as the warranties offered on either the Chevrolet TrailBlazer or GMC Envoy," according to Kelley Blue Book.
But some still see the Ascender as too costly for what you get. "If you're into big trucks and don't mind the slightly gawky exterior, then the Ascender doesn't look a bad deal. Until, that is, you open the door and realize that you're plunking down a minimum of $28,000 for a vehicle that has the interior quality of my daughter's Barbie car," says Automobile Magazine. The Detroit News agrees: "Speaking of price, I'm sorry, but $32,000 seems awfully steep for a sport-ute without four-wheel drive. For the money, I can get a nicely equipped Explorer or a Jeep Grand Cherokee -- with the all-wheel drive. That seems like a no-brainer, big warranty or not."
Kelley Blue Book projects the Ascender's resale value as less than average, "on par with the GMC Envoy Denali and Chevrolet TrailBlazer, but below the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Pilot and Dodge Durango." Likewise, IntelliChoice gives the 2007 base Ascender a rating of "worse than average" for its predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared with other vehicles in its class. In addition, reviewers caution that there aren't many Isuzu dealers left, so servicing the Ascender could be difficult.
The Isuzu Ascender has three available trims: the base S, the LS and the Luxury. All trims are available in two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) versions.
Ascender Performance - 6.1 (Mediocre)
The Isuzu Ascender loses performance points with reviewers for its relatively high fuel consumption and lagging four-speed automatic transmission. However, reviewers approve of its nice ride and decent V6 engine power.
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Ascender Exterior - NA
The 2007 Isuzu Ascender is viewed by auto writers as good-looking even though it's not very distinctive. Kelley Blue Book simply concludes it's a "solid-looking SUV with a purposeful front-end design and handsome sheet metal all around." continue
Ascender Interior - 6.8 (Mediocre)
Reviewers praise the 2007 Isuzu Ascender's interior for its spaciousness and five-passenger capacity, but heavily criticize its quality of materials. Kelley Blue Book says "the Ascender's instrument panel is modern and fresh," while Consumer Guide gripes that "Utilitarian describes the truck-like cabin decor and workmanship." continue
Ascender Safety - 8.4 (Very Good)
Auto reviewers are generally quiet regarding the 2007 Isuzu Ascender's safety. The current model scores well in federal government side crash tests, but relatively low in frontal crash tests. In addition, head curtain side-impact air bags are optional -- not standard -- on the base S and LS models. continue
Ascender Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Isuzu Ascender reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Ascencer comes equipped with a three-year/50,000-mile basic limited warranty. continue
