Well, this last little sliding incident had me thinking of getting new tires for my Axiom...I figured I was in for $600 plus...then my wife saw a Malibu Maxx at a dealer where I just bought my 2001 Nissan Altima (traded a 1998 Camry) and she fell in love with it.
We haggled at one dealer and then another and got a great deal on a 2004 Maxx...price was below invoice and the gave me almost 14 for my Axiom (2002 4WD with the TAN leather but not the XS model).
I am still in the hole because of how much the Ax depreciated, but the Maxx seems to be a well built vehicle (built on a Saab 9-3 platform) and it rides really well. The listed MPG is 22 city and 30 highway...I figure if I get 19-20 I will be getting 7 mpg more than the Axiom (lots of short trips).
I still love the look of the Axiom, but the wet weather traction and horrendous gas mileage became issues I no longer wanted to deal with...plus..it's my wife's car and she wanted to change...
Now if I can only keep her in the Maxx for 5 years!!!
Too bad that you didn't have good wet weather traction...My Trooper is great in the wet and sloppy stuff.
I understand about the trade though, if I wasn't so deep into my trooper at this point I would consider trading it in on a larger truck with a V8 that gets the same if not better mileage. I get 11/12 around town and think I can get at least that with a full size truck, like a sequoia or tahoe. While I like my truck, it has cost me $1000 in repairs alone per year 4/5 of ownership (add that to dealer hassle and closures).
When I put the Axiom in gear and accelerate I get a jerky slippage from the backend and the ABS light comes on. It is very obvious and scared my wife when it happened. The road conditions were dry and it only happens when I place the car in reverse and begin to back, or when I put the car in forward and begin to pull out quickly...or from a dead stop when I accelerate quickly, like pulling out onto the highway. When I accelerate slowly it doesn't happen. Any ideas what's going on?
Went to see a few local dealers, including Isuzu, to find out what my options are if I want to trade my ’02 Axiom with newer SUV. Trade-in of Axiom (26K miles, AWD S model, cloth seats with moon roof and towing package) was estimated from 12K to as much as 16K (Isuzu dealer). Unfortunately the quote of most dealers is what they will pay if they buy the same vehicle from auction, regardless of what the N.A.D.A. or KBB values are, and only Isuzu dealer quoted by looking at N.A.D.A book.
Test drove Sorento – did not like the stiff ride and engine power (only 195HP) with same or probably worse gas mileage, although it is more quite than much more powerful Axiom’s engine, especially with new direct injection 250HP.
Could get ’04 Axiom XS with all goodies that mine has for about 7K difference (up to $5,000 rebate on new Axiom), but thought: why on earth would I pay 7K for almost same vehicle, only 2 years newer, especially when it is discontinued and God knows what’s going to happen to Isuzu next year? I was surprised seeing ’04 Axiom without Power-Winter transmission mode switch and tape player. I don’t really care about playing tapes, but I use tape player in my Axiom for the adapter that transmits audio from laptop (using as DVD player) on long trips. The only differences between ’04 and ’02 that I noticed were: 250HP direct injection engine vs. 230HP (did not feel much difference when test drove it), Japanese transmission with dip stick (finally) vs. French transmission, and, as I mentioned above, missing mode switch and tape player.
I did not test Rodeo, Montero, Xterra, Pathfinder, RAV4, CRV, Cherokee and Liberty as I test drove those before I made my decision to buy an Axiom. Not interested in any of those Chevy, Dodge or Ford SUV’s at all and don’t even want to test drive them.
The only one that caught my eye was Nissan Murano. To be honest, I fell in love with that crossover SUV after test driving it: very smooth car-like ride, award winning 245HP powerful engine, extremely smooth new CVT transmission, very roomy inside compared to how it looks from outside (you can put 13” TV on dash), although the cargo area is not as roomy as Axiom’s. Turn radius is excellent, very nice looking interior and exterior. And it is Nissan – what can I say? Almost going bankrupt 4-5 years ago and now crowded with buyers dealerships that I have seen during my latest three trips to local Nissan and compared to other almost empty ones. And I am talking about real filling out applications buyers interested in truly great in my opinion products.
