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Isuzu Ascender

296 messages,  Last post on Oct 24, 2009 at 5:04 AM

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What is this discussion about? Isuzu Ascender, SUV

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#205 of 296 2005-2006 by axiom47 Sep 18, 2003 (9:41 pm)
I just scanned all 11 pages of this message board and took in quite a bit of information regarding the Ascender and the demise of the Trooper (I think my eyes are bugging out now). You guys seemed to miss the fact that Isuzu is bringing a new 7-passenger SUV to the market in the 2004-2005 model year (2006 at latest). It will be based on the Small truck platform currently utilized for the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. They announced it at the auto show where they unveiled the 5-passenger Ascender, along with their new direct-injection engine. Supposedly a few sketches were shown, but not allowed to be leaked to the public because they were so preliminary. I think we are slowly, very slowly, seeing their vital signs rise and presence return to the U.S. market. Oh, and for you die hard fans, it is rumored to be named the next Trooper.
#206 of 296 Actually by paisan Sep 19, 2003 (1:31 pm)
There are pics already. I don't believe it will be based on the Colorado platform, even though that was designed by Isuzu. They have pics the thailand Isuzu site IIRC. We'll see when it finally gets here if it's worthy of the Isuzu nameplate.   -mike
#207 of 296 LOL by dindak Sep 21, 2003 (6:18 pm)
"worthy of the Isuzu nameplate"   That wouldn't take much given the average at best stuff they have now.
#208 of 296 dindak by paisan Sep 24, 2003 (5:45 am)
Hmm, well FYI, Isuzu is ranked #2 behind Toyota in LONG TERM Reliability in both JD Powers and Consumer reports in the mid-size SUV market.   So for the average guy who can't afford a new car every 2 years they are darn good values.   -mike
#209 of 296 by dindak Sep 24, 2003 (7:48 am)
Reliability is good, vehicles are average at best. Not good for a company that specializes in SUVs in the U.S. market. That's likely why sales keep dropping in a booming SUV market.
#210 of 296 by paisan Sep 24, 2003 (7:54 am)
Yep, they don't make AMERICAN SUVs, IE: Mini-vans that don't carry the stigma. I'll wage a stock Trooper against almost any other stock SUV sold in america, in an off-road adventure, and the Trooper will finish 1st. Rubicon will probably beat it, along with a few others but not many.   But hey if it's a Soccer Mom/Dad Vehicle you want, then go for the Ascendor/trailblazer/whatever else is the "popular" SUV out there.   -mike
#211 of 296 paisan by dindak Sep 24, 2003 (10:15 am)
Unfortunately for Isuzu, the % of people going off road is not going up and the number of car based and more car like SUVs is, and that's what 95% of people really want. Isuzu needs to partially adapt to this trend or face extinction.
#212 of 296 Yup by paisan Sep 24, 2003 (1:47 pm)
Unfortunately, I don't think they are going to, nor should they. I equate that strategy to what subaru tried to do in the early 90s by selling FWD cars trying to go up against the Accord and Camary, that almost Killed them financially, til they realized they are niche player and need to play in the niche market, and not follow the big-boys, cause if they do, they'll get whacked.   What Isuzu needs to do is market to the Hummer wannabes, and the Jeepers, off-roaders, towers etc. They need to use their vast truck knowledge to be an asset. Rather than try to sell to the soccer moms, who's husbands use their GM Visa Card Points to buy Trailblazers and Explorers, etc. They should focus on what they do well:   Diesel Engines Truck Frames Off-Road vehicles   They could put out a Pickup truck that would rival any of the Big-boys, heck GM uses their engines in their HD trucks already!   Offroad: Shoot for the people buying Hummers, G-wagens, Jeep Wranglers, Grand Cherokees   Trucks: Build a Diesel Full-sized SUV, to rival the Suburban and Excursion that can out-tow both.   Getting down and dirty trying to have a slugfest with GM, Ford, Toyota in the Wanna-be-SUV-soccer mom market is not going to get themy anywhere but broker.   -mike
#213 of 296 I have never understood why by amigo_john Sep 25, 2003 (5:53 am)
Isuzu left out the diesel in the US market. I guess they make more money selling them to GM instead. I have owned 4 diesels and thought they were the most reliable vehicles on the road. Plus, if anyone tailgated me, I could always stomp on the gas pedal and give them the "smokescreen of death". I've had more than one tailgating, cell phoning, lipsticking, soccer mom pull up next to me at a light holding her nose and trying to fan the smell away.
#214 of 296 paisan by dindak Sep 25, 2003 (6:07 am)
You might be right. They have to find a profitable niche and stick with it. They have a strong dealer network in Canada (all of them affiliated with Saturn/Saab dealers) so some fresh product and better marketing is needed. Right now they only sell 2 models in Canada.

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