Isuzu Axiom

axaholic

Isuzu is still the king in commercial trucks and outsells Toyota products in some countries. Even if they leave the suv market they are not bankrupt and will make provisions for warranties.

They have announced that suv's for the USA market will be made in Thailand which is why they stopped here. I haven't seen anything about new modesls.
http://www.just-auto.com/news_detail.asp?art=40484

malsua

I don't know what they are shipping for tires on the 2003/4 Axioms.

The 2002 models had Goodyear Integrity tires.

The integrity tires in northern New Jersey are dangerous. They simply have no wet or snow traction. After 11000 miles, I replaced them with Yokohama Geolander HT/S tires.

My suggestion is that if Isuzu is still shipping these tires, you should build that into your buy decision. They literally will slide out of control in curves while wet. Before anyone suggest I'm a "nut" consider that I was a semi-pro race car driver for 10 years. I push my tires on the track. My driver isn't something I push. I feel the stock tires that came on my 2002 AX are absolutely inferior and indeed dangerous. I've had it slide wide in 2x4 when it should never have done such a thing. I'm talking about normal driving speeds coupled with the tires loosing traction.

I've since put the Yokos on and now it handles as it should. Please keep that in mind. Be safe. If you keep the integrity tires on it, understand that you need to be underspeed when the road is wet. I'm not trying to preach, but I'm suggesting that folks be aware that the stock Tires on a 2002 Axiom are dangerously inferior.

-Mal

lvmiles

Malsua, I have also replaced the original Goodyears on my 02 AX (after 39K) for the same reasons you mentioned. In fact I put on the Yokohama Geolander H/T-S (G052), the difference is remarkable. One question, what air pressure are you running in the Yoko's? Currently I have them at 30 psi, didn't want to go down to 26 psi on these per the manual.

twocar

I had previously (as did others) complained about the Goodyears. Horrible tire. I replaced mine at around 37,000 with some Michelin XTC4's. I found out yesterday that they were inflated to 51 psi per the sidewall. The '02 Ax spec plate says 26. I am currently at 35 but think I may boost them up to 40 because it is extremely floaty at this psi.

makaye

Just adding my opinion. Likely the Integrity tires are a poor choice, but it is not Isuzu just being cheap. The Integrity tires are standard on many new vehicles, including the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot and Acura MDX - among others (probably the Subaru Forester too, considering where they are built).
The UTQG ratings are 460 AB - long wear, traction "A" temperature "B". Traction of "A" used to be the top rating, it is now "AA".
I'm curious if part of the problem is leverage? WIth the higher center of gravity for SUV's overcoming the traction capabilities of typical tires?

paisan

And IIRC uses Geolanders on it.

-mike

paisan

There is no dipstick as it is a sealed unit. The reasoning IIRC is because too many folks check it when it's cold, and wind up over or under filling the unit causing more problems. I'd have it checked at a dealer or shop or get the manuals and DIY at 50K for "normal" use or 20K intervals under severe use.

-mike

mitikd

Have anybody replaces bulb for license plate light? There are two of them. After I took off a shiny molding, there are plastic housings for the bulbs. Two screws for each; I removed screws and... housings don't come out! It's looks like they glued or something - It's impossible! But I just couldn't remove them, I don't want to break a plastic.
Any advice would be really appreciated...

rcopa2

Does anyone know if the spoiler is removable? Don't care for it and am interest in an XS. Thanks,

axinutz

The Axiom was designed by Shiro Nakamura who is the VP of Design for Nissan. He is also responsible for the new Nissan Z car design, the Nissan Murano and it's Infiniti cousin as well as the rest of the revamped Nissan line. It thought this was interesting given the criticism of the Axiom design by the automotive press.

It likes we are driving a design classic.

cptsesso

I just discovered the source of a thumping noise which has been driving me crazy the last few days. My spare tire was loose and banging around whenever I hit a bump.

I would never have guessed it would be the spare tire. Go figure.

mightymolar

Hi! I own a 2003 Isuzu Axiom S. Pretty new. Powder blue color. Unfortunate accident where the truck's Left rear bumper by the rear wheel (above the mud guard) received three minor scratches. Hence the scratches reveal the grey plastic underneath. Any advice on how to repair the damage or camouflage it? Cheers.

PS. RE: Message #2080... great observation! I noticed that thump noise whenever I braked... (came from rear) I will check the spare tire's fixture.

cptsesso

Unfortunately the only way to make it look good again is to have the bumper repainted.

