Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options

Isuzu Axiom

1…6791112…49

Comments

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    It's ridiculous. And if the tire was on the back they would have hammered it for having it there, and if it was inside it would have "taken up too much interior space" Every single SUV sold in the US, except for maybe 3 or 4 have the tire underneath. Isuzu just gets a bad shake cause they don't pay off the reviewers/testers.

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I like having my spare underneath my van - it's mostly accessible yet out of the way. If it was mounted on the back like some SUVs, backing into a pole would destroy the whole back end. It'd stay cleaner inside, but I need the room occasionally. I don't have towing gear to interfere with removing it either though.

    Steve
    Host
    SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    No one I know in a real world crash has ever destroyed the back door of their re-mounted spare tire carry vehicle. Unless they back into a pole, but that is their own fault. A friend of mine got rear ended in his '92 Trooper by a '00 Lexus ls 400, LS 400 was destroyed (totalled) trooper sustained about 2700 worth of damage, but none to the rear doors.

    -mike
  • baddestbob1baddestbob1 Member Posts: 96
    Hey Paisan, been off for a while. My Pathy SE (Canada buy, check the forum for info) came std. quip with AWD, LSD, Mats, disappearing ant., mud guards, etc that USA models don't get. Lots of go, big gas appetite, smooth as silk on ride, just like a luxury sedan. bob
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    but it's a good choice, much better than some of the other utes out there.

    -mike
  • wlbrown9wlbrown9 Member Posts: 867
    My wife was hit from the rear in both her '93 Nissan Quest mini-van and her '99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo...Mercedes sedan and small pickup.
    BOTH required repacement of the rear hatch and bumper cover. $1700-1800 each. Only way I can imagine more damage with door mounted spare would be to include damage to the vehicle where the rear hatch contacts the rest of the vehicle...or have more expensive doors. Of course if I back into a pole, my insurance has to pay...if someone hits me from behind, their insurance should have to pay.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Exactly! :)

    -mike
  • jbrennan1jbrennan1 Member Posts: 6
    I have a 99 Trooper, no hitch. The person that hit me was driving a 96 Pontiac. All I have is some scrapes on my bumper and on the bottom of my tire cover. The bumper may have been pushed in a little but can not tell from first look. The spare tire did not contribute to any damage. The Pontaic was a mess. Both headlights broken (still have her glass on the bumper's footstep), front bumper pushed in and hood was buckled pretty well in the middle. I'll find out soon how much damage was done that I can't see but right now it only looks like some cosmetic damage.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    that you didn't sustain too much damage and you are safe. crumple zone? We don't need no stinking crumple zone, that's what the other guys hood is for.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    The "full" article I referred to a month or so ago regarding the Axiom is on fourwheeler.com this month for free. Interesting, while the Axiom shares the same drivetrain as the trooper, the low is 2.05:1? The trooper is 2.48:1. I think. The one time I looked under the Axiom, the TOD unit looked smaller than my trooper's? Maybe that is why it has a different low range (if the article is correct). The also refer to the LSD, which they say is non existent? The trooper's most certainly is there? I wonder how much of the drivetrain is the same, or if the article is off base?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I believe has the same ratios and an LSD as the Trooper. I believe the article is incorrect.

    -mike
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Just got back from a round trip from North Carolina to Michigan on I-81, I-77, I-80 and I-75 in our brand new Axiom. Got 20.5 mph on the way there and 19.8 on the way back, which included using TOD during a rainstorm for about 2 hrs. I must say that I find the Axiom more comfortable on long trips than the 2000 Trooper S we had. It did very well on the trip. As much as I liked the the Trooper, I like the Axiom even better. My wife also feels more comfortable driving the Axiom since it seems to be lower to the ground and thus feels more stable.
  • gwojda1gwojda1 Member Posts: 1
    When I saw the first Axiom in TV commercial, I didn't think much of it - just a funky looking SUV/Wagon. Recently, however, I couldn't stop thinking about it, I really liked the way it looked. I went to a dealership and took a test drive and now I love Axioms even more. I want one really badly. With the financing of 0% for 60 months, it is very tempting. I checked out the sales figures for the month of October and it turned out that only 743 Axioms were sold (compared to over 44,000 Explorers and 24,000 Jeep Grand Cherokees). The low sales volume figure means that I should be able to get a good price on a new Axiom, especially at the end of the month. I was wondering what kind of price range did you guys buy your Axioms at? I am interested in the base 4X4 model, but might consider an XS if the price is right. I have seen an ad in a newspaper for demo Axioms (6,000 miles) for $18,995.
  • emmett1emmett1 Member Posts: 20
    Hello all....I have a few questions about the Axiom. I am looking to unload my 2001 Camaro, which I LOVE, but I miss the size and practicality of a 4x4. I LOVE the look of the Axiom, and am comfortable with Isuzu's reliability record as of late. I am wondering a few things....specifically how low have people been able to purchase one. I am looking for the 4x4 version, leather is ok if it has it. I am in south jersey, and for the record, Prestige Isuzu in Turnersville, NJ is atrocious. They are asking approximately 500 off of sticker for a vehicle that is selling poorly, to be diplomatic. Isuzu's overall numbers are down, and the Axiom is NOT moving, so I was surprised to have that sort of interaction to start the process. Needless to say, I walked out. Has anyone in the south jersey area had a positive dealer experience during the negotiation process? Thank you in advance, and have a great holiday season.
    PS: I guess it's not too bad if I am stuck with a car with the 500 watt Monsoon stereo system and T tops. :)
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Contact Mark Jerrick @ Staten Island Subaru/Isuzu 718-979-9595. He's my dealer and a good friend, he'll want you to come in to give you the best absolute deal, but should be able to give you a rough quote over the phone. I'm not sure how far you are from SI but it would be worth it to check out. Also the trooper just won JD Power @ [non-permissible content removed]. 2nd place for reliability in the Mid-size SUV category, not a bad place to be.

