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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  The Ax on Axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Landover - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The sporty looking 4 door midsize suv from Isuzu is supposed to be the replacement vehicle for the Trooper. Although smaller its appeal is more appealing.

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  Not that impressed... - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Disappointed inKC - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Has been in the shop 3 times in 6 weeks with defects that "cannot be replicated" once at the dealer. Rubber "boot" around front doors which is supposed to keep air out keeps coming off (has been fixed twice in 6 weeks). Strong gas smell after running for about 15 mins. Makes bad noise when backing up. Wipers quit working within 1 week of owning. Less than 10,000 miles on this vehicle. Last time I buy foreign. Give me a Ford any day!

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  D.O.A. 2004 Axiom - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Abbey - June 21 - 5:30 pm

  We previously owned an Isuzu Rodeo which we had almost 300,000 miles when we sold it. It was still running great so we decided to purchase another Isuzu. The Axioms were being discontinued so we got a bargain on it. The car now has 71,000 miles on it and has been in for repair twice within the last six months for the same problem. No warning lights come on, but the engine starts to make a strange noise and stops. Both times the vehicle was almost completely out of oil with no warning whatsoever. It shows no signs of leaking underneath and is not exhausting black smoke. The dealers have been vague in diagnosing the problem. I believe the car is cursed and has been a lemon all along.

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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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  Confused Owner - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By Confused Owner - September 12 - 10:36 am

  I bought my 03 Axiom in Dec 08. The first 5 days I fell in love with this vehicle. On the 6th day the transmission started slipping. I thought it was something I was doing. Every time I begin to accelerate my truck would jerk like it didnt want to go. I took it back to the dealership and of course it didnt do the jerk while they drove it. I took it to the service dept. where they supposedly did a transmission flush and it stopped the slipping for awhile. Its back now. I am so frustrated with this vehicle. Im on the verge of taking it back.

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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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  Axiom driving - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By tom mcgrath - November 20 - 3:00 am

  The vehicle has been quite good and not required other than normal maintenance. Got it to tow my boat and it is quite adequate. Need to replace rear wiper arm and it is a very non standard design, though the front arms are standard. Cant buy it anywhere. Top heavy like all SUV/4wd and need to be aware of that. Gas mileage is poor - average 19.5 under the best of conditions, much worse with a load.

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  Not for Kids - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By SAHC - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Overall, nice looking vehicle, fun to drive, however there is not enough room for a rear-facing car seat in the back. The back doors do not open wide enough to easily put in a car seat with a baby latched in, and when the carseat is in, the front 2 seats have to be adjusted all the way forward, which leaves no leg room to drive. Back seat needs to be roomier.

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  had my axiom for 5 years - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Trish - April 1 - 1:30 pm

  One thing that I loved about the axiom was the outside design. But dont let that fool you. I have had nothing but troubles with this SUV from the transmission, to the electrical, and the list continues. I am very disappointed in Isuzu and will never by one again. Plus on top of all the problems the parts are hard to find and real expensive. To make matter worst this car bounces like crazy no matter what Ive done. Buyer beware!

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  ROTTEN EGG SMELL - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By tami j - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Immediately after purchasing the vehicle we noticed a rotten egg smell from the exhaust and have had it in 3 times to be investigated and to no avail, the dealer says that Isuzu says it is a "normal" smell for their engine and there is nothing I can do about it, besides reducing the sulfur content in my gasoline. The suspension is horrible in this vehicle and the steering nearly requires 20 turns to pull a sharp turn off. Overall, we are not happy with this vehicle at all and our hands are tied because the value dropped by $8,000.00 in value 4 months after our purchase.