If you don't mind it being "not so perfect", you could buy the touch up paint and do a building up process. You fill in the scratches with thin layers of touch up paint, trying to build up to the original level of the factory paint. Once there, wet sand the area with very fine paper and then buff it.

I did this before on my last vehicle and it came out pretty good. You could still see a slight paint discoloration because the touch up paint is not a perfect match for the paint on your bumper.

grn95

As previously noted I had a big decrease in MPG. It has gone up to 14.2 (down from the orig 15.7). Took the vehicle in last week to dealer for the "poor front door weathership fit (SB01-11-S005)", they had previously ordered the weatherstrip, it looks much better now. The ISC lite is on but they did not have time to look at that as they only have 1 Isuzu tech and they asked me to bring it in at 1pm. Dealing with limited time I had asked the service advisor in advance if that would give the tech enough time, he said yes our tech is very good. Also asked them to look at the MPG but they said they need proof for Isuzu re: previous mileage, etc. Their recommendation is to get the same gas, at the same place, and at the same pump, and document it on receipts, not an easy task. I have also called the Isuzu cust service line re: previous service at different dealership/false sales tactics/damage to vehicle. I was transferred to a "manager of cust relations" voice mail where I left info and a callback number to reach me. That was 4 weeks ago but Im sure they will be calling me any day now... All in all the Axiom looks nice but I regret not purchasing another Nissan.

grn95

Forgot one more item on the service list. I have removed the front wheelwell lining twice to find the bottom of the windshield washer tank is leaking slowly from the seams at the bottom of the tank. I told them again it is leaking and from where and what I did to find the leak. They put on the service invoice that no leak found, windshield washer tank may have been overfilled....

paisan

dobt they'll do anything. No manufacturers can do anything about that unless there is some obvious reason why the car is broken. I decrease in milage by 2-3MPG in the winter on my trooper.

-mike

johnnylunchbox

Grn95 - I'm guessing here but depending on where you live, the decrease in mileage may be due to the fuel additives like MTBE to oxygenate the fuel. (I am not an engineer nor do I play one on tv)

I also agree about the Nissan thing. Hands Down Nissan has much better build quality. But all in all I like my Axiom, lots of features, good looks. I guess we will pay somewhat for its uniqueness in its quirks, and unfortunately dealers/techs are few and far between.

axiomlover

I know that Nissan makes good trucks/cars (I had one), but I will not agree that Nissan has better build quality. Although Nissan has great styling it scores as one of the poorest interior fit and finish of all Japanese car makers. From the steering column to radio and A/C controls, it all seems loose. Just read the Edmunds' review of Altima. I realize and agree that Isuzus are far from perfect, but one thing I feel strongly about is the fact that they are built to last. I have had my Axiom for two years and put 21,000 on it and it still drives, feels and sounds like a brand new truck

paisan

also remember all the electronic gremlins in the nissan products of a few years ago??

-mike

johnnylunchbox

I did not say that Isuzu has bad build quality. I think my axiom is put together pretty well, however there are some uneven gaps in the body panels, nothing major, and a few more squeaks and rattles than my 2000 Frontier CrewCab, and I think the soundproofing was better on the Nissan as well as a more solid feeling steering system. I'm not bashing the Axiom, I love it and I think I'll keep it around for a long time.

johnnylunchbox

Let me add by saying that I can only speak for my Nissan Frontier. Also I do understand that the Nissan had a much smaller passenger compartment, which usually equals better rigidity which equals less flex and noises. Whereas the Isuzu's passenger compartment encompasses the whole vehicle including the cargo area, so I guess this accounts for the extra flex and noises. However I might be talking out of my A**, which I've been known to do on occasion.

grn95

Re: my previous posts bout the Axiom and service etc I did not mean to get in a Nissan Vs. Isuzu war here. I also own a 2000 Nissan Pathfinder which has been flawless thus far. No maintenance needed or performed aside from oil changes. The fit and finish is far superior to the Axiom. No 15000 mile maintenance needed or required like the Axiom. The Axiom's 15000 service set me back almost $200. The Axiom is a nice vehicle and drives well (after replacing the Goodyear Integrities), but its minor annoyances/flaws are not what I expected. As johnnylunchbox said, I also have uneven gaps in the body panels, the hood keeps sagging on the drivers side (the rubber hood stops in the engine compartment dont stay in the same position after I adjust them), the interior squeaks, the front end is making some harsh noises, the gas mileage is just plain bad, the paint on the side view mirrors is hazy, etc etc. I really do like this vehicle but compared to the Pathfinder the probs are irritating to say the least. And Im sure there are people out there with more complaints about their Nissan/Toyota, not every car off the line is perfect no matter the manufacturer. In defense of the service dealership I have been bringing it to, they are very courteous and they do wash the vehicle. Sometimes it is the simple things that a customer remembers. All in all the Axiom is a great looking vehicle but is not my favorite purchase. Also thanks for the MPG info, it is currently at 14.2 and seems to be getting better as the tempature rises.

