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:
Showing 21 through 30 of 238.00-
Whered this come from? - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Army Aviator - May 3 - 10:00 amI happen to notice the Axiom while looking at the Rodeo. The Rodeo was too heavy, so I test drove the Axiom because I thought it looked cool. To my surprise it had everything that was missing from the Escap, Xterra, Rodeo, Explorer. It has the best of all worlds. It rides nicely, however, not like any car. Interiro/Exterior designs are unique. Colors and included accessories are tops.
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Just get one - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Artman5x5 - January 14 - 2:00 amI was leasing a 2000 Honda Passport (Rodeo)and enjoyed the truck. The lease was coming to an end and I was looking at getting another but I wanted to buy not lease. I had spent about 2 months shopping around and comparing other SUVs and for the money, ride and equipment nothing came close to the Axiom. The SUVs that came close to what I was looking for were the new Nissan Murano and GMC Envoy but costing between 3,000 and 5,000 dollars more for a similarly equiped Axiom was not worth it.
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Lovin the Axiom - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By jballenger - December 8 - 2:00 amWhat a pleasure to drive. I testdrove the Pathfinder, the Highlander, the Escape, etc and none of them can compare to the driving experience of the Axiom.
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Great SUV - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By kinte - November 26 - 10:00 amI work at a car Dealership, and I have always liked the style of these vechiles, and it is also one of the more smoother riding mid-sized Suvs. We have 7 different franchises here and this is one of the best. Isuzu has done a great job with this vechile.
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Best SUV you will ever own! - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Luc - November 17 - 8:03 pm4 years and the only repair was a tuning light bulb! Replace the factory Good Years and the ride quality will improve. I got a set of Pirelli Scorpion ATR - 80 miles/hour and you can hear only a little wind noise! Gas mileage is average, but OK for an SUV - I will say better than most SUVs with same engine size. If you are looking for a used SUV, this will beat by far any other used SUV available in value/reliability/price!
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What a vehicle.. - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Scott Adams - November 15 - 2:00 amThis car can be summed up in one word. EXCELLENT. When people ask me to describe it, I tell them to imagine that a Volvo and a Hummer had a baby. You couldnt ask for more standard features.
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EXCELLENT - 2004 Isuzu Axiom
By candleshow - November 4 - 10:00 amThis is the best vehicle I have ever owned. All of the features I was looking for are included and the price was great! I could not have found a better SUV for the same price.
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Axiom = More for your money - 2002 Isuzu Axiom
By Brian3B - October 25 - 2:00 amCant beat the luxury-like appearance/feel for the money. 100 times nicer than the rodeo, and i got it cheaper! V-6 outruns just about every other SUV out there -- very responsive. handles very well, looks great, drives very good... dont believe all of those harsh reviews out there-- test drive one! the warranty backs it up!
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good so far - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By edf100 - October 9 - 10:00 amonly had a short time but seems real solid.as a previous owner of 61 other vehicles I am more than qualified to give a realistic view.I have owned most sport utes including 4 grand cherokee v8s,4 runners,land cruisers,blazers and many others.feels light and agile compared to american sport utes and gas milage is at least 20% better.
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Axiom - 2003 Isuzu Axiom
By davi - September 21 - 8:26 amThis is the best SUV on market til 2005, Quality is Isuzus best selling point. I change oil every 7000 miles.