To make the story short, Murano would not fit my pocket. It doesn’t even make since to buy a used Murano since the one year depreciation of Murano is only $1,000 - $2,000. So I decided to stay with my Axiom, which I still like very much for its unique looks, features and power, until the power train warranty expires (another two years). After that I definitely will be interested in purchasing Murano, unless there will be another vehicle out there that will catch my eye. I was also considering Highlander and Pilot, but they are in the same price range as Murano, my favorite one.
What parts are involved...transmission, axle/differential, brakes? Sounds like a bad ABS sensor that might be applying the brakes under rapid acceleration? It could be low fluid in the axle/differential that causes slippage under load? I think you would notice other problems if it were with the transmission.
You have checked to make sure the e-brake isn't stuck on? That would be something simple.
I think the ABS light is coming on because of the slippage. It doesn't stay on...when I turn off the ignition and start the car the following morning it's off. I thought it might have something to do with the slip yoke.
I am currently looking at an 04 Axiom XS. I have a concern about Isuzu maintaining their presence in US. I do not want to buy a car and then find the company pull up stakes.
Yea, you are totally right guy. The Goodyear Integrity tires are dangerously bad. Someone previously posted a message that the vehicle felt like it was going to tip over. Its not the vehicle, its the Goodyears. My Goodyears were still in good shape but HAD to change them out. I put on Michelin MXV4 Plus tires. It's like driving a totally different vehicle. The ride, the handling, braking all greatly improved. The Ax still has a harsh ride - tires can't change that, but they do make you feel much more secure and in control. Can't recommend the Michelin's enough, very smooth riding tires. Actually, my guess would be that changing out those awful Goodyears for ANY tire would be an improvement.
I am searching for something used in the $10,000-17,000 price range.
One kid, a 2000# boat, maybe a larger boat soon, maybe a camper soon. I want a full frame, solid axle SUV with "boxy" shape and looks. Gas mileage inconsequential, need enough room behind back seats for a dog to sleep and turn around in, and also for lumber, mulch, boat gear, camping gear, etc. I don't need leather and prefer not to have a third row of seats. A roof rack is almost mandatory as well. This will be used in blizzards and on the dunes for fishing.
Have looked at or considered Trooper, Axiom (parking lot only), Mountaineer, Pathfinder, Rodeo, Grand Cherokee. Saturn wagon and Passat wagon are nice, but front wheel drive and no frame are the death knell for them. A real wagon (RWD and frame) would really suit nicely, but the only one I see is the Magnum which isn't in the price range.
Anyhow, to the point. Is the Axiom a decent hauler of goods and people? Is it reliable? Strong puller? How is it offroad? How is it in sand? In snow?
Thanks.
Obviously some of these don't fit my criteria completely, but isn't everything a compromise.
I have an '02 Axiom, 34k, only problem so far was a bad fuel pump covered under warranty but aggravating anyway.
The dog will fit, my Lab does, not the roomiest back seat but for 1 kid it will do. Hauling lumber? If you do this very often and also have someone else with you in the passenger seat that could be a problem. The one piece tailgate, although common in many suv's is a pain in there rear. In order to get 8'ers in you will have to lower the passenger seat and slide the lumber all the way thru to basically the dashboard. Not the worst thing if you only do it once in a while, but having a flip up rear window like the Pathfinder and Rodeo that are on your list would make the trip a little easier.
Roof rack... my Axiom came with one that holds approx 100-120 pounds, nothing fancy there.
Driving in snow... even with the Badyear Integrity tires the Axiom with it's TOD is amazing. That and the powerful engine are a major advantage.
If you plan on using an Isuzu dealer for any repairs... you may want to invest in a GPS system to make your travels cross country easier... Isuzu dealers are dropping like flies.
I am not sure I understand what all the posts about bad gas mileage are about. Just got my new Axiom, it is a 2003, one of the last made of that model year, and I am getting around 18 mpg, mix of city and highway. If I lay off and just set the cruise at 70 on the highway I get 19.2 mpg. Some of you might be used to cars, or these new SUV's like the Murano, that are more car than SUV, but anything above 16 mpg in a 4300 pound SUV is a good thing. I looked at a Durango, with to ugly of a front end to buy, and the highway mileage was around 14. I checked into an Envoy, and the mileage was 16. Now these figures are not the EPA figures on the stickers, this was actual mileage from people I know who have the vehicles. Some of my relatives trucks are getting 8 to 12 mpg. So keep in mind folks, this is an SUV, truck frame, able to tow, not a Murano, a Malibu MAXX or Kia Sorento. This is a medium sized SUV.