    -mike
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I paid $25,667 for an Axiom base model at a small dealership in NC, that's w/o TTL. I also did not use their financing. I think they would have sold me the car for invoice and given me the low Isuzu financing, but I chose to get an additional $1,500 off the invoice price and get my own financing. A larger volume dealer might even be able to do better. I certainly would not pay anywhere around MSRP. I bought mine of Oct 31.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    Let's refrain from posting phone numbers here. We don't have any means of verifying their accuracy. An email exchange would be better suited for conveying that type of information.

    Thanks!

    tidester
    Host
    SUVs
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Just look up on the web the phone # for SI Subaru/Isuzu, call Mark J. there. :)

    -mike
  • ugaugaugauga Member Posts: 2
    Hi,all isuzu lovers! i'm planning on buying a car and axiom is one of my choice. I've been in the dealers several places several times and noticed there are hardly any 4x4 models in the lot.I like the black exterior color but never seen one in the dealer yet.I know they make them in black cause i've seen them once.One of the dealer told me that if i wanted to order a specific type and color from the manufacture it would be hard to tell when they can make the delivery.The salesman said that i really can't request from isuzu,and that it's basically up to the manufacture when and what type of car they deliver to the dealers. I hope this is not true. What do you all think?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    That's total bs. I'm good friends with my dealer and they can order or locate any color combo you want. However it might take time like 4-6 weeks to get one that they have to order. I ordered my Trooper from Japan and got it in about 6 weeks.

    -mike
  • ugaugaugauga Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the response paisan.I'm glad to know this.More and more information are welcome!
  • shogrenshogren Member Posts: 15
    MY AXIOM XS SEEMS TO HAVE A SLIGHT VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VECHILE WHICH I CAN ALSO FEEL THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL. I REALLY NOTICE IT ON CONCRETE ROADS SEEMS TO ALMOST GO AWAY WHEN ON NEWER SURFACED BLACKTOP. IS THIS NORMAL? ALSO SEEMS TO THUMP WHEN I HIT THE SEAMS ON THE FREEWAY. ANY IDEAS WHAT THE PROBLEM MIGHT BE. VECHILE HAS ONLY 350 MILES. HAVE NOT DRIVEN A SUV BEFORE SO MAYBE THIS IS NORMAL? OTHER THAN THAT THIS IS A FANTASTIC VECHILE SO FAR.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Which setting are you using on the suspension? If it is in sport mode it may be normal. Sounds rather normal to have a thump with a stiff suspension when going over seams in the road. Also check your tire pressures. Often times tires are over-inflated from the dealer and this will cause popping and vibrations.

    -mike
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    image
    Every Thursday, 7:00-8:00pmPT/10:00-11:00pm ET

    Your Community Leaders are paisan and arktrooper1


    -mike

  • shogrenshogren Member Posts: 15
    I HAVE THE SUSPENSION IN THE COMFORT MODE. I DID SWITCH TO THE SPORT MODE BUT DID NOT NOTICE THAT MUCH DIFFERANCE.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    You don't have to use caps. I'd definitely check the tires, they should be around 32ish. That could be it, or you could just not be used to it.

