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:

• 

  Ohio Axiom Driver - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Oh Axiom Driver - March 19 - 4:56 am

  Overall Ive been happy with my Ax. The ride is bouncy, and I had to replace my factory tires after 20k mile because I almost flipped it on an exit ramp. I put Pirellis on it and wow, what difference. Ive also had in the shop for transmission problems a couple times...oh and now that Ive passed 100k in miles, I burn a quart of oil a week. This is known problem with the vehicle, but no one knows what to do about it.

• 

  Good for the long haul - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By dcguy - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Axiom base 4x4 for over a year now with 24,000 miles and not a single problem. However, I am very disappointed with the resale value and now feel locked in to owning this truck for many years in order to break even. Although they call this a "crossover", it is only that way in terms of looks. This thing is definitely still a truck underneath and not a very smooth performer, although it certainly has adequate power and feels very solid on the road. Its a good value if you can get one new for under $24k, otherwise there are a ton of other choices worth the extra price. You just have to compare everything, don’t be sold on looks alone.

• 

  LENS Review - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By Ach - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have oewned a number of Isuzus and i cannot say enough about their reliability. Their looks are so-so but their engineering is superior.

• 

  fun to drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By bill - October 23 - 7:16 am

  Great power and good handling. Very reliable except that tranny out at 48,000 but is being replaced under warranty. Good amount of storage in back. Heavy sturdy feel but overall mpg suffers from weight and averages about 15. Blows around a bit in the wind.

• 

  Good SUV - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By alex23 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall great SUV- nice lines inside and out. Goood handling and performance (keep in mind that it is still a truck frame- NOT a car). Nobody knows what it is (if you like that type of thing). Great features for the money. Robert Chevrolet/Isuzu in NJ as a dealer SUCKS!!!

• 

  Isuzu - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By Shuz - June 16 - 10:00 am

  its nice and beautiful but, they have a few problems

• 

  Fun to drive - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By DovBenDov - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We needed a bigger car (9 month old twins) and there was no way we would drive a van even though its more practical. Couldnt be happier. Stroller fits in the back just fine along with whatever we needed to take for our first long trip. Easy to take the kids in and out of their seats. Lots of power for an suv and the styling is great. Got brand new 2002 at 10K below msrp.

• 

  Great SUV/Rough on gas - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
  By mccabe1919 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun drive..Although look out for your gas. It can be rough!

• 

  10,000 miles with no problems - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
  By dcguy - March 22 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is under-rated. The styling will turn some people off, but styling is one the major reasons I chose it (I like being different). Its a great value compared to other SUVs (blows away Jeep and Pathfinder). The ride is tough, so make no mistake you are definitely buying a TRUCK, it just happens to look more car-like, with very car-like amenities. The interior is a bit cheap and plastiky for a $30k MSRP. Im a bit worried now about the resale value. But this truck has a lot going for it, and in 10,000 miles has given me no problems except a few minor squeaks and rattles.

• 

  stylish, fun but needs more power - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
  By 14power - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car 10,000 miles now -- if youre taller than 63" ask your dealer about where to go for a seat conversion -- more leg room is needed! The TOD is awesome. The V6, even though needs some help on hills, has more tourque than it appears. If youre in a hurry the TOD is a lifesaver on wet pavment. It engages at ease. the Sport mode will save your shocks and struts on pothole-filled roads. Dont be fooled by the size of the tires -- they could be wider for more grip around corners.