Does anybody know if there are any aftermarket roof racks made for Axiom? I am thinking about installing roof rack on my '02 Ax, but the price at the dealership is $351.
parker 4551: I agree with you. Axiom is a heavy vehicle and getting gas mileage above 16 is a pretty good score. I had a trip with my friend when he was driving his RX300 while I was driving my Axiom. We had full tanks at the beginning of the trip, drove at the same speed, and I was pretty happy when we stopped for refueling. Lexus took approximately one gallon more than my Axiom - 15 versus 14 after driving 300 miles. Axiom averaged 21.4MPG versus 20 MPG on the Lexus! Don't you guys think that this is an impressive score for 3.5L 230HP engine vs. 3.0L 220HP of lighter car-like riding vehicle?
I will agree that Axiom's gas consumption is acceptable on the highway given the size and weight of the vehicle. I can consistently get 20 mpg or more on a continuous highway ride. The problem for me is the actual every day mix of driving with cold starts, some city, some highway. No matter how slow and easy I can take it on the throttle, I can't get more than 13.5 - 14 mpg in summer and 12.5 mpg in winter. Highway only, however, returns an acceptable 20-22 mpg depending on the speed. It is true that Axiom is a truck but many of us will never tow or go off-road, so the added benefits do not really matter.
Umm.. I hate to be rude, but I do not understand people who buy truck based SUVs when they do not need to tow and do not need to go off road - then they complain that it is a truck.
I am not an anti-SUV person, and I drive a small pickup because I need a real 4X4 for work. Trucks have a higher tendency to roll over, they do not handle as well, they ride worse and they get worse fuel economy. But if you need a truck, there is no subsitite.
But why do people put up with all of those disadvantages when they do not need a truck? Why would anyone ever drive a 2wd SUV unless they really need one for towing? If you are looking for fashion accessories there are lots of good looking sport wagons and crossovers. If that does not do the trick, the streets of most major dowtowns are crawling with street vendors who will sell you nice, big and fake gold chains.
I needed 4x4 capability with a frame for towing boats, my atv, and my waverunner. Needed rear wheel drive as well as 4x4 when the going gets rough, due to the fact that my in-laws live way out on the farm and the roads get really bad in the winter, and I do some driving up north during the bad winter months visiting relatives. However, I didn't want a land barge, and I didn't want something that looked plain, aka the Trailblazer. So the Axiom was a good fit for me despite its shortcomings, although few. This is a great forum, and I do agree, the Goodyear tires suck! What happened with the Goodyear brand, they totally dropped the ball on these tires. Furthermore, I can't believe so many vehicles have these piece of crap tires anyway.
We buy these trucks because they're cheap. All the good looking crossovers and station wagons are smaller and usually much more expensive. I got my new loaded Trooper in 2002 for about $24K out the door. I don't go off-road but I do go to Costco every weekend and carry a ton of baby-related stuff.
They just offered my brother a 2004 Axiom XS 4x4 for $23K. No Mazda6 or Toyota will ever come close, so let us complain about the mileage a little since there's not much more to complain about.
There will always be "wars" between car and truck owners/enthusiasts. I admit that despite my knowledge of Axiom being a true truck, I bought it strictly based on looks and price. I knew I wouldn't tow and I wouldn't go off-roading in the Axiom, but I loved the space and killer looks (and still do). I simply fell in love with this vehicle and didn't even consider buying anything else when I purchased my Axiom. Even if the EPA numbers were 10 city and 15 highway, I still would have bought it. It is simply an awesome vehicle although it is not perfect. Jeep Grand Cherokee is supposed to be a great off-road vehicle and it can tow more than Axiom and their V8 EPA estimate is 15 city and 20 highway. Yet, the majority of Jeep owners will never tow or take their SUVs off-road. Go figure!
