Isuzu Axiom

axguy

The Kuhmo Escta is one nice looking tire. Can't wait for my Goodyears to wear out.
Jeff

cracovian

I'd like to get a new Axiom (or maybe a Rodeo if the price is really low) soon because I like Isuzus and I got a decent deal on my 2002 Trooper back in the day.

Right now, the best local quote I could find was about 25K for 2WD 2004 Axiom XS (no 4WDs in Georgia). Then the dude was trying to sell me a 2003 demo (apparently they still have a ton of those) for 22K. Good luck.

I know you guys make fun of it but only hard core Isuzu gearheads (not many of us left) will choose that over a smooth riding Highlander, for example, that offers third row seating and curtain airbags as options in the same price range.

Not offering 4WD down here also sucks big time. That's really the only unique thing that Axiom has going for it and I can't even get it. I'm a serious shopper with cash in my pocket and I swear someone else will get it unless Isuzu comes to their senses and takes a serious look at their offerings, especially now, when deals are to be had on practically any vehicle out there :-(

axiomlover

Go to isuzudealers.com and find out what they have to offer. You can even print it out and go to your dealer to show him what sort of prices are out there.

Isuzus are well build trucks and the way mine is wearing, I am predicting it will last a lifetime. It may not be the smoothest riding truck out there, but Highlander is not that smooth, neither (I drove one two weeks ago and was unimpressed).

By the way, I have recently put a bottle of injectors cleaner (concentrated) into a tank of gas. It seems that the truck has better acceleration and my fuel economy went up, as well.

ryanendres

Anytime you add a new filter or muffler or super charger, you need to disconnect the battery for 15-30 minutes to reset the ECU. The ECU will then relearn your driving habits and new add-ons to give you the best MPG possible. More air in also means more gas in, I don't care what K&N states.
-Ryan

cracovian

It seems like the only place in the country that could give me a decent price these days is that M'Lady dealership where I suspect you got your 4WD Axiom too. I'd rather buy locally but if I have to go up to Chicago eventually then I will (I plan on visiting my family in Lake Zurich sometime in June, so we'll see). Hopefully, there are no hidden fees that the dealership would spring up on me. What was your experience with them and how much more did you have to pay over what was advertised?

I really think there are better ways to spend 25K on a great engine sitting on the frame attached to a nice looking exterior. We can't count on the Isuzu warranty too much anymore and getting rear drums (2WD) and a crummy ride doesn't make the deal any easier.

I read some comments here and is it true that 2004 is the last year for Axiom? If so, I might wait a while longer since I'm not too desperate for a new car and I'm sure the deals will get better. I still can't forget a bunch of brand new $19,999 Trooper 4WD S's that M'Lady was selling less than a year ago - I should have gotten the second one there in addition to my local LS back then :-) The Trooper has its quirks but my wife and I have grown to really like the sucka.

axiomlover

I, too, was wooed by the advertisement by M'Lady Isuzu in Crystal Lake, which appeared in Chicago Tribune. When I was looking to buy my Axiom in Spring of 2002, I went to M'Lady dealership with an ad for a new Axiom with a $17,900 price tag. I was soon educated by a very nice salesperson that the $17,900 Axiom is a base S model with 11,850 miles on it. It was used in a rental company in Las Vegas and supposedly never titled. If a vehicle has never been titled and has less than 12,000 miles, it can be advertised and sold as NEW. I then tried and negotiated a price for a dealer demo with only 500 miles on it and the price was pretty good, but not good enough for me to buy.

