2002 Isuzu Axiom Review
2002 Isuzu Axiom Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+36
Used Axiom for sale
Appraise This CarSee Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong V6, distinctive styling, unique features.
Cons
- Limited drivetrain choices, old tech underpinnings.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Isuzu Axiom 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Rhode Island.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Rhode Island
$280/mo for Axiom Base
Axiom Base
vs
$212/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
With bold styling and numerous gee-whiz gadgets, Isuzu's all-new Axiom is attempting to snare buyers who like the idea of a tough, versatile SUV, but don't particularly desire the ill handling or boxy styling of most sky-high sport-utes.
Underneath, the Axiom is essentially the same as its Rodeo brother, employing a body-on-frame architecture typical of most truck-based SUVs. Unequal-length control arms and torsion bars make up the front suspension, while coil springs and a five-link system locate the solid rear axle. Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control (ISC) is standard, using multiple sensors and a dedicated CPU to constantly monitor and adjust the shock settings for either a sport-oriented ride, or a softer, more comfortable feel depending on the driver's selection via a dashboard-mounted switch.
The Axiom is powered by a retuned version of the 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the larger Trooper, producing 230 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 230 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm. With a couple hundred less pounds to haul around than its bigger brother, the Axiom should move somewhat more quickly than the lumbering Trooper. An electronically controlled four-speed overdrive automatic that features both power and winter modes is the only transmission available. Four-wheel-drive models get the Torque-On-Demand four wheel drive system that attempts to "predict" slippage by actively monitoring the wheels, brakes and throttle. It then transfers power to the wheels with the most traction for maximum control.
The interior of the Axiom is highlighted by two-tone trim and the centrally mounted Integrated Monitor System (IMS). It handles all of the climate controls as well as the premium sound system and the atomically correct digital clock. The idea was too reduce knob and button clutter, and the futuristic-looking console certainly is different, but sharp eyes will notice that the interior is still very similar to the Rodeo's. Cargo capacity inside is a very respectable 85.4 cu. ft, besting just about every midsize SUV on the market other than the Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer.
There are only two trim levels for the Axiom: base and XS. Base models include almost every available feature including 17-inch wheels, keyless entry, automatic climate control, dual front airbags, four-way power adjustable driver seat and a six-disc CD changer. XS models add leather/heated seats, leather door inserts, a power adjustable passenger seat and a power tilt moonroof.
Despite the unique gadgets, the Axiom's biggest selling point is still its distinctive styling. Whether or not that will be enough to sway buyers away from traditional SUVs remains to be seen, but knowing the fashion-conscious tendencies of the typical SUV buyer, the Axiom has a fighting chance.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Isuzu Axiom.
5 star(66%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
151 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
My 2002 Axiom
Bill McKinney, 06/22/2007
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
Car has been very reliable and is eye-catching in appearance. I still get people asking me, even after 5 years old and 3 years since last Axiom was made, what kind of car it is and where can they look at a new one. The styling obviously made it impossible to put in a third row seat but have to say that I have never needed to carry more than 5 people and sometimes go for months with … the rear seats folded down. It's been a great car and although I plan on my next purchase being a sedan, I will keep the Axiom.
4 out of 5 stars
Safety
BISBISS, 06/23/2006
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I was rear-ended; I was at a stand still and was hit from behind at about 70 miles per hour. My Axiom was thrown into the guardrail at a great rate of impact. I walked away. There is nothing left of my SUV except an untouched driver and passenger seat. Way to go on safety. The fireman told me he had seen three Axioms involved in bad accidents like mine and the drivers all lived.
5 out of 5 stars
Fan of Isuzu
texasheart, 05/02/2011
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 2WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
I bought my '02 Axiom used in '05 with 12K miles on it.
She now has 110K miles and is still going strong.
She looks cool, is a great road trip car because she's so comfortable and has been completely reliable.
I don't take exceptional care of my vehicles, but she keeps on going without any complaints or major issues.
I'm the type of person who trades up every 3 years, but I've had this … car for 5 and intend to keep her for a long time.
My first Isuzu was an Amigo and I'd still have it if I didn't let it run out of oil.
Oops.
My Axiom was the replacement.
3.88 out of 5 stars
fun to drive
bill, 08/29/2005
2002 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
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.
2002 Axiom Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,535 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $280/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover3 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
Consider these recommendations
Related Used 2002 Isuzu Axiom info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Kia Niro 2019 For Sale
- Used Maybach 57 2010
- Used Audi Q7 2019
- Used Toyota 4Runner 2018
- Used Toyota RAV4 2021
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Jaguar XF 2023
- 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe
- Jeep Wagoneer L 2023
- 2025 BMW 4 Series
- Nissan Titan 2024
- Bentley Bentayga 2023
- 2023 HUMMER EV
- 2023 Silverado 3500HD
- 2023 Dodge Hornet
- 2024 Porsche Boxster
Other models
- New Toyota Venza for Sale in Monroeville, PA
- New Audi R8 for Sale in Orange Park, FL
- Used Audi TT in Moscow, ID
- Used Mazda 626 in Kennewick, WA
- Used Nissan Versa in Cypress, TX
- Used Ford C-Max-Energi in Waxahachie, TX
- Used Ford Escort in New Braunfels, TX
- New Jaguar E-Pace for Sale in Bay Shore, NY
- Used Suzuki XL-7 in Circleville, OH
- Used Ford Ranger in Grand Blanc, MI