2008 Isuzu Ascender

An example of badge engineering at its finest, the Ascender is basically a GMC Envoy (or a Chevy Trailblazer) with a nose job. And like the Envoy, it shares most of its mechanicals. That means you'll find the same 4.2 liter inline-six under the hood. And while the GM offers a V8 option and a longer wheelbase, Isuzu's version only comes as a shorty with either rear- or four-wheel drive. StabiliTrak electronic stability control is standard fare, as is a tire pressure monitoring system.

Isuzu had this truck in its stable since 2002, just like GM's twin, and changes for 2008 from last year include curtain airbags becoming standard equipment with XM satellite radio newly available as a standalone option on the top two trim levels.

The engine - naturally balanced, just like 90-degree V8s - is a strong one, though fairly high-revving for a truck. Either way it's good for 285 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 276 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. It is coupled exclusively to a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway, for both rear- and 4WD models.

Four wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard across all three trim levels of the Ascender, which include the S, LS and Luxury. Apart from the previously mentioned XM radio, there aren't any stand-alone options, as they're all packaged.

Towing capacities are 5,300 lbs from the showroom floor and with the standard 3.42:1 axle with a maximum of 5,800 lbs when equipped with the optional 3.73:1 axle for the two-wheel drive model, with both of those numbers dropping by 100 lbs when the buyer opts for 4WD.

The side rails of the frame of the Ascender and its twins have been hydro-formed, which is a cost-effective and efficient way to make them. The first car we can remember that was made in such fashion was the fifth-generation Corvette.