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some inconsistencies in my ISC suspension. I use
the Comfort Mode primarily and find that harshness of the ride changes from day to day on the same highways.
Starting is never really difficult on my Ax (7,500 miles), but I do notice that usually only three or four cylinders kick in before the rest fires up. When the engine is warm, it starts right up. If it doesn't start at the first attempt, the second usually takes longer and sometimes cranks for 3 seconds (by itself).
By the way, my local trusted mechanic who works on a lot of 4WD vehicles charged me $95 for the 15,000 service which included oil/filter change, new air cleaner, tire rotation, chassis lubrication and changing the differentials and transfer box oils. His one comment was that the lack of drain plugs made the gear box changes a little harder.
I would not expect a harsher ride in hot ambient conditions, I can't imagine an existant sub-system that would preclude suspension performance by allowing the interference of mechanical components due to dimensioanl heat-expansion.
Thanks for the feedback on the suspension. It seems like a few folks have encountered similar situations. It has only happened once or twice and I thought it was more related to the mechanism that controls the ride rather than the actual suspension. The next time it happens, I will try switching the ride mode to see if there is a difference.
Turn the key to the "on" position for 10 seconds before starting when it's cold. This will pump fuel from the fuel pump/tank up into the fuel injectors. The engine will turn over right away after that.
-mike
The continuous starting is a feature described in the manual under "starting." Unless the engine starts within 1.5 seconds, the automatic feature kicks in. If you think it cranks for too long on its own, just turn the ignition off.
I am noticing that my Axiom is smoother and smoother the more miles I put on it. The engine starts easier and is not as rough-running when cold, it is more quiet and economical, idle is lower when motor is hot (sometimes as low as 750 rpm) and acceleration is lightning.
How is oil consumption?
I was away for work/vacation in Arizona two weeks ago. Stayed in Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon. I had a Ford Escape XLT as a rental. It wasn't a terribly bad vehicle. Interior was very cheap and I had mistaken the column mounted windshield wiper lever for the shifter many times. They are very close to each other. A real pain, but I guess I always had a nice clean windshield. I also did not like the loudness of the horn when engaging the security system. People tended to look our way a lot.
Anyway, there were more Isuzu's than I have ever seen on the roads. I would have to guess about 10 to 15% of the SUV's I saw in Scottsdale were Troopers and Rodeos. I only saw 1 Axiom. This was the first time I have ever seen one on the road. I also saw many Isuzu commercials on tv. In Arizona, Isuzu offers 0% financing for 7 years. Maybe this, in combination with the advertising, is why I saw so many. Who knows.
-mike
I saw some pictures of the XSF on the web and liked the grille inserts that they used. Does anyone know if there is a vendor that makes these for the Axiom? I looked around a little without much success so I figured I'd check here to see what people knew.
I have read just about every on-line review of the Axiom that I can find. I noticed that many reviewers seem to be confused... and a lot of that has to do with the fact that the styling of the Axiom suggests car/wagon but it's really a true SUV. I think that is why some folks rate it negatively... they expect the ride of a luxury car but it's not quite exactly that. I also think that some of the earlier reviewers might have had vehicles that did not have all of the kinks worked out. Some of the harsh ride characteristics they mention seem impossible. I can honestly say that our Ax rides very nicely with the exception of the occasional jittery ride on rough roads...and I live in Pittsburgh...our roads are notoriously bad. Anyway I just wanted to throw that in...
BTW...this vehicle would be perfect if it got about 5 mpg better fuel efficiency and some type of adjustment could be made to control the jitters a little bit better. Even so...we still love ours...like I said earlier it rides very much the same as our 98 Camry.
Thanks
Serious off-roaders will note that there is no high-low transfer case to give the Axiom serious capabilities when crossing rugged terrain. The Axiom's system is ideal for suburbanites who want the added traction and safety of all-wheel drive for bad weather, but off-road the lack of a low-speed transfer ratio makes this a suburban SUV, not a serious off-roader.
- Do these people really drive these vehicles or just look at the brochure and form an opinion. I think it is ridiculous.
"If you own an Axiom, or plan to buy one no matter what we say, do your neighbors a favor and drive down residential streets in Sport mode. You never know when a kid might chase an errant soccer ball and land right in your path."
Talk about a completely misleading statement. This statement was made after they complained about the axiom stopping significantly longer from 60-0 in comfort mode (which I don't believe from real world experience). Well, I don't recommend driving 60 miles an hour down any residential street in any car.
Its pretty obvious the reviewer wanted to spin everything into a negative with this review. I am not saying the Axiom is perfect, but I expect reviews that come from such reputable sources such as Edmunds to be at least impartial.
Meanwhile, back at the office. Now Mr. Toyota, how many advertising dollars will you be spending with our company this year?
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Steve, Host
I haven't really experienced any of those to a such negative degree...has anyone else?
I had a 97 CRV which was rated highly by many reviewers and we really liked it for what it was. But I can honestly say it was louder in the cabin than my Ax and it got blown all over the place in crosswinds...you actually had to counter steer...
The other comment that I saw more than I could believe was that the Axiom was not fast enough or did not have strong acceleration. Please!!! Are you pressing on the accelerator? Is the car started? OK...it's not a Corvette but the acceleration is more than acceptable.
For a really good laugh read this review from Consumer Guide...it has the comments I mentioned above...
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/20532.htm
It just seemed like this reviewer was in a bad mood...the Ax is average at worst...
I think Isuzu would have been much better off if they never let folks know it was a mix between the Rodeo and Trooper...truck based SUVs get bashed all of the time now...
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/20839.htm
At 9.3 it is well behind the AX yet gets Fairly Spirited. Must be a Honda.
My name is John and I am an AXaholic!
If you are still in the shopping mode my feedback might help you.
I had a '95 Grand Cherokee which was reliable but started needed expensive repairs.
Almost a grand for a cat converter, and $1,100 to fix the antilock brakes which I didn't and on and on.
It had 88,000 miles. Even the radio completely quit shortly after the extended warranty ran out.
I just had a gut feeling the ac or something else would go out so I was ready to trade.
I wanted to pay in the low 20's for a new suv. Not much these days. I was considering several vehicles that would do but I wasn't really that excited about.
I thought about the Hyundai Santa Fe, Saturn Vue, Isuzu Rodeo, PT Curiser Ford Escape or an entry level Grand Cherokee or Highlander. Even these models
can add up fast with a few options.
I grew up in a little town in the 60's and 70's and one of the hight points of the fall was going to the car dealers, get free donuts and see the nice new cars
with some Style. It was nice to look but we could never afford one. I say this because most of the suv's these days all look alike to me and are Boring.
I had seen the Axiom on a dealers lot driving by but figured it was too much. When I discovered there was a $4,000 rebate the price became in range. The
best thing is even the base model I got has many near luxury options that would add thousands more to the price of the ho-hum other vehicles. To top it off,
driving the Axiom makes me feel like I am driving something a lot more expensive, way above the impression I have of the other vehicles I looked at.
I re-read the reviews after I bought the Ax and thought maybe I made a mistake. But I still like driving it and have decided I am an AXaholic.
I would buy it again. Some of the reviews remind me of the concert reviews in the Dallas Morning News. They send a 50 year old guy out to review an 'nsync
concert. Surprise . . . they get a negative review. Likewise, send a car-loving, suv hater out to review a Real Truck (Axiom)and . . . Surprise . . . they hate the
truck but love the Cars that Look like a Truck (Highlander and Rx300). I would have given the Highlander more of a consideration if it wasn't such a bland
design. I don't go off road and just need something to bring my stuff home from Home Depot so a car-based SUV would do. I do think a truck base will be
more durable just driving over nasty potholes and rough RR tracks.
The cross wind and road noise complaints are a joke. The wind was very strong the other day and handling was no worse than any vehicle with a higher
profile. Road noise is much less than the Jeep I had and better than many midsize cars I have driven.
Plusses included even in basic trim level.
Climate Control that "controls" better than the one I had in my Lincoln Mark VII.
Cutting Edge Unique Styling (I have only seen six others on the road in Dallas in 4 months. If you want to blend in the crowd, don't buy this)(If you want to be
like six others at the stop light, buy a Grand Cherokee.)
Classy looking two tone interior.
CD changer and very good but not superb stereo
Peppy get up and go power. More than you need.
Compass, Trip Computer, Outside Temperature, Home Link
Color Keyed Bumpers ( a major upgrade on some other models)
Adjustable ride suspension.
Power Seat WIth Lumbar Support
Power Mirrors, Dimming Mirror, Remote Locks, Alarm More|
Locking Allow Wheels
Extra lighter socket in cabin and rear for accessories.
After 4 months and 2200 miles - no rattles, trim or other problems.
I bought from Hiley Isuzu in Mesquite. Their follow up After the sale was impressive, more like I would expect buying a Lexus or something, even a
Christmas card. ( I didn't hear anything after the sale from the Jeep Dealer)
Awesome warranty, I got the extended for a reasonable amount. Now I have Bumper to Bumper coverage and roadside assistance for 10 years or 120,000
miles. Beat that.
I wash my own car. There are no ruberized bumpers, side moldings, mirrors or roof racks which get faded and are hard to keep looking good. No small
crevices in wheels or grill.
A few negatives.
Prop rod to hold up hood with no insulation.
It would be hard to upgrade or replace the stereo because of the integration with the all in one display.
No Locking Gas Cap
No Height Adjustment on Seat in base model.
Non padded dash in some areas.
Non-plush carpet and headliner.
Non retracting antenna (becoming more common on other models including Grand Cherokee)
The Suspension is a little rough in sport mode and bouncy in normal mode on some roads. The Jeep service dept. started inflating my tires to the
recommended level on the Grand Cherokee after the explorer roll-overs. Talk about a buckboard ride. The Ax is a Limo ride by comparison.(My biggest
complaint but not a deal breaker)
There is some talk about Isuzu's future. Even if they cease making suv's they are not closing down. They have major large truck and other operations in
many countries. They will honor any warranties and will not simply disappear like some Korean brands might.
In summary, if you want a real truck based suv with unique cutting edge looks, a great warranty, well equiped and at a reasonable price the Axiom is a no
brainer.
Go Farther.
(host-if this is against the rules for any reason please don't delete this message; e-mail me so I can fix it)
-mike
Not sure why the VDC is in a different class or the liberty for that matter. Then again who knows, what is in these magazine's heads...
-mike
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33709&item=1875723942
I still like the Axiom's styling the best out of any suv I have seen. Even though I eventually bought an MDX I am keeping my eye on this vehicle. Only have seen one Ax on the road and one on a billboard.
Use of the word "ugly" obviously implies opinion. I think they're kind of neat - in my opinion! :-)
tidester, host
Honestly, my first impression was exactly this..."Wow, that's awful looking!" It was almost a deal breaker. The wife and I took the car home for a couple of days and realized that we really didn't care one way or the other. Now we don't even talk about it anymore.
I will say this, the pattern they use is definitely not for everyone, and if I ever find myself with about 2k to blow (ha, ha, ha), I would consider having leather installed.