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 191 through 200 of 238.00-
A Great Small SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By dharley - October 5 - 10:00 amI bought my Axiom 2 months ago and absolutely love it and the dealership was fabulous!
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Think Twice - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By rcasti01 - August 30 - 2:00 amI bought the vehicle because of the distinct design, leather color interior and quality. But after just 1 year of driving this particular vehicle it has been in the shop 4 times. Twice becuase of electrical problems and twice for interior pieces falling apart. In-fact on the driver door panel the bottom paneling is coming off, so Ill have to return it back to the dealership. The MSRP was a little under 30K, with a 4K dealer discount plus my GM discount... I bought on impulse. Ive havent been to happy with my descision.
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Cream of the Crop!!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Dan Banapoochi - August 23 - 10:00 amThis suv is the best I ever owned and I had them all. I got rid of my Hyuindi sante fe to buy this and it was like night and day. I would compare this with a Toyota 4 runner without the extra cost to buy. For a suv it is surprisingly comfortable and it handles well. Would highly recomend to anyone who is looking for a Suv.
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Great - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By James - August 7 - 1:36 amLove it Smooth. Nice...
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axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By jennkrimm - August 6 - 10:00 ami love this vehichle and i would tell anyone who wants an suv that this would be a great purchase
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Why all the bad press? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By chapy - August 6 - 10:00 amIts no Acura as far as quality goes but considering what I paid I believe it to be a pretty good value and have enjoyed driving it so far... Some of these editors must have an axe to grind with Isuzu.
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Go Farther - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By bfrye - July 22 - 2:00 amBest over all ride among SUVs. Best warranty. Excellent vehicle..............
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Throughly Pleased - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By AxiomInMD - July 4 - 2:00 amI traded my 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee for my Axoim and do not regreat my discission. The ride is excellent and the V6 engine out performs the Jeep. The two-tone leather is eye pleasing as well as extremely comfortable.
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Fear Itself... - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By XST it - June 23 - 10:00 amThis is a deceptively nice vehicle (because of Isuzus reputation and lack of advertising, nobody knows about it, making you think its not that good). It runs great (next year, supposed to get a 250hp Direct Injection V6 and a Diesel V6, too) but the shocks seem a bit overkill. Got some shocks from my mates in Australia (Old Man Emu- strange name/ tough, great shocks) to replace the electronic ones which would have been expensive to replace one-for- one when they wore out; just cut to the chase and got rid of them. Ride is much better, just dont have "choices"; net result is big plus. Whyd they get rid of the "black & tan" leather?
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Beware! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By bmprigge - June 5 - 5:50 pmIve had this car for a little over two years and it is in the shop again for a blown engine. The last time, it had an issue with the engine and it completely seized, this time a rod shot through the block. Its a pain having to have it in the shop so often (I had to get a new transmission in it about 6 months ago) but I cant bring myself to trade it in because I LOVE DRIVING IT!! I would say that if you can find one, buy it (but make sure you get an extended warranty).
