2005 Isuzu Ascender Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$26,644 to $38,969

Original MSRP

--

expert review

3.7

avg user rating

(3 reviews)
2005 Isuzu Ascender Preview summaryImage

The Isuzu Ascender adds XM Satellite Radio and a side curtain airbag system to the options roster for 2005. Isuzu's V8 now features a Displacement-on-Demand technology, which boosts fuel economy and horsepower.

The Ascender SUV is available in four styles, thanks to two seating options and two available drive trains. The five-passenger S trim is available with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, and it is a bit shorter that the seven passenger variant. Standard features with the basic S trim include a CD sound system, powered accessories, and dual-zone climate control with rear-seat controls. Although Isuzu only classifies four trims, the Ascender variations are quite expansive, due to a number of optional enhancement packages.

The Preferred Equipment Package adds a power driver seat, keyless entry and cruise control. These items become standard on all four-wheel drive models. The LS Package builds off the Preferred equipment list, adding 17-inch wheels, a moon roof, steering wheel audio controls, and an in-dash CD changer. A third tier Luxury Package includes all of the above, plus monochromatic paint, heated leather seats, and a premium Bose audio system. The Limited adds automatic wipers, a power seat for the passenger, power-adjustable pedals and a memory system for the driver. ABS and stability control are standard on all models.

There are two available engines for the Ascender. A 4.2-liter inline six is standard, making 275 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The seven-passenger models are eligible for an optional 5.3-liter V8, which delivers 300 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. Each power plant is teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission, and both two- and four-wheel-drive configurations are available. Isuzu's new Displacement-on-Demand system is standard with the V8 Ascenders, and these models will haul 7,100 pounds.

The Ascender is now in its third year of production, but due to Isuzu's rocky recent past, the future of this SUV is always questionable. The Ascender is helped by two very strong engine options, including a V6 which will challenge most of the competitor's V8s. The interior is sleek and functional, and the seven passenger models offer ample cargo capacity.

Although Isuzu offers a very comforting extended warranty, many experts anticipate that the marque's reputation may pull the resale value down. While the Ascender engine offer plenty of power, overall ride quality is hindered by unresponsive steering and and floaty suspension.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2005 Isuzu Ascender

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User rating:
by James S
Oct 08, 2020
A rebranded Trailblazer EXT or Envoy XL. Drives great, is cheap, and is easy to service with lots of options for aftermarket parts.Oct 08, 2020
by Zach C
Aug 23, 2008
the inline 6 generates 275 bhp and thats only about 30 less than the 7 passenger V8s and better gas mileage. It has good handling for an SUV of its size. some of the parts on it are cheaply made picked off of other GM models like the trailblazer and the envoy but the engine and related parts work well. not a very pretty vehicle but, few SUVs are.Aug 23, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 17, 2008
The ascender is a roomy vehicle the problem with the fuel gauge has been the only problem with this vehicle. Once you fill the tank, the gauge goes to empty turning on the fuel low light. once some of the gas is burned it fluctuates between 1/4 and empty.Jan 17, 2008

2005 Isuzu Ascender Pricing

Original MSRP
$26,644 to $38,969
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 65-35 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 65-35 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 65-35 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73 · Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.42 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: center

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: 65-35 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73 · Limited slip differential: rear · Locking differential: center

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73 · Limited slip differential: rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Rear Seats

Type: 65-35 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front and rear head airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Rear audio: rear volume control

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Dash trim: leather · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adjustable pedals: power · Center console: front console with storage · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.73 · Limited slip differential: center · Locking differential: center

Exterior Features

Skid plate(s): front and rear

Lights

Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: 65-35 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Steering

Steering ratio: 20.4

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Third Row Seat

Type: 50-50 split bench

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (12)