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Isuzu Axiom

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Comments

  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    Of course you've seen more on the road. Marketed toward pavement lubbers and soccer moms. Platform is the Altima, yes a car platform.
  • 96_i30_5sp96_i30_5sp Member Posts: 127
    Sorry but the platform for the FX35/45 is not the Murano's although they look alike. I do agree that the FX35 is more "sport" than "utility" and is not a direct competitor to the 4x4 Axiom.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The Murano doesn't = the FX35/45. However the FX35/45 isn't an SUV, it's a raised wagon.

    The closest competitors to the Axiom:

    Sorento
    Montero Sport
    Liberty
    X-terrible (maybe)

    -mike
  • pallairepallaire Member Posts: 9
    Took my Axiom into a Custom Van Shop that does all the work for handicap modifications. Had the Track extended 2.5 inches and the nose raised 3/4 of an inch. Feels like a different ride completely. Great support, great extension, and I will probably not ever need the length, but on a long trip it will give me infinite movement. Cost $200. Worth every penny.
  • arizonianarizonian Member Posts: 8
    Is this a limited slip dif for a two wheel drive model? If so where can it be found?

    Thanks in advance

    Ithan
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    Google can usually find just about anything. Here are the results of my search. I've been looking into which would be better, limited slip or locking diff. LSD is easier to install but may not always put the necessary traction where needed. The locker definitely has some disadvantages, just depends how often you need that type of traction.

    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&- - q=limited+slip+differential+dana+power+trax&btnG=Google+Searc- - h

    Here is another article about lockers, LSD and other types of devices.

    http://www.nagca.com/grandtech/carrierslockersandmore.htm
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    LSD v. Locker.

    The LSD is nice cause it's "always enganged" Basically the LSD will help on and off road. A Locker is better for offroad but it has no "give" so you can break a driveline component and you can't use it on-road.

    -mike
  • icedog97icedog97 Member Posts: 141
    Compared to some of the mods recently discussed, adding the grille kit being offered on ebay is pretty easy...

    I just put mine on this weekend and wanted to pass along a few comments...

    First off, it took about 2 hours from start to finish. It might take you less time, I had a 5 and 2 year old watching and asking questions the whole time.

    The small screws and washers are tough to handle at times...washers that are a little bigger will definitely work better.

    Be careful when making your pilot holes if you use a drill. I used a 1/16 inch bit and that seemed to work fine. I caution you because the areas where the screws need to go have varying thicknesses. It is possible to accidentially drill through the front end (yikes...I did this once...luckily it's in an unnoticeable spot!!!).

    The other thing is that I think it helps to bend the excess grill material around the lip of the wholes that you are covering. This adds some strength to the material itself...it makes it stronger from the front side if you press on it...I did this because when wshing the vehicle, it will help if the grill pieces offer some resistance...

    Anyway, that's about it...not a bad process overall...BUT as others have mentioned, I think you can buy the same material yourself for less money...

    BTW...I have yet to see the 7th piece of the kit...has anyone received one yet?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    There is an article on 4x4wire under the isuzu section regarding the powertrax locker. It sounds great for offroad uses, but it doesn't sound that good if you are mostly driving on the road.
  • ogo1ogo1 Member Posts: 7
    Just got an issue of Off Road Adventures, March 03 and in it is an article and advertisment for a combination Locker/LSd setup. It is made by Tractech and was installed into a Dana 44.Go to www.com with the name of the company in between.
  • n2mysvtcobran2mysvtcobra Member Posts: 6
    I have noticed for a while that someone is selling factory two tone(dark gray and camel)Axiom seats on an auction site. I know that Isuzu did this on some Axioms but I never saw them in person. I would love to find a set of Two tone Dark Gray and the lighter gray to match my interior. Anyone know how or where to get these?