sowr

FYI everyone, I just had my 2002 Axiom serviced at Sierra Isuzu in Monrovia, CA, told them about the clunk when I pull tp a stop and also when I pull away. After reading numerous posts here I was well informed. They lubed the slipyolk and fixed the problem for no charge. In warranty.

raydahs

That's great that they fixed it, but beware of this service writer. I travel from San Diego to Valencia weekly (via 210 fwy). I stopped to get a quote for replacing the Timing belt & W/P a while back and was quoted $900.00! twice as much as it should have been. When I questioned the cost difference between parts and labor, I was told the parts were $500.00! You can get the parts from St,Charles Isuzu in MO. for half of that, so question everthing if you plan on using these guys in the future!

sveltax

I also had my truck serviced by Dino at Sierra Isuzu, I was charged $72 for the lube job. It was during my 15K service. It also fixed my clunk at start and stop, I had it in there at 11K and the tech said he would check it at 15K. Not a warranty fix for me. Sowr, where are you? I'm in Arcadia driving a Canal Blue lifted Axiom.

sowr

Yes, I've seen pics of your lifted Ax but never seen it in the "flesh". I'm in La Crescenta, I have an Anthracite 4x4 Ax S, with a Yakima Rack and basket (got to carry my climbing packs on the long trips).

Initially the dealer did say it was not in warranty, my reply was it powertrain so it should be in, they said okay. I think they were okay with it because I had them changing all of the fluids (coolant, engine, xfer case, and diff)at 45K (I do it every 15K)so they probably don't want to lose my business, also I work at the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab and being part of Pasadena's largest employer has it perks.

johnnylunchbox

Does anybody know what kind of grease they use on the slip yoke? Is there a grease fitting?

Thanks

slickwilliedj

Hi, all new to this board. I own a 02 black on gray leather Axiom xs 2wd and sunroof. currently has about 18k on it and has proven to be trouble free. most recently I was having an issue that the recycle a/c light would not stay illuminated even though the a/c was in the recycle a/c mode so the button worked just the light was the problem. In order to correct this the dealer had to order an entire new radio/a/c assembly. took approx 2 weeks. Had it installed about a week ago and all is good. Also had the 15,000 mile service done and like some of you was experencing a thumping feeling when coming to a stop or when releasing the brakes from a dead stop. Had the brakes inspected and all was fine. I even went back to the dealer while the truck was still there cause I could not beleave they could not dup the problem. Now I this can be caused by the propeller shaft running out of grease however in my case I think and so does the dealer that it was a build up in brake dust in the rear drums. After driving it and noticing it was gone eventhough I had not had the propeller shaft lubed. I went ahead and had it service just to be safe cost me about $80.00. I have no idea what type of grease they used but I think they actually drop the drive shaft and repack it rather then simply greasing a fitting. I looked under the truck and see no fittings so I'm pretty certain thats the process.

sveltax

Sowr, I want to get a rack for my Axiom but mine did not come with the factory rack. Do you have any pictures of your rack that you could email me? otbrider@yahoo.com

icedog97

Anyone ouy there own an '04 Ax?

I have an '02 and the '04's are getting a pretty good discount now...been thinking about seeing what it would take to get an '04 (even considering the poor trade in value - hey maybe that will help in negotiating the '04 price?)

Besides the direct injection engine and some chrome accents, what else is different from the '02's? Does the '04 drive any differently in terms of the suspension?

Any feedback is appreciated...

atlgaxt

back in October at a combined Subaru / Isuzu dealer. While I was there they had three new '04 Axioms with Direct Injection. I drove one and I liked it, but we were buying a vehicle for my wife and did not need a real truck.

I just took my Subie in for its 7,500 mile service. Same 3 Axioms are sitting there over 6 months later. Very sad.

