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:

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  The highlight of my day! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By swymjym - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Everytime I step into my sporty Axiom I revel in its sheer magnificence. I am proud to be an owner of such a great vehicle. My friends all love the ride it delivers, and it does not fail to turn heads. I cannot understand why Edmunds bashes the Axiom.?.?. The car feels and looks like a luxury vehicle, but costs significantly less. Buy one if you have a chance!!!

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  Great car! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shayne Brandon - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I was wanting to replace my 97 Toyota Camry LS with a similar car. I was looking for comfort and a nice ride. After looking at Honda and Nissan vehicles with a price tag that was way too high, I found the Axiom. Since the Axiom replaced my Camry, I look at it and use it like a car. We have a pickup for most hauling. As a car, its the best Ive ever driven. Spacious, smooth, and quietier than most midsize cars, its a bargain coming in about $5000 less - and its AWD!

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  ROTTEN EGG SMELL - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By tami j - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Immediately after purchasing the vehicle we noticed a rotten egg smell from the exhaust and have had it in 3 times to be investigated and to no avail, the dealer says that Isuzu says it is a "normal" smell for their engine and there is nothing I can do about it, besides reducing the sulfur content in my gasoline. The suspension is horrible in this vehicle and the steering nearly requires 20 turns to pull a sharp turn off. Overall, we are not happy with this vehicle at all and our hands are tied because the value dropped by $8,000.00 in value 4 months after our purchase.

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  Great vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vantas - July 12 - 10:00 am

  All around great vehicle. Beautiful interior, no hassle pricing, great warranty, plenty of room, plenty of power...

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  This is a great vehicle!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By TatMan1973 - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love at first sight! Test drove everything from a 2002 Trooper, to a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee with all the trimmings and nothing matched the comfort, ride, experince, or value of the Axiom! Very nice... No problems besides it was used!

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  Better than you think - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dp - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Forget the biased Edmunds review...this car outperforms its peer group in almost all classes. The ride is comfortable and peppy with great all weather performance. Build quality is excellent with no problems after 15k ahrd miles. Looks are love/hate but if you love this is the one!

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  the best suv under $50,000 dollars - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dc4611 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I was set on the mercedes suv or a lexus rx300 .I looked on the web and could not find that much info on the new axiom.After comparing 13 different suvs the choice was clear.It has an excellent ride and great power.230 horses under the hood and 230 ft lbs of torque and it feels like a whole lot more!Not to mention a 10 yr 120,000 mile powertrain warranty that covers almost everything under the hood and axles.

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  Mikes baby - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Mrivardns - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I rate this vehicle below average in terms of Japanese quality vehicles. The paint finish is inferior and my drivers side door does not line up flush to the body of the vehicle. My vehicle is a 2002 first year intro. The side door faux finish chrome bumper guards are deteriorating and the clear plastic covering on them is coming off. Sloppy handling and very numb and sluggish stearing.

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  Worst auto purchase of my life - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By JustTheFacts - May 5 - 10:03 am

  This SUV is a death trap with frequent mechanical and other problems. (Dont worry I do have one good thing to say (see below): Bad: 1. Brakes = ABS kicks in on dry pavement 2. Stability - slipping & sliding regardless of 2WD or TOD or 4WD selection (I mean slipping and sliding!) 3. Mechanical defects (jerky drive, shuts down while driving!, try starting a shut-down vehicle on a highway going at 55 mph) 6. They LIE about the mileage (mine gives 15mpg on the highway (and I am a slooow driver) 7. To lower back seats requires lifting the bench (seats), removing the neck support, finally lower the back 8. Removing and returning the spare tire - tow driver couldnt! Good: 1. Electric seat adju

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  This is a great car! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By John Barnes - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. I have had zero problems with it. The towing capacity is fantastic considering it is a smaller SUV. I have had the opportunity to tow a trailer that is over 2,000 pounds and you can hardly feel it. I love this SUV.