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 41 through 50 of 238.00-
Best SUV you will ever own! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Luc - November 17 - 8:03 pm4 years and the only repair was a tuning light bulb! Replace the factory Good Years and the ride quality will improve. I got a set of Pirelli Scorpion ATR - 80 miles/hour and you can hear only a little wind noise! Gas mileage is average, but OK for an SUV - I will say better than most SUVs with same engine size. If you are looking for a used SUV, this will beat by far any other used SUV available in value/reliability/price!
-
What a vehicle.. - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Scott Adams - November 15 - 2:00 amThis car can be summed up in one word. EXCELLENT. When people ask me to describe it, I tell them to imagine that a Volvo and a Hummer had a baby. You couldnt ask for more standard features.
-
EXCELLENT - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By candleshow - November 4 - 10:00 amThis is the best vehicle I have ever owned. All of the features I was looking for are included and the price was great! I could not have found a better SUV for the same price.
-
Axiom = More for your money - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Brian3B - October 25 - 2:00 amCant beat the luxury-like appearance/feel for the money. 100 times nicer than the rodeo, and i got it cheaper! V-6 outruns just about every other SUV out there -- very responsive. handles very well, looks great, drives very good... dont believe all of those harsh reviews out there-- test drive one! the warranty backs it up!
-
good so far - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By edf100 - October 9 - 10:00 amonly had a short time but seems real solid.as a previous owner of 61 other vehicles I am more than qualified to give a realistic view.I have owned most sport utes including 4 grand cherokee v8s,4 runners,land cruisers,blazers and many others.feels light and agile compared to american sport utes and gas milage is at least 20% better.
-
Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By davi - September 21 - 8:26 amThis is the best SUV on market til 2005, Quality is Isuzus best selling point. I change oil every 7000 miles.
-
Confused Owner - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Confused Owner - September 12 - 10:36 amI bought my 03 Axiom in Dec 08. The first 5 days I fell in love with this vehicle. On the 6th day the transmission started slipping. I thought it was something I was doing. Every time I begin to accelerate my truck would jerk like it didnt want to go. I took it back to the dealership and of course it didnt do the jerk while they drove it. I took it to the service dept. where they supposedly did a transmission flush and it stopped the slipping for awhile. Its back now. I am so frustrated with this vehicle. Im on the verge of taking it back.
-
The Classiest SUV Ever! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By AxiBaby - September 7 - 2:00 amI have test driven alot of SUVs and more than half of them I Didnt like. I finally had decided that I wanted a Nissan Murano until I saw a Axiom drive by (I was at a autoplex with different dealerships). I drove over to the Isuzu dealership and fell in love with it! I bought a 2002 Anthracite Axiom with a moonroof and rear spoiler right on the spot. Heads turn where ever I drive because you dont see many on the road. Ive gotten tons of compliments and even better my mother test drove mine,went out and purchased one exactly like mine (except hers is a XS model)! Do not pass this SUV up!! Its the best one in my opinion on the road.
-
My Awesome 04 Isuzu Axiom! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By djwiax - July 17 - 6:36 am15 months and 33,000 miles after purchase, I have to say I love this vehicle. From its direct injection engine to the exterior to the interior, I love everything about this SUV. Isuzu makes products that not only last forever, they also look GREAT! The 250hp DI 3.5 engine has plenty of power. The traction control (TOD) is awesome -- last winter I had to pass some large trucks in heavy snow on I-25, slick conditions; it never missed a beat. Beautiful interior. I love the two-tone + leather + the digital center panel (Euro look) and the 6 disc player. The performance, looks, and style cant be matched by any American vehicle. I want another one. My 1995 Rodeo still runs great too!
-
Its not your Dads Isuzu - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Greg - July 2 - 10:00 amThis is the car Ive been wanting my whole life. Nobody has had exactly what I wanted until now. The Axiom is the right size for a family vehicle. Its big enough to carry vacation gear cross country, but still small enough not to feel like a boat around town. With sports car styling and performance you leave the "soccer-dad look" in your dust. It comes well equiped as a base model, missing only the leather seats and foglights. The Axioms ride is great for this catagory of vehicle. I had planned on a Toyota Highlander as my next car but after comparing them I really preferred the Axiom.
