Isuzu Ascender

Infobox Automobile


name=Isuzu Ascender
manufacturer=General Motors
parent_company=Isuzu
production=2003–2008
predecessor=Isuzu Axiom (For 5-Passenger Version)
Isuzu Rodeo (For 5-Passenger Version)
Isuzu Trooper (For 7-Passenger Version)
class=Mid-size/Full-size SUV
platform=GM GMT360 platform
layout=Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
related=GMC Envoy
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Buick Rainier
Oldsmobile Bravada
Saab 9-7X
Chevrolet SSR
wheelbase= Auto in|113|0 (SWB)
Auto in|129|0 (LWB)
length= Auto in|191.6|0 (SWB)
Auto in|207.6|0 (LWB)
width= Auto in|76.1|0
height= Auto in|71.9|0 (SWB)
Auto in|75.5|0 (LWB)
assembly=Moraine, Ohio (SWB)
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (LWB)
transmission=4-speed automatic
successor=
engine=4.2 L "Vortec" I6
5.3 L "Vortec" V8The Isuzu Ascender is a mid-size/full-size SUV from Isuzu. Introduced for 2003, the 7-passenger Ascender is a re-badged GMC Envoy. It replaced the Japanese built mid-size Isuzu Trooper. A shorter 5-passenger model was made available for the 2005 model year as a replacement for the Rodeo and the Axiom. A Displacement on Demand V8 was used for 2005. Isuzu once offered a wide line of trucks, cars and SUVs but the Ascender was Isuzu's last and only passenger vehicle until the introduction of the also slow-selling Isuzu i-Series pickup trucks, also built by GM in North America.

The Ascender is the only one of the six mid-size SUVs that is not actually a GM branded product (Isuzu was partially owned by GM until spring 2006). The 7-passenger Ascender was dropped after the 2006 model year, and the V8 is no longer offered. Reviews warn of a thin dealer network for warranty repairs, and the Kelley Blue Book projects a relatively low resale value similar to the Trailblazer. However, Isuzu offers a seven-year/75,000-mile powertrain warranty, and substantial factory incentives.

The Ascender ended production on June 6, 2008 as part of Isuzu's withdrawal from the United States market. [ [http://www.topix.com/wire/autos/isuzu-ascender Isuzu Ascender Wire - Topix] ]

Engines:
* 2003-present LL8 4.2 L (256 in³) I6
* 2003-2004 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) V8
* 2005-2007 5300 5.3 L (323 in³) V8 with Displacement on Demand

References