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 161 through 170 of 238.00-
Smooth ride. - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By aemohr - October 17 - 2:00 amSmooth ride.
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Lovin It! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By orion - October 17 - 2:00 amI just got a 2003 Axiom after researching and test driving a number of other SUVs. For the money there is nothing even close. Take the unique, exotic styling, add the top-end leather package, and torque-on-demand AND four-wheel drive modes, and its just amazing. I picked mine up for well under thirty thousand. To get an SUV with a leather package anywhere else puts you into the mid-thirties. Mine is black with chrome everything and looks like a true luxury SUV. I couldnt be happier! Plus, nobody has them...just makes it that much cooler to drive.
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Lovin It! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Orion - October 17 - 2:00 amI just got a 2003 Axiom after researching and test driving a number of other SUVs. For the money there is nothing even close. Take the unique, exotic styling, add the top-end leather package, and torque-on-demand AND four-wheel drive modes, and its just amazing. I picked mine up for well under thirty thousand. To get an SUV with a leather package anywhere else puts you into the mid-thirties. Mine is black with chrome everything and looks like a true luxury SUV. I couldnt be happier! Plus, nobody has them...just makes it that much cooler to drive.
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Hidden Delight - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By The_Maxx_Guy - October 12 - 10:00 amI test drove this vehicle just out of pure luck. And I have driven a lot of SUVs including BMW, MERCEDES, ACURA, FORD etc etc. But believe you me, this TRUCK has no comparison. The price and performace ratio is AMAZING. So much TORQUE, that this vehicle can easily out run any other SUV in its class.
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Stunned How Solid This SUV is... - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By rforsyth - September 30 - 2:00 amI am Stunned How Good This SUV is, Smooth, Fast, OK Gas for 230 HP 19-21 MPG on Highway at 70 Plus. Tows well Great set up of Controls. Attractive, Get MANY Compliments about it especially in Metallic Black color. The Differance between this and The Rodeo is Night and Day and for Only 2K More. NOT Tippy as some SUVs Make You Feel from a Passanger seat. VERY VERY Pleased with My purchase! I dont know Panned This Vechical But I Think they should re-think what they had to say.
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NO MORE BIRDS! (for dinner that is...) - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Yabbadabbadoit - September 29 - 10:00 amThis SUV is neat because it is different from others. However, I have to say I am sick of reading how awsome it handles, like a car. This toaster, that was wrongly named "Axiom" blows all over the road with the slightest gust. It does pull my boat, witch is nice. Too bad my boat is easier to drive in a straight line. If you dont let it warm up, it hessitates, even backfires. maybe I got a dud who knows. My advice, go with a different manufacturer.
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Axiom - good SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By wrpupkis - September 10 - 2:00 amPurchased Axiom 15 months ago and have driven it 28K+ miles. Good decision; vehicle has been reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. Last week we got over 2 feet of snow, my wife had to go to work so I had her drive the Axiom. Her comment was that it handled as good if not better than her 1997 Jeep Cherokee Grand Larado she purchased new and drove for four years, which is huge because I too liked the way that vehicle handled in bad weather. Ive had good gas mileage for an SUV, it handles well on the open as well as back roads, and it is a handsome looking vehicle.
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Underrated and Awesome - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Anfieldman - August 30 - 10:00 amI really lucked out and bought a 2002 XS model brand new with 70 miles on it in Feb. of 2003 for $23,900. What a great deal. My only complaint about the vehicle is that the tires it comes with are complete crap. Ive already had to replace one of them because of rip in the sidewall. Isuzu should look elsewhere to provide the tires.
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Awesome vehicle! - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By Tommyboyswife - August 12 - 2:00 amOur family purchased one of these (Axiom) last year and we love it! Beautiful and fun!
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Excellent - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By ricrado - August 3 - 3:20 amI am 56" and 167 lb for me this is the best car ever, the only thing I dont like too much is that jumps to much when go in to a bump or something like it. I make a trip of 210 miles and I only use 13 gallons of gas = 21 mpg hwy city 16
