Used 2003 Isuzu Axiom SUV Consumer Reviews
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Poor house
S, 10/21/2009
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Since the engine blew 3 months after I bought it ($6000.00), I have spent an additional $4000.00 on repairing everything, and still brakes not working properly. I know I should have gotten rid of it a long time ago, but dealer screwed me so bad I'm stuck with it for another 2 years. I'd love to get some of my money back. I owned Isuzus for 8 years prior, but never again.
02 Axiom
cericson, 03/01/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car because, with the rebate, it was a great value. I have been very surprised at how much fun it is to drive. It is exactly the right size and completely trouble free.
Confused Owner
Confused Owner, 01/17/2009
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought my 03 Axiom in Dec 08. The first 5 days I fell in love with this vehicle. On the 6th day the transmission started slipping. I thought it was something I was doing. Every time I begin to accelerate my truck would jerk like it didn't want to go. I took it back to the dealership and of course it didn't do the jerk while they drove it. I took it to the service dept. where they supposedly did a transmission flush and it stopped the slipping for awhile. It's back now. I am so frustrated with this vehicle. I'm on the verge of taking it back.
MONEY PIT!!
jnevenson, 09/27/2013
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
We bought our 03 in February 2013. It had 113,XXX miles on it and I fell in love with it. 5 minutes after paying for it, it died going down the highway! We baought a brand new transmission and had it put it, and have taken back atleast once a month because it keeps sliping. Then the fuel pump went out, and the day the fuel pump was fixed, the transmission went out again. After owning it for 7 months, we have put more money into keeping it running than what we paid for it in the first place. I LOVE this car, (WHEN IT RUNS!!) but after sinking every penny we had and after being stranded on the road multiple times with my children, we are just taking a loss and selling for anything we can get.
Omaha Bound Axiom
wallyworld68, 08/27/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this car very much but plan to get rid of it opting for a similar design with better gas mileage.
BEST VALUE FOR THE MONEY
pchamp02, 07/15/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My Axiom drives and feels like it should cost thousands more. Before purchasing the Axiom, I test drove several SUV's and the ride and handling I got on the Axiom, was almost equal to my second choice, the Volvo V70, but about $8000.00 less. Of course I have had no problems with it yet, since I haven't had it very long, but I will let you know if anything happens.
a lot for the buck in an Axiom
coop dawg, 08/02/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is one of the nices cars that I have driven yet. The style the way that it handles, all of its extras. the on screen indash display of every thing that gose on with the car. Yes this is the MID Size SUV of the year in my book. Go check one out for your self.
axiom xs
BURCHBOY, 09/08/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
i have had my axiom over a year now and what a great car! i have owned a trooper, and a rodeo and this is no comparison. the ride is smooth and solid; the gas mileage 16-20; the look is awesome and turns heads everywhere. why isuzu does such a poor job of marketing, i don't know. this car looks better than most of the suv's on the market today. i am CONVINCED THAT GM SACRIFICED ISUZU IN THE US FOR SOME REASON.
We're thrilled!
self-evident truth, 09/08/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We love our Axiom! This is our 15th new auto purchase, and by far our best vehicle yet! In our first few months of ownership, we took several 2K road trips, and everybody is happy (including kid and dog). Love the way it handles, and its got mega power (which is a welcome relief from our V6 Toyota Forerunner, which lacked as much space, as it did power)! Love the leather, and the 6CD shuttle system, and everytime we walk out to our baby, we can't help but marvel at her beauty!!!
great pedagre
john delano, 11/05/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THESE TRUCKS RUN UNTILL THE BODY RUSTS AWAY. CONSTRUCTION WORKERS CANT KILL THEM. WHEN I PUT EXPENSIVE MOBIL 1 IN THE CRANKCASE THE THINKS IT WON THE INDY 500. THE CAR OWNS THE ON RAMP, AND MAKES YOU CHECK OUT THE REDLINE ON THE TAC.....IT REVS TO 6000 RPMS QUICKLY WHEN YOU STEP ON IT. THE CAR ADJUST THE SHOCK HYDROLICALLY AND THE SPORT MODE GIVES A FIRM STANCE WITH 12" GROUND CLEARENCE AT THE FRONT BUMPER AND 13" AT THE REAR BUMPER. IT HAS STEEL PLATE PROTECTION UNDERNEATH. THE IMPORTANCE IS WHEN TRAVELING ROUTE 95 FROM FLORIDA THERE IS A DANGER OF TRUCK TIRE RECAPS ON THE ROAD.
