2003 ISUZU Ascender

2003 Isuzu Ascender Ltd

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Better interior lighting is needed.

Piece of Junk

Performance: 2 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 1

It is a good thing Isuzu gives an extended warranty. You will need it. We have had one electrical problem after another. Because these problems are not the same in 3 or more cases we can not say this falls under the lemon laws of our state, but believe me we consider this car to be a lemon. The front passenger seat is extremely uncomfortable. The maximum gas mileage we have been able to get is 17mpg. Several exterior pieces are plastic and extremely easy to damage. Within 6 months of buying this vehicle started having squeaks that sound like loosing of hinges etc.. Do Not Buy an Isuzu Ascender if you are smart.

Should have known better...

Performance: 3 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 1 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 2

Bought Ascender in Feb.'03 & was in the shop by March, and at least 6-8 times since. The a/c odors (could not sit in the car until we blew out the system with all the windows down.) Repaired 10/03,still smells. There are many interior parts inferior in quality. THe gear shifter came off in my hand, stearing wheel whines,plastic compartments won't shut/open properly, the radio/cd player has been replaced 1 time,& parts have again been ordered for a repair.The "old pick-up truck" rusty, screachy sound they can't seem to find. Although anyone riding in or near the car can here us coming!

2003 Envoy Limited

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Was Looking for a GMC Envoy but the Isuzu had a much better exterior kit on it.

Great value

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

This is truly a wonderful value. The LS is loaded with goodies I would never pay for and I got it for a steal at 25k,and low interest rate. The interior could use some dressing up, but for an active family the Ascender meets all my requirments. Not to many on the road and my wife is asked often about the SUV. Carbon Copy of Envoy, but lower cost and exterior is more appealing.

Great vehicle with a cars drivabilty

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I like this vehicle already! Wish is were mine. Purchased it for my wife (kid mobile) because it is large and safe on the roads yet has the driving feel of a car. I feel confortable knowing they are safe while I am not with them and if a problem occurs ONSTAR is there to the rescue!

problems

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have 16,000 on my car, so far it has been in the shop three times. The power steering Pump and horn relay went out and repairs are taking over a week. Unfortunally everytime the car breaks, parts have to be order from the manufacture.

Buying a car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 2 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have realized why there are not many Isuzu Ascenders on the road. Recently I went to the dealership and test drove one as well as showed interest buying one. My wife and I really liked the car, but salesperson did not really show much energy to sell one at all. I have called him a couple of times, and all I got from him is he will call me back very soon, but have not heard since. I tried again, but no results. It's a good car, but they need to work how to sell it. No adds in the paper either escept Demo one which was sold (according to the dealership) day before it went to the paper. Honda and Toyota

GREAT VALUE

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR USE AS A TOW VEHICLE. CONSIDERD A YUKON AS ALTERNATIVE ANDD FOUND THIS MORE COST EFFECTIVE. I FOUND ISSUZU STYLING AND TO BE BETTER THAN BOTH THE TRAIL BLAZZER OR ENVOY. WE OPTED FOR THE V8 AND IT RIDES FAR BETTER THAN THE 6 CYLIDER. WE ARE AVERAGING 18 MPG WITH A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF CITY DRIVING. WE FOUND THIS VEHICLE TO BE ABOUT $4,000 LESS THAN A COPERABLE TRAILBLAZER AND ABOUT $6,000 LESS THAN AN ENVOY. ISUZZU OFFERS DOUBLE THE STANDARD WARANTY OF CHEVY OR GMC. WE HAVE THE LIMITED EDITION WITH EVEY OPTION. BOSE STEREO IS GREAT.

Excellent

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

So far I have 600 miles on mu Isuzu Ascender and I love it, the ride is very smooth, quite and very confortable inside.

Driving fun

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Being new and few on the road Iam regularly asked about it's handling. I tell people how much fun to drive.

go for it

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

We like this vehicle, however we have already had it in for repairs on the a/c switch. It is suposed to have a monitor for the life of oil, but the mechanic manager said we should change oil every 3,000 miles anyway. As front passenger sometimes the consule proved to be uncomfortable when traveling long distances. Overall we are still very pleased.