    Shawn
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    As far as I know, they only made the tan and black leather seats. They never made a dark gray with light gray set. Although, the two toned gray and black would be nice looking. I have the all gray leather seats.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    question - new to this forum:

    How does everyone like their Axiom? I understand it is based on the Rodeo, which from what I understand isn't the BEST thing in the world. However, a friend of mine has a Passport with over $100k miles, not a single problem. So, I guess I am asking, do you feel that the Axiom is good for the long haul - compared to a Pathfinder or 4Runner? Does it tow jet-skis with no problem? Any unscheduled trips to the dealer? Interiors (leather) hold up well?

    I hate the new 4Runner looks wise, already had a Pathfinder (transmission problems), so the Axiom is the only REAL SUV left in the price range, except the tiny XL-7...

    Thanks!
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    If you read all the Axiom messages on this forum you will get a good view of what people think. Most owners really like their Axioms and no real warranty/maintenance problems are reported. It is an excellent vehicle for towing and should last a long time. Build quality is excellent. I suggest you drive one on an extended test drive to make sure the vehicle "fits" you and you like the seating position and the ride. If those two things are satisfactory it will be a GREAT vehicle for you.
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    If you want a true SUV, body on frame design but interior refinement of an entry level luxury sedan, Axiom is the vehicle for you. Although my Ax has only 9,000 miles on it, I get the impression it will last for a long, long time. It is put together really well. It has a ton of power and will tow up to 4,500 lbs. Go for it. I have had my Axiom for a year and two days and to me it still strongly stands out on any parking lot and any highway. I always get looks, especially from pedestrians when stopped at a red light.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    I love my AX. I've had it for a year now, 14,000 miles. I have had a few problems but nothing to really worry about. It is durable, I've been off roading in it and it really impressed my brother. Get the 4x4, I have the 4x2 and now wish I had the 4x4. Haven't needed 4x4 yet but the time will come I'm sure! My Axiom replaced a 1997 GMC Jimmy. The AX is much better than my old Jimmy in my opinion.
  • lestatdeleon1lestatdeleon1 Member Posts: 16
    I've had my Axiom for 1 1/2 years and have 41000 miles. 80 miles everyday for work, all highway and I have been averaging about 21mpg.

    I have loved every minute in the vehicle. No big problems (did have a loose fan at about 23k, but that is a fairly "minor" issue)

    Mine is the 4x4 with the two tone tan and black interior and is the Dark Gray Metallic. I, too, have received more positive comments on this car than any I have ever had. I would higly recommend this vehicle to anybody. Seats are a bit different position, but I'm 6'3" and about 275 and they are great for me.

    I would recommend planning on changing the tires. I hated the stock and replaced them with Mich. SUV which have been wonderful. Worst winter here in Indiana in a long time and the vehicle was wonderful in all the snow.
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    I know that many of you have mentioned that the driver's seat does not move back far enough. That was one of my biggest complaints as I am 6' tall and like to sit pretty far from the steering wheel. A few months ago, someone posted instructions on how to move the seat back. I followed those instructions and was able to reposition driver's seat (by means of taking out four bolts and placing them into threaded holes about 6 inches aft). It really made a difference!
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    this weekend i am going to be looking around, will definitely take a test drive. i agree - it is a striking SUV. the i LOVE everything but the front end, but even that isn't looking so odd to me anymore. it definitely looks sharp in black.
  • sowrsowr Member Posts: 69
    http://www.autostyles.com/manisuzu.htm

    The above link has grill guards, step bars and tail light protectors for the Axiom.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    Who's going to get the step bar first? I'd like to know how far out from the side it sticks, and how sturdy the step bar is. Could it function as a real rocker bar? One other question about the grill guard is if it has holes for additional lights. Great link Sowr!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Those manik items are meant for decorative and light fixtures only. I wouldn't go smacking into anything with em or you'll likely do more damage.

    The steps connect to the body it looks like so that won't help with rocker protection.

    -mike
  • sowrsowr Member Posts: 69
    I have been toying with the notion that the rocker panels could be removed and side bars installed in their place. If the side bars were designed correctly they would look quite nice and this approach would allow for a little more clearance.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You mean rocker covers? Rocker panels would be hard to remove the actual rockers cause they are part of the 1/4 panels.

