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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  Absolutely No Buyers Remorse - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By nuschler22 - July 26 - 11:40 pm

  My wife and I drove every SUV on the market. We were heading toward the Dodge Durange but "accidentally" discovered the Axiom. The Axiom is by far the quietest in its class and has as much if not more off the line and cruising power as the 8 cylinder Dodge Durango. With doing mostly city driving, the in dash mileage gauge shows weve averaged 19.8 mpg since weve bought, though it seems we get more. The vehicle is quieter than any other SUV in its category and handles like a nice sedan.

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  Smooth riding SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By SCTribeFan - July 26 - 2:00 am

  Looked for over a year for the right midsize SUV. The research from consumer magazines stated this vehicle was designed to compete with the Toyota Highlander, but be more reasonably priced. The price was great, and the ride compares to a Toyota Camry which I owned for years prior to purchasing the Axiom. Would absolutely buy another.

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  PART SPORTS CAR ,SUV, WAGON,AND LUXURY - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By BERNARDO - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I PURCHASED MY AXIOM JUNE OF LAST YEAR AND HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH MY DECISSION TO BUY IT. I HAVE HAD ZERO PROBLEMS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A BURNED OUT FOG LAMP WHICH WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. NO ONE ELSE OFFERS AS MUCH FOR THE PRICE. TRUST ME I DID ALOT OF RESEARCH AND TEST DRIVES AND NO ONE COMES CLOSE.

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  I love it - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By vlajkon - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my Axiom. Silky smooth driving, very fast and very powerfull engine. Good MPG, so far 21.1mpg (city). Looks different, with 10y/120k warranty simple is the best.

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  My 2002 Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Bill McKinney - May 24 - 2:16 pm

  Car has been very reliable and is eye-catching in appearance. I still get people asking me, even after 5 years old and 3 years since last Axiom was made, what kind of car it is and where can they look at a new one. The styling obviously made it impossible to put in a third row seat but have to say that I have never needed to carry more than 5 people and sometimes go for months with the rear seats folded down. Its been a great car and although I plan on my next purchase being a sedan, I will keep the Axiom.

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  Best Looking SUV - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Marcellus - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my Axiom. I love the uniqueness of the car, its not too big over the top look, its out of the box design thats not just a aquare or retangle box on wheels and its bold in your face,very different front fascia. Its a minivan for people who dont want to be seen in a minivan but rather an SUV. Its just a "cute" vehicle thats different from the standard square boxes out there.

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  2002 Isuzu Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By gretchensanchez - April 1 - 10:00 am

  In my experience having owned and used the vehicle for two years now, I have found the following. The interior color selections of camel/black interior is too light shows dirt and wear quickly. The backseat cargo conversion is cumbersome. You have to move the front seats forwards, remove backseat headrests, pull lower portion of seat forward and then back seat will fold down. In addition I have found that the exterior is extremely easy to ding scratch/dent. We have also experienced a number of problems with the braking system.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By William - March 5 - 7:50 am

  Truck is fun to drive, could get better gas mileage. Plenty of torque.

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  Generally Sastified. - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Jimbobalina - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Drivers seat does not go back far enough.Tight leg room on drivers side.Drivers seat back does not pivot at base,instead it pivots at mid back area.

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  TX Driver - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By TX Driver - February 10 - 9:16 pm

  Overall, Im pleased with this machine. Styling and performance is great. Its always a head-turner wherever I go. I hope that Isuzu reconsiders and produce them again.