Once again, in post #2187 I showed TRUE comparison of gas mileage between Axiom and Lexus RX300 with numbers in favor to Axiom. Both vehicles were driven at same speed during the trip with same road conditions. I don't understand how we can complain about Axiom's MPG numbers if RX300 owners don't (as far as I know).
BTW, any ideas about aftermarket roof rack for Axiom?
Have decided to get rid of the Integrity Tires. I only have 2000 miles on my Axiom, but I can't stand it, and not to put any ladies down, but my wife drives our Mazda 6 most the time, and that thing will corner on a dime, and on the occasion that she drives the Axiom she will still expect it to corner like a sports sedan. So I have to take the proper precautions to insure against disaster, and I have a pretty good feeling that disaster would strike with those integrity tires. On dry pavement this weekend, in St. Louis, everyone stopped suddenly, and those tires just let out one heck of a yelp, and it was the only yelp out of all the various cars stopping. I had a bad set of Toyo tires years ago, that caused me a lot of problems on wet surface take offs, but these seem to be hazardous most of the time. Pricing the Yokohoma tires and will go from there. Glad this forum warned me about the tires earlier, or I might not of been as cautious as I was in traffic that day. Not expecting it to perform like our Mazda 6 Sedan, but a little closer to the SUV standard would be nice.
I’ve seen Goodyear Integrity as factory installed tires on several SUV’s, including Lexus GX470. I guess these tires are chosen by some manufacturers (even by Lexus) as cheapest good brand tires. I remember shopping for Goodyear tires several years ago when I was going to replace old tires for my ’97 Camry. I found Integrity as the least expensive tires from Goodyear, and was very happy with the purchase because those were the smoothest tires in that price range. The reason I wanted to buy Goodyear because I had old Goodyear tires replaced on my Plymouth Colt Vista in the past, and the brand new tires (don’t remember the brand and model) that I had installed were not as smooth as the old Goodyear ones. In addition to some pros of the Integrity, I think these tires have reasonable lifetime as I have another 10-15K miles to go on my Axiom with 26K miles.
I also must admit that my Axiom handled very well in heavy snow last winter with factory installed Integrity’s, but thanks to Axiom’s TOD and ABS, and not to Goodyear.
Overall, I agree that these tires are not good performers when installed on SUV’s, and my Axiom would perform even better with different “true SUV” tires.
Tig2002, I think that the Integrity tires can perform reasonably well on a car, but as you stated, they are not good performers when installed on SUV's. If you check out the Tire Rack website reviews for the Integrity, the majority of vehicles around, or over 4000 pounds, had owners that complained extensively of the tires poor performance. I also thought your mileage comparison between the RX300 and the Axiom was dead on. I have found that how you drive this car is a major factor in what kind of gas mileage you get. Want it to perform, downshift alot, then it will burn the gas to move you out, go through the gears moderately, don't run up on stops, and your mileage will be more than favorable, meaning 18 mpg or above.
On top of that the aerodynamics both frontal area and underside non-smoothness are very effected over 65mph. I know with my trooper over 65mph MPG drops by 3-5mpg.
Does anyone know anything about reseting the computer for the suspension. I unhooked the battery for about 10 seconds, but that just screwed up my radio presets. I got some new tires and at first I thought the guy balanced them incorrectly, he double checked, off a hair, but he then informed me that sometimes the suspension had to be reset and he didn't know how to do it. Mechanic stated this is a common problem on new vehicles. When lifting the car on a hoist the computer can lock the suspension in place and need to be reset. The suspension is really tight now. Thanks for any help.
Probably a balance problem. Especially new with new tires. Did he fix the balance issue by adding more weights or did he take off the old and redo it completely? Sometimes you have to let the air out of the tire and reseat it completly, giving it a 1/2 turn around the rim to help balance the tire without weights.
Was this a chain shop? I got tires for my Trooper at one firestone place and they balanced them twice with no luck, weights all over the rims, etc. I went to a different one and they just shook their head, pulled off all the weights and got it first time. Cost me $$ though, but am happy to they ride right.