Nice ride, easy to park and fun
beeves, 01/10/2004
2003 Isuzu Axiom S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We'd never heard of Axiom. We only test drove Honda Pilot and Element, Lexus RX 330, Nissan Pathfinder and Mercury Mountaineer. Once we test drove the Axiom, we were amazed with its drive quality. It was easy to park even in the tightest space at work. I personally think it's comparable to a Honda Pilot in terms of drive comfort and ride quality.
Joe isuzu , you should be proud...
Troop Dogg, 06/24/2016
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Quality is wonderful... Awesome looks ....Responsive and quite running v6 engine. I have owned many SUV s. In the last 25 years early on a couple of toyota 4/runners . I grew tired of replacing head gasket s on the on the Toyotas,so I traded for an 1995 trooper and instantly seen the light and before long had 3 isuzus in the stable me my wife and oldest son ,and have never looked back I have a 2001 isuzu trooper with 256k on the odometer and all I have done is replaced the starter at 165 k , And now 2016. I bought a 2003 axiom a year ago and we love it .have put 18k on it this last year has the 3.5 v6 like my trooper and smooth as silk .could use more adjustment on the driver seat . We are partial to the high seat position of the troopers I have looked at many and there is nothing out there to compare with the troops driving position its like flying a plan..but the axiom is still great in it lower driving position..ISUZU COME BACK !!!! Tell GM to [non-permissible content removed].
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love this SUV
Brenda Jensen, 10/29/2016
updated 05/04/2020
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well I just got this car about a month ago. It came with a receipt from the previous owner who had put in a new transmission & fuel pump within the last year. It drives beautifully & is very conferable. It passed smog with no problem. I'm very pleased with my purchases. I spent all the money I had been saving for the past 12 years on the car so it better last me for a long time. I'm disabled & my wheelchair fit in the back easily. I've had my car for over a year now. I enjoy it a lot. Haven't had any major trouble. But the windsheild washer pump quit working & the passenger window won't go down. I've had my car for 2 years now & have had no problems with it. Took it on a trip to Sacramento and was veru happy with the ride home after surgery. I'm so pleased with this vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
The Classiest SUV Ever!
AxiBaby, 02/09/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have test driven alot of SUV's and more than half of them I Didn't like. I finally had decided that I wanted a Nissan Murano until I saw a Axiom drive by (I was at a autoplex with different dealerships). I drove over to the Isuzu dealership and fell in love with it! I bought a 2002 Anthracite Axiom with a moonroof and rear spoiler right on the spot. Heads turn where ever I drive because you don't see many on the road. I've gotten tons of compliments and even better my mother test drove mine,went out and purchased one exactly like mine (except hers is a XS model)! Do not pass this SUV up!! It's the best one in my opinion on the road.
2002 Isuzu Axiom
uofpittpanthers, 02/16/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very happy with vehicle...actually over 23 mpg highway mileage with reg. gas,,,,compare to dollar for dollar against highlander or other comparable mid size and you won't think twice about buying this vehicle.
You get what you pay for - in a good way
Cosmo, 07/14/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
True, the storage space is limited and the ride is not as smooth as the Highlander or Endeavor, but the price is much lower, too. My Axiom seems well made, is really fun to drive and I got the XS 4x4 fully loaded (minus the trailer hitch) for under $26K.
axiom
jennkrimm, 06/11/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this vehichle and i would tell anyone who wants an suv that this would be a great purchase
Isuzu Axiom
mandi, 07/29/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I began leasing my 2002 Isuzu Axiom 8/01. At that time there was not much info on the vehicle. I am satisfied with appearance of the car, and the interior is comfortable, however there have been some problems which will prevent me from continuing to drive it when my lease is up. I believe the price is a bit high for what you get. There is a lot of rattling and noise coming from the dash. Also, there is some paint discoloration. The engine will also become very loud when the air conditioning is used. The ride can also be very bumpy. I will shop around a bit more next time.
Awesome Axiom
barati, 08/01/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is bye far the best riding Midsize SUV on the market today. I've driven every type, and the Axiom was the only one that road like a luxury car and with one switch of a button, the suspension tightens up and it drives and hugs the road like a sports car.
axiom
TJMAN, 08/01/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Axiom from Isuzu has a styling that is eye catching and modern. The interior works well however the rear seats needs to becme a little more simplistic to fold down. All in all a great value in 4 x 4's.
