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I took it for a ride that night up in the local mountains and they worked very well.
The biggest complaints from what I've heard against Isuzu, they burn oil and they don't hold their resale value as well as other brands. If adding a 1/2 quart of oil every few thousand miles gets me through 10 years of driving, I'll be completely happy. Resale value? 10 years from now I'll worry about that. If I was looking for something for only 3-4 years that would be different. Plus, if you think about it, the money I save now may just as well make up for it later and if not, at least I have the use of the extra cash now.
Sure "car" reviewers knocked the Axiom for its truck-like ride, but it IS a truck and look at what they compare them to. I'm not a truck guru, nor am I pretending to be, but I've owned SUV's for the past 15? years and test drove plenty of others, the Axiom ride is one of the best.
Yes, I'm biased in my opinion of the Axiom, that's why I bought one. If someone wanted to give me a truck, ANY truck, car, SMV, sure I'd take it, BUY it? No, take it? Yes, sell it then buy an Axiom :-)
It comes from a solid line of trucks, from a company whose biggest problem seems to be that they can't advertise worth a damn.
-mike
As far as advertising is concerned, I used to see quite a few ads on television, primarily Axiom, but also Rodeo and Amigo. I have not seen any commercials for Isuzu whatsoever in about 5 months. I am wondering if GM, which is a 49% owner had something to do with it? Perhaps GM does not want Isuzu to compete with the Trailblazers and Envoys, who knows. Advertising is what drives consumers to showrooms, so it is hard to believe that Isuzu corporate reps cannot recognize it. With so many looks that my Axiom is getting, I am sure many people would at least consider it, test it and visit the dealership when shopping for a new vehicle. Great example is a spike in demand for black Axioms with gray interior after the 2002 Chicago Auto Show in February. What they had on display was a black XS model with gray interior, and you had to wait a few minutes to get inside due to a large number of people interested in this vehicle. When I inquired about the black Axiom at the dealership a few days after the show, they told me they had taken a few orders from the auto show visitors and that they would be sold at MSRP. Now the dealership where I bought my Axiom, stocks far more black Axioms than those of any other color. That alone tells me that if you put an attractive product in front of consumers, they will buy it and I am a living example of this. It looks to me that we (the owners) could indeed increase sales of Axioms significantly if we got a chance to put together an advertising campaign.
-mike
-mike
They are selling it for $139. It's a lot of fun. Pretty easy to use, just read the directions carefully. you're right, the Axiom will beat most trucks and SUV's and the ones it can't beat all probably have a V8, with the exception of the Trailblazer which I think has a 270hp V6.
You can tell what a vehicle is really capable of by watching the commercials, it really is quite interesting:
RX300 on a dirt road = take the kids to the mall, useless off road
Outback ploughing through a river = take the kids to a soccer match, futile off road
MDX driving through tons of snow = take the kids to the mall or soccer match, in bad weather, unworthy off roader.
Axiom driving down the street = iffy asphalt, great when the going gets tough.
Always assume the opposite.
-mike
Colors: Since some people commented negatively on the Axioms aggressive front-end, which I personally like, I wonder if the black being so popular is because the front seems to blend in more on darker Axioms. (Then again the gray interior is very sharp looking!) IIRC, the few TV ads I saw, long ago, for the Axiom all showed the Blonde-gray which may have turned people off from the beginning.
SOWR: Where did you mount and/or how did you mount the toggle switch for the aftermarket fog light? I have been interested for some time but not sure where to mount it. I like a clean look so having something appear out of place bugs me. I was thinking of putting it where the one of the little change holders is. Not really visible and easy to get to.
As for the problem: I have 26K (have had it since June) and have experienced a vibrating noise/feeling when braking gradually (almost running over grooved payment, although smooth). I have it in the shop for the 25K maint. and they are looking at it. No word yet, but wanted to see if others had experienced this.
Thanks
Darin
If anyone else has a suggestion for the fog light switch installation, I would be appreciative. Pictures wouldn't hurt me either....
Check it out if you get a chance.
