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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  one hella of suv - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By jimmie l - June 5 - 2:00 am

  two years not one problem..runs and rides like a charm..18/22 miles to gallon..I bought this vehicle with every option including leather for 21,300 out the door..it was a steal... Isuzu should shoot its add guy for marketing this vehicle all wrong..ps they also put roof rack on free

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  Dont let the Reviews fool you! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By srad - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned this vehicle a few weeks but have managed to take it down curved roads, dirt and graveled roads, highway, rain, etc. This is a great vehicle. Most reviews I have read didnt like the gas mileage-Compared to what? Most suvs get less than 20 anyway- A wife, 2 kids, 2 dogs fits just fine. I have drove Passat wagons, 4-Runners, Pathfinders, and full size chevy-ford trucks and this is a very reasonable compromise. I never had any major problems with Isuzu-I really recommend this vehicle if you can get it under($22,000). It just has a bad name... it is not a bad vehicle.

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  The most underrated SUV out there!!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By BlackAx - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Bought an Axiom 4wd base model a month ago. This truck is a blast to drive. The driving positon is great, plenty of room. It came stock with all of the features youd find in more expensive trucks. The fit and finish are excellent. It has all of the room of some of the larger, more expensive SUVs out there. Its guarenteed to turn heads at every stoplight! Theyre not selling well so you can really get a great deal now. Remember, this is a truck not a jacked up car.

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  Very Pleased - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By d.wheeler - April 20 - 6:23 pm

  I just bought this car used it had 46,000 miles and was a one owner and it still smells new and it drives great. I read the other reports and that helped with my buying this car, so I hope mine will help also. If you find one of these cars I say buy it, so far I love it. The homelink is a nice feature also, you do not have all the bulky gadgets to store in your car.

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  looks smooth but has bumpy ride - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By shannon - April 11 - 11:03 pm

  The suv looks nice and has a lot of special features other trucks dont have. The leather interior is great as is the CD changer.

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  Best buy - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Bill - March 28 - 12:43 pm

  A good vehicle with a bad rep. I dont know why people are ripping on the transmission, which is the same exact transmission that was in the Trooper from 90 to 02 and is also in many GM vehicles. Great engine and serious acceleration. Never left me stranded. Only typical wear and tear in the 5 years Ive had it. Wont sell it because its resale is lower than its actual value.

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  axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By TJMAN - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Axiom from Isuzu has a styling that is eye catching and modern. The interior works well however the rear seats needs to becme a little more simplistic to fold down. All in all a great value in 4 x 4s.

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  Awesome Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By barati - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is bye far the best riding Midsize SUV on the market today. Ive driven every type, and the Axiom was the only one that road like a luxury car and with one switch of a button, the suspension tightens up and it drives and hugs the road like a sports car.

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  Ohio Axiom Driver - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Oh Axiom Driver - March 19 - 4:56 am

  Overall Ive been happy with my Ax. The ride is bouncy, and I had to replace my factory tires after 20k mile because I almost flipped it on an exit ramp. I put Pirellis on it and wow, what difference. Ive also had in the shop for transmission problems a couple times...oh and now that Ive passed 100k in miles, I burn a quart of oil a week. This is known problem with the vehicle, but no one knows what to do about it.

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  impressive vehicle??!!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By ITS NOT IN A NAME - February 26 - 2:00 am

  this suv is complete in all aspects..the exterior&interior designs of this vehicle are as good as "hondas" and the "toyotas" why is it that it is underrated in the reviews and the resale value...and one thing i noticed if its a honda like the passport the resale is much higher than the rodeo while they are 100% exactly the same vehicle,.so whats in a name HAH! its time to change our judgement,. OK!?!?