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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TOD PROBLEMS ARE EXPENSIVE - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Jon - November 2 - 3:53 pmI purchased my Axiom on 11/26/2001. At the time I was attracted by the zero percent financing and nice look of the body style. The vehicle drinks gas like an elephant. 12.2 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. This is terrible for a six cylinder. The tires are Goodyears and are terrible. They do not corner well and are terrible on the highway. If you are foolish enough to buy this vehicle do yourself a favor and change the tires right away. The sensors for the TOD are expensive and mine went after 37 months. I still owe $9,000.00 on the vehicle and already Im putting big money into it. It only has 30,000 miles on it. I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone.
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Get your wallet ready - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By MrSwade - February 16 - 10:00 amIn a little over 2 years I have had the breaks replaced twice. Not the pads but the drums, rotors and other hardware. The vehicle lurches when coming to a stop even from a slow roll. I bought it on impulse after owning a Rodeo and swearing I would never by another Isuzu but I didnt listen to myself and got fooled by the styling and hype. It has been ti the dealer 6 times. The leather quality is better in my mothers Kia Sorento and that SUV rides 10 times better. When I first got the Axiom it turned alot of heads, now it just keeps turning my stomach. Do yourself a BIG favor. Do not buy the Axiom!
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Dont be fooled - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Napertucktim - October 17 - 10:00 amThe Isuzu warranty isnt worth the paper its written on. 3/50 doesnt cover major brake components (not talking about pads) along with many other parts and 10/120 appears to be a joke. Dealership lied about warranty and build quality is sub-par at best. Isuzu customer service is horrible and will not stand behind their product and will blame dealer for problems. Buy a Subaru or spend a little more to get a quality vehicle because low price reflects poor quality and reliability at Isuzu.
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Think twice before you buy! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By M. PERRINE - April 13 - 3:06 pmWithin 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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Poor house - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By S - October 12 - 4:53 amSince the engine blew 3 months after I bought it ($6000.00), I have spent an additional $4000.00 on repairing everything, and still brakes not working properly. I know I should have gotten rid of it a long time ago, but dealer screwed me so bad Im stuck with it for another 2 years. Id love to get some of my money back. I owned Isuzus for 8 years prior, but never again.
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send it back - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By jvp - May 13 - 10:00 amit is the worst
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FUN LITTLE SUV BUT GAS HOG!!!! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By jt - April 8 - 10:30 amI had bought this car without doing any information about the car, If I were you listen to this REVIEW!!!!!! I had bought it Aug. 2006 w/79xxx miles and when I got home I relized the shocks needed to be replaced....yeah no prob. but like $200 a shock...ouch... and finding parts for this car is IMPOSIBLE!!!!! especially the front control pannel...b/c this car has buttons to control like AM/FM and AC the buttons fall out and I so far have taped them cause it costs $500 to replace the hole pannel not just the buttons...anyhow that is about it besides the back leg room is horrible and the back storage is also bad ....but that is what you get for a SMALL SUV....AND ITS A GAS HOG about 13/17.
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Aximon - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By fbyers - December 21 - 10:00 amIm not exactly crazy about this SUV. The one I have willnt free wheel going down hill at 40 to 50 miles hr. It down shift out of over drive tactmeter will go from a 2 to 3 or 3.50. One reason I think this is not normal it doesnt happen everytime. I dont think this should happen. Would like to know if anyone else has this promblem. I would think this cuts down on miles per gallon. Back door is to narrow doesnt open wider enough for easy exit. This simply a bad design in the car. Really no reason why the back door should be this way. I different hing could solve this problem.
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Axiom=Edsel of the 21st Century - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By Jean-Claude - September 13 - 2:00 amThis vehicle is highly unpredictable. I am constantly having transmission and electrical trouble. The vehicle will not stay in alignment. I have already tried to trade it in. However, I paid thirty-thousand for a vehicle now blue booked at around 10K only a year and a half after purchase. I should have bought a Honda.
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engine misfires - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By betrayed - March 18 - 10:00 amthe direct inject engine stated to misfire at 3500 miles. after 8 trips to the dealer, the repair person says " this engine was designed to misfire". nearly had a couple of accidents when entering traffic and the engine misfires. now have a data recorder because they are not able to duplicate the problem even though the codes show engine misfire. i expected more.