As you can tell, I am fed up with the GC and am determined to be rid of it. I see the great reports on the board on the Axiom just confirming my Trooper experience. Now I just need some guidance on the best Isuzu dealership in the OKC metro (might even consider Tulsa) from knowledgable experience. I intend to buy 4WD as the wife has learned to appreciate it in the winter. Looking forward to feedback....
-mike
Installation is a breeze. There is an empty available rectangular slot by the TOD switch that gets removed and the switch gets mounted there by removing a few screws to loosen the dash panel. The Isuzu is totally pre-wired for the light kit so all you have to do is reach up under the dash panel and remove the tape holding the harness in place. Plug it into the switch and slide the switch into the new opening. Your done inside.
On the outside, there are 2 screws to be removed from under the license plate bracket. A metal bracket gets mounted between the grill and radiator, and the lights are then mounted to the metal bracket. EVERYTHING is pre-drilled. Run the wires for each light to the corresponding harness by each front wheel.
Pop the hood, plug in the relay. The fuse is already there.
Hardest part was getting them aimed properly.
Your DONE! Total time 30 minutes.
The lights themselves are Hellas, clear fog, seem to be decent quality.
The switch inside has a light indicator to show they are on. They are wired so that when you flash to pass they stay on, go off when you leave the high beams switched on totally and only go on when the headlights are on. Nice clean factory look.
Axiomlover: You are comparing car-based MINI-SUV's, the Escape, Sante Fe and the Rav4 to the Axiom which is a MID-sized truck-based SUV. The price range for a mini-suv is probably 18-26k and the mid-size 24-32k. Like everything in life, you get what you pay for. The Escape V6 is the only one in that group to reach 200hp. The RAV4 is only a 4 cylinder, and closer to 150hp. Hyundai is also under 200hp (175?). The Axiom gives you more power, more features, low range 4WD, proven reliability and a better warranty. Isuzu's entry for the mini-SUV segment is the Rodeo Sport.
Again, it's back to the right marketing.
Toyota has the name, they advertise constantly and the showrooms are always packed. Go to a Toyota dealer and they make it seem like they are doing you a favor by allowing you to talk to them.
Hyundai has been doing alot to promote their line and the fact that they have a 10 year 100k warranty.
The Ford Escape didn't really start to take off until last October when Ford came out with their 0% financing deal. Once the Escape sales picked up Ford dropped the Escape from that promotion real fast.
Isuzu has to get their name and truck line into the public eye. Or maybe Joe Isuzu went back into retirement.
As for the looks of the Axiom that's personal preference, and yes it's unique. Is Isuzu's target audience younger people? Good question. Do they even have a target audience?
I know I'll be jumped on for this, but if you take a look at the pictures of the Volkswagon Magellan from the recent auto show there are some definite similiarities there with the Axiom.
I'm referring just to the looks of it, not the technical side. Same swept back look to the rear, front end grill that drops straight down, same lines along the side. Volkswagon's price range for it is the mid 30's. Let's see if all the reviewer's who knocked the Axiom's looks say the same negative things about the Magellan. They will probably hail Volkswagon for their "cutting edge looks".
Axiomlover: NO offense intended, just my 2 cents.
I would like to see more Axioms sold just so Isuzu can stay in the game. It seems like they were really counting on the Axiom to boost Isuzu's SUV market share. Also, until Isuzu starts selling more Axiom's, companies won't build aftermarket accessories for it since there will be no incentive to do so.
I disagree that Isuzu should offer stripped down Axiom models, otherwise it would compete directly against the Rodeo which is soon to be replaced with a new model. I think Isuzu wants to keep the Axiom as the more upscale "crossover" SUV targeting the city slicker SUV buyer and keep the Rodeo for people wanting a more bare bones SUV for rough and tumble use, even though they clearly share the same ruggedness.
As I know we all agree upon, the Axiom isn't well known or considered because of the horrendous advertising. People just don't know about the value the Axiom gives for it's high sticker price. But, the Axiom also isn't getting much press time in magazines like Motor Trend or Car and Driver. I have yet to see a direct comparison of the Axiom with its competition. Has anybody else?
