Market Segment:
        
        
            Full-size, body-on-frame SUV
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Families, individuals seeking utility and towing capability
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon/Yukon XL, Ford Expedition, Dodge Durango, Toyota Sequoia
        
     
    
    
        
            Value Proposition:
        
        
            Affordable, capable, and reliable full-size SUV with shared GM platform components
        
     
    
        
            Engine Options:
        
        
            Choice of powerful inline-six and V8 engines
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capability:
        
        
            Significant towing capacity for its class
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain Options:
        
        
            Available 2WD and advanced 4WD systems
        
     
    
        
            Interior Space:
        
        
            Spacious interior with available third-row seating
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            4.2L Atlas LL8 I6, 5.3L Vortec LH6 V8, 6.0L Vortec LQ4/LQ9 V8
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            4L60-E 4-speed automatic, 4L70-E 4-speed automatic
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            2WD (RWD), 4WD (NVG226 Autotrac transfer case)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Independent front suspension (SLA), solid rear axle with leaf springs
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front disc, rear disc; ABS
        
     
    
        
            Steering:
        
        
            Power-assisted rack and pinion (rack and worm for earlier models)
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Charging system, starting system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories, Body Control Module (BCM)
        
     
    
        
            HVAC:
        
        
            Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems
        
     
    
        
            Body And Frame:
        
        
            Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, glass, chassis components
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
        
        
            Coverage for P, B, C, and U codes
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil change, fluid checks/changes, filter replacements, tire rotation, lubrication
        
     
    
        
            Tune Up:
        
        
            Spark plug replacement, ignition system checks, fuel system cleaning
        
     
    
        
            Engine Repair:
        
        
            Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head service, piston/ring replacement, valve train service, timing components
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Service:
        
        
            Fluid and filter changes, internal component inspection, torque converter replacement, valve body service
        
     
    
        
            Brake Service:
        
        
            Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing/replacement, caliper/wheel cylinder service, bleeding procedure
        
     
    
        
            Suspension And Steering Repair:
        
        
            Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, shock/strut replacement, control arm service
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Diagnostics:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, component testing, module diagnostics, sensor troubleshooting
        
     
    
        
            HVAC Repair:
        
        
            Refrigerant system service, blower motor replacement, evaporator/condenser service
        
     
    
        
            Body Repair:
        
        
            Panel replacement, dent removal, rust repair, glass replacement
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Of Coverage:
        
        
            Comprehensive A-Z coverage from basic maintenance to complete rebuilds
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Information:
        
        
            Includes access to professional technician-level diagnostic procedures and data
        
     
    
        
            Repair Procedures:
        
        
            Detailed, step-by-step instructions with clear explanations
        
     
    
        
            Diagrams Illustrations:
        
        
            Highly detailed, printable diagrams and illustrations for clarity
        
     
    
        
            Torque Specifications:
        
        
            Included for critical fasteners and assembly points
        
     
    
        
            Special Tools:
        
        
            Identification of any specialized tools required for specific procedures
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine 1 Displacement:
        
        
            4.2 Liters (256 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1 Configuration:
        
        
            Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1 Horsepower:
        
        
            Approximately 275 hp @ 6000 rpm (varies slightly by year)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1 Torque:
        
        
            Approximately 275 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (varies slightly by year)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 1 Fuel System:
        
        
            Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine 2 Displacement:
        
        
            5.3 Liters (323 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 2 Configuration:
        
        
            V8, OHV, 16 valves, Active Fuel Management (AFM) on later models
        
     
    
        
            Engine 2 Horsepower:
        
        
            Approximately 290-300 hp (varies by year)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 2 Torque:
        
        
            Approximately 325-330 lb-ft (varies by year)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 2 Fuel System:
        
        
            Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine 3 Displacement:
        
        
            6.0 Liters (364 cubic inches)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 3 Configuration:
        
        
            V8, OHV, 16 valves
        
     
    
        
            Engine 3 Horsepower:
        
        
            Approximately 300-325 hp (depending on LQ4/LQ9 variant)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 3 Torque:
        
        
            Approximately 370-380 lb-ft (depending on LQ4/LQ9 variant)
        
     
    
        
            Engine 3 Fuel System:
        
        
            Sequential Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Overall Length:
        
        
            Approx. 205.5 inches
        
     
    
        
            Overall Width:
        
        
            Approx. 75.4 inches
        
     
    
        
            Overall Height:
        
        
            Approx. 71.9 inches
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 113.0 inches
        
     
    
        
            Front Track:
        
        
            Approx. 63.4 inches
        
     
    
        
            Rear Track:
        
        
            Approx. 63.1 inches
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight:
        
        
            Approx. 4,600 - 5,000 lbs (varies by configuration)
        
     
    
        
            Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
        
        
            Approx. 6,400 - 6,700 lbs
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity:
        
        
            Up to 7,700 lbs (with appropriate equipment and engine)
        
     
    
        
            Payload Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 1,400 - 1,800 lbs
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
        
        
            4 Stars (for models with side curtain airbags)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
        
        
            4 Stars (for models with side curtain airbags)
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
        
        
            5 Stars
        
     
    
        
            NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
        
        
            4 Stars (with side curtain airbags)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
        
        
            Good (for models with side airbags)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Available StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            4Wd System:
        
        
            Optional NVG226 Autotrac active transfer case with automatic 4WD engagement
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags standard; available front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts for all occupants, pretensioners, load limiters
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specifics)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement I6:
        
        
            Approx. 100,000 miles (iridium plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement V8:
        
        
            Approx. 100,000 miles (iridium plugs)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, or annually for heavy towing
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Flush:
        
        
            Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 (check manual for specific API service classification and oil type like Dexos)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity I6:
        
        
            Approx. 7 quarts (with filter)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity V8:
        
        
            Approx. 7.5 quarts (with filter)
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Dex-Cool (Orange, silicate-free) or equivalent OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Dexron III/VI or equivalent
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Issue 1:
        
        
            Front suspension component wear (ball joints, tie rods, control arm bushings) due to vehicle weight and use.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 2:
        
        
            Water pump leaks, particularly on the Atlas inline-6 engine.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 3:
        
        
            Rear main seal leaks on V8 engines.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 4:
        
        
            HVAC blower motor resistor failure, leading to inoperable fan speeds.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 5:
        
        
            Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system leaks, often due to faulty vent solenoid or gas cap.
        
     
    
        
            Common Issue 6:
        
        
            Transfer case actuator or encoder motor failure in 4WD models.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Isuzu Legacy:
        
        
            Isuzu has a long history of producing durable trucks and SUVs, with a reputation for robust powertrains.
        
     
    
    
        
            Ascender Introduction:
        
        
            The Isuzu Ascender was introduced for the 2003 model year as Isuzu's entry into the full-size SUV market in North America.
        
     
    
        
            Badge Engineering:
        
        
            It was a badge-engineered version of GM's GMT360 platform, sharing its underpinnings with popular GM SUVs.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Updates:
        
        
            The 5.3L V8 received Active Fuel Management (AFM) starting in 2007 for improved fuel economy.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Location:
        
        
            Moraine, Ohio, USA (GM's Moraine Assembly Plant)
        
     
    
        
            Production End:
        
        
            Production ceased after the 2008 model year as Isuzu exited the US market for passenger vehicles.