    -mike
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    I agree with Paisan - check the tires. They should be at 26 psi according to Isuzu. I run mine at 28. When I got home from the dealer they were set at 35. Also, the Axiom suspension is somewhat stiff, even in comfort mode. That is one of the valid criticisms of the vehicle, so you may have to get use to more stiffness that you had in your prior vehicle. Mine is smooth on most highways but will jar you a little on uneven surfaces.
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Could somebody explain the difference of TOD verses other 4WD systems. I am a little confused on how it works. Does it drive in 2WD until the rear wheels slip, thus engaging the front? I am considering an Axiom due to rates and huge discounts, how well does it perform in the snow compared to a subaru?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I have both a subie and TOD. The TOD works similar to the subie system, except with a RWD bias. Basically it does a 15/85 split of power F/R and the clutches in the transfer case will vary the power up to 50/50. In a subie you have 90/10 F/R split and the tranny will vary it up to 50/50 depending on slippage. The advantage to the Axiom is that it also can be driven in 2wd (RWD) mode on dry highways which is what I usually do. The Axiom also has more ground clearance, and if you get really stuck you can put it into 4wd Lo for extra torque. The Axiom also has more power than any of the subies, and more towing capacity (5000lbs v. 2000lbs) I've driven my Trooper upstate in the snowy adirondacks as well as my cousin and uncle's outbacks. They are all good, but I think the Axiom is more comfy and with the 3/50 and 10/120 warranty it comes out ahead.

    -mike
  • shogrenshogren Member Posts: 15
    Thanks for the advice on the tire pressure. Mine were at 35psi lowered to 28psi and made a big difference. How about mileage? I'am getting 15 in town and 18.5 hwy per the readings. Will this improve as engine gets more miles?
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    TOD is excellent in bad weather. Had a Trooper for 4 years before I got the Axiom (they both have the same TOD system) and I have never had a problem on snowy roads. It offfers more options than most 4wheel drive or all wheel drive systems. You can use 2 wheel drive under normal conditions. You can use TOD anytime you want, wet or dry, and the computer and sensors do all the work for you. This is the most common use for inclement weather. Then there is a 4 wheel low for offroad or anytime you need engine braking on slippery roads.

    My MPG is 16.4 to 17.3 on regular driving on mountain roads in 2 wheel drive. On the highway I get between 19.5 to 21.5 and it is still brand new. It will probably get better after 10,000 miles if it's like my Trooper was, but few have driven their Axiom that far that I aware of.
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Thanks for the responses regarding TOD. It does sound like a good system. I test drove a 4WD XS and was amazed. It was so quiet and smooth, not what I expected. I found myself doing 80 mph on a steep uphill portion of freeway and it felt like I was doing 50. I still do not know what to think about the dual range suspension, I really couldn't tell the difference between sport and comfort. It is amazing that these things aren't selling very well, the dealer I went to was quite baffeled by this as well, I said it had to be the poor advertising. Anyway, I have a quote for $27,300 on a 4WD XS, that with 5 years 0% financing seems like a great bargain. Hopefully I will be driving it in a few days. I just hope the Axiom will follow the Trooper's reliability rating as I plan on having it for a long time.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hopefully you'll be part of the crowd. What part of the country are you in?

    -mike
  • mitch00mitch00 Member Posts: 8
    Hi,

    Purchased my Axiom on 11/24/01. Within the first 400 miles the check engine light went on twice and the muffler needed to be replaced. Even more frustrating was that the OBD II computer did not store any trouble codes that one would have expected when the check engine light came on. The dealer contacted Isuzu technical support, and was told to check all the ground wires which was done supposedly today. The service manager plans to drive the car for several days with an external scan tool connected to the OBD II computer (out of desperation I guess). Over the past 15 years I have owned 3 Isuzu products (2 troopers and 1 Impulse)no problems. But given all the problems that I have read about with respect to the Rodeo and the lineage of the Axiom I very concerned about its reliability at this point. Anyone else with similar concerns ?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I'll bet it is your gas cap. Very common for CE lights to be thrown on new vehicles with ODB II. The Axiom Drive-train is actually a Trooper one, not a Rodeo one. The Axiom should be rock solid. if you dealer can't figure it out on 2 tries, I'd find a different dealer. I had that problem with my trooper when i first got it (CE lights) and my local dealer gave me the same run-around. Tried a different dealer and they fixed it first shot.

    -mike
  • mitch00mitch00 Member Posts: 8
    Mark,

    No such luck, it was not a gas cap related item that would have been great. One of the first question the dealer asked is if I refilled the truck recently (seem to a generic problem as you stated).
    However, the dealer claimed that they did find one ground lug used by the OBD II that was fastened to the chassis but the paint beneath lug was not bare of paint. We both thought that the screw passing thought the sheet metal attaching the ground lug would have made an adequate ground. The service manager will be driving the car for next 3 days to see if this resolves the problem, lets hope it does. I have used this dealer in the past, in general they have been pretty good.

    With respect to the engine/tranny I understand they were borrowed from the Trooper the chassis borrowed from the Rodeo. I am confident that at least the tranny is reliable.
    My concern is with the general build quality. In general modern engines and transmission hold up pretty well. However, if the final assembly and quality control is not up to par there are hundreds of non "engine/tranny" problems that will do you in over time.