I did some research and found out that Schaumburg Isuzu was the volume leader in the Midwest, so I headed over there and found out that they had six new black Axioms (with gray interior) and 25 other colors. When I was ready to buy a few days later, they only had one black Ax left and, of course, I bought it. I got a great price, but it took some sweat. Anyway, good luck and look for a used one, you will save yourself a TON of dough.

ryanendres

Another vote for Schaumburg Isuzu. My dealer was trying to get me my truck via dealer trade and the "other" dealer wouldn't trade. I called up corp isuzu found my truck was at Schaumburg. I called them up, asked their lowest price which was 400 less then my dealer. Drove down the next day with a check and drove it home. -Ryan

cracovian

I just got a quote for a brand new 2003 Montero Limited w/ Premium Pkg for 28K. Less power than Axiom but so much more car (truck) for the money... decisions, decisions...

paisan

Nice.

-mike

cracovian

...not many miles on them (had four of them in stock) but all made at the end of 2002 and just sitting on the lot since then. I guess I'll wait for 2004s - better warranty, almost two years younger and probably the same deal when the time comes.

On the other hand, the local Isuzu dealer keeps leaving me messages but 23K for a 2WD with drums is just not my cup of tea. 20K and maybe we'll talk :-)

axguy

I drove a Montero before buying my 03Axiom. I just didn't care for it at all. My Axiom is an 03XS 4wd with every option including the roof rack and chrome wheels. The window sticker was 31,485. I bought it in July 03 and paid around 24,000 for it. They should be alot less now that the 04's have come out. Personally, I'd get an 04 with the direct injection engine.
Jeff

grn95

Ryan, regarding the MPG- by disconnecting the negative battery cable and leaving it off overnite the first time and 4 hours the second time the ECU definitely was reset. So far the MPG is 13.7 which is still 2.2 less than the average 15.9 I was getting before trying the Calmini filter. The truck is running fine so I really doubt I missed a hose or left something loose. Im bringing the truck back in to local dealer for drivers side molding replacement and will ask them to look at it but I already know what they are going to say.... "Mechanic couldnt find anthing...." Also, Calmini tech told me they never tried the cone filter on an Axiom and their shipping was $20.75 for a small light box. Ouch.

grn95

The experience at MyLady was the absolute WORST car experience I have ever had. There is a zero percent chance I would ever return there for anything for any reason. There isnt enough space to type how many lies/allibies/etc they gave me. I dont care how low they are selling cars it is not worth it. They also claim to be the largest selling dealership in the Midwest... Re: the question about dealer add-on's, yes the illegal $299.99 add-on at signing for window etching.

johnnylunchbox

The cars computer and air flow sensor try to get the right mixture of fuel and air for optimum efficiency. Therefore, if a less restrictive filter is used, and the computer senses more air, then it will compensate by adding more fuel to the mix. This should, in theory, give more horsepower, but I doubt it'll raise your MPG's. Does not seem logical.

grn95

johnnylunchbox, I agree with you 100%. The filter cone did not have a cut-out for the MAF and was causing air leaks. The stock housing is now back on the vehicle, I have checked all hoses/fittings and all seems good. The ECU has been reset multiple times but the best MPG is now 13.4 with the engine/air filter assm all back to stock. The vehicle is running great aside from the MPG. I hope to bring it in to dealer nxt week but Im baffled by how the MPG has gone down by over 2 miles per gallon. Re: the air filter cone I have a K+N FIPK on my Explorer and a Jim Wolf Tech Pop Charger on my Pathfinder and neither caused any probs only increased throttle response.

amigo_john

int GetEngineDiagnostics()
{
 if (ModelYear < 2000)
 {
  JamCDChanger();
  UseALittleOil();
  Squeak();
  DeflateShocks();
 }

 if (CheckForManifoldLeaks() == TRUE)
    {
     CHECK_ENGINE_LIGHT = ON;
     MakeRPMGaugeGoCrazy();
    }

 if (AirFilter == Stock)
  GasMileage = 15;
 else if (AirFilter == K&N)
  GasMileage = GasMileage - 5;
 
 JustKidding();
 return;
}

tidester

You left out the header file:

#include LoL.h

tidester, host

amigo_john

I'll put that in the next version. Don't worry, the upgrade is only $99.95 ;^)

atlgaxt

Has anyone out there bought a direct injection 04? Just curious what kind of MPG it gets.

twocar

I haven't but curious why it doesn't offer "power" mode, if I recall my info correctly. I wonder if a K&N filter on a 230 hp AX '02 or '03 would compare to the 250 horses of the '04?

atlgaxt

I doubt a K&N by itself would do the trick, but maybe a chip, a K&N and new exhaust might get you there. But the beauty of the direct injection is more hp, more torque and more mpg on regular fuel.

