2002 Isuzu Axiom Review
Fuel Economy
16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Like most Isuzu SUVs, the Axiom is a middle-of-the-road effort, amounting to little more than a rehashed Rodeo wearing nice duds and a Halloween mask for effect.
Pros
Strong V6, distinctive styling, unique features.
Cons
Limited drivetrain choices, old tech underpinnings.
What's New for 2002
Debuting this year as Isuzu's fifth sport-ute model, the Axiom attempts to blend the rugged nature of a sport-utility with the style and driving dynamics of a sedan. It features a retuned version of the Trooper's 3.5-liter V6, Isuzu's Torque On Demand (TOD) four-wheel-drive system, an Integrated Monitor System (IMS) that controls both the climate control and audio systems and a trick trip computer synchronized with the U.S. Atomic clock.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Ohio Axiom Driver
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Overall I've 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 Pirelli's on it and wow, what difference. I've also had in the shop for transmission problems a couple times...oh and now that I've 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.
Favorite Features
The interior!! Lots of nice features, from the heated leather, to climate control...very nice.
Suggested Improvements
Well, if they were still being sold here, I say fix the bounce in the suspension, work on the reliability of the transmission, and do something about the burning of oil once the engine ages.
Model prone to Frame Rust-through
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
02 Axiom with 85K miles. We live in central MA and driven by my wife who babies the car. Rear Trailing Arm/Stabilizer completely rusted off the frame. Completely unacceptable on today's car. Same frame as Rodeo and Honda Passport. Do NOT BUY this car until you physically check for frame rust and specifically on the rear trailing arms.
Favorite Features
V6 Power, quiet drive, transmission
Suggested Improvements
None. This car is dead and Isuzu no longer sells cars in North America as of January 2009. Now we know why!
You could do much worse
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Axiom 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
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.
Favorite Features
Acceleration...Acceleration...Acceleration...Nice Turning radius too!
Suggested Improvements
Bouncy ride and Awful gas mileage.
Woah
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I will start off by saying I am very picky about my ride, and I love this vehicle it caught my eye at first but to be fair I looked around the lot only to return to it and peek inside, this is when I turned into a kid. Sweet interior, I knew 2 minutes into my test drive I was hooked. This SUV is unique and I get loads of compliments, I was previously interested in the Scion lineup & the Element but this is so me. The engine sounds like a tuned up car in power drive, super fun. Yes the pass doors could open more, the ride is wobbly in comfort, & the steering around turns uses more muscle but try to find an SUV that is perfect.. There isn't one, but this is very close.
Favorite Features
Ext./int., ride, passing ability, torque, sound system, autodimming rearview mirror, multi disc player, comfy seats, dual tone int., RED illuminating console looks sweet at night, girthy steering wheel, the stop and stares.
Suggested Improvements
Fuel economy, can be a bouncy ride (I just always use sport mode better handling anyway & no more bounce), hard to find parts (no one cares), hard coat on side mirrors peeling.
7 years and still going strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 Isuzu Axiom 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Bought it new 8/02. Seven years, 60k miles now. Regular maintenance service (oil changes,air filter). Replaced the s-belt myself @ 45k miles. No other service. New BF Goodrich tires @ 50k miles.On the way to tire dealer, just to see what power this 6cyl had I held the brake, put the pedal to the floor, slowly released the brake and smoked the tires for 200 ft. Avg 18.1 mpg since day one. Haven't reset since I bought it. Too bad Isuzu pulled out of US. I definitely would have bought another by now. Traded in a '97 Rodeo (bought new, had 137000 miles on it in 5 years, zero repairs) for this one.
Favorite Features
The adjustable shocks, self dimming mirror, the auto-climate control-the fact that I don't have to reset the outside air option each time I start car, unlike most vehicles, huge cargo area with/without folding down the seats, info screen (compass, clock, mpg info-ahead of of its time) overall look.
Suggested Improvements
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2004 Isuzu Axiom
- 2003 Isuzu Axiom
- 2002 Isuzu Axiom
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