Overview & Reviews
Launched in 2002 and retired just a couple of years later, the Isuzu Axiom came by its name in a thoughtful and democratic way. Its moniker wasn't the result of myriad brainstorming sessions by a cadre of marketing types locked away in some remote steel tower. Rather, Isuzu held a contest to see who could come up with the best name. "Axiom" was picked by a citizen of Redmond, Washington, who got a brand-new Isuzu Axiom for his efforts.
Unfortunately, this degree of thoughtfulness was not reflected in the Axiom's design and overall quality. The Axiom wasn't as new as it should have been: The SUV shared an aged platform with its sibling, the Rodeo. Ergonomics within its cabin were poor; many controls were non-intuitive and illogically placed. Legroom was cramped for those riding in back. And the Axiom's sluggish steering and non-existent road feel didn't exactly enhance its fun-to-drive quotient.
Still, this Isuzu had its assets. A chiseled chin and crossover-like styling gave the vehicle some visual distinctiveness, and its V6 was up for most of the tasks thrown its way. The Axiom's available four-wheel-drive system was also fairly sophisticated. But on the whole, the Axiom was lacking in too many areas. In our editors' ratings, the Axiom earned a "not recommended" score in all the key areas: dynamics, comfort, design/build quality and function. If you're shopping for a used SUV, you would be better served by pretty much any of the Axiom's competitors.
Most Recent Isuzu Axiom
The Axiom was a midsize SUV that was available in just one generation lasting from 2002-'04. There were two trims: base and XS. Base models offered standard features like full power accessories, air-conditioning, keyless entry, a CD changer and a trip computer. XS models stirred in the sugar by way of amenities like foglights, heated front seats and a power moonroof. The options list on base models included leather seats, a power moonroof and a trailer hitch; on XS models, a trailer hitch was initially the sole available option.
It was on the market for just a brief spell, but the Isuzu Axiom still witnessed a few changes. In 2003, the base trim was renamed the S. A CD changer was dropped from the standard features list on S models, instead becoming available as an option; also, chrome wheels and a roof rack were added to the options list for XS models. In 2004, the S model saw further erosion to its standard features list with the deletion of its cassette player. The SUV's speaker count also dropped from eight to six. All Axioms got a new chrome finish on the grille; the optional alloy wheels on the XS also got spruced up with a new chrome finish.
Onboard all Axioms was Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control, which utilized sensors to track vehicle variables like speed, engine rpm and braking. These sensors continually adjusted the Axiom's shock valving to match ride and handling to real-time driving conditions. Also, the system allowed drivers to choose between Sport and Comfort suspension modes. In practice, this setup wasn't nearly as impressive as it sounds. In Comfort mode, the Isuzu Axiom exhibited an unacceptable degree of roll and wallow. Selecting Sport mode brought some relief, but we were still disappointed with this area of the SUV's performance.
Isuzu's hauler was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 good for 230 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque; the engine was a retuned version of the V6 that motivated the Isuzu Trooper. In 2004, the Axiom's engine benefited from new gasoline "direct injection" technology that served to boost hp to 250 and torque to 246 lb-ft. Two- or four-wheel drive models were offered.
Four-wheel-drive Axioms came with Isuzu's "Torque on Demand" feature. Operated via a dash-mounted twist knob, this system utilized sensors to gauge throttle position and axle speeds, with the aim of predicting wheelspin so power could be transferred to the front wheels in an idealized fashion.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 238.00-
My First Isuzu - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Edgrr - May 20 - 10:00 amSo far, no a single problem. I am amazed at how well it responds when pushed. It will be nice to see the Ascender have the looks of the Axiom in the future editions.
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Great SUV - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Atlanta Driver - May 14 - 2:00 amGreat riding, driving truck with two ride settings, comfort and sport. Interior is well appointed, comfortable, high quality, heated leather seats, 140 watt 6 disc CD, leather trim on door panels, driver information center, automatic AC, self dimming mirrors, great styling touchs on console and shift lever. The exterior styling is sensational and very unique, it is a real attention getter. The engine and transmission are smooth and provide great acceleration. This is a vehicle you must spend some time with to appreciate the great quality and performance. It is a very unique vehicle, a great buy!
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send it back - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By jvp - May 13 - 10:00 amit is the worst
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FUN LITTLE SUV BUT GAS HOG!!!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By jt - April 8 - 10:30 amI had bought this car without doing any information about the car, If I were you listen to this REVIEW!!!!!! I had bought it Aug. 2006 w/79xxx miles and when I got home I relized the shocks needed to be replaced....yeah no prob. but like $200 a shock...ouch... and finding parts for this car is IMPOSIBLE!!!!! especially the front control pannel...b/c this car has buttons to control like AM/FM and AC the buttons fall out and I so far have taped them cause it costs $500 to replace the hole pannel not just the buttons...anyhow that is about it besides the back leg room is horrible and the back storage is also bad ....but that is what you get for a SMALL SUV....AND ITS A GAS HOG about 13/17.
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axiom xs - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By BURCHBOY - April 8 - 10:00 ami have had my axiom over a year now and what a great car! i have owned a trooper, and a rodeo and this is no comparison. the ride is smooth and solid; the gas mileage 16-20; the look is awesome and turns heads everywhere. why isuzu does such a poor job of marketing, i dont know. this car looks better than most of the suvs on the market today. i am CONVINCED THAT GM SACRIFICED ISUZU IN THE US FOR SOME REASON.
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Were thrilled! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By self-evident truth - April 8 - 10:00 amWe love our Axiom! This is our 15th new auto purchase, and by far our best vehicle yet! In our first few months of ownership, we took several 2K road trips, and everybody is happy (including kid and dog). Love the way it handles, and its got mega power (which is a welcome relief from our V6 Toyota Forerunner, which lacked as much space, as it did power)! Love the leather, and the 6CD shuttle system, and everytime we walk out to our baby, we cant help but marvel at her beauty!!!
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Great Vehicle at a Resonable Price - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By lanetk - March 31 - 2:00 amGood Buying experience at the dealer, just watch out for the "add ons" they try to slip in. I compared with the Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and others and this was by far the best value. Factory incentives of $3000 really helped.
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Cant beat it for your money! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Neil Boden - February 15 - 2:00 amMy fiance and I went into looking for an SUV with the Jeep Grand Cherokee in mind. We live in MN and need something for the weather we get. We test drove the Jeep and a couple others (explorer, liberty, Xterra, Axiom) for comparison. Although we liked the Grand Cherokee and Xterra (we hated the liberty and exploder) the Axiom was perfect!
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Happy Owner - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Chris - February 6 - 1:13 pmThis is a SUV that drives and rides like a car. I love it and all who drive it love it.
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Fun,Fun,Fun and Fun - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By dima chernyak - January 29 - 2:00 amI did a huge research on all SUVS and this was the best SUV for this money and it is just better then the others