2003 Isuzu Ascender LS 2WD 5.3 V8

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 4

Owned an Envoy, but was looking for the V8 engine. The GM Envoy/Trailblazer has great front leg room for a tall person, so it had to be either the Envoy or Trailblazer XL models since they are the only ones available with the V8.until I saw the Ascender that is!...WOW It is the only way to get two-tone paint and that really makes it look great. The V8 is very powerful and much more fun to drive than the I6. Very quiet running and the ride is great...Really appreciate the details put into this vehicle. Great stereo and rear air too...I think Isuzu could sell a lot more of these if they were more available.

Surprise!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Great vehicle!! Had already been looking at the Envoy XL and Trailblazer EXT, but didn't really care for the stylings of those. Stumbled across the Ascender here on Edmunds and discovered it was the same truck, so had to find one to test drive. What a difference!!! The GMC "felt" smaller inside and I don't like the look of the TB (plus there are hundreds around here). The ride was much better too! So for about $5000 less, I got a better warranty and up-level options (Limited minus leather), plus that great V8.

A Diamond in the rough!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

My son plays travel ice hockey and we put some serious miles on a vehicle. We drove several SUV's and were leaning torwards the Trail Blazer. A major factor in that desicion was that I am very close friends with the son of the owner of the dealership. My wife stumbled across the Isuzu on a fluke, and she was hooked. We test drove it and bought it the next day. Needless to say, I had some explainging to do to my friend at the Chevy dealership. If you don't at least try this vehicle...you are missing out!

We love it!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We just got the LS with the optional V8. It's so great to get an Isuzu with so many fun American car features. We love the controls on the steering wheel. The V8 is very responsive and peppy. We haven't towed with it yet, but I'm looking forward to trying it. We've driven just about everything else out there and nothing seems to compare for the money.

2003 ISUZU

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

We have only 500 miles on our Isuzu so far, but this feels like a quality piece of work. Everything about this auto is smooth and quite. The ride is great.

Great

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

It has been great!!!!!

The Best SUV Out There

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

After testing different SUV, me & my husband decided to get the Acura MDX. One day we road past a Isuzu dealership & saw a new SUV. We made a u-turn to go back to see what it was & fell in love with the Ascender. After test driving it we knew we found what we were looking for, especially the price.

Ascender the Undiscovered Gem

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

If you are looking for a large SUV to transport 7 adults comfortable while riding in the lap of luxury, then the Ascender is for you. The exterior and interior designs are well defined and impressive. This SUV does everything but brew your coffee in the morning. The mileage is very good, I am averaging 18.5 in city driving. The warrantees on the Ascender are better than almost all other large SUV's.

Impressive SUV

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have been test driving SUVs for the past 6 months and had decided on the Acura MDX. A friend suggested I check out the Isuzu Ascender. After driving both vehicles and comparing styling, cargo area, passenger comfort and overall value, the Ascender has won me over. It is a much better looking vehicle than the MDX both inside and out. I felt more comfortable driving the Ascender (I am 5ft 2, 118 lbs) and I can actually carry other adults in the third row. The gas mileage is better on the MDX, but the MDX lacks the style and comfort of the Ascender.

Great value and a true workhorse

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

If you like the GMC Envoy XL or the Chevy Trailblazer EXT then check out the Isuzu. The Isuzu specific version including unique front grill, headlights, bumpers, and fenders. Most of all, we liked paying 4 grand less than for the GMC/Chevy, and getting a better warranty! We wish front seats were not so stiff, but incredible mix of interior features more than makes up for things.

isuzu Review

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I liked the car. It is the best car in the world

Great Balance-Features and Performance

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We test drove many vehicles looking for a quality mid-size SUV, Explorers, 2003 Cherokee's, Mountaineers, Envoy's, etc. The last SUV we tested was a beautiful black, 2003 Isuzu Ascender Limited (V8 4WD).it was impressive from the outside and even more impressive on the inside. Interior is beautifully crafted, of great materials, and contained every feature we could imagine.. the 3rd row seat had plenty of room (unlike Explorer's), and the seat folded down much better than the one in the explorer as well. During the test drive, the vehicle handled like a much smaller vehicle, with very little body roll, road noise, yet with plenty of power.

One great SUV!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I purchased a 2002 axiom and had it end up being a lemon. Don't believe that it can really tow what it saws. I towed my boat at 2500 lbs total and it bent the axles, ruined the brakes, and had problems with the drive shaft. I stepped up on trade to the Ascender. Awesome. You can tell it is manufactured differently. A lot sturdier, more power, and more comfortable as well. I love everything about this SUV and would buy another one in a heart beat!