Isuzu Axiom

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  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    is a 2002. I wouldn't expect it to depreciate any better than other Isuzus. You need to plan on keeping them for 5-10 years and 100K+ miles, or else you get burnt in re-sale. The Acura will always have a great re-sale because they are acuras and for no other reason. The other problem is you are looking at 2 very different vehicles. The Axiom is a truck, the MDX is a mini-van with AWD (it's based on the Oddessey platform) and the Highlander is a Camary Station Wagon (built on the camary platform).

    For your needs you will probably be happier with the MDX, since you don't plan on going off-road, and plan to re-sell it in 2-4 years time.

    -mike
  • corsicachevycorsicachevy Member Posts: 316
    I don't like to admit it, but I understand your situation completely. Good luck.

    Isn't it unfortunate that the auto industry has failed to acknowledge that there are people like you out there who want a lot of space, AWD and decent handling. General Motors came close with the Astro AWD van, but that thing is such a pile that I wouldn't offer it to my worst enemy. Chyrsler has the AWD Town and Country, but some people (rightfully so, in my mind) are a little hesitant to jump on the Chrysler band wagon. Beyond those two vehicles exists a void.

    Maybe Mazda will add AWD to its MPV - that would be the perfect vehicle for you.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Maybe the buick rendevous? It has AWD, is mini-van based, and doesn't have the bad looks of the Aztek.

    Personally I'd get the Axiom, cause I know it will last for 200K miles and has the best awd system around.

    -mike
  • corsicachevycorsicachevy Member Posts: 316
    Paisan - you'd get the Axiom, not because you know it will last for 200,000 miles, but because you are an Isuzu zealot. :-) Good point about the Buick - I forgot about that one. It definitely has all the right attributes. Maybe GM can steal some of those Trooper engines for the Rendevous - it certainly would improve the driving experience.

    Manly - Pretty much any car or truck will last 200,000 miles these days. I own one of the worst rattle traps produced, a Chevrolet Corsica, but it has close to 150,000 miles on it and it runs just fine. I'm no longer hoping for 200,000 miles, I'm expecting it.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    200K w/o any un-scheduled repairs. The reason I'm an Isuzu fan is because I beat the crap out of my '97 Rodeo, did only oil changes, and zero other maintenance (5K oil changes on occassion) and it went 120K w/o missing a beat or a day, and it looked and rode like new at 120K. That my friend is whay I'm an isuzu fan. The Isuzu engine isn't a transversely mountable engine, it's designed for a RWD based vehicle, not a mini-van like the rendevous :)

    -mike
  • corsicachevycorsicachevy Member Posts: 316
    I bet they could figure out how to modify the 3.5V6 Isuzu for a transverse application - its not that tough - GM3800, Ford Intek V8, Nissan 3.5 and 3.3V6, Ford 3.8V6, Chrysler 2.7V6 and the list goes on - all are set up both transversely and longitudinally. Or are you just afraid that your beloved Isuzu engine would end up powering a lowly Buick?
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Isuzu is owned by GM already. (Duramax Diesel is designed by Isuzu, Isuzu is also designing the S10/S15 to debut this coming year) Outside the US, GM sells the Trooper re-badged as a GM/Holden as it's premier SUV. I see Isuzu being melded into the GMC nameplate over the next 10 years.

    -mike
  • revolve360revolve360 Member Posts: 12
    Wow, looking at your post, I thought I was reading something I would have posted 2 months ago.

    Essentially we were in the same boat - new baby coming, my year and a half old Amigo was suddenly too small (though it's my work vehicle so we just decided to get something new for my wife). We looked at just about everything. Highlander, Santa Fe, Envoy, MDX, etc -but no minivans(she wasn't ready for one yet). I knew most of these choices ARE just dressed up minivans, but what mattered more to us was that it didn't LOOK like one.

    We pretty much came to the same conclusion as you did w/ the Highlander (too much money for what we wanted compared to Axiom + the more we looked at it the more it looked like a minivan). We also found that in our area, it's still too hot a seller for dealers to bargain at this time.

    If you really are stuck on the re-sale value thing- I would probably avoid the Isuzu and go for the MDX. Also don't forget that there are some updates to currently existing SUV's coming and some entirely new models as well (Saturn VUE w/ variable transmission, Land Rover Freelander, etc.)

    After 6 months of test driving vehicle after vehicle, we bought a 2002 Axiom last month(entirely my wife's decision - I was pushing her to buy a Subaru WRX!). When we found the color she wanted (Anthracite : like a metallic grey) she sat in it and knew it was for her. We also took advantage of Isuzu's great financing promos (they run to the 4th of Sept)and got 2.9% on 4 year loan.

    We've seen the 2002 interior choices, I don't think they're currently offering anything new - we went w/ the leather because that's what came w/ the XS. Also, the leather in our opinion wasn't as bad as the cloth - this is our only peeve w/ this model. So to answer your question, the leather interior you've already seen is pretty much the only one currently available. You would have to wait till 2003 model run for more interior options. We're going to cover the seats w/ Wet Okole seat covers anyway, and actually by now we're pretty used to the tan color.