I've had no problems - it turns heads
Mpfeltr, 08/05/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It always seems funny to me where reviews come from. Every veh I've seemed to own doesnt make it what Reviews state as top 10. Perhaps I like to be different. Anyway pricewise my axiom is middle of the road. Appeal wise it turns head, and for me I'm glad it not a clone seen everywhere. I've had not a single problem with it and I now have 20K on it. My gas mileage hovers around 19mpg c/h and I'm a lead foot. Rebadged Rodeo.. not!
good so far
edf100, 08/18/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
only 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 v8's,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.
Sweet
J&J, 07/21/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car/ SUV !! Its a shame ISUZU didnt market this vehicle as well as the rodeo or Amigo but in a way Im glad because Its nice not seeing one on every corner. Isuzu Axiom A Rare Breed
super car
Mikhail, 07/22/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nice body. Not a lot of space in the back seat.
Love this vehicle
choirboy1948, 08/08/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle in March (NEW) and proceeded to put 5000 miles on the way from Illinois to Arizona.No regrets except for lower than expected MPG. I constantly get looks and inquiries on what make it is. Handles and brakes well and accelerates quickly I am sick and tired of "editors of magazines and Edmunds" berating this vehicle. By far and away the best SUV on the road for the money. Looks like no other SUV. Buy one!! You won't be sorry.
My First Isuzu
Edgrr, 09/19/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far, no a single problem. I am amazed at how well it responds when pushed. It will be nice to see the Ascender have the looks of the Axiom in the future editions.
ROTTEN EGG SMELL
tami j, 09/26/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Immediately after purchasing the vehicle we noticed a rotten egg smell from the exhaust and have had it in 3 times to be investigated and to no avail, the dealer says that Isuzu says it is a "normal" smell for their engine and there is nothing I can do about it, besides reducing the sulfur content in my gasoline. The suspension is horrible in this vehicle and the steering nearly requires 20 turns to pull a sharp turn off. Overall, we are not happy with this vehicle at all and our hands are tied because the value dropped by $8,000.00 in value 4 months after our purchase.
what a great vehicle!
COLBY VANSCOY, 10/11/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I HAVE HAD MY AXIOM SINCE 11/02. IT IS BY FAR THE BEST SUV I HAVE EVER OWNED. THE VALUE IS OUTSTANDING.
Good SUV
alex23, 10/31/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall great SUV- nice lines inside and out. Goood handling and performance (keep in mind that it is still a truck frame- NOT a car). Nobody knows what it is (if you like that type of thing). Great features for the money. Robert Chevrolet/Isuzu in NJ as a dealer SUCKS!!!
Great SUV
Atlanta Driver, 12/01/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great riding, driving truck with two ride settings, comfort and sport. Interior is well appointed, comfortable, high quality, heated leather seats, 140 watt 6 disc CD, leather trim on door panels, driver information center, automatic AC, self dimming mirrors, great styling touchs on console and shift lever. The exterior styling is sensational and very unique, it is a real attention getter. The engine and transmission are smooth and provide great acceleration. This is a vehicle you must spend some time with to appreciate the great quality and performance. It is a very unique vehicle, a great buy!
GREAT vehicle for the price!
lanetk, 12/03/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine in March of '02. I have really been pleased with the performance and features. I did alot of research and you can't get more for your money. 35k miles driven with only one minor problem. Highly recommended !!!
Isuzu Axiom
Lisag, 12/06/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had many Isuzu vehicles. I have had the Rodeo for many years. I really like the Axiom...it drives great and looks great!
Stunned How Solid This SUV is...
rforsyth, 12/11/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am Stunned How Good This SUV is, Smooth, Fast, OK Gas for 230 HP 19-21 MPG on Highway at 70 Plus. Tow's well Great set up of Controls. Attractive, Get MANY Compliments about it especially in Metallic Black color. The Differance between this and The Rodeo is Night and Day and for Only 2K More. NOT Tippy as some SUV's Make You Feel from a Passanger seat. VERY VERY Pleased with My purchase! I don't know Panned This Vechical But I Think they should re-think what they had to say.
