2008 Isuzu Ascender Production About to End

The Isuzu Ascender is a mid size SUV from Isuzu. It was first launched in 2003 as a seven passenger SUV. It replaced the Japanese built mid size Isuzu Trooper. As for the year 2007 model the Isuzu Ascender is offered as a SUV that can seat five passengers. It replaced the Isuzu Rodeo and the Axiom.

The 2008 Ascender is a 4 door, 5 passenger sport utility, available in two trims, the S 2WD and the S 4WD. It is a carryover from 2007. “Both trims are equipped with a standard 4.2 liter, I6, 285 horsepower engine that achieves 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. A 4 speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.” Maximum towing capacity is 5800 lb. It offers a nice ride and impressive V6 engine power. It comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is an option.

Though it’s not very distinctive, reviewers say that it is a good looking one. It has a very handsome front-end design which is enhanced by attractive badges, lights, grille, and bumpers. It features machined-finish alloy wheels, 17 inch alloy wheels, over fenders and body side moldings. I quote from Auto Media “though officially midsize, this is one big vehicle.”

Reviewers praise this vehicle for its very spacious interior and amazing auto body parts. It boasts abundant interior volume for both passengers and cargo. Even six-footers will enjoy ample head room, knee room, and foot space. It comes standard with height-adjustable front headrests, a second row folding bench seat, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column, air conditioning with CFC-free refrigerant, manual dual-zone climate control with rear switch, and an AM/FM stereo and CD player with six speakers.

It gets good scores in most federal government crash tests. According to usnews.rankingsandreviews.com, “In frontal crash tests, the 2008 Ascender gets four out of five stars for passenger protection, but only three stars for driver protection. It fares much better in side crash tests, earning top scores of five stars for both front- and rear-seat protection.”

Standard safety features include a front and rear ventilated disc brakes 4 wheel ABS, traction control, front side mounted airbags, anti theft alarm system engine immobilizer, dusk sensing headlamps, front fog lights, tire-pressure monitoring system, daytime running lights, an electronic stability system and anti-lock brakes.

The Ascender ends production after the 2009 model year as part of Isuzu's withdrawal from the United States market.

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.