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2006
Isuzu Ascender

Starts at:
$25,959
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New 2006 Isuzu Ascender
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Consumer rating
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr 2WD S
    Starts at
    $25,959
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD LS
    Starts at
    $25,959
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD S
    Starts at
    $27,959
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD LS
    Starts at
    $27,959
    15 City / 21 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD EXT LS
    Starts at
    $27,998
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD EXT Limited
    Starts at
    $27,998
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD EXT V8 LS
    Starts at
    $27,998
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 2WD EXT S
    Starts at
    $27,998
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD EXT LS
    Starts at
    $31,193
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD EXT V8 LS
    Starts at
    $31,193
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD EXT Limited
    Starts at
    $31,193
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr 4WD EXT S
    Starts at
    $31,193
    15 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 Isuzu Ascender 2006 Isuzu Ascender 2006 Isuzu Ascender 2006 Isuzu Ascender 2006 Isuzu Ascender 2006 Isuzu Ascender

Notable features

Five- or seven-passenger capacity
Inline-six-cylinder or V-8
Available automatic 4WD
Standard electronic stability control

The good & the bad

The good

Performance
Interior space of seven-passenger model
Ride comfort
Quietness

The bad

Exterior size of seven-passenger model
Fuel economy
Hard seat bottoms
Resale value

Expert 2006 Isuzu Ascender review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Isuzu’s latest sport utility vehicle went on sale for the 2003 model year and replaced the company’s long-lived Trooper. The Ascender shares its platform with General Motors’ midsize SUVs. Even though the original seven-passenger Ascender is larger than a midsize model, it’s smaller than typical full-size SUVs.

A shorter five-passenger version joined the lineup for 2004 and was powered by a 275-horsepower inline-six-cylinder engine. Seven-passenger models can be equipped with the six-cylinder or a 5.3-liter V-8. For 2006, the inline-six cylinder engine gains power, and GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system becomes standard on all Ascenders.

In 2005, Isuzu dropped its other two SUVs: the Axiom and Rodeo. The Ascender’s V-8 gained GM’s Displacement on Demand technology, which automatically deactivates four cylinders when feasible to reduce fuel usage.

Five- and seven-passenger Ascenders come with either rear-wheel drive or on-demand four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive system has four modes: automatic, 4-Low, 2-High and 4-High.

Several option groups that are comparable to additional trim levels are offered. The LS package includes traction control, a limited-slip differential, a sunroof, a six-CD changer and a roof rack. The Limited package, offered only with V-8-equipped models, adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, side curtain-type airbags with a rollover sensor, power-adjustable pedals and a Bose sound system. Leather and Luxury packages are available for six-cylinder models.

Exterior
Exhibiting a traditional two-box SUV profile, the Ascender features 17-inch alloy wheels, overfenders and bodyside moldings. The Ascender features body-on-frame construction and rack-and-pinion steering.

Interior
The extended-length Ascender seats as many as seven people, and the shorter model holds up to five. Second-row passengers get a 65/35-split, folding seat, while the 50/50-split third-row seat in the seven-passenger model holds two. The second-row seats have a flip-and-tumble feature for easy access to the back row. Ascenders have dual-zone air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player.

Under the Hood
The Ascender’s 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder generates 291 hp, up 16 hp for 2006. Buyers of the seven-passenger model can step up to a 5.3-liter V-8 that develops 300 hp and 330 pounds-feet of torque. Each engine teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. Maximum trailer-towing capacity is 7,200 pounds with the V-8 and proper towing equipment.

Safety
Daytime running lights, an electronic stability system and antilock brakes are standard. Two-row side curtain-type airbags are optional.

Driving Impressions
The Ascender isn’t exactly a standout in the crowded SUV field, but at least it falls at the appealing end of the spectrum. Ascenders with the inline-six-cylinder run quietly and accelerate vigorously from a standstill. Handling is confident for an SUV, and the ride is quite compliant. The seat bottoms are somewhat hard, and the seatbacks have virtually no side bolstering to keep occupants in place during turns.

2006 Isuzu Ascender review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
Isuzu’s latest sport utility vehicle went on sale for the 2003 model year and replaced the company’s long-lived Trooper. The Ascender shares its platform with General Motors’ midsize SUVs. Even though the original seven-passenger Ascender is larger than a midsize model, it’s smaller than typical full-size SUVs.