Paisan, unfortunately I have to disagree with your analysis of the Outback being competent off road, I took my last car (Outback) into the back-country and it's lack of lo 4 really made itself felt, on top of that the car's monocoque shell had been subjected to enough torsion to wharp it by about 0.25" total; the hood gap was out of alignment and the front door to fender gap had been compressed by about 0.0625". Not good. The excessive torsion had probably been caused by the lack of suspension articulation causing the body shell to have to absorb some of the motion. My fault probably because the road was rather rocky.
-mike
The to doos are:
grille kit
add subwoofer and DVD player with screen
getting windows tinted today
IF I CAN FIND ONE--Rubber protector that sticks to the top of my bumper--i scratched mine with my backpack--tears-
Just curious if anyone knows where to get accessories for the stereo systems..no one in town will owrk on mine because of the MID panel..they scared..
well just thought i would let everyone know they bought the best vehicle ever..except the XSR concept for the axiom..damn..thats awesome..
www.velocityjrnl.com/jrnl/2002/v23066pf.html
jochs@www.com...with suggestions please
-mike
I am afraid it will be difficult to get audio accessories other than speakers. It would be nice if Isuzu offered a conversion kit similar to the new console design in the concept vehicles. It looks like in the concept vehicles the stereo controls and displays are separate from MID. Of course, the MID is replaced by a Nav system in the concept vehicles.
For speakers though, Crutchfield has several speakers listed that will fit the Axiom doors. They even have component systems that would work since the Axiom already has separate tweeters.
Good luck and keep us informed on what you find out.
It seems Isuzu advertises special O% APR plus a $1,500 rebate and some lease options. It seems like they are trying, but is it working, any new Axiom owners out there?
I guess we Axiom owners are out driving our great vehicles instead of posting on the net while we wait for our vehicles to be repaired. I am sure if the Axiom wasn't so well built we would be hearing a lot more in this forum.
Hey, whatever happened with the noise from your drivetrain? Did you ever take it to the dealer?
Where did you hear about the new incentives? Those are very good, 0% with a $1500 rebate! People really don't know what they are missing by not test driving the Axiom.
I have still only seen 3 other Axiom's on the road since they were introduced last year.
I have been keeping up with the other Isuzu posts so I have a feel for what to keep an eye out for down the road (TOD, tranny, engine...). So far so good, nothing really to be concerned about.
Considering that the Axiom is still in its first MY and that they are not popular, I doubt we will be seeing too many aftermarket items specifically for the Axiom. Oh well, not much you can do about that.
Just completed three months in my Axiom and almost 3,000 miles. Just as great as day 1.
Total count of other Axioms seen: 3
This concludes the Axiom post for the day!
As far as the noise in drivetrain is concerned, I am a little upset with the dealership and Isuzu Motors. The noise is still there, but it is audible only after I drive on the highway for at least 5 miles. I wanted to drop it off at the dealership for check up for the first time about 2 weeks after purchasing the car (with 500 miles on odometer). Unfortunately, I need to travel about 30 minutes to the closest dealer and the dealership does not provide loaner or courtesy cars. I figured since I had just bought the truck and I noticed the problem practically a few days after purchase, the dealer or Isuzu Motors ought to step up and even pay for a rental car for me. Isuzu Motors denied a rental car allowance. I would need to drop my Axiom off for at least two days, but since I am using it to drive to work every day, I am not going to leave it at the dealership until I take some time off work or until the drivetrain falls apart. If it were to fall apart, it would cost Isuzu a lot more to fix than a 2-day car rental. The truck is perfect otherwise.
The special offers "pop up" when you go to Isuzu.com website.
0% up to 48 months
1.9% @ 60 months
2.9% @ 72 months
PLUS:
$750 Consumer APR Cash Back with 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 month financing on 2002 Axiom models.
Still feel good about the 0% for 60 months I got vs. the 3000 Cash back I could've took at the time of my purchase.
