| In 2006, when IntelliChoice, a California-based | | | | compact pickup category for lowest costs |
| information company that specifically studies | | | | associated with repair and considered a "Smart |
| automobiles and the ongoing cost of vehicle | | | | Choice" for lowest maintenance, ownership, and |
| ownership, recognized the 2006 Isuzu Ascender | | | | operating costs. It was also named a "Smart |
| 7-Passenger, Ascender 5-Passenger, i-280 Pickup | | | | Choice" for lowest depreciation. |
| and i-350 Pickup as among the top in their class | | | | Why was owning an Isuzu vehicle in 2006 |
| for low cost, no one at Isuzu was surprised. They | | | | economically efficient? According to T. Jerry |
| were confident they were giving the public | | | | Maloney, Isuzu Motors America's president and |
| high-quality, safe vehicles at affordable prices. | | | | COO, it's because the company pioneered the |
| The list of IntelliChoice awards went on and on. | | | | idea of value pricing. Isuzu doesn't see value as |
| The Ascender 5-Passenger (the 4WD version) | | | | simply a low sticker price. They try to offer |
| was awarded the "Smart Choice" title in five | | | | vehicles that are affordable off the lot, but that |
| distinct categories including operating, repair costs, | | | | continue to be affordable every time the owner |
| ownership, depreciation, and fuel economy. The 2 | | | | stops at a gas station or comes in for service. |
| Wheel Drive model was named "Top Winner" in | | | | So what does this company that concentrates on |
| two separate categories in which it competed | | | | value have in store for 2008? More of the |
| against utility vehicles, winning for lowest | | | | same… except better. The automatic |
| ownership costs as well as lowest fuel costs. In | | | | transmission 2008 Ascender 5-Passenger 2WD |
| addition to it's wins, it was also named a "Smart | | | | sports a 4.2-liter DOHC Inline 6-cylinder, 285 hp |
| Choice" with regards to low depreciation, low | | | | starts at $22,149, a competitive price for SUVs in |
| ownership costs, and low repair costs. | | | | its category. The 4WD model starts at only |
| IntelliChoice, at that time, went on to recognize | | | | $24,149. As for Isuzu's pickup line, it's offering |
| the Ascender 7-Passenger in several categories | | | | three. The i-290 Extended Cab 2WD has a |
| as well. The 4WD model was recognized for | | | | 2.9-liter Inline 4-cylinder engine, 185 hp, and is a |
| lowest repair costs, lowest maintenance and | | | | 5-speed Manual. It starts at $14,399. The 4WD |
| lowest operating cost while the 2WD model | | | | version starts at $15,488. The i-290's bigger |
| received kudos for lowest ownership and repair | | | | brother, the i-370, is available in Crew or Extended |
| costs, lowest operating costs and lowest | | | | Cab. The Extended Cab model starts at $19,399. |
| maintenance costs. | | | | All the features that make Isuzu's vehicles |
| But it wasn't just the SUV that received | | | | valuable are still there: ample passive and active |
| accolades. Isuzu's pickup line was recognized by | | | | safety features, an impressive 7-year/75,000 mile |
| IntelliChoice as well. The i-280 Extended Cab LS | | | | roadside assistance program, and its incredible |
| was named a "Smart Choice" for lowest operating | | | | towing capacity. If you're looking for a "Smart |
| and repair costs, as well as lowest costs | | | | Choice," starting with Isuzu might be just the way |
| associated with maintenance and fuel. The i-280 | | | | to go. |
| Extended Cab S was a "Top Winner" in the | | | | |