I looked hard at an Axiom to replace my Rodeo, and there was a lot to like, but frankly I was nervous about getting an Isuzu because of what is happening to the company. I bought a Forester turbo, which I love but I am a little disappointed in the mpg for a smaller (but powerful) vehicle as I am getting high teens to low twenties depending upon the urban highway mix.

Not that I can do anything about it now, but I am just curious if a direct injection Axiom would bring similar mpg. Even if the mpg is not the same, overall fuel costs would probably be similar or better in the Axiom comparing the cost of regular fuel versus premium, which the turbo Forester needs. And although I have not seen a road test, an educated guess would be not much loss in performance, with 0-60 in the mid 7s for an Axiom vs. mid 6s for a Forester XT with an automatic. Why can't Isuzu market this great engine in a good vehicle?

cmuniz

I traded my 2002 Axiom for a turbo Forester for the same reasons - didn't trust Isuzu to be around long term and the dealers were getting few and far between. I had had Isuzus since 1996 and liked each of them. I must say that I like the Forester XT even better and it is a lot more fun to drive than the Axiom. Isuzu would have to give the Axiom a big boost in power to be able to compare with the power/accelaration in the current XT - it is awsome.

atlgaxt

I find it interesting how much cross over there is between the Subaru and Isuzu boards. I just hope it is not a bad omen for Subaru...

grn95

anyone out there have a leaking windshield washer reservoir tank? i have removed the wheel well molding twice and located the leak(the seams at the bottom of the plastic tank) but the dealer says they cant find the leak so they cant replace it. Also, i read a few posts about a sulfur smell but the dealer cant find that either. Any fixes for that?
Also, for the person askin bout my lady isuzu check BBB and get a good laugh.

socalsteve

I've got a 2004 with TOD. Just took it to Las Vegas, averaged 19.2 according to the in-dash computer. That was averaging about 85 mph.

ryanendres

Common problem on all Isuzu. The problem is that when you put the cap back on the tank you can't just push down on it or you will crack the neck of the bottle that goes into the main tank. Solution? Be very carefull when putting on the cap (hold onto the neck and then put the cap on. All you can do now is replace the tank or remove it and have someone plastic welded it. -Ryan

paisan

No offense, but:

1) The XT is faster than a Porsche Cayanne
2) The XT will never in it's wildest dreams tow the same as an Axiom (theoretically nor practically)
3) The XT will be crying at the trailhead as the Axiom goes deep into the trail

So obviously you bought the wrong vehicle the first time around. I'm a big subie fan (own 3 previously owned 2) and Isuzu fan (own 1 and previously owned 1) but to compare them is just funny.

-mike

paisan

Very hard to compare them.

1) Torque curve on the DI is very very flat from near idle up to a high RPM, not so on the non DI version

2) MPG should be better on DI due to a better mix directly in the cylinders, no chip or K&N is gonna help that.

3) 20mpg @ 85mph is pretty darn good, I bet at 65 it would be way higher than that.

4) Tranny w/o "power" mode. That could be a result of an automatic "power" mode that kicks in based on how quickly the pedal is mashed. The subies used to have a power light to let you know when this mode was engaged by hitting the gas, but since 96 they haven't had that light, yet the feature remains.

-mike

atlgaxt

My Rodeo was the right vehicle for me at the time I got it. When I got a 4X4 pickup I let my wife drive the Rodeo. When we went to replace the Rodeo, we did not need another heavy duty off road or towing vehicle. But we still wanted something with interior cargo room and at least AWD ability to play around when we go to our mountain cabin. As I have found out earlier in my life in a 2wd, you do not need to be "off road" or even in snow to get stuck in steep area. That is why we went with the XT.

