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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  Not an explorer - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Axme a question - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Pros: -Fun to drive... -Decent power and brakes. -TOD is a great feature for everyone. -Often mistaken for an Audi $$$. -Trailer towing no problem. -Smooth shifting. Cons: -Low interior headroom takes getting used to. -Rear access is tough for adults, ok for adult short rides once your seated. -Need a hard hat for the lift gate becuase it does not raise high enough. -Auto lock feature not available. -You must remove the rear seat headrest to fold the cargo area flat, what were they thinking??? -Average higway mileage is 17- 19mpg...ouch -The zero % financing was the deciding factor in this purchase.

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  Great wheels! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By rnobadger - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Very comfortable & quiet ride.

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  future is here - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By jagwr72 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Very different from any other SUV out there.Love the looks.Handels very nice on sport suspension mode, doesnt have that boaty feel others have(Grand cherokee, explorer...)

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  Its better than the Editors think - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Richard Hall - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I am 53, a car enthusiast and race. Owned Jeeps for years and go off road. The editors rating seems inconsisent. We paid $22000 for a new 2003 with 2004s at $24500. A Kia Sorento came close but Jeeps etc very over priced in comparison Keep the tires at 26 lb and ride is fine. No p[roblems with steering and room for 6fter. Controls are intuitive and simple to use. Our latest easy higway run at 70 mph resulted in 23 mpg I expect overall use to be 20 mpg or 4 pm better than our Jeep. I am a Certified Financial Planner professional and believe long term costs willb e lower than buying a 2 or 3 year old Jeep. I think the Axiom is a great value.

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  You could do much worse - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By KingMikey - August 20 - 11:23 am

  Honestly, I had this car for 7 years and 105K before my wife totaled it last week and with the exception of an AC compressor a year or two ago, the vehicle was flawless. I towed a 3500lb boat and it was perfect. Even with the 2WD model the limited slip system never got me stuck at a boat ramp or anywhere else. And it always had plenty of power to tow that boat. Fuel efficiency was always a problem whether towing or not though.

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  Sleek Looking Gas Hog - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By miwokman - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck 2 years and it hasnt let me down. Fun to drive, plenty of zip, and when the kids are not in the back, nice cornering with "Sport" drive engaged. The bad - the gas milelage stinks - expect 14 mpg if you drive in stop and go traffic or do lots of city driving. This means a fill up every 225 miles with the small 16.9 gallon tank (go further if you like looking at the "low fuel" warning). Ride is harsh in the back seat, futher harsh when sport is engaged.

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  2002 Isuzu Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By gretchensanchez - April 1 - 10:00 am

  In my experience having owned and used the vehicle for two years now, I have found the following. The interior color selections of camel/black interior is too light shows dirt and wear quickly. The backseat cargo conversion is cumbersome. You have to move the front seats forwards, remove backseat headrests, pull lower portion of seat forward and then back seat will fold down. In addition I have found that the exterior is extremely easy to ding scratch/dent. We have also experienced a number of problems with the braking system.

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  Fun to Drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By William - March 5 - 7:50 am

  Truck is fun to drive, could get better gas mileage. Plenty of torque.

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  Generally Sastified. - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Jimbobalina - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Drivers seat does not go back far enough.Tight leg room on drivers side.Drivers seat back does not pivot at base,instead it pivots at mid back area.

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  2002 Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Rev3Racer - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Axiom the week they came out. I was in the market for an SUV to pull my new bigger boat. Just had my 30,000 mile check-up. The vehicle has been flawless. In 30,00 miles, Ive had one driving light go, and thats t. I use Mobil 1 synthetic every 5,000 miles. The truck pulls my 23 foot boat with no problems. I would say my only complaint is the ride stinks on bumpy roads. It is great for highway diving, and handles way better than the other SUVs I tested. Overall, Im very happy with my decision. If you told me 3 ears ago, I would be driving an Isuzu, I probably would have laughed out loud. I was wrong. Its been a very good experience.