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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  WOW This is an suv. - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shawn Dearing - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV and love it. The acceleration is very spirited. The handling is very responsive. Do not believe the bad reviews this SUV has gotten. I have seen a few on the road and I tought it looks very sporty for an SUV. You can tell that they have limited the marketing because you are not paying for that in the sticker. My MSRP was 31,505 and I paid a cool 24,500 after the nice 4K rebate.

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  2002 Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By MikeD - May 21 - 10:00 am

  What a great price for all this!!

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  7 years and still going strong - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Frankie - May 11 - 1:16 pm

  Bought it new 8/02. Seven years, 60k miles now. Regular maintenance service (oil changes,air filter). Replaced the s-belt myself @ 45k miles. No other service. New BF Goodrich tires @ 50k miles.On the way to tire dealer, just to see what power this 6cyl had I held the brake, put the pedal to the floor, slowly released the brake and smoked the tires for 200 ft. Avg 18.1 mpg since day one. Havent reset since I bought it. Too bad Isuzu pulled out of US. I definitely would have bought another by now. Traded in a 97 Rodeo (bought new, had 137000 miles on it in 5 years, zero repairs) for this one.

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By RDGBKS27 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Axiom for 2 weeks now and I love it! It has great speed and so many extras.

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  Great Ride - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Rade - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe how great the Axiom, I love the way it looks and when I test drove one, I was sold. Great handle. Well worth the money. Only improvement I can think of is the radio, cant upgrade it. A/C control is mixed in with the radio

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  most for your money - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Linda Hayes - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have loved my Axiom I have not had it in the shop except for normal mantanince and oil change. The ride is great.The comfort is wonderful. My friend has a ford explorer and it does not even compare to mine. The ride is ruff and it rattles. The Axiom is soild even with the 20"low profile tires and mags.And has more equipment for the price also.

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  bad customer service - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Josh - March 13 - 1:13 pm

  The warranty is pretty much useless my tranny went out @ 55,000 miles and it has been at the dealership for over 3 weeks! Help w/ a loaner or reimbursment for a rental

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  INITIALLY HAD BUYER REMORSE - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Tbone - February 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my first SUV and it rides like a car. I didnt get the four wheel drive, as I wanted to maximize fuel efficieny. I am averaging around 19.5 (it was worse until I hit the 10,000 mileage). I get many compliments on the vehicle (the color is anthracite metllatic). At first I was saddened cause I didnt get the four wheel drive, which would have the Tourqe on Demand. In the Maryland area, we have been having mild winters. This past winter there would have been only two instances to use the four wheel drive, so now I am okay. Overall, I am quite pleased with the Axiom, just a little disappointed in the MPG.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Oval - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had several 4-wheel drive vehicles and this is by far the best. Ive taken it off roading and it performs great. A great feature are the skid plates that are standard on the vehicle. Its elegant for going out and yet its rugged enough to stand up in the woods. Living in New England I was impressed the way it handled in snow as well. Ive never had a problem with it and Ive gotten 17,000 miles on it so far. My wife loves driving it and she feels very safe in it. Id recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  satisfied owner - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By dunca85 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  finally an suv that looks great and has power!! and one that doesnt look like a box on wheels like most suvs.