2003 Isuzu Ascender Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Isuzu takes a GMC Envoy, reskins it and calls it the Ascender. The best part is that it's Isuzu's best truck.
Pros
Strong six- or eight-cylinder power, clean interior design, plenty of passenger and cargo room.
Cons
Spongy suspension, numb steering, odd exterior proportions.
What's New for 2003
With its product lineup getting stale, Isuzu has called up the Ascender from the bull pen. Essentially a rebadged GMC Envoy XL, the Ascender offers seating for seven and V8 power.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Acender review
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Ascender S Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
My Acender has been wonderful because of the size, we have taken it on many trips. I bought the third row Acender and the extra space is wonderful. The seats are easy to move. I have only had a few mecanical problems window motror, the ac doesn't work on the 5th setting and the clutch fan went out. But the clutch fan was kind of pricey but you can buy the gmc envoy clutch fan, it's cheaper and it's the same part. Other than that I love my Acender.
Favorite Features
Easy folding seats.
Suggested Improvements
Make the passenger seat auto adjust.
2003 Isuzu Ascender Ltd
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Ascender Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Better interior lighting is needed.
Favorite Features
Power and handling, weight and stability.
Suggested Improvements
Better interior lighting.
Piece of Junk
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 3 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Ascender S Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
It has more leg room than a Yukon or Tahoe Does not drive like truck
Suggested Improvements
Start over
Should have known better...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 5 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 2 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 1 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Ascender LS Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
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!
Favorite Features
I liked it's looks from the outside.
Suggested Improvements
A buyer beware bulletin.
2003 Envoy Limited
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Isuzu Ascender Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Was Looking for a GMC Envoy but the Isuzu had a much better exterior kit on it.
Favorite Features
Very comfortable. Fun to Drive.
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 Isuzu Ascender
- 2007 Isuzu Ascender
- 2006 Isuzu Ascender
- 2005 Isuzu Ascender
- 2004 Isuzu Ascender
- 2003 Isuzu Ascender
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