2003 Isuzu Ascender Review

With its standard, 275-horsepower in-line six-cylinder engine, the Ascender has no trouble ascending to highway speeds. In-line six-cylinder engines are naturally balanced, and usually run quietly and have exceptional longevity. This engine provides 275 pound-feet of torque and 275 horsepower and that makes it even more powerful than many V8 engines. It's a wonderful engine. It's thirsty, however, rated at 20 miles per gallon on the highway and only 15 mpg in town. However, we think its aging GM four-speed transmission prevents the engine from achieving its full potential. This Hydra-Matic automatic, used in the TrailBlazer, Envoy, and other GM products has proven itself over the years and miles, however.

Opting for the V8 engine boosts Ascender's towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.

Ascender comes standard with a premium suspension setup with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers. Our two-wheel-drive Ascender was smooth and comfortable, in town or on the highway. Its rack-and-pinion steering was sure and its four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, with 12.8-inch vented discs at every corner, never wavered.

The 4WD version, which comes standard with traction control, can be set in automatic mode and distributes power to the four wheels as needed. The driver can also select 2-Hi for rear-wheel drive. For driving off road, the 4-Hi mode provides for a 50/50 front/rear split in the engine's power. Shift into 4-Lo and the Ascender can ascend steep grades, plow through deep snow, or slog through slimy mud. We have enough experience with the four-wheel-drive versions of the GM-badged models to be confident of the Ascender's off-road and towing capabilities.