Wow, thanks for the quick reply. He checked all the tires, only one was incorrect. This is not a chain store, did a really nice job mounting the weights, but this thing is as tight as it can be. You can feel every bump in the road, and it corners like it is on rails, super tight. However, I take it from your entry that it is not the norm to need something reset, so I guess I am going to have to take it in for service. Unfortunately St. Louis Machinists are on strike, so service is minimal to none at all the local dealerships. By the way the suspension light is on, but it has been on since I had a trailer hitch put on a couple of weeks ago. I did let the air out of the tires, they were way over inflated. Any other ideas, if not thanks again.
Never heard of the shocks stuck on Sport mode. I'd leave the battery disconnected for 30 minutes then reconnect. If that doesn't fix it take it to the stealer. Or better yet replace those dang shocks with something better! (Like my Rancho 9000sxs)
Did you install the in cab controller? I'd like to be able to have the selection available while driving. I needed it a few weeks back! I got chased by a stupid BMW driver...
The shocks are not locked in Sport Mode, the ride is just so tight, like that of an older Corvette. Every little ridge in the road is felt. I can toggle the display to sport mode, doesn't seem to make a difference. Will try disconnecting the battery for a longer period of time. Will also look over the wiring job the guys putting the wiring harness on for the hitch did. However, the suspension worked fine after that, although the suspension light was on. Locked up after I replaced all four tires with Yokohama Geolanders. What other kinds of shocks is everyone else buying? And what kind of effect does that have on the electronics?
Tires do make a ton of difference in the ride of the Axiom. I bought Bridgestone AT Duelers which seem to provide a much harsher ride. I would play with the air pressure, I run mine at 27-30. Your shocks should be spongy in comfort mode.
I hope it is not the Geolanders! If it is the Geolanders all those reviews at TireRack.Com must be crap, especially compared to the Integrity reviews. I replaced those, even though I only had 3000 miles on the Integrity tires due to the poor wet traction, and the squealing on dry pavement. The Integrity tires seemed to be overloaded. When I get some time in the next week I will drive a hour or so to the dealership in Springfield, IL since the local labor unions are on strike in St. Louis.
Well tirerack.com reviews are mostly crap. Also what would wet and dry traction have to do with hard riding? Harder the tires ride usually the more grip they have.
I think it is a good idea to check tire pressure, however I wouldn't go as low as 27-30psi, as too low (or too high) a pressure could have an adverse effect on the tire integrity (i.e. the ford explorer problem). My Dueler A/Ts didn't have a harsher ride than stock, perhaps even better from a ride standpoint.
However it is possible they are at 44 and that could be contributing. I stick with about 35 psi.
I always keep the tire pressure on any of my cars according to the sticker on the driver's door - 26 PSI in Axiom's case for both front and rear. The ride is excellent. And I always re-check the tire pressure after leaving tire repair shops whether it is flat tire repair or tire replacement. In most cases I lower the pressure from 35-45 PSI (what those stupid guys for no reason fill to) to the standard "manufacturer recommended" one.
I believe the sticker has some meaning if it’s placed on the vehicle by manufacturer. No one would ignore the manufacturer's suggested oil change or timing belt replacement intervals. Why should we ignore the recommended tire pressure and make statement that 27 PSI is too low when the recommended pressure is 26 PSI?
I remember leaving a shop after tire rotation on my Axiom, and I could not keep my hands on the steering wheel while driving on bumpy road. I stopped, checked the pressure - 35 PSI(!). Lowered to recommended 26 and continued driving with smooth ride...
P.S. I now totally agree that the stock Integrity tires are junk as far as performance goes (although the ride is smooth). Pushed the acceleration pedal from stop the other rainy day while the TOD switch was on RWD, and I the Ax started dancing – almost hit both cars on left and right lanes. Did the same thing even on dry surface.
I am inclined to believe that the Geolander tires just ride a lot rougher. I have the pressure at 26 and the ride is terrible. I am going to have an Isuzu dealer check the shocks in the next week, if all is right there I will take Yokohama up on their 30 day guarantee.
I've had my Axiom come back with 45lbs+ in my tires after an alighnment was completed. I guess the workers use the side wall for their specs. on air pressure.
That is the min. amount of pressure I would put in. The reason for those #s is to attain a balance of ride comfort and control. If you preferr a firmer ride you can bump them up. I run usually 5psi above stock on my cars because I value control over ride comfort...
26psi seems low. But I do agree that sticking with manufacturer/tire specifications is best in almost all cases. I will have to double check what the trooper has listed. I have my Dueler A/Ts set at about 35 psi and find that perfect. The tire wears evenly, has the right amount of sidewall buldge, etc. Any lower and I would think that I would start to see uneven wear, i.e. the outsides wearing faster than the center.
It may be the geolanders? But everything I have read about those tires speaks volumes about how good they are, never anything about poor ride quality.
Did you get stock size or something different. I ask because 75 ratio tires are often LT(Light truck) tires not P rated and have a different belt pattern inside the rubber causing a harsher ride, but the ability to support greater loads.
Sbcooke, I got the same size tires, but I am not sure what you mean by 75 ratio tires. These are G052 Yokohama Geolanders, but the speed rating is H. I don't believe that the Integrity tires were speed rated, although I am less than novice at understanding all that.
Each tire is 245mm wide, the sidewall height is the second number in % terms times the first (i.e. 245*0.70). Most 75 series tires are LT which more often than not have a harsher ride.
although you might have purchased the same size simply by going from the fatory s speed rated tires to an h rated tire could contribute to your increase in ride harshnes. the rubber compond is different in a s rated and h rated tire. generally a H,V,Z RATED tires are softer in rubber compond as to be more sticky and increase traction in dry weather. yes i know your thinking ok softer rubber should equal softer ride however there is more to the tire then just the rubber compond... that h rated tire you but also has stiffer side wall for better cornering which make you have a rougher ride, ck out the construction of the tire in comparison to the facory..
Has anyone attempted to rewire their fog lights so they come on without the headlights? I would like to do this mod, but don't know where to start and hoped someone may have already attempted this. Was really easy to do in my 2001 Escape XLT and the forum I was in had a detailed post on how to do it. Really easy.
Comments
We haggled at one dealer and then another and got a great deal on a 2004 Maxx...price was below invoice and the gave me almost 14 for my Axiom (2002 4WD with the TAN leather but not the XS model).
I am still in the hole because of how much the Ax depreciated, but the Maxx seems to be a well built vehicle (built on a Saab 9-3 platform) and it rides really well. The listed MPG is 22 city and 30 highway...I figure if I get 19-20 I will be getting 7 mpg more than the Axiom (lots of short trips).
I still love the look of the Axiom, but the wet weather traction and horrendous gas mileage became issues I no longer wanted to deal with...plus..it's my wife's car and she wanted to change...
Now if I can only keep her in the Maxx for 5 years!!!
I understand about the trade though, if I wasn't so deep into my trooper at this point I would consider trading it in on a larger truck with a V8 that gets the same if not better mileage. I get 11/12 around town and think I can get at least that with a full size truck, like a sequoia or tahoe. While I like my truck, it has cost me $1000 in repairs alone per year 4/5 of ownership (add that to dealer hassle and closures).
Test drove Sorento – did not like the stiff ride and engine power (only 195HP) with same or probably worse gas mileage, although it is more quite than much more powerful Axiom’s engine, especially with new direct injection 250HP.
Could get ’04 Axiom XS with all goodies that mine has for about 7K difference (up to $5,000 rebate on new Axiom), but thought: why on earth would I pay 7K for almost same vehicle, only 2 years newer, especially when it is discontinued and God knows what’s going to happen to Isuzu next year? I was surprised seeing ’04 Axiom without Power-Winter transmission mode switch and tape player. I don’t really care about playing tapes, but I use tape player in my Axiom for the adapter that transmits audio from laptop (using as DVD player) on long trips. The only differences between ’04 and ’02 that I noticed were: 250HP direct injection engine vs. 230HP (did not feel much difference when test drove it), Japanese transmission with dip stick (finally) vs. French transmission, and, as I mentioned above, missing mode switch and tape player.