A shorter five-passenger version joined the lineup for 2004 and was powered by a 275-horsepower inline-six-cylinder engine. Seven-passenger models can be equipped with the six-cylinder or a 5.3-liter V-8. For 2006, the inline-six cylinder engine gains power, and GM’s StabiliTrak electronic stability system becomes standard on all Ascenders.

In 2005, Isuzu dropped its other two SUVs: the Axiom and Rodeo. The Ascender’s V-8 gained GM’s Displacement on Demand technology, which automatically deactivates four cylinders when feasible to reduce fuel usage.

Five- and seven-passenger Ascenders come with either rear-wheel drive or on-demand four-wheel drive. The four-wheel-drive system has four modes: automatic, 4-Low, 2-High and 4-High.

Several option groups that are comparable to additional trim levels are offered. The LS package includes traction control, a limited-slip differential, a sunroof, a six-CD changer and a roof rack. The Limited package, offered only with V-8-equipped models, adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, side curtain-type airbags with a rollover sensor, power-adjustable pedals and a Bose sound system. Leather and Luxury packages are available for six-cylinder models.

Exterior
Exhibiting a traditional two-box SUV profile, the Ascender features 17-inch alloy wheels, overfenders and bodyside moldings. The Ascender features body-on-frame construction and rack-and-pinion steering.

Interior
The extended-length Ascender seats as many as seven people, and the shorter model holds up to five. Second-row passengers get a 65/35-split, folding seat, while the 50/50-split third-row seat in the seven-passenger model holds two. The second-row seats have a flip-and-tumble feature for easy access to the back row. Ascenders have dual-zone air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a CD player.

Under the Hood
The Ascender’s 4.2-liter inline-six-cylinder generates 291 hp, up 16 hp for 2006. Buyers of the seven-passenger model can step up to a 5.3-liter V-8 that develops 300 hp and 330 pounds-feet of torque. Each engine teams with a four-speed-automatic transmission. Maximum trailer-towing capacity is 7,200 pounds with the V-8 and proper towing equipment.

Safety
Daytime running lights, an electronic stability system and antilock brakes are standard. Two-row side curtain-type airbags are optional.

Driving Impressions
The Ascender isn’t exactly a standout in the crowded SUV field, but at least it falls at the appealing end of the spectrum. Ascenders with the inline-six-cylinder run quietly and accelerate vigorously from a standstill. Handling is confident for an SUV, and the ride is quite compliant. The seat bottoms are somewhat hard, and the seatbacks have virtually no side bolstering to keep occupants in place during turns.

Safety review

Based on the 2006 Isuzu Ascender base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
7 years / 75,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
7 years / 75,000 miles

Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 5.0
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 5.0

Most recent

  • Love this car

    We've had no problems at all with this car. It's a great ride, very roomy and comfortable. Very little road noise, good stablity.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Can't Beat Price & Deal

    I recently (3/07) purchased a left over 2006 Ascender. With the high discount and the dealer offered 0% 5 year financing, It was an offer I could not refuse. I hated to part with my 2001 Trooper, but they offered more on trade in than I expected. So far (1300 miles) no complaints. Gas mileage is as advertised. Drove in mud, slush, ice in upstate PA two weeks ago without any problem. Seems to have more room than the Trooper and a lot more creature comforts (I got the Ltd.). Still some new 06's hanging around and plenty of 07's. As the car is a Chevy TrailBlazer clone, parts should not be a problem. 7 year 75K warranty beats Chevy's.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great SUV

    I had a Rodeo, this by far is much better ride. Handling is great. I enjoy driving again,my wife loves it.we fight over who gets to drive. I would recommend this to anybody looking for a nice SUV.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Mr. Shelton

    We just bought our 06 Ascender last night. Man what a ride so quiet, and comfortable. I love the available power and the seating arrangement. This will be a vehicle that will last. I have to thank the good people at Isuzu for another good product. God bless you for your attention to detail.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 Isuzu Ascender?

The 2006 Isuzu Ascender is available in 4 trim levels:

  • LS (4 styles)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • S (4 styles)
  • V8 LS (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2006 Isuzu Ascender?

The 2006 Isuzu Ascender offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 22 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2006 Isuzu Ascender reliable?

The 2006 Isuzu Ascender has an average reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 Isuzu Ascender owners.

Is the 2006 Isuzu Ascender a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 Isuzu Ascender. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 5.0
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