Now, having owned two Isuzus previously I was still attracted to the Axiom. The Axiom held the promise of a somewhat smoother ride as compared to the Rodeo due to the electronically adjustable suspension (which depending upon who you listen to has or has not been fulfilled), the Axiom has excellent if not blazing fast acceleration with the Direct Injection, and has similar if not actually lower fuel costs as compared to the XT (if you factor in regular vs. premium fuel) Add the fact that I could have gotten a fully loaded Axiom (which stickers for several thousand more than a loaded XT) for a lower price out the door and it was a tough decision. Plus I liked the looks. In my opinion, both of these vehicles are in a class by themselves when you factor in the real out the door prices you can get.

What it came down to was two things. I was worried about what was happening to Isuzu as a brand, and I was not sure about having two trucks, as both my wife and I though it would be fun to round things out by having something sportier.

So don't go presuming that I am some kind of an idiot with my vehicle choices for cross shopping these vehicles or replacing my Rodeo with an XT (or buying my Rodeo in the first place). Over the years life changes and your vehicle needs change.

Having said that, I still find it interesting that as two almost cult type brands, there is a definite crossover between the fans of Isuzu and Subaru, you being another case in point.

paisan

"The XT is much faster" Not even sure it was you who posted that. But someone had an axiom and sold it for the XT and was trying to compare them which you can do, but there are other factors where the Axiom would be superior.

-mike

cmuniz

I was the one that made the comment. I agree with everything that you said, except for the part "you bought the wrong vehicle". When I bought my 3 Isuzus the XT did not exist. I bought the right vehicle at the time for my needs, it is just that when the XT came out and with Isuzu USA corporate/marketing problems the XT is currently a better fit. The Isuzu dealer is 40 miles away since the near-by dealer went out of business last year. Subaru dealer is 6 miles away. Things DO change over time.

paisan

It just seemed like you were all annoyed that the TRUCK didn't perform as well as the XT, very common problem when people buy a TRUCK but want a Car/Crossover instead.

-mike

df2000

I saw 2004 Axiom S and 2004 Rodeo on autoshow.
Both with 3.5l DI engine. Both show transmission made in Japan and it has a dip-stick now, so my guess it not GMs 4l30 anymore.
I ask salesperson if $5k off MSRP for Axiom is do able and his answer was yes. But if I would really buying I fill I have to push about $7k off. And of course, he don't know for how long his dealer will be Isuzu dealer, and usual BS about "always honor the Isuzu warranty".

johnnylunchbox

Has anybody had a problem with their heater blower? Mine is vibrating very loudly and at one point it spewed what appeared to be very fine sawdust out of the passenger side vents. I am puzzled. I am sure they'll fix it under warranty. I am wondering if demonic possession may be the culprit. Exorcisms anyone?

twocar

Mine has made some terrible sounds at times almost like a trapped, crisp leaf in there and then if I fool around with the blower speed it will go away sometimes and I won't hear anything for 1,000's of miles.

grn95

Intermittently the fan or motor makes a sound like the old perculator coffee pots. It's pretty strange but so are the other problems my Axiom has. Over all though I still love the way it drives.

cptsesso

No problems here at all after 26,000 miles on my 2002. I will pay attention to the blower motor a little more now.

axiomlover

Yup, you guys are not alone. My blower started making weird noises at 10K miles (like a trapped leaf), but it has been quiete for now.

rcopa2

http://www.freep.com/money/autonews/irep6_20040206.htm

oxmead

I really like the looks of the Axiom. There are some really great deals. Lots of 2003's and some 2004's. Is it worth spending the extra for the 2004? Isuzu claims the only vehicles with direct injection under $100,000.00. Is this good or bad? What other vehicles have this system? Also, if they stop prodution, will the 7/70 waranties be worthless? Reviews are not great , but that never stopped me before. Looks like a lot of car for the money. They cover my needs( leather w/heat, auto climate, decent stereo, 4 wheel disc brakes,sharp looks). Hope some owners can help.

