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 101 through 110 of 238.00-
Great Vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By D.Parker - December 30 - 10:00 amThis XS model is fantastic. It has every bell and whistle included as standard equipment you have to pay extra for with the Toyota, Mercury and Ford we also considered purchasing. This unit is more powerful than the Explorer V-8!
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GET AN ISUZU AXIOM, AND YOULL KNOW - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By Bryan Wetzel - December 26 - 10:00 amI love the 2004 axiom, its a big difference from the 03 axiom. Theres no words to explain it, you have to test drive one yourself and youll know. My first car, my only car until my 7 year warranty runs out. Beat that
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isuzu axiom 2004 - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By rgina - December 21 - 10:00 ami saw the suv online and was very interested in the way it looked, so i test drove one and it was a keeper. i purchased it and i have throughly enjoyed it. i love the style, you dont see yourself driving down the road everytime you turn around its different and i like that. it drives like a dream and i think it handles like a car. it heavy and stay on the road for a safe feeling ride. the inside is great, i have alots of features and i am able to buy alot of asscessaries if i choose, and i like having that option.
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Aximon - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By fbyers - December 21 - 10:00 amIm not exactly crazy about this SUV. The one I have willnt free wheel going down hill at 40 to 50 miles hr. It down shift out of over drive tactmeter will go from a 2 to 3 or 3.50. One reason I think this is not normal it doesnt happen everytime. I dont think this should happen. Would like to know if anyone else has this promblem. I would think this cuts down on miles per gallon. Back door is to narrow doesnt open wider enough for easy exit. This simply a bad design in the car. Really no reason why the back door should be this way. I different hing could solve this problem.
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Fantastic - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By StaceL - November 19 - 2:00 amI love my Axiom. I have made 4 trips from Florida to Texas and back with mine and it has been wonderful. It is so comfy and fun to drive, that the 16 hours fly by. I would recommend this car to young people that are not ready for the monster size SUV just yet.
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Nice ride, easy to park and fun - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By beeves - November 19 - 2:00 amWed never heard of Axiom. We only test drove Honda Pilot and Element, Lexus RX 330, Nissan Pathfinder and Mercury Mountaineer. Once we test drove the Axiom, we were amazed with its drive quality. It was easy to park even in the tightest space at work. I personally think its comparable to a Honda Pilot in terms of drive comfort and ride quality.
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one happy girl - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By pickygirl - October 6 - 3:56 amI am about as picky a woman as they come and I love everything about my Axiom. The XS model offers just about every option you could think of and more. I love the way it drives and looks. I do not understand why they stopped making them. They look a lot like the BMW SUV...but a lot less in price. If you can find one for sale...buy it...you wont be sorry!
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Great car for the price... - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By WilmaSnickerbocker - September 20 - 10:00 amI love my Axiom. I looked at a lot of V4 and V6 SUVs and I got the most for my money with the Axiom. The dealer service has not been as good as when I owned an Infiniti. Dealer service could be improved. But, the car offers a lot of leg room and is overall very, very nice for the money. The cost was a lot less than the Toyota Highlander, but the interior is much roomier and nicer. And, it pulls 4500 lbs which is great if you tow trailers. Gas mileage averages at 15 MPG, which is worse that I expected. I get lots of complements on this car.
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BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By pchamp02 - September 7 - 10:00 amMy Axiom drives and feels like it should cost thousands more. Before purchasing the Axiom, I test drove several SUVs and the ride and handling I got on the Axiom, was almost equal to my second choice, the Volvo V70, but about $8000.00 less. Of course I have had no problems with it yet, since I havent had it very long, but I will let you know if anything happens.
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Good so far - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Pitt - August 30 - 1:10 pmI bought the Axiom pre-owned and at 73,000+ miles it seems to be a good buy as SUVs go. I havent had any complaints that the factory could have addressed with the exception of the sound system. Getting the base model I didnt expect much but the speakers are pretty dull. I have read reviews about the tires as well and mine looked to be a fresh set, but they do squeal with most maneuvering action that didnt get the squeal from my last car.
