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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  great car - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By cneeda - July 17 - 10:00 am

  great car, a must drive

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  perfect mix - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By pbrsbnsr - May 27 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle combines the best of two worlds (SUV/Sedan) Isuzu has done a great job with this vehicle. The storage capacity is better than many other SUVs I have owned.

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  Fun truck - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shakey - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Axion last week, and it has been really fun to drive. It is comfortable and powerful. I love it.

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  Model prone to Frame Rust-through - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By MA Axiom Driver - May 12 - 5:36 pm

  02 Axiom with 85K miles. We live in central MA and driven by my wife who babies the car. Rear Trailing Arm/Stabilizer completely rusted off the frame. Completely unacceptable on todays car. Same frame as Rodeo and Honda Passport. Do NOT BUY this car until you physically check for frame rust and specifically on the rear trailing arms.

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  Whered this come from? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Army Aviator - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I happen to notice the Axiom while looking at the Rodeo. The Rodeo was too heavy, so I test drove the Axiom because I thought it looked cool. To my surprise it had everything that was missing from the Escap, Xterra, Rodeo, Explorer. It has the best of all worlds. It rides nicely, however, not like any car. Interiro/Exterior designs are unique. Colors and included accessories are tops.

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  Think twice before you buy! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By M. PERRINE - April 13 - 3:06 pm

  Within the 1st month of buying my 2002 Isuzu Axiom the A/C fan motor went out. Now two years later it has happened three times. The rear shocks are now being replaced, the fog lights have blown two times, the brake lights have gone out once, there has been a rattling noise in the engine for about six months, and now the display screen has started to black out. Not to mention the fact that the car depreciated over 50% within the 1st year of ownership which has forced me to keep it even though it always seems to be in the shop. Think TWICE before you buy this one!

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  MONEY PIT!! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By jnevenson - March 1 - 1:31 am

  We bought our 03 in February 2013. It had 113,XXX miles on it and I fell in love with it. 5 minutes after paying for it, it died going down the highway! We baought a brand new transmission and had it put it, and have taken back atleast once a month because it keeps sliping. Then the fuel pump went out, and the day the fuel pump was fixed, the transmission went out again. After owning it for 7 months, we have put more money into keeping it running than what we paid for it in the first place. I LOVE this car, (WHEN IT RUNS!!) but after sinking every penny we had and after being stranded on the road multiple times with my children, we are just taking a loss and selling for anything we can get.

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  Just get one - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Artman5x5 - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I was leasing a 2000 Honda Passport (Rodeo)and enjoyed the truck. The lease was coming to an end and I was looking at getting another but I wanted to buy not lease. I had spent about 2 months shopping around and comparing other SUVs and for the money, ride and equipment nothing came close to the Axiom. The SUVs that came close to what I was looking for were the new Nissan Murano and GMC Envoy but costing between 3,000 and 5,000 dollars more for a similarly equiped Axiom was not worth it.

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  Lovin the Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By jballenger - December 8 - 2:00 am

  What a pleasure to drive. I testdrove the Pathfinder, the Highlander, the Escape, etc and none of them can compare to the driving experience of the Axiom.

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  Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By kinte - November 26 - 10:00 am

  I work at a car Dealership, and I have always liked the style of these vechiles, and it is also one of the more smoother riding mid-sized Suvs. We have 7 different franchises here and this is one of the best. Isuzu has done a great job with this vechile.