I saw that the Axiom and Rodeo will be discontinued in '05, with Isuzu selling the Ascender only for two years, until their turn around and no new product is planned until '07. The sad truth is that they will probably have plenty of '03, and '04 Axioms to sit on their lots until the new vehicles come in '07.

icedog97

I went to the dealer I bought the '02 Ax S 4WD from and even they weren't willing to give me more for my vehicle. It has 11.7K miles and is in excellent condition and they were showing me 13-14K on trade-in. I thought they might sneak it up 2K or so, but no, they would not. I don't even know if they offered any discounts off of MSRP (I don't think they did) because the sales rep said mid 500's in monthly payment at 72 months with 0 percent interest. I was very disappointed/insulted, after my polite explanation of the poor resale value and how that should have some affect on my new vehicle price, that they would basically make an offer that high. I didn't even try to "deal" with them, I just politely said thanks for your time, and left.

We did drive an '04 and it seemed a little more responsive with the DI engine. It was tough to tell if the suspension was any different. I read in a post here or elsewhere that the suspension has a number of programmable settings and I was wondering if anyone knows if the '04s have been programmed any differently than the '02s? If so, it would be interesting to see if an '02 can be modified like an '04 (software/firmware update?). I think the '04 seemed a little less bouncy in comfort mode. Maybe it was just my imagination.

socalsteve

I've got an '04 and like it very much. I drove an '02 only once (on a test drive) so I can't really speak to any differences. The DI engine is very nice though--plenty of power and tows our pop-up camper fine.

I usually keep the suspension on sport mode. It's a little stiff, but I don't mind it.

I have a question of other Axiom owners: Has anyone had a problem with the electronic info display? Ours sometimes (maybe every 10th time) doesn't turn on for a minute or two after the truck is started. We're going to take it in, but if anyone else has noticed this and knows what the problem is, it might save some time at the dealer.

sveltax

Socalsteve, no problems with my display. The direction finder is not a compass, it is regulated by GPS/Satellite so sometimes it takes a while for my compass to come up. I've seen this happen in parking structures or other areas that do not have satellite coverage. We need to have a So Cal Axiom get together, seems to be at least 3 or 4 of us on this board.

Icedog, I would love to pick up the 04 4x4 as my 02 2wd is limiting me! When I bought it I did get the 0 percent financing for 5 years and the 10Y/120K warranty, the long power train warranty is not available on the 04.

icedog97

My display seems to work fine and flawlessly keeps track of our 13.8 MPG ...we do a lot of city driving (75%) with hills, so I guess I can't complan too much.

Speaking of MPG, is the '04 really 2 MPG better? that was one of the reasons we even looked at the '04. The other is that we have the original TAN interior and we liked the bland grey better.

Well, it looks like we will hold onto our '02 until the doors fall off or until the '04s get even better discounts...which might happen if they are still sitting there come September.

We are considerig havig a sun/moon roof installed. Our dealer gave us the place that does their installations and they quoted us 1195 for the internal slider...we're trying to decide whether or not to do it. The place that does the roofs has a very good reputation.

bsmart1

was quite impressive to me. I drive a couple of Troopers and was surprised by the Axiom. 1st I was surprised by the amount of headroom it offers. I thought with the low roofline, my head would rub the ceiling. It didn't, and I think it has just as much headroom as a Trooper without a moonroof.

The acceleration of the Axiom was impressive too. I wasn't happy with its initial performance after crank up, but after the machine was running down the road and you asked it to accelerate, it DID! This was a Direct Injection model. Its not a bad looking rig overall, but the interior space is lacking compared to a Trooper. If it gets the mileage claimed on the sticker, that would be remarkable.

I was also impressed with the ride comfort and the 2 modes that were selectable. It is obvious when switching from Sport to Soft, although I thought the Sport was a bit stiff and the Soft was a bit 'mushy'. I would have preferred a feel somewhere between the 2 settings they have selected.

Front seat position was comfortable for the driver, even a 6'+ person like myself. The seat position was much different than a Trooper, but quite comfortable non-the-less.

Back seat offered marginal room for adults IMHO. The area behind the back seat is smaller than most mid-size station wagons.

The handling seemed to be crisp and accurate, and the interior noise level was real low for a truck.

All in all a pretty sweet ride for a couple adults and a couple smaller kids. Not roomy enough for 4 adults to be comfortable though.

