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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  Axiom is cool! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vuzl - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun to drive, capable on- and off- road vehicle. Very quick to accelarate. I love it. For a good price it has everything that any luxury vehicle has. Well, there two drawbacks that i see: the rear door glass part doesnt open separately and the driver sit has limited ajustments.

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  nothing to complain about - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By JayDLaw - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I only had my Axiom 1 week. It has been great! The interior give the vehicle a luxorious feel. The steering, and excelleration is great. Both my father and sister own Blazers and they love my Axiom. gas milage is not a concern considering that it is an SUV, you want better milage buy a civic. Everyone complements me on my purchase. Accellerates and turns much better in sport suspension mode.

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  Safety - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By BISBISS - May 13 - 12:36 am

  I was rear-ended; I was at a stand still and was hit from behind at about 70 miles per hour. My Axiom was thrown into the guardrail at a great rate of impact. I walked away. There is nothing left of my SUV except an untouched driver and passenger seat. Way to go on safety. The fireman told me he had seen three Axioms involved in bad accidents like mine and the drivers all lived.

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  Very Unique - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By JohnnyLunchBox - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I have 1600 miles already, a few problems. Squeaky rear suspension, blower motor needs replacing, stock tires are terrible. Well engineered and build quality is OK, but not as good as my Nissan Frontier that it has replaced. The transmission works well, and towing ability has been excellent. Despite the minor problems I still love my Axiom!!! I use it as a weekend vehicle and look forward to driving it.

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  Ole Reliable? Well See. - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Charbojr - January 15 - 10:00 am

  3000 miles and overall I like this truck. It looks great and handles well. Has more power than my 99 Saab 9-5SE. Its perfect for the foul weather here in NE. Has had some strange quirks but its an Isuzu not a Land Rover. Plus a warranty youll love to love.

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  Holding My Breath - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By vamc2004 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Except for the pronounced rock & roll Im very impressed with this car. The two ride settings dont seem to be quite right. One too stiff, the other too soft. Many positive comments about the interior and especially the exterior. Somehow, paper litter seems to find its way from the glove compartment to the a/c blower unit. Probably bad design.

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  Update on ole reliable - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Charbojr - September 29 - 9:56 am

  Its been over a year now with over 20K miles clocked and the Axe is holding up nice. We got new tires and that has made a tremendous difference in the handling of this vehicle (Bridgestone Dueler Alenza tires). No more tire squeal or front end plow in the rain and has smoothed out the ride a bit. However the fit and finish on this car is still unnerving. Our sunroof is shot and the door seams (stuffing) is pulling away from the doors. Not exactly the things you want happening to a $28K truck. Still the warranty has saved us and this SUV doesnt mind being abused. Thanks Isuzu.

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  what a great vehicle! - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By COLBY VANSCOY - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE HAD MY AXIOM SINCE 11/02. IT IS BY FAR THE BEST SUV I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE VALUE IS OUTSTANDING.

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  Nice ride, easy to park and fun - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By beeves - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Wed never heard of Axiom. We only test drove Honda Pilot and Element, Lexus RX 330, Nissan Pathfinder and Mercury Mountaineer. Once we test drove the Axiom, we were amazed with its drive quality. It was easy to park even in the tightest space at work. I personally think its comparable to a Honda Pilot in terms of drive comfort and ride quality.

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  Mikes baby - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Mrivardns - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I rate this vehicle below average in terms of Japanese quality vehicles. The paint finish is inferior and my drivers side door does not line up flush to the body of the vehicle. My vehicle is a 2002 first year intro. The side door faux finish chrome bumper guards are deteriorating and the clear plastic covering on them is coming off. Sloppy handling and very numb and sluggish stearing.