Isuzu Ascender: What's in a Name?
We don't like to test large SUVs because of the safety issues and the environmental concerns. However, since they continue to sell well, we decided to test one of the lesser-known models to see how they match up to name brand competition and thus an Isuzu Ascender ended up in our garage. Two things became apparent immediately. First, this is essentially the same vehicle as the General Motors Envoy and Trail Blazer, but with a better warranty. Secondly, even with the six-cylinder engine we were hard pressed to get 12 mpg. That meant that with the huge 23-gallon tank we were barely able to go 250 miles before shelling out over $50 for unleaded fuel. Of course, this is typical of all large SUVs.
So where does that leave a potential buyer? Well, the Isuzu offers a great warranty, a nice range of standard features, good cargo space, and not having to worry about seeing a similar vehicle too often.
Mom's view: The last time we tested this product we got it stuck in the mud, just four inches of mud, because the optional running boards got hung up rendering the optional four-wheel drive system useless. This time we had 20 inches of rain and snow and I am glad to report no problems.
I must pause here so as not to sound overly negative about the Isuzu. The reason is that mp preference for vehicles that have crisp handling and that is not one of the traits of the Isuzu. So that colored my perception of this vehicle. When considered as a family workhorse for those who don't understand the greater utility and economy of a minivan the Ascender works fine. The seat heater work well, the vehicle's heater works well, and the cargo space is quite generous. An interesting note is that the Ascender comes in a regular-length version with 2-row, 5-passenger seating, and in extended-length form with 3-row, 7-passenger seating. The seven-passenger models offer a six cylinder and optional eight-cylinder engine. Both require copious amounts of regular fuel, but the seven-seat model has a 25-gallon tank while the other gets one that is about 4 gallons smaller. Regardless, you are going to need it all, as the 4-speed automatic transmission just does not have the number of gears necessary to maximize fuel economy.
The Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Other safety features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, optional head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows, OnStar assistance, and traction control for some models.
One of the most bothersome Isuzu features was the power window controls that are difficult to activate if you have long fingernails. In addition, the rear hatch handle seems as if it is always dirty due to its open location above the rear bumper. Finally, the cup holders are too shallow for large drinks or wide coffee cups. None of these items by themselves would be enough to remove the Isuzu from consideration, but they clearly indicate that there is a need for more women to be involved in product development. I also noted that the turning radius is considerable and the large C pillars and high rear window limit rear and side visibility.
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So where does that leave a potential buyer? Well, the Isuzu offers a great warranty, a nice range of standard features, good cargo space, and not having to worry about seeing a similar vehicle too often.
Mom's view: The last time we tested this product we got it stuck in the mud, just four inches of mud, because the optional running boards got hung up rendering the optional four-wheel drive system useless. This time we had 20 inches of rain and snow and I am glad to report no problems.
I must pause here so as not to sound overly negative about the Isuzu. The reason is that mp preference for vehicles that have crisp handling and that is not one of the traits of the Isuzu. So that colored my perception of this vehicle. When considered as a family workhorse for those who don't understand the greater utility and economy of a minivan the Ascender works fine. The seat heater work well, the vehicle's heater works well, and the cargo space is quite generous. An interesting note is that the Ascender comes in a regular-length version with 2-row, 5-passenger seating, and in extended-length form with 3-row, 7-passenger seating. The seven-passenger models offer a six cylinder and optional eight-cylinder engine. Both require copious amounts of regular fuel, but the seven-seat model has a 25-gallon tank while the other gets one that is about 4 gallons smaller. Regardless, you are going to need it all, as the 4-speed automatic transmission just does not have the number of gears necessary to maximize fuel economy.
The Ascender is available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Other safety features include antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, optional head-protecting curtain side airbags that cover the 1st and 2nd seating rows, OnStar assistance, and traction control for some models.
One of the most bothersome Isuzu features was the power window controls that are difficult to activate if you have long fingernails. In addition, the rear hatch handle seems as if it is always dirty due to its open location above the rear bumper. Finally, the cup holders are too shallow for large drinks or wide coffee cups. None of these items by themselves would be enough to remove the Isuzu from consideration, but they clearly indicate that there is a need for more women to be involved in product development. I also noted that the turning radius is considerable and the large C pillars and high rear window limit rear and side visibility.