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2004 Isuzu Axiom Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2004 Isuzu Axiom Review:
2004 Isuzu Axiom Review
Isuzu's crossover SUV gains 20 hp for 2004. Axiom is basically a midsize Rodeo SUV with a sleeker body. It comes in S and uplevel XS models. Both have a 3.5-liter V6, now with revisions that boost it to 250 hp. A 4-speed automatic is the sole transmission. Axioms are available with rear-wheel drive or Isuzu's Torque On Demand 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and has low-range gearing. Axiom shares Rodeo's wheelbase but is 6 inches longer overall. ABS is standard. Side airbags are unavailable. Both models have 17-inch alloy wheels, and 4WD versions have rear disc brakes instead of drums. Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control, which automatically varies shock-absorber firmness, is standard on all but the 2WD S. XS models come with a sunroof, heated front seats, and leather upholstery.
News
Axiom and its Rodeo parent end production in July 2004. Though SUV demand is as strong as ever, Isuzu still struggles to survive as a vehicle maker in the face of continuing meager U.S. sales. The end of Axiom and Rodeo leaves dealers with only the GM-sourced Ascender until model-year 2007. At that point, sources expect a midsize body-on-frame SUV based on a pickup built in low-wage Thailand--assuming Isuzu is not forced to abandon retail sales before then.
2004 Isuzu Axiom Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Cargo room | Control layout |
| Ride | |
| Seat comfort | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
No opportunity to test with 250-hp V6, but Isuzu claims 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Test 2003 230-hp 4WD XS Axiom did 0-60 mph in a class-average in 8.3 sec.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.8 |
No opportunity to test with 250-hp V6, but Isuzu claims 7.5 sec 0-60 mph. Test 2003 230-hp 4WD XS Axiom did 0-60 mph in a class-average in 8.3 sec.
Fuel Economy
Test 230-hp Axioms averaged 17.4 mpg with lots of highway miles, just 13.4 mpg in testing that included gas-eating performance runs. Revised 3.5 has slightly higher EPA ratings and should match or improve upon those numbers. Axiom uses regular-grade fuel.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.8 |
Test 230-hp Axioms averaged 17.4 mpg with lots of highway miles, just 13.4 mpg in testing that included gas-eating performance runs. Revised 3.5 has slightly higher EPA ratings and should match or improve upon those numbers. Axiom uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Poor overall, even with adjustable suspension. Normal mode not very absorbent and allows queasy wallow and residual bouncing. Firmer Sport setting controls body motions but feels jittery and harsh except on glassy surfaces.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 3 | 4.5 |
Poor overall, even with adjustable suspension. Normal mode not very absorbent and allows queasy wallow and residual bouncing. Firmer Sport setting controls body motions but feels jittery and harsh except on glassy surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Here too, gimmicky suspension can't disguise aged Rodeo chassis. Handling generally imprecise, far sloppier than in car-based rivals such as Toyota Highlander. Mediocre grip, marked body lean in corners, especially in Normal mode, which also allows unruly nosedive and rebounding in hard stops. Slow, numb steering. And Axiom is easily blown about by gusty crosswinds.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 3 | 3.7 |
Here too, gimmicky suspension can't disguise aged Rodeo chassis. Handling generally imprecise, far sloppier than in car-based rivals such as Toyota Highlander. Mediocre grip, marked body lean in corners, especially in Normal mode, which also allows unruly nosedive and rebounding in hard stops. Slow, numb steering. And Axiom is easily blown about by gusty crosswinds.
Quietness
V6 coarse and throbby except in gentle cruising, wind rush evident from 40 mph, tire roar marked on all but unblemished asphalt.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.4 |
V6 coarse and throbby except in gentle cruising, wind rush evident from 40 mph, tire roar marked on all but unblemished asphalt.
Controls
Look-alike audio and climate buttons distinguished only by color. Their settings appear on a central screen crowded with date, time, and outside-temperature data. 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 test Axiom had several rattles after only 3500 mi.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 4 | 6.2 |
Look-alike audio and climate buttons distinguished only by color. Their settings appear on a central screen crowded with date, time, and outside-temperature data. 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 test Axiom had several rattles after only 3500 mi.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Rather shapeless, low-set seats allow decent 6-footer head room but force awkward legs-out posture and lack height or cushion-tilt adjustments. Generally good outward visibility, enhanced by large side mirrors.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.4 |
Rather shapeless, low-set seats allow decent 6-footer head room but force awkward legs-out posture and lack height or cushion-tilt adjustments. Generally good outward visibility, enhanced by large side mirrors.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Bench seat also low, shapeless, lacking in thigh support. Too narrow for uncrowded three-abreast travel. Good knee clearance, but little toe room, marginal 6-footer head room. Entry/exit impeded by high step-up and rear doors that don't swing out very far.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.6 |
Bench seat also low, shapeless, lacking in thigh support. Too narrow for uncrowded three-abreast travel. Good knee clearance, but little toe room, marginal 6-footer head room. Entry/exit impeded by high step-up and rear doors that don't swing out very far.
Cargo Room
Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass and doesn't rise very high, so anyone above 5-ft-8 must stoop beneath it. Split rear seat double-folds to create a flat floor, but headrests must be removed first. Total load volume and small-items storage nothing special.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.8 |
Liftgate lacks separate-opening glass and doesn't rise very high, so anyone above 5-ft-8 must stoop beneath it. Split rear seat double-folds to create a flat floor, but headrests must be removed first. Total load volume and small-items storage nothing special.
Value within Class
Underwhelming. Beneath its edgy styling, Axiom is troublingly trucky and trails other crossovers for value, refinement, and utility. And lack of 3rd-row seating is a drawback these days for a midsize SUV. Axiom sales are snail-paced, so don't buy without a big price cut.
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 2 | 5.1 |
Underwhelming. Beneath its edgy styling, Axiom is troublingly trucky and trails other crossovers for value, refinement, and utility. And lack of 3rd-row seating is a drawback these days for a midsize SUV. Axiom sales are snail-paced, so don't buy without a big price cut.
Total Score
| 4WD XS | Class Average |
| 40 | 52.3 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 39 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2004 Isuzu Axiom Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 10/03/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD S 4-door wagon | $24,849 | $23,358 | $650 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD S 4-door wagon | $27,499 | $25,849 | $650 |
|
|
|||
| 2WD XS 4-door wagon | $28,499 | $26,789 | $650 |
|
|
|||
| 4WD XS 4-door wagon | $30,499 | $28,669 | $650 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
S
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 4-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, trip computer, map lights, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper/washer, intermittent wipers, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates, full-size spare tire, 235/65R17 tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, leather wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cargo cover, automatic adjustable shock absorbers..
XS adds to S:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, power sunroof, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Automatic adjustable shock absorbers, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, limited-slip differential, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Upgrade Pkg.
|
||
|
2WD S
|
$650
|
$611
|
|
Leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated power mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, cargo cover.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
S
|
$1,000
|
$940
|
|
Requires Upgrade Pkg.
|
||
|
Floormats
|
||
|
S, XS
|
$35
|
$32
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Rear spoiler
|
||
|
S
|
$250
|
$235
|
|
Requires Upgrade Pkg.
|
||
|
|
||
2004 Isuzu Axiom Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Isuzu Axiom 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.
Engines
| dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.5 /213 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 250 @ 5600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 246 @ 3000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 17/21 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Isuzu Axiom 4-door wagon |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 7/75,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 7/75,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
USA
Drivewheels:
4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Isuzu Axiom Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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