    By the way how long have you had the Axiom ?

    Mitch
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The Tranny is the same one used in the Axiom, Rodeo, Trooper, Catera and Z3 Roadster. See http://www.gm.com/automotive/gmpowertrain/transmissions/4l30_main.htm for details.


    My guess is the build quality is slightly below Japan Troopers, but still way up there.


    -mike

  • mitch00mitch00 Member Posts: 8
    Folks,

    We all know that Isuzu and GM have a "sort" of partnership. However, I happened to look underneath my Axiom and the transfer case was clearly engraved with Manufactured by Borg Warner (made in France ugh !). So should I assume that the tranny in the Axiom is part GM and part Borg Warner ?

    Mitch
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Is made by Borg and Warner. The Tranny is made by GM in France. Both are rather bullet proof if you ask me. Even though they are made in France they somehow got things screwed together properly IMHO.

    -mike

    PS: GM owns 49% of Isuzu
  • mitch00mitch00 Member Posts: 8
    Mike,

    Spoke to the service manager this afternoon. He claims that the engine light has not re appeared since they re-grounded the ground wire. He has been using the car the since Monday and seems to think the problem is resolved. Hopefully this will be the end of it the check engine saga. I am picking up the car tomorrow night after work.

    Stay tuned

    Mitch
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I picked a green XS 4WD up last night. The 5 year 0% financing and dealer discounts were too hard to pass up. Picked it up with 12 miles on it, what a great feeling. I can't wait to take it on its first ski trip up to Tahoe. Anyway, have any Axiom owners out there install a roof rack? Or, has anyone found a good aftermarket ski rack such as Yakima or Thule? It has a tow package, so I am also considering a hitch mounted rack of some kind.
  • mitch00mitch00 Member Posts: 8
    Folks,

    Just a quick update on my Axiom OBD II check engine saga. Picked up the car last Friday night
    (dealer kept the car for week to be sure that they resolved the problem). So far so good, no recurrence of the check engine light. I have been so obsessed on the problem that I have not had the chance to enjoy the car yet. So its a fresh start for me and the Axiom, lets see how the next couple of weeks go !

    Mitch
  • mitch00mitch00 Member Posts: 8
    Mark,

    Congrats on your purchase ! Kind of sorry I did not go for the XS package myself.

    Mitch
  • cmunizcmuniz Member Posts: 604
    Welcome to the small circle of Axiom owners Mitch & Keith. My Axiom has 3,500 miles on it and it seems to be getting better every day. No problems so far. I would guess that the CE light problem has been resolved for good so don't worry about it. After owning 3 Izusus, they are very reliable, including all the computer stuff. Don't know who makes racks for the Axiom already. You may have to do some research on that since it's a new model. Enjoy!!
  • ryanendresryanendres Member Posts: 122
    http://www.partscheap.com/axioma.htm


    Check the link of the OEM roof Rack

    -Ryan

  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    Thanks Ryan,
    That rack looks pretty good. I saw a picture of an Axiom with a roof rack in Outside magazine, it looked good. I was hoping Yakima or Thule would have a removable system. yakima does, but it looks like it has a pad that rests on the roof, I think that is just asking for scratches. Thule doesn't show an application yet. I have looked into trailer hitch mount ski and bike racks as well, they look convenient. Has anybody installed a permanent roof rack themselves?
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    I have had a yak rack for years and never got a scratch.
  • budddddyleebudddddylee Member Posts: 10
    i want a suv and like the axiom. i could use some more info on your deal that you couldn't pass up.

    tia
    matt
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    Nice pants!
  • k2rmk2rm Member Posts: 205
    I was able to get my Axiom 4WD XS for $1500 below invoice and without any $500 destination fee. $29,000 before tax and license. Isuzu is discounting these vehicles big time right now, and you can choose either $1500 cash back or 0% financing up to 60 months. I took the 0% financing. I know this isn't the best deal out there right now, I have seen same model axioms that are on sale for an additional $1500 than what I paid even with 0% financing. Those were white, gold, and grey blonde colors. I couldn't find the other colors at the real good sale prices.

    I was going to wait for a few more months before I purchased, but after one test drive, I knew this was the vehicle I wanted. It was much more refined and well built than what I expected. I think that is the problem why these things aren't selling very well, people don't expect the quality to be this good for an Isuzu. I think this is mainly due to poor advertising. A dealer I spoke with said that once someone actually test drives an Axiom, it is not too hard to sell them one. I believe it. Also, I keep my vehicles for 10 to 15 years, it is comforting to know that there is a 10 year 120,000 mile warranty.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles