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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  Dont trust analyst, trust yourself - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By GoAxiom - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I dont care what Car Magazines pick, and what Editors Rating is. I already trusted analysts ratings once on a stock market - guess what happened... The Isuzu Axiom is one of the best, when comparing what you pay and what you get. Ive been looking for an SUV for several months and test-drove many. None would come close in comparison with Axiom. It is time to stop listening to these liers! Trust your own opinion and test drive a car, even if it has been rated as "piece of junk". Dont just go and buy a "#1 by Editors Choice". Check the previous page: Editors Rating on Axiom - 5.2, Consumer Rating - 8.9. What a difference...

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  Not that impressed... - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Disappointed inKC - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Has been in the shop 3 times in 6 weeks with defects that "cannot be replicated" once at the dealer. Rubber "boot" around front doors which is supposed to keep air out keeps coming off (has been fixed twice in 6 weeks). Strong gas smell after running for about 15 mins. Makes bad noise when backing up. Wipers quit working within 1 week of owning. Less than 10,000 miles on this vehicle. Last time I buy foreign. Give me a Ford any day!

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  Simply the best - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Knight2000 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I own a black 1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula and I drive both of these vehicles the same. They are both stylish powerhouses.

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  isuzu axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Larry Butler - August 6 - 10:00 am

  this car is a fun car to drive, not the greatest on gas, Ive had better. The torque on demand has never failed me, I love it, compared to 2 wheel dr, or front wheel drive. The passenger side leaves a little to be desired space wise, but its great for a medium build person. Love the back cargo area, just enough, never not had enough room. I wouldnt trade this car for a Cadillac Escalade, even if you paid me.

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  Edmunds research is primitive! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Former Trooper Owner - July 4 - 10:00 am

  A Hot Rod in Wolfs clothing. Smooth awesome power and great handling. Feels like a shot of Nitrous when that dual induction kicks in at 3800 RPM. Drives like a sports car with a total in control feeling all of the time. Just turned 7500 miles and I know the next 112,500 miles of the warranty period will be just as trouble free. It just feels right! Many compliments on the tan cloth interior and the instrumentation is great. I drive in the Sport mode most of the time but the Soft ride on the highway is almost Lincoln like. I ask my Lady Friend if she had anything to add and she said "Just a cool car, thats all."

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  D.O.A. 2004 Axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Abbey - June 21 - 5:30 pm

  We previously owned an Isuzu Rodeo which we had almost 300,000 miles when we sold it. It was still running great so we decided to purchase another Isuzu. The Axioms were being discontinued so we got a bargain on it. The car now has 71,000 miles on it and has been in for repair twice within the last six months for the same problem. No warning lights come on, but the engine starts to make a strange noise and stops. Both times the vehicle was almost completely out of oil with no warning whatsoever. It shows no signs of leaking underneath and is not exhausting black smoke. The dealers have been vague in diagnosing the problem. I believe the car is cursed and has been a lemon all along.

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  A secret, shhh..before they up the price - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Harvey - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This TRUCK proves you cant take an experts opinion. It has excellent quality and is fun to drive. The chimps that complain usually DISS the console display. Forget it, and get used to it. Ive seen reviews about the truck like bearing...it is a truck...duh! Try taking your RAV4 through some sand or...ahh, you get it. Have you ever gone to a movie that gets a bad review, and liked it? Get away from the maddening crowd and dont tell too many people, they might start charging full price.

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  Not many in Alaska - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By mariannek - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is not common in AK but it is the right car for driving conditions here. The front panel is a bit distracting. Love to have both CD and disk player. Wish there was more room to put "stuff". Why the 17" wheels??

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  Excellent Value - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By HappyIsuzuOwner - May 15 - 2:00 am

  For the price, you cannot get more for your money. The Axiom has it all: Great look, drive, handling, interior, comfort and features. This is a must buy.

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  Happy owner of Isuzu Axiom 2002 - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By rolf - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this suv in Nov 2001,because I can carry diferent kind of items for my business and when I drive in the highway is very comfortable, and change to a diferent climate I live at 7000 altitude and going down to Phx, I do not have problems, going to the woods or driving in storm conditions (the snow showers) I feel confident.