    -mike
  • sowrsowr Member Posts: 69
    Paisan, yes, they are plastic rocker covers, which are fixed using press-studs, and are quite easy to remove.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I know a few guys who actually removed their covers before putting on rocker bars so that if they did smack em up, they could put the covers on to cover the smack-up. Thought that was a pretty clever idea :)

    -mike
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    Hi guys,

    Could you please report on your Axiom's oil consumption. For instance, how many miles before the indicator on oil dipstick goes from max to min. Or, how many quarts of oil per certain number of miles. I think it would be good to know where we all stand.
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    I have done three oil changes so far. I have done them at half of the manuals recommended 7,500 mile interval. So far, I have found my engine consumes about 1qt per 3,750 miles. On the last oil change at 7,500 miles, I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic. I am now at 9,400 miles and the oil is still at the full mark. I expected it would be down some, but it is not as of yet. Maybe things are starting to settle down or the synthetic is making a difference.
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Mine comsumes between 1/2 and 1 quart between oil changes at approx 3,000 mile intervals. Use regular oil.
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    I have been using between Valvoline 10w-30 and recently switched to Castol GTX 10w-30 and have never had a problem with oil consumption between oil changes at every 3k.
  • cptsessocptsesso Member Posts: 116
    If anyone is experiencing that muffled air noise while driving with the sunroof open, install a sunroof wind deflector. I just did today and it has totally eliminated the noise. Very good investment.
  • libertycatlibertycat Member Posts: 593
    Believe me, I am constantly on the lookout for Axioms and they sure aren't easy to miss. I wish Isuzu had marketed the Axiom the way they have the Ascender.
  • icedog97icedog97 Member Posts: 141
    During an ESPN broadcast of the Stanley Cup Playoffs over the weekend, Isuzu actually ran an Axiom ad. The first I have seen on TV (at what I would assume is a national level) in a long time.

    They showed a black ax with the vapor chrome wheels...
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Just drove by my local Isuzu dealer yesterday and saw an Ax with a rear spoiler on it and it looked slightly different (externally anyway) than the others I have seen. It was an XS. Any idea if there is some deluxe version for 2003?
  • twocartwocar Member Posts: 95
    Just wondering who else may have gotten the Isuzu Axiom campaign notice regarding head injury problems with the Ax. I have mine scheduled for the repair/fix next week for installation of additional foam, etc. in the roof rails.
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    Does anybody know how difficult it is to install the towing package on Axiom if purchased as a kit from Isuzu dealer? My main concern is the wiring. Does Axiom have any connector in rear for connecting the electrical wires of the towing bar? Is there any alternative to the original towing package from Isuzu (less expensive) and your opinion on aftermarket part? Thanks in advance for your support, and just a few more words... I love this SUV anytime I am in it, or just looking at it. My friend is trying to sell his Axiom, and amazingly having a hard time. I don't understand why this SUV turns heads on every intersection, but people don't wish to call by number listed on "For Sale" sign...
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I too received the notice yesterday. It sure seems like a recall notice, just worded differently. I think Isuzu is doing this "safety campaign notice" voluntarily to avoid a mandatory recall that could eventually come. The service is just to replace the hard plastic inner pillar material with a padded material. As I recall, the crash tests said their was poor head control that could cause head trauma if it hit the pillars. I will take mine in next month for the service.

    The trailor hitch is very easy to install, about 1/2 hour. For the wiring, you just have to pop a grommet off the floor and run the wiring cable throug it, find the wiring harness inside of the jack compartment and plug it in. Simple.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Yeah there is no "tow packages" offered from isuzu on the isuzu made vehicles. All you do is slap a hitch on and the trailer wiring. As was stated by K2rm, you just pop off a gromet underneath in the rear and plug-in the wiring harness, should take no more than 60-90 seconds, and that's on a bad day. Pricing wise you can probably get a hitch from hidden hitch or similar for ~$100-$150 shipped and the wiring harness for ~$25.

