DecodedCars2005 Isuzu Ascender
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 4.2L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 20 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints9 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 52 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 43 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Isuzu Ascender is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (4.2L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 20 highway), 11% worse than the 2005 SUV - average of 18 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 9 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the exterior lighting.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ascender 5-passenger 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -11% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ascender 5-passenger 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -4% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ascender 7-passenger 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 16 | -4% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ascender 7-passenger 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Ascender 7-passenger 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 19 / 15 | -17% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Ascender 7-passenger 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | -10% | $4,450 | 592 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Isuzu Ascender under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2005 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Isuzu Ascender (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser | 13 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2005 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Chevrolet Suburban | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2005 Toyota Highlander | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 17 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Isuzu Ascender.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Isuzu Ascender is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2005 Isuzu Ascender buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Exterior Lighting — 4 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Air Bags — 3 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 149,671 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Isuzu Ascender. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Ascender years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2007 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2006 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Isuzu. How we calculate this →