Ascender 5-Passenger and i-280 Pickup Named 'Top Winners'CERRITOS, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire/ -- IntelliChoice, a Campbell, California-based automotive information company that studies the ongoing costs of vehicle ownership, has recognized the 2006 Isuzu Ascender 7-Passenger, Ascender 5-Passenger, i-350 Pickup and i-280 Pickup as among the best in their classes for low cost.The Ascender 5-Passenger 2WD was a "Top Winner" in two different categories among utility vehicles, besting all others in the segment for lowest fuel costs and lowest operating costs. It was also named a "Smart Choice" for lowest depreciation and lowest ownership and repair costs. The Ascender 5-Passenger 4WD earned the "Smart Choice" designation in five different categories -- depreciation and fuel, operating, ownership and repair costs. Both the two- and four-wheel-drive versions of the flagship Ascender 7-Passenger were recognized by IntelliChoice as "Smart Choices" in multiple categories. The Ascender 7-Passenger 2WD received nods for lowest maintenance, operating, ownership and repair costs. The 4WD model's kudos were for lowest maintenance, operating and repair costs. The i-280 Extended Cab S was cited as the "Top Winner" among compact pickups for lowest repair costs. This model was also recognized as a "Smart Choice" for lowest depreciation and lowest fuel, maintenance, operating and ownership costs. Its upscale stablemate, the i-280 Extended Cab LS, was designated a "Smart Choice" for lowest fuel, maintenance, operating and repair costs. The top of the all-new Isuzu Pickup line, the i-350 Crew Cab, was named a "Smart Choice" for lowest repair costs. J. Terry Maloney, president and COO of Isuzu Motors America, said, "Isuzu pioneered the concept of value pricing over three years ago. But there's more to value than a low sticker price. With fuel prices soaring to record levels in the past few weeks, more and more consumers are taking all the costs of vehicle ownership into consideration when they make their purchase decisions. We are proud that every single model in the Isuzu light vehicle fleet has been recognized for its value." More consumer information about Isuzu light vehicles is available at www.isuzu.com, and about IntelliChoice and its "Top Winner" and "Smart Choice" selections at www.intellichoice.com. Isuzu Motors America, Inc., is the U.S. distributor of Isuzu sport utility vehicles and diesel engines. For more information call (800) 662-2464 or access www.IsuzuNewsBureau.com. Source: Isuzu Motors America, Inc. |