Axiom=Edsel of the 21st Century
Jean-Claude, 12/15/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle is highly unpredictable. I am constantly having transmission and electrical trouble. The vehicle will not stay in alignment. I have already tried to trade it in. However, I paid thirty-thousand for a vehicle now blue booked at around 10K only a year and a half after purchase. I should have bought a Honda.
stylish, fun but needs more power
14power, 12/21/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car 10,000 miles now -- if you're taller than 6'3" ask your dealer about where to go for a seat conversion -- more leg room is needed! The TOD is awesome. The V6, even though needs some help on hills, has more tourque than it appears. If you're in a hurry the TOD is a lifesaver on wet pavment. It engages at ease. the Sport mode will save your shocks and struts on pothole-filled roads. Don't be fooled by the size of the tires -- they could be wider for more grip around corners.
axiom
CAROL M, 12/27/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great value and style
My Axiom
Alex23, 01/29/2004
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall a great SUV for the money. Comfortable, but truck-like in its ride Isuzu really has done a god job. I've had two different Troopers prior to this and they don't even compare. Also, this is just an overall great looking ride.
Very Unique
JohnnyLunchBox, 02/27/2004
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have 1600 miles already, a few problems. Squeaky rear suspension, blower motor needs replacing, stock tires are terrible. Well engineered and build quality is OK, but not as good as my Nissan Frontier that it has replaced. The transmission works well, and towing ability has been excellent. Despite the minor problems I still love my Axiom!!! I use it as a weekend vehicle and look forward to driving it.
Aximon
fbyers, 07/18/2004
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm not exactly crazy about this SUV. The one I have willn't free wheel going down hill at 40 to 50 miles hr. It down shift out of over drive tactmeter will go from a 2 to 3 or 3.50. One reason I think this is not normal it doesn't happen everytime. I don't think this should happen. Would like to know if anyone else has this promblem. I would think this cuts down on miles per gallon. Back door is to narrow doesn't open wider enough for easy exit. This simply a bad design in the car. Really no reason why the back door should be this way. I different hing could solve this problem.
TX Driver
TX Driver, 03/08/2005
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall, I'm pleased with this machine. Styling and performance is great. It's always a head-turner wherever I go. I hope that Isuzu reconsiders and produce them again.
Very Pleased
d.wheeler, 04/10/2007
2003 Isuzu Axiom S Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car used it had 46,000 miles and was a one owner and it still smells new and it drives great. I read the other reports and that helped with my buying this car, so I hope mine will help also. If you find one of these cars I say buy it, so far I love it. The homelink is a nice feature also, you do not have all the bulky gadgets to store in your car.
Good for the long haul
dcguy, 04/17/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom S 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Axiom base 4x4 for over a year now with 24,000 miles and not a single problem. However, I am very disappointed with the resale value and now feel locked in to owning this truck for many years in order to break even. Although they call this a "crossover", it is only that way in terms of looks. This thing is definitely still a truck underneath and not a very smooth performer, although it certainly has adequate power and feels very solid on the road. It's a good value if you can get one new for under $24k, otherwise there are a ton of other choices worth the extra price. You just have to compare everything, dont be sold on looks alone.
Axiom
davi, 08/14/2007
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best SUV on market til 2005, Quality is Isuzu's best selling point. I change oil every 7000 miles.
I love it
vlajkon, 03/05/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Axiom. Silky smooth driving, very fast and very powerfull engine. Good MPG, so far 21.1mpg (city). Looks different, with 10y/120k warranty simple is the best.
satisfied owner
dunca85, 06/02/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
finally an suv that looks great and has power!! and one that does'nt look like a box on wheels like most suvs.
Never will I buy another isuzu
NeverAgainIsuzu, 07/01/2003
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS 4WD 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This SUV is a death trap. I am convinced that one day it will get me into an accident. Trying to stop my 2002 Isuzu Axiom is like trying to stop a freight train. The "abs" kicks in on dry pavement. The vehicle continues to move an extra 3 to 5 terrifying feet when stopping on on dry pavement with the brakes fully engaged from a speed of no more than 20 mph, and of course the "abs" kicks in for no apparent reason. Three attempts to contact dealers have been to no avail ... what can the dealer do ? ... this appears to be a mechanical flaw with the suv ... Japanese engineering at it's WORST.
Great!!!
Alex, 05/20/2023
2003 Isuzu Axiom XS Rwd 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I get my in 2008 and still working great after 15 years
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value