Last Friday I went out and traded my Suzuki XL-7 for a beautiful Black/Grey Axiom S w/Sunroof. I am so impressed with the quality, fit and finish, and the many features it comes with on the base model. I ended up paying more than I intended but have absolutely no buyers remorse.
I got the dealer to throw in a bug shield and hitch when we reached a stopping point on our bargaining. I go back next weeks to have them installed (and for them to take out a couple hail dents on the hood).
This is my second Isuzu (the first was a 1998 Amigo 2wd) and I have to admit I've wanted to get another but there wasn't a model that fit my needs. I saw the Axiom in Car and Drivers big SUV issue last year but was put off by the mustard color, grill, and price est. Then about 3 weeks ago I saw a blue one in a parking lot, I looped around three times with my wife telling me we weren't getting a new car. I had to wait a week until our dealer in Omaha finally got some in. I did my research, tried the competition (toy highlander), and started running the numbers. I was hooked on my first drive. I have the fourth one sold in Omaha, but we live 30 miles away and I love the exclusiveness of this car. It's constantly turning heads. The ride and performance are great for a car this size.
I do have a couple questions though. Who makes the CD changer? I refuse to pay $70 for a second cartridge at the dealership. I think it's a Clarion. The Clarion cartridge stock number would be CAA355. Can anyone verify this? Secondly on the hitch, when it's installed how far out does it stick? Is it fairly low profile? I don't plan on using it in the near future and don't know if I even want it mounted yet. It would just be extra weight and maybe a little protection in the back, but I'll leave it off if it's going to be in my way or looks dorky. Lastly, how much does the sunroof shield help wind noise with the roof open?
Thanks for the help in selecting a great car and the continuing help in owning it.
(and yes Mike I'll get out the digital camera and snap some pics as soon as the weather clears up here in the midwest;)
Jim
-mike
I haven't seen the black/grey combo in person yet but in the few pics I have seen it looks great.
I have the hitch on mine, it sticks out about 5-6 inches tapered towards the center. This is where the step plate is which is helpful is washing the top. I can measure it tonight if you like. An easy do-it-yourself job if you do decide to put it on later.
CD changer; no clue but $70 is crazy.
I too was put off by the yellow/mustard color until I saw the Anthracite one on the lot.
Axiomlover: I am not surprised that the Isuzu dealer won't give you a loaner for a day or two. As I recall when I signed my paperwork, they had their own little contract that stated they don't provide loaner cars for service. As you stated, you probably don't need to worry about it too much with the great warranty.
Blackax: Congrats, the Axiom will just keep growing on you and you will enjoy it more and more every day. I think the trailor hitch looks pretty good on the Axiom. I have one one on mine and it was a breeze to install, it just takes two people to do it, one to hold it while the other bolts it. As Scoobyax said, their is a little triangle that sticks out the center to act as a step, it has never gotten in my way and does help for washing and waxing. sorry, can't help you with the changer cartridge.
Has anybody upgraded their stock speakers yet?
Again thanks
For the trans(?) problem someones is having, I had to take mine in because it was hitting hard going from 2 to 3rd gear, but didn't make a noise. They told me it was due to the factory not properly greasing the tranny and the vent hole being to small, which is suseptable to clogging up. They greased it up and bored out the hole and it has run fine since (took in at 17K and is now at 28K).
Hope that helps.
Here goes, since the rear bumper is angled in from top to bottom, when you look at the Axiom from the side it looks like the hitch plate sticks out 3 1/2 inches. However a top down view, as if you were loading something into the back shows the hitch plate sticks out only 1 1/2 inches. Not 100% flush, but it doesn't get in the way. The tube itself is under the bumper.
Hope this helps.
Anyone else have the same problem pitt4 mentioned?
First I have heard about having a tranny hole bored out.
You can get summaries of them here:
The Edmunds Maintenance Guide
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
http://www.alldata.com/TSB/29/02295039.html
It lists a TSB dated Dec/01 that describes a shift flare between 2nd and 3rd gear. I was hoping to purchase the full TSB information but it is still not available for 2002 models.