    -mike
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I had a Draw-Tite hitch installed by a local tire company and it works well and looks good. The hitch costs $135 and the complete job totaled $222 with labor,hitch ball and wiring harness.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    I've posted pics of my lifted Axiom before but I've finally purchased some larger tires. I bought the Bridgestone Dueler AT 265/70 17. Had to do some trimming in the front and rear of the front wheel well. What do you think of the new look?

    http://club.vmag.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/000137.html
  • heniopheniop Member Posts: 6
    Looks really cool and beautiful color/like mine/.Did a manual test for mpg lately 2 times around 22 avarage compared to what computer states 17 so its not bad in general we have reliable,good looking,economical car.
  • leedavidyoungleedavidyoung Member Posts: 102
    Your truck looks great. Isuzu should take note and offer this as a factory option.
  • sveltaxsveltax Member Posts: 72
    For those of you in southern CA, my bro and I took a drive up to Gorman (Hungry Valley) and mixed it up with the MXers and ATVers. That place rocks! We had an excellent time putting my lifted AX through it's paces. It rubbs in a few places, front where the front bumper attaches to the front corner panel, and in the rear where the rear bumper attaches to the rear corner panel. As my AX is only 2wd we didn't want to press our luck too much as we were not with any other group that would help us out of a jam.

    I was suprised by how well my 2wd AX performed. We went just about everywhere. In the sand, up and down a few rocky trails, up a few MX hill climb areas, the rancho 9000s and the lift work very well together. I had the shocks set on full plush and it was plush! We encountered a number of ify situations and the AX pulled through in all but one instance. In that instance I was able to back out of the obtacle. The rear locker is definitely my next mod!

    Hungry Valley has an offroad center but it was closed for a group event. Looked like it would give me a much better idea of how the AX would handle without placing the truck in a dangerous situation.

    Anyone in the area want to go on May 9th? Email me and we can hook up. I'll be out of town until the evening of the 8th so email me, I'll answer on Wednesday evening, going on a two week vacation starting Thursday.

    Hope everyone had a great weekend!
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    Does anybody know how to attach the cargo net properly? The cargo area has many points where you can attach the cargo net, and therefore there are many combinations, but none of them seems right.
  • jamesjajamesja Member Posts: 15
    My Axiom cargo net is kind of like spandex on an overweight person; it's not pretty but it holds everything. It's very stretchy. There are a few ways it is designed to be used (did you get the photocopied page of instructions with it?), including as a top-net or side-net. The latter holds a bit of gear against the back of the rear seats. If you need the instructions sheet I could fax it to you. -jj-
  • tig2002tig2002 Member Posts: 81
    Thank you for your response, jamesja! No, I don't have any instructions for my cargo net. Unfortunately I do not have a fax machine, but if you have an ability to attach pictures to the email, please contact me at tigran777@hotmail.com. Thanks again!
  • bobo325bobo325 Member Posts: 6
    This is my first post. Our Axiom has been back to the dealer twice to correct a pronounced buffeting problem under hard & normal braking conditions. The first trip they replaced both rear axles (warped) and brake drums (warped).
    The second time around (same complaint) they found the front rotors "out of spec" and machined them. Better. But a long way from acceptable....even for a Yugo!

    Has anyone out there experienced a similar problem? If so, I'd appreciate hearing from you.
    Thanks,
    bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'd try a different dealer, there are no drums on any isuzu products, hasn't been in ~10 years!

    -mike
  • axiomloveraxiomlover Member Posts: 216
    Actually, the 2-wheel drive Axioms have drums on rear axle. I have not experienced any breaking problems on my Ax and I had a few situations where I had to slow down from 80 to 20 mph in emergency manner - no problems. Actually, I think the breaks are pretty good on Axioms. I know that Jeeps GCs have notorious problems with break rotors, but not Isuzus. The dealer should just give you new discs/rotors and pads/shoes.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Dayme, I didn't realize that Isuzu skimmed out on them like that :(

    -mike
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