DecodedCars2008 Isuzu Ascender
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Engines
- 4.2L 6-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
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 98 for similar models.
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 16 MPG combined, 15% below the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 60 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Isuzu Ascender is a SUV - offered with a 4.2L 6-cyl engine 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), 15% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,200 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2008
- Engine dropped: 5.3L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Ascender →
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 | -15% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Ascender 5-passenger 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -8% | $4,200 | 555 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Isuzu Ascender under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Isuzu Ascender (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2008 Honda CR-V | 23 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2008 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Chevrolet Suburban | 16 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Aug 14, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V519000 · 429,170 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
- Risk
- Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.
Not every 2008 Isuzu Ascender is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Isuzu Ascender in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Isuzu Ascender buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 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 |
| 2007 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2006 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 4 | 11 |
| 2005 Ascender | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Isuzu. How we calculate this →