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 121 through 130 of 238.00-
solid value - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By integrity - March 25 - 2:00 amIsuzu make some of the most dependable suvs in the worl. Ive had a rodeo, trooper and now the best of all; an axiom. I would recommend it over other suvs in its price class. Better handling, acceleration, and traction than trooper or jeep cherokee in my opinion of course.
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Love It - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By MsKittey - March 25 - 2:00 amI havent even had my Axiom a week, and I love it. I was geared towards the Rodeo due to the price, till I saw the Axiom, Sold me before I even took a test drive. Definitely recommend to anyone looking for a SUV!
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Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Ultie - March 23 - 2:10 amGreat SUV and very dependable. But local dealership refuses to fix broken warranty part that they broke. Local dealership repair is useless.
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Not an explorer - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Axme a question - March 19 - 10:00 amPros: -Fun to drive... -Decent power and brakes. -TOD is a great feature for everyone. -Often mistaken for an Audi $$$. -Trailer towing no problem. -Smooth shifting. Cons: -Low interior headroom takes getting used to. -Rear access is tough for adults, ok for adult short rides once your seated. -Need a hard hat for the lift gate becuase it does not raise high enough. -Auto lock feature not available. -You must remove the rear seat headrest to fold the cargo area flat, what were they thinking??? -Average higway mileage is 17- 19mpg...ouch -The zero % financing was the deciding factor in this purchase.
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great pedagre - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By john delano - March 8 - 2:00 amTHESE TRUCKS RUN UNTILL THE BODY RUSTS AWAY. CONSTRUCTION WORKERS CANT KILL THEM. WHEN I PUT EXPENSIVE MOBIL 1 IN THE CRANKCASE THE THINKS IT WON THE INDY 500. THE CAR OWNS THE ON RAMP, AND MAKES YOU CHECK OUT THE REDLINE ON THE TAC.....IT REVS TO 6000 RPMS QUICKLY WHEN YOU STEP ON IT. THE CAR ADJUST THE SHOCK HYDROLICALLY AND THE SPORT MODE GIVES A FIRM STANCE WITH 12" GROUND CLEARENCE AT THE FRONT BUMPER AND 13" AT THE REAR BUMPER. IT HAS STEEL PLATE PROTECTION UNDERNEATH. THE IMPORTANCE IS WHEN TRAVELING ROUTE 95 FROM FLORIDA THERE IS A DANGER OF TRUCK TIRE RECAPS ON THE ROAD.
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Best car I have ever bought! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Kellie - March 5 - 1:36 amThis is the perfect car for someone that is looking for style and comfort. If you have champagne taste but a beer budget, this is the car for you. It is very luxurious and very sporty at the same time. I love it and recommend it to everyone looking for a mid-size SUV.
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Love our towing power - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Margie - January 31 - 10:00 amWe didnt want a huge car or truck but we needed something that would pull our camping trailer. The Axoim does great. Weve been all through the mountains, pulling our trailer with no problems what so ever.
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Great Truck-based" SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By cptsesso - January 4 - 2:00 amI chose the Axiom because of Isuzus reputation for producing rugged, dependable trucks. Also, because I didnt want a "cookie-cutter SUV". People definately notice the Axiom. It looks and drives "almost" like a car, but it is still a body-on-frame, truck based SUV unlike some of the others on the market. If it wasnt for the internet,I would never have stumbled across the Axiom. I had never seen or heard of the Axiom before and neither has anyone who has questioned me about it. The curious are really impressed overall with the Axiom and all the included standard features.
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Loving our new SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By SKM - January 4 - 2:00 amWe have had our Axiom for about 3weeks, and we love it, it a great SUV, glad we got the Axiom over the rodeo.
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a lot for the buck in an Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By coop dawg - December 19 - 10:00 amthis is one of the nices cars that I have driven yet. The style the way that it handles, all of its extras. the on screen indash display of every thing that gose on with the car. Yes this is the MID Size SUV of the year in my book. Go check one out for your self.
