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2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Isuzu Axiom. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Isuzu Axiom.
2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom Review
Isuzu placed a sleeker body on its midsize Rodeo SUV chassis and installed a larger V6, to create the Axiom for 2002. Axioms were offered in base and uplevel XS trim levels. They shared a 3.5-liter V6 from Isuzu's recently-retired Trooper SUV. A four-speed automatic was the only transmission. Axioms were available with rear-wheel drive or with Isuzu's Torque On Demand four-wheel drive, which can be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Although Axioms shared the Rodeo's wheelbase, they were six inches longer and about 1.6 inches taller. The Axiom's body was considerably curvier. Side airbags were unavailable, but antilock braking was standard. Also included were 17-inch alloy wheels and Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control, which was basically electronically managed shock-absorber damping. Axioms with four-wheel drive had rear disc brakes instead of drums. The XS upgraded the base model with fog lamps, a sunroof, heated front seats, and leather upholstery. Axiom rivals included the Dodge Durango, Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota Highlander.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Isuzu Axiom: An antitheft ignition system and revised interior trim were its only changes for 2003. A rear spoiler was available for the XS model.
2004 Isuzu Axiom: Revisions to its V6 engine gave the Axiom an additional 20 horsepower for 2004. Operating with direct injection and variable valve timing, the new 3.5-liter V6 promised improved fuel economy and performance. Intelligent Suspension Control was standard on all except the two-wheel-drive S model. During the 2004 model year, a tire-pressure monitor was expected to become standard.
2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom Road Test
Pros Cons
Cargo room Ride
Control layout
Seat comfort
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Performance ranks around class-average. When new, a test 4WD XS Axiom accelerated to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds. On the down side, the V6 feels somewhat labored, aggravated by syrupy throttle response and a need for a hefty shove on the accelerator for best pickup. Isuzu claimed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds for the 250-hp engine introduced in 2004. Isuzu's Torque On Demand 4WD system is unobtrusive. Fuel economy averaged 17.4 mpg in tests that included plenty of highway miles. Another example averaged only 13.4 mpg in testing that included gas-eating performance runs. Axioms use regular-grade fuel. Despite the adjustable suspension, ride quality is poor overall. Normal mode doesn't absorb bumps well, and also allows queasy wallow and residual bouncing. The firmer Sport setting controls body motions better, but makes things jittery-harsh except on glassy surfaces. As for steering/handling, the Axiom's gimmicky suspension cannot disguise the aged Rodeo chassis. Handling is generally imprecise--far sloppier than in car-based unibody rivals such as the Toyota Highlander. Expect mediocre grip and marked body lean in corners, especially in Normal mode, which also allows unruly nosedive and rebounding in hard stops. Slow, numb steering is another drawback, and an Axiom is easily blown about by gusty crosswinds. Quietness falls below class-average. The V6 is coarse and throbby, except in gentle cruising. Wind rush is evident from 40 mph, tire roar marked on all but unblemished asphalt. Instruments and stalk controls are acceptable, but look-alike audio and climate buttons are distinguished only by color. Their settings appear on a central screen that's crowded with outside-temperature, date, and time readouts. The display is busy and washes out in bright light. Nicely padded interior surfaces clash with budget-grade molded plastics and cut-rate painted-metal-look trim pieces. One text Axiom suffered several rattles after only 3500 miles. Rather shapeless, low-set front seats allow decent six-footer headroom, but force awkward legs-out posture and don't have height or cushion-tilt adjustments. Outward visibility is generally good, enhanced by large side mirrors. The rear bench seat is also low and shapeless, lacking in thigh support. It's too narrow for uncrowded three-abreast travel. Knee clearance is good, but there's little toe room and marginal six-footer head room. Rear entry/exit is impeded by a high step-up and rear doors that don't swing out very far. At the rear, the liftgate lacks separate-opening glass and doesn't rise very high, so anyone above 5-foot-8 must stoop beneath it. The split rear seat double-folds to create a flat floor, but headrests must be removed first. Total load volume and small-items storage are nothing special.
Value for the Money
Underwhelming is the word for Isuzu's Axiom. Beneath its edgy styling, the Axiom is troublingly trucky and trails any number of car-based "crossovers" for value, refinement, performance--and even utility. Lack of third-row seating is another drawback these days, for a midsize SUV. Because Axiom sales have been snail-paced, prices may be low.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Isuzu Axiom Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 3
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 4
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 5
Room/Comfort (rear) 4
Cargo Capacity 7
Value within Class 3
Total: 41
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission may leak fluid from the accumulator cover requiring a revised cover. (2002)
Automatic transmission: The transmission may flare (seemingly slip) when upshifting between 2nd. and 3rd. requiring recalibration of the computer. (2002)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $740
Alternator $485
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $2,200
Brakes $390
Constant Velocity Joints $2,310
Exhaust System $450
Radiator $870
Shocks and/or Struts $990
Timing Chain or Belt $590
NHTSA Recall History
2002: Due to the lack of a specific component of the passenger-side air bag during manufacturing, the airbag will not inflate properly if needed. Dealers will replace the airbag.
2002: Isuzu is offering owners an improved roof section of the vehicle designed to better withstand the impact of a crash and protect occupants' heads.
2002-04: In five specified states, if fuel has been contaminated with silicon, small pinholes may develop in fuel pump feed port; leakage could lead to fire.
2003: The brake warning lamp will not illuminate if there is a decreased amount of brake fluid. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.
2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
2002
Axiom 2WD $7,200-8,100 $6,400-7,200 $3,500-4,000
Axiom 4WD $8,300-9,300 $7,500-8,400 $4,300-4,800
2003
Axiom 2WD $9,000-10,300 $8,100-9,300 $4,700-5,400
Axiom 4WD $10,200-11,400 $9,200-10,300 $5,300-5,900
2004
Axiom 2WD $11,200-12,500 $10,100-11,300 $6,000-6,800
Axiom 4WD $12,400-13,700 $11,200-12,300 $7,100-7,800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
2002-2004 Isuzu Axiom Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 106.4
Overall Length, in. 182.6
Overall Width, in. 70.7
Overall Height, in. 67.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 4180
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 85.4
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 19.5
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.1
Rear Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.0
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 2002-03, Isuzu's 3.5-liter, dual-overhead-cam V-6 engine made 230 horsepower and teamed with a four-speed automatic transmission. For 2004, Isuzu introduced a direct-injection gasoline engine rated at 250 horsepower. Axioms may have rear-drive or four-wheel drive.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.5 / 213 230 236 4-speed automatic: 16/20 4-speed automatic: --
dohc V6 3.5 / 213 250 246 4-speed automatic: 17/21 4-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
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