At the price, I'd opt for something else.

slickwilliedj

I have a 01 and just noticed the right fog lamp is out. Look at the owners manual and it has no information on how to replace the lamp. These are factory installed hella fog lamps,... anyone have any info?

twocar

'01 Axiom?

slickwilliedj

sorry ment 2002. any ideas with this fog light replacement. I think all Axoms have these fog lights?

twocar

If you are still within the 3 yr./50,000 mile warranty - have the dealer replace it. I had them replace the bulb on my right side one twice already! They tried to tell me it wasn't covered but I argued the "bumper to bumper" warranty. Mine were even installed by the dealership, but since it was a genuine Isuzu part...they had to honor it. Otherwise, I think you have to remove the foglight assembly and take the bulb out from the back.

cptsesso

I had one of mine blow out so I replaced both for good measure.

If I remember correctly you could reach the units from the underside of truck. I don't think it was that difficult or I would remember it being a pain.

I just used regular bulbs from Pep Boys. Nothing special about them. Just 55w bulbs. I believe they were H3, but check before buying them.

slickwilliedj

thanks guys for the info, the problem I'm having however is there is 0 info on how to perform this task in the owners manual and 0 info on what type to use. guess I'll have to make a trip to the dealer to find out what the deal is.... anybody know if the owners manual excludes bulbs under the bumper to bumper truck has approx 20k on it.....

scoobyax

The bulb is a standard H3 halogen 55 watt, cost about $5 at any auto parts store. Replace both while you are at it.

All you need is about 20 minutes of your time.

My Axiom has a plastic panel under the light assembly and access from under the truck is impossible. Working from the top down, loosen the fog lamp assembly using a set of metric wrenches. No need to totally remove the lamp completely, you just have to loosen it so you can rotate the housing to a position where you can see what you are doing. Once loose, remove the soft rubber cover from the back of the lamp, it just snaps off like a lid. Under that is a silver metal cover with a tab lock. Slide the tab to the open position to expose the bulb. Unplug the wires for the bulb and remove. Do NOT touch the new bulb with your fingers. If any oil from your skin gets on the bulb it will create a hot spot and burn out quicker.

To put the new bulb in just reverse the process. Slide in new bulb, plug in wires, close metal cover over bulb, lock tab in place, replace rubber cover, replace lamp in housing and tighten bolts. Check alignment of bulbs when complete.

Sounds worse then it is but pretty straight forward.

slickwilliedj

thanks for info sounds simple enough. I think I'will give it a shot. Do you or anyone else no if there are any upgrade lights avail for th fog light buld like the Silverstar by Silvanna. I have a set of their head light bulds on my 01 Dodge Dakota and what a noticable improvement and much whiter bright cleaner light. I'm considerinf replaceing the Axiom headlight bulds with these Silverstars's aswell but since you need four bulbs at about $20.00 a piece becomes a little $$$ my dakota uses the same buld for both high and low so it was a little cheaper.....

scoobyax

You can get replacement bulbs for the Axiom directly from Sylvania and at a fairly decent price. Yes, the Silverstars are nice and make a big difference, haven't done my truck yet but it's on the list.

What alot of people do is only upgrade their low beams only since these are the primary lights used. Not sure if I would do that myself but its something to think about.

Here's the site, prices like I said are decent, twin pack for $45, I know some places are as high as $32 per bulb. Good luck with your Ax.

http://www.sylvania.com/auto/silverstar.htm

mikel1

Hi,

I have a 2002 Axiom with 50,000 miles that I bought in 2001
For the last two months I have noticed that the car shakes when iot goes 60mph or above...sometimes more than others..I have balanced the front and rear tires and still does it (a lot sometimes)....the tire place has told me that the drive saft (sp) need to be balanced...
The ISuzu dealer told me that was not right and I needed to have the front wheel bearings repacked...I did that and still shakes a lot...
Has anybody have a similar problem? Any thoughts?

Thanks!!

Mikel

sbcooke

It could be the drive shaft, but I would think you would notice it under 60 MPH too. It could also be a bad engine mount? Lots of problems could cause this, suspension issue? Start simple, rule out tire balancing.

Is the tire place a nationwide chain? If so try another shop and have them balance the tires again (for free hopefully if you plead your case). Balance can be tricky and if the place you went didn't re-balance them, just "checked" them and said they were OK, you may be just getting the run around. There is a website where you can find places that have the "hunter 9000" wheel balancing machines, these are supposed to be the best.

mikel1

Thanks!

That's what I thought since the car didn't shake before I changed the tire...the store rebalanced them for me twice....
It was a Goodyear store and I really had a bad experience with them.

You're right...I should have a thrid party do it again

slickwilliedj

whats the website for the hunter 9000 to find shops that have this machine?

sbcooke

I cannot remember. Try seraching the main Isuzu board for it, I am sure it has been posted several times.