2003 Isuzu Ascender in Wichita, KS - $4,995

As an Isuzu-branded SUV built on GM's successful midsize SUV platform, the Ascender SUV seats five and is equipped with body-on-frame construction and fully hydroformed side rails that extend the entire length of the frame. Introduced in 2004, the midsize Isuzu SUV boasts high-tech features, a powerful and efficient powerplant, great ride and above average handling characteristics.

The Isuzu Ascender offers motorists four option packages -- Preferred Equipment, LS, Leather and Luxury. By choosing the one of the equipment packages, consumers can save 20 percent off the price of the equipment if purchased separately.

The Ascender is available in two- or four-wheel drive configurations and is powered by a modern inline Vortec 4200 4.2L six-cylinder, bolted to a tried and true Hydra-Matic 4L60E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. For 2007, a tire pressure monitoring system was added as standard equipment for all models.

On the road, the six-cylinder powerplant is powerful and very responsive. The Ascender answers every command from the driver immediately and completely. Off road, this refined SUV shows it has the right stuff. The shift-on-the-fly AWD system is bona fide. Very low speed maneuvers are handled with finesse.

The Isuzu SUV rides on a body-on-frame vehicle structure, combined with a rigid architecture serves as the foundation for the suspension hardware. In front, an independent suspension system employs coil-over-shocks with upper and lower control arms and hydraulic double-acting shock absorbers. In the rear, a five-link suspension system works with coil springs and direct hydraulic double- acting shock absorbers.

Inside the cabin, occupants are coddled by the high level of luxury and creature comforts. Outward visibility is excellent, with a full complement of analog gauges -- speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, volts, fuel and water temperature. The odometer is digital.

Thoughtful touches abound -- from the two dash mounted power points to seat mounted safety belts for driver and front passenger and ample storage space and cupholders. Entry and exit are enhanced by wide doors and strategically placed hand grips at each door.

Rear seat passengers enjoy special attention, with separate controls mounted at the back of the center console for ventilation, a power point and a dual cupholder. The second row doors feature window glass that opens all the way down. Second row seating is a 65/35 split of the flip/fold variety. The headrest flips back when folded flat with the cargo floor. It does not have to be removed and stored separately.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 113.0; overall length: 191.6; width: 76.1; height: 74.5

-- all vehicle measurements in inches.

Engine: 4.2L inline six-cylinder -- 291 hp at 6,000 rpm and 277 lbs-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm.

Transmission: four-speed automatic with lockup torque converter.

EPA fuel economy: 16 city/22 hwy. (2WD); 15 city/21 hwy. (4WD).

Cargo capacity: 80.1 cubic feet.

Payload capacity: 1,156 lbs.

Towing capacity: 5,800 lbs.

Parts content -â€" country of origin

Final assembly point: Moraine, Ohio.

US/Canada: 85 percent.

Engine and transmission: United States.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, StabiliTrak electronic stability control, tire monitoring system, daytime running lights, fog lights, full-size spare tire, automatic power door locks, automatic headlamp control and traction control. LS adds limited slip differential. Luxury adds power adjustable pedals and head curtain airbags.

Optional safety features include remote keyless entry and garage door opener.

Warranty

Basic: 3-year/50,000 mile, bumper-to-bumper.

Powertrain: 7-year/75,000 mile.

Corrosion: 6-year/100,000 mile.

Roadside assistance: 7-year/75,000 mile, 24-hour.

Pricing

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2007 Isuzu Ascender SUV starts from $25,959 for 2WD and $27,959 for 4WD models. Destination charges add $735.

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