I did not test Rodeo, Montero, Xterra, Pathfinder, RAV4, CRV, Cherokee and Liberty as I test drove those before I made my decision to buy an Axiom. Not interested in any of those Chevy, Dodge or Ford SUV’s at all and don’t even want to test drive them.
The only one that caught my eye was Nissan Murano. To be honest, I fell in love with that crossover SUV after test driving it: very smooth car-like ride, award winning 245HP powerful engine, extremely smooth new CVT transmission, very roomy inside compared to how it looks from outside (you can put 13” TV on dash), although the cargo area is not as roomy as Axiom’s. Turn radius is excellent, very nice looking interior and exterior. And it is Nissan – what can I say? Almost going bankrupt 4-5 years ago and now crowded with buyers dealerships that I have seen during my latest three trips to local Nissan and compared to other almost empty ones. And I am talking about real filling out applications buyers interested in truly great in my opinion products.
To make the story short, Murano would not fit my pocket. It doesn’t even make since to buy a used Murano since the one year depreciation of Murano is only $1,000 - $2,000. So I decided to stay with my Axiom, which I still like very much for its unique looks, features and power, until the power train warranty expires (another two years). After that I definitely will be interested in purchasing Murano, unless there will be another vehicle out there that will catch my eye. I was also considering Highlander and Pilot, but they are in the same price range as Murano, my favorite one.
I still will be around for a while
Anyone have any ideas?
You have checked to make sure the e-brake isn't stuck on? That would be something simple.
One kid, a 2000# boat, maybe a larger boat soon, maybe a camper soon. I want a full frame, solid axle SUV with "boxy" shape and looks. Gas mileage inconsequential, need enough room behind back seats for a dog to sleep and turn around in, and also for lumber, mulch, boat gear, camping gear, etc. I don't need leather and prefer not to have a third row of seats. A roof rack is almost mandatory as well. This will be used in blizzards and on the dunes for fishing.
Have looked at or considered Trooper, Axiom (parking lot only), Mountaineer, Pathfinder, Rodeo, Grand Cherokee. Saturn wagon and Passat wagon are nice, but front wheel drive and no frame are the death knell for them. A real wagon (RWD and frame) would really suit nicely, but the only one I see is the Magnum which isn't in the price range.
Anyhow, to the point. Is the Axiom a decent hauler of goods and people? Is it reliable? Strong puller? How is it offroad? How is it in sand? In snow?
Thanks.
Obviously some of these don't fit my criteria completely, but isn't everything a compromise.
Thanks
Are there lift kits available for the Axiom? If so, how much clearance do they gain (what size tires)?
What is the rear end ratio and make on these?
Any good links to offroad pictures of these?
Thanks again.
Not a problem lifting it a bit.
-mike
The dog will fit, my Lab does, not the roomiest back seat but for 1 kid it will do. Hauling lumber? If you do this very often and also have someone else with you in the passenger seat that could be a problem. The one piece tailgate, although common in many suv's is a pain in there rear. In order to get 8'ers in you will have to lower the passenger seat and slide the lumber all the way thru to basically the dashboard. Not the worst thing if you only do it once in a while, but having a flip up rear window like the Pathfinder and Rodeo that are on your list would make the trip a little easier.
Roof rack... my Axiom came with one that holds approx 100-120 pounds, nothing fancy there.
Driving in snow... even with the Badyear Integrity tires the Axiom with it's TOD is amazing. That and the powerful engine are a major advantage.
If you plan on using an Isuzu dealer for any repairs... you may want to invest in a GPS system to make your travels cross country easier... Isuzu dealers are dropping like flies.
Good luck with whatever you choose!
parker 4551: I agree with you. Axiom is a heavy vehicle and getting gas mileage above 16 is a pretty good score. I had a trip with my friend when he was driving his RX300 while I was driving my Axiom. We had full tanks at the beginning of the trip, drove at the same speed, and I was pretty happy when we stopped for refueling. Lexus took approximately one gallon more than my Axiom - 15 versus 14 after driving 300 miles. Axiom averaged 21.4MPG versus 20 MPG on the Lexus! Don't you guys think that this is an impressive score for 3.5L 230HP engine vs. 3.0L 220HP of lighter car-like riding vehicle?
I am not an anti-SUV person, and I drive a small pickup because I need a real 4X4 for work. Trucks have a higher tendency to roll over, they do not handle as well, they ride worse and they get worse fuel economy. But if you need a truck, there is no subsitite.
But why do people put up with all of those disadvantages when they do not need a truck? Why would anyone ever drive a 2wd SUV unless they really need one for towing? If you are looking for fashion accessories there are lots of good looking sport wagons and crossovers. If that does not do the trick, the streets of most major dowtowns are crawling with street vendors who will sell you nice, big and fake gold chains.
This is a great forum, and I do agree, the Goodyear tires suck! What happened with the Goodyear brand, they totally dropped the ball on these tires. Furthermore, I can't believe so many vehicles have these piece of crap tires anyway.
They just offered my brother a 2004 Axiom XS 4x4 for $23K. No Mazda6 or Toyota will ever come close, so let us complain about the mileage a little since there's not much more to complain about.
BTW, any ideas about aftermarket roof rack for Axiom?
Glad this forum warned me about the tires earlier, or I might not of been as cautious as I was in traffic that day. Not expecting it to perform like our Mazda 6 Sedan, but a little closer to the SUV standard would be nice.
I also must admit that my Axiom handled very well in heavy snow last winter with factory installed Integrity’s, but thanks to Axiom’s TOD and ABS, and not to Goodyear.
Overall, I agree that these tires are not good performers when installed on SUV’s, and my Axiom would perform even better with different “true SUV” tires.
I also thought your mileage comparison between the RX300 and the Axiom was dead on. I have found that how you drive this car is a major factor in what kind of gas mileage you get. Want it to perform, downshift alot, then it will burn the gas to move you out, go through the gears moderately, don't run up on stops, and your mileage will be more than favorable, meaning 18 mpg or above.
-mike
Thanks for any help.
Was this a chain shop? I got tires for my Trooper at one firestone place and they balanced them twice with no luck, weights all over the rims, etc. I went to a different one and they just shook their head, pulled off all the weights and got it first time. Cost me $$ though, but am happy to they ride right.
Any other ideas, if not thanks again.
-mike
-mike
-mike
Will try disconnecting the battery for a longer period of time. Will also look over the wiring job the guys putting the wiring harness on for the hitch did. However, the suspension worked fine after that, although the suspension light was on. Locked up after I replaced all four tires with Yokohama Geolanders.
What other kinds of shocks is everyone else buying? And what kind of effect does that have on the electronics?
-mike
When I get some time in the next week I will drive a hour or so to the dealership in Springfield, IL since the local labor unions are on strike in St. Louis.
-mike
However it is possible they are at 44 and that could be contributing. I stick with about 35 psi.
I believe the sticker has some meaning if it’s placed on the vehicle by manufacturer. No one would ignore the manufacturer's suggested oil change or timing belt replacement intervals. Why should we ignore the recommended tire pressure and make statement that 27 PSI is too low when the recommended pressure is 26 PSI?
I remember leaving a shop after tire rotation on my Axiom, and I could not keep my hands on the steering wheel while driving on bumpy road. I stopped, checked the pressure - 35 PSI(!). Lowered to recommended 26 and continued driving with smooth ride...
P.S. I now totally agree that the stock Integrity tires are junk as far as performance goes (although the ride is smooth). Pushed the acceleration pedal from stop the other rainy day while the TOD switch was on RWD, and I the Ax started dancing – almost hit both cars on left and right lanes. Did the same thing even on dry surface.
That is the min. amount of pressure I would put in. The reason for those #s is to attain a balance of ride comfort and control. If you preferr a firmer ride you can bump them up. I run usually 5psi above stock on my cars because I value control over ride comfort...
-mike
It may be the geolanders? But everything I have read about those tires speaks volumes about how good they are, never anything about poor ride quality.
Did you get stock size or something different. I ask because 75 ratio tires are often LT(Light truck) tires not P rated and have a different belt pattern inside the rubber causing a harsher ride, but the ability to support greater loads.
Each tire is 245mm wide, the sidewall height is the second number in % terms times the first (i.e. 245*0.70). Most 75 series tires are LT which more often than not have a harsher ride.