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Comments
I have a close friend who I work with who has a 98 Durango. He was bitching about his wife driving over speed bumps and how it bungs up a vehicle's shocks. I think he's over-reacting about it..but since my work parking lot has them, I decided to have a bit of fun at his expense.
He was in the back seat so I hit "sport". I decided to hit a speed bump in the lot at 5mph. His head bounced off the ceiling. LOLOL. My question to him "Your Durango that stiff?" Hehe.
He bitched about it for the next 2 hours. heh.
Good luck to all.
I'm one of those Ax owners who has had a perfect trip, no problems at all, the odd easily solved squeak and rattle, but a really good experience, even with my dealer (Sierra, Monrovia). To date (38000 miles)the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, and I've had them all. Some people think the Ax is wierd, some people think it's awesome. I'm in the latter category.
I have never driven a Trooper, but now I am curiuos just how much different that ride is than the Ax. I might have to test drive one (I think a dealer near me has a 2002 on still on the lot). I'll bet that truck can be had for next to nothing at this point!!!
I have recently noticed a good bit more Axioms on the road here in North Carolina. I passed 2 black ones like mine on the same street one day last week. Sales must be better in this area lately.
Thanks for any advice anybody may have on the squeak issue.
John R.
I'm not sure I have located it yet either...
I know my driver side seat has a bit of a squeak...sometimes I can get it to make the noise by moving side to side in the seat...
I also think there may be a noise coming from the rear...I have read other owners posts that say it's the latch in the back where the rear seat adjustment is (on the side of the car, just below the belt attachment point). I looked into that today...I noticed the metal bracket (visible if you fold the rear seats forward) has some paint scratched off, so there is metal on metal contact there...definitely something that could cause that noise...so as a quick test I put some duct tape around each...I still heard the noise...
I know this much, it only seems to happen when the frame of the vehicle twists...I can get it to happen on demand by backing out of my driveway....
So far it's the only noise I have...I will figure it out eventually, I am determined to get rid of it...
Regarding "spirited ride" I think Isuzu has some real quality control issues regarding the AX suspension. Mine is a real problem yet I've driven one that was a dream. The suspension seems to be worse on some days than others. The dealer says theirs vibrate also. I know they all don't do that. Is it the shocks, assembly of the vehicle? What?
Anyway if they find the problem I'll let you know. Mine rides really bad and I can see why someone would sell. I don't think it's safe this way.
Thanks
Dennis
Also you might want to try driving around without your spare (or just throw it in the back). Just as an experiment, that’s the only thing under the rear of the car that should be loose. The other cause may be squeaky suspension bushings, but I don’t think that this is the source of your noise.
I checked my spare...it is tight...
Thanks for the feedback...I'll check those lower latches tonight...are those metal to metal connections?
Dennis
john
I used duct tape (silver)...but I think I will remove it and replace it with black cloth tape (hockey tape).
Thanks for the pointers to everyone who responded...
BTW...I still have a squeak in the drivers seat, but I have to bounce around like an idiot to get it to happen (even more bouncing than our sometimes questionable suspension will create!!!)...eventually I will remove the seat and lubricate the visible metal surfaces to see if that will help...
If you cruise the highway do any of you hear anything other than the engine, wind and tires? It drives me NUTS and I would really appreciate your help.
It's sprung and shocked exactly for what you want, a station wagon w/o the stigma... Glad you are out of the Isuzu family, these are purpose built for offroad, not grocery getting!
-mike
-mike
-mike
-mike
Also leave the judgements to people with pratical knowledge and keep your childish insults to yourself.
Also, I drive a Ford F-350 4x4 for work, and guess what, it drives alot better than that Axiom. And you know what else. At more that 12 inches of clearance, I am absolutely sure it would run over the Axiom. Now if Ford can figure out how to make a 3 ton pick up ride fairly descent, why cant isuzu make a truck that they want to compete against, ehem the Kia Sorenta / Hyundia Santa Fe (which my friend has and its great) - thats why they moved it down market with pricing.
It's unfortunate that Izusu did spend a little more time engineering this truck, beacuse they would have had a huge winner on their hands.
Oh, I also recently noticed that the Envoy was good enough to for Isuzu to put its name on it as the Ascender.
I've driven plenty of Axioms. I've logged at least 3-5K miles on them.
12" of clearance on an F350 won't help you when you high-center man, another clue that you are clueless about offroading.
-mike
I have read conflicting posts.
My '02 has a 10 year 120K mile warranty - they reduced it to 7 years 75K miles with the '03 models I believe.
It happened to me and I was very concerned since some cars are about ready to overheat and die by the time it comes on. Turns out it was just because the gas cap was not put on tight so nothing is wrong. I heard this is common on newer cars.
I only have 6500 miles and I think my anti lock brakes do not work. The tires lock up and slide at slow or high speeds with even moderate braking. I haven't seen it discussed as a problem so I guess it just needs fixed.
I saw another message about the garage door opener would not program and that is the way mine is. I get the lights blinking at the right time but it doesn't open the door.
-mike
"The Isuzu Axiom was the award winner in its class, Most Significant Sport Utility Vehicle at the NAIAS.
The 2002 Isuzu Axiom has a strong, solid look, that is highlighted by its large wheels and tires. The body side theme is simple and straightforward, with large wheel arches that extend from the body.
The long wheelbase and high beltline, coupled with slim side glass, give the lower part of the vehicle a large look that overpowers the cabin. The windshield sweeps into the roof and the result is an almost coupe-like proportion with a stationwagon profile. The short and wide rear pillar finishes off the roof very nicely and gives the upper body a structural look.
The front view proportions are also handled very well. With a very wide tread, the tall front is composed of very large and dramatic lower air intakes and the slim wide headlamps accentuate the lower bumper. The rear is also innovative, with unique tailamps that are mounted high on the body. On the interior, the size of the center consol and instrument panel is minimized through the use of two tone.
Overall, the Axiom is very well executed and the Isuzu designers did an excellent job of managing the proportion, skillfully creating a vehicle that looks strong and safe and at the same time stylish and robust. For its size, the Axiom has a larger than life look, a reflection of the Isuzu heritage."
Courtesy of cardesignnews.com.
I could see one parked next to a CTS in my driveway.
About the ride - the one I drove was rather bouncy in sport mode, but quite plush in comfort, which I preferred. Needless to say, it was a major upgrade over the 1990 Montero I drive now.
The Ax is also a raging bargain, new or used.... it matches up in price with baby SUV's that aren't even close to it in features.
Thanks
Dennis
As much as I like the SRX, I'm still not really sold on cars as SUV's.... as good as they are, they're still glorifed station wagons.
I still prefer to specialize - a sports sedan (with ultra-high performance summer tires) when I need a car and a rugged truck based SUV like the Axiom for its utility and winter capabilities.
-mike