2004 Isuzu Ascender Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Capable, roomy and packing optional V8 power, this is Isuzu's best truck.
Pros
Strong six- or eight-cylinder engines, simple interior design, plenty of passenger and cargo room.
Cons
Spongy suspension, numb steering, low-grade interior materials, odd exterior proportions.
What's New for 2004
A smaller, five-passenger version joins the lineup. The bigger Ascender is pretty much the same as last year, though Isuzu has added a bit of content and fiddled with the option packages. On base 2WD S models, the formerly standard keyless entry and side airbags are now optional. LS models now have a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard and leather seating, formerly exclusive to the Limited trim, can be ordered as an option. For the Limited, driver-adjustable pedals are new this year.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Excellent SUV on and off road
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Ascender LS 7 Passenger 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
This SUV has been fantastic. It drives like a truck on the highway, but off-road, it's phenomenal. Took it up a narrow, rocky, rutted pass over the Brider Mountains in Montana just for fun. It must be called Ascender because it can - ascend, that is. Went straight up the mountain like it was nothing! Beautiful and comfortable, too. Perfect for Montana winters.
Favorite Features
4-wheel drive and leather, heated seats!
Suggested Improvements
Obviously, better gas mileage. : ) Also, more service facilities for warranty work.
Great midsize SUV
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Ascender S 7 Passenger Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Coming up on three years and this has been a great vehicle. No service issues at all. Nice style, great ride, roomy and comfortable interior, good equipment packages. Would definitely recommend!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Warning Will Robibson
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 3 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 3 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 2 | Exterior Design: | 3 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Ascender Limited 7 Passenger 4WD 4dr SUV (5.3L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Had nothing but problems with my Ascender. Major vibrations at 65 mph .2 new rearends, 2 new transfer case .2 new driveshafts.Broke down on Hwy, blew transmission transfer case, Customer support from isuzu is pitiful and downright rude. never buy from Izusu.
Favorite Features
roadside asst.
Suggested Improvements
Isuzu Fan deeply disappointed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 5 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Ascender LS 7 Passenger Rwd 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
After owning a Rodeo for 8 yrs with 160,000 trouble free miles. I was excited about my new Ascender. Noticed roaring noise from start and noted with dealership and Isuzu new owner survey. By March whole new rear end was installed. Still roars as of 6/2005. Dealership still waiting on tools? Oil sending unit now bad and on order. Dealership is a nightmare and the Owner Assistance hotline with Isuzu useless! I'm a very disappointed owner who is no longer a fan. Shame on Isuzu!
Favorite Features
Room, exterior look, ride (until roaring got so loud as to destroy the experience), handling, gas mileage good for size of auto, remote rear windows.
Suggested Improvements
Fold flat seating or removable seats so you can utilize the room. Customer service from Isuzu and their dealers. Return to the mid 90's quality and reliability!
Best value for money in the class
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Isuzu Ascender LS 7 Passenger 4WD 4dr SUV (4.2L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Smooth, comfortable ride. Third row seat actually usable by adults. Plenty of room. In terms of features available for the price, second to none other in the class of large SUVs.
Favorite Features
Roomy interior, quiet ride
Suggested Improvements
Removable third row seat could be useful. It's used about only 5-10% of times, but adds to the weight of the vehicle. It could help improve the mileage.
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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