axguy

I love my Axiom. I had a 2000Trooper and while I really liked it, it was just a bit too big for me, plus I didn't like the way the tailgate opened(like a door). I couldn't haul anything that stuck out since you cant leave those doors open and drive. The Axiom is pretty small, easy to drive and park, handles very well for an SUV. It has all the power you'd need, but being a tech nut, I wish I'd of known they were going to come out with direct injection. A few extra ponies and better mileage never hurts. I have a few rattles in mine, but I think I know where they are and how to fix them. Just waiting for helms to print the service manual for the 03's. People are always looking at my Axiom. I took the badging off and they always want to know what kind of SUV it is. The only thing I can think of that I'd want in my Ax is stereo controls on the steering wheel. I bought mine July 03 and it's only been in the shop once to replace some crooked side molding. The local dealers are giving 8-9k off on the 03AX demos with as little as 1k miles. Good value for the $$$. From what I've read, Isuzu is going to stop making the Axiom, but are going to come out with new models in the US, therefore, as long as there are Isuzu dealers, the warranty should be fine.
Jeff

rwcos

Sad to say but Isuzu will be gone from the US market by the end of the year. I was real close to buying one of the last Troopers but I saw dealerships closing all around me. With the recent news concerning the Rodeo and Axiom it doesn't look good!!

axguy

Check out post #9279 in the trooper forum here at Edmunds.
I've read quiet a few articles on other isuzu forums stating that Isuzu will release new models in the US once they break away from GM. It looks promising. We can only hope.
Jeff

paisan

They' import them from their other plant I'm sure.

-mike

oxmead

I'm going to drive a loaded 2003 tomorrow and see how I like it. On Isuzu's web site it says the only other vehicles with direct injection are the V-12 BMW's and the new Rolls. I don't get it. How come no one else has this? Do you think it would be very expensive if repairs are needed?

cracovian

...in the States that is. That's because our gas quality is poor. Mitsubishi pioneered direct injection a few years back and these types of engines are in use all over Europe.

Once you consider Subaru's, Nissan's, etc. new 3-3.5l engines with 250 ponies and even better gas mileage to boot, this direct injection technology doesn't look all that exciting unless you compare it to the archaic Trooper engine...

While I still keep the Axiom on my shopping list it's no longer on top :-( Still relatively high price, disappearing dealers, and uncertain warranty (hopefully GM can take over) have me worried. I'll probably wait until the end of this year for better rebates and more news on what actually is going to happen.

Also, would you be getting the 4WD? Here down south they only offer 2WDs with the drum brakes, so I'd be getting mine from Chicago. At the same time the 4WD system can be expensive to repair (Axiomlover's transfer case, paisan's TOD sensors on the Trooper), especially if the warranty becomes useless.

grn95

I found this recall on alldata.com but it doesnt contain any other info. Anyone familiar with this and have the detailed info? Both dealers I have been to cant find the sulfur smell. Thanks

oxmead

Yes, I was looking at the 4WD model. I refuse to buy anything with drum brakes. Took an extended test drive today ,but decided the SUV scene wasn't for me. The search continues. Thanks to all who helped with my questions.

cracovian

Check out the upcoming Mazda6 5-door or the station wagon, nice alternatives to the Axiom if SUVs don't work for you.

Nice-looking, dynamic, lots of room and safety features, all for about $23K - I can't wait to check it out myself:

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=- upcomingMazda6

oxmead

I saw the 6 wagon at the car show and it was very nice. I also liked the mazda 3, but it doesn't have enough extras. New Volvo S40 gets kinda pricey when you start adding options. The big 50 is comming up and I wanted to get a new toy. Maybe I'll save a little longer and try for an Infiniti G35 coupe.