    1200 miles later we are still loving it. No major problems with it yet- I didn't expect any considering Isuzu took the best technology from their existing platforms (TOD from Trooper & Vehicross, excellent 3.5 V6 that pretty much is the same engine in all their best vehicles, and Intelligent Suspension Control from their Ironman series). W/ Torque On Demand AWD system I've got more peace of mind when she's driving in the wet n' slippery. It drives very smooth yet performance is very capable, looks great and love the attention it gets, AND we plan to keep it for a LONG while. I think the biggest part of our satisfaction is the rarity of the vehicle. I can drive around all day and see at least 5 Highlanders/MDX's/Santa Fe's/ - but very rarely see another Axiom. It's too bad these Axiom's are so underrated -my wife keeps catching me sneaking her Axiom out.
  • manlystanlymanlystanly Member Posts: 3
    After reading your post, I see that our situation is definitely not unique. I am glad that you are enjoying your Axiom, and based on the current deals, we may go back to the dealership for another look.

    I may have overstated the re-sale factor as a consideration for a new car. We are both "drive it into the ground" kind of people, so that normally doesn't factor in. I was just shocked at how little our Amigo was worth after such a short time. We really don't want to sell it (and I am not letting anyone near my Contour SVT!) so the re-sale issue is just the one staring us in the face right now.

    We test drove the Rendezvous. It seemed to be exactly the "compromise car" it was designed to be. It had enough room, but the handling was very uninspired. My wife (who is much more concerned about these things) did not like the aesthetics of either the interior or exterior. They managed to cram a lot of big chunky plastic pieces between front seats that don't seem to have much purpose.

    So, we will keep looking. This weekend we will likely drive the Highlander and the Axiom again, and make a more direct comparison between these two. Thanks to all for their input.
  • flonyai1flonyai1 Member Posts: 11
    Definetely, Isuzus don't have great resale value. Hopefully, the Axiom could be exception if people start realizing what a great vehicle is it. But as a point of consideration: if you spend over $ 10,000 more buying an MDX compared to an Axiom XS 4WD (including finance charges and some room for negotiating the sale price), rightfully you would expect to maintain higher absolute and relative resale value. The resale value especially becomes secondary and almost meaningless, if you invest the $ 10,000 and you add the gains to the resale value of your Axiom. If the vehicles are closely priced, resale value has much higher importance.

    In case of discussed vehicles I don't think that's the case. I went through the same issues, and very much settled on the Axiom, but mainly because on what it has to offer: engine, TOD, ISC, beam chassis, warranty and personally I like the interior: armrest, shifter and MID. For me the only interior I found superior to the Axiom was the MDX, but that for me is a different ball game.
    Good luck in your decision making.
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image


    ...at 7-8pm Pacific/10-11 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!

    http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/isuzuchat.html

  • chriso1chriso1 Member Posts: 7
    Here's more useful info from someone actual using this SUV.

    I fitted a Yakima Rack over the weekend, went smoothly, a lit bit tricky at first. I used the Q83 clips as recommended in a previous discussion.

    I cut the crossbars to the following dimensions:

    Front 49" long.
    Rear 48" long.

    This makes for a more elegant front profile, which I feel, this beautiful vehicle requires.

    The distance between the towers:
    Front 42.875"
    Rear 41.75"

    The rear towers (the datum) are as far back in the rear door frame as I can get.

    The front towers are about 1.5" in front of the B pillar. This spacing is determined by the fact that I have a basket for my climbing gear located between then.

    I also fitted a 38" fairing, although one might want to consider a 44" one.

    Funcionality: excellent.
    Working load: 165 lbs.
    Appearence: sweet.
  • acurahadacurahad Member Posts: 29
    Has anyone had any major problem's with the Axiom. I have been to the Dealership looking around while they are closed, but I have not seen a 4x4 Axiom yet.Has anyone purchased 4X4 how is the ride & handling? What are the likes & dislikes? Thanks for any replies.
  • chriso1chriso1 Member Posts: 7
    Dear Acurahad,

    The handling between the 2x4 and 4x4 is virtually identical. That is, tight, smooth and powerful on mountain roads, with "sport" engaged. TOD certainly makes a difference on mountain roads, and, rather obviously, TOD and 4L make a huge difference in traction intensive applications.

    On my local freeways the ride varies from jittery to smooth ("sport" off) depending upon concrete or asphalt, occasional bumps are handled beautifully.

    I don't know why anyone would buy a 2x4 Axiom, apart from the looks.
  • hvan3hvan3 Member Posts: 630
    The reason why the Amigo has lost so much of its resale value is because it's an entry level SUV. Basically, the Amigo is not a high volume vehicle. Dealers are less incline to buy your Amigo due to lack of demand from use car buyers.

    When I think of Isuzu Amigo, I think of Chevy Tracker (underpower entry level SUV).

    Rest assure that the resale value on the Axiom will be "competively" favorable to any other SUV in it's class. IMO.

    By the way, check out GMC Envoy. You'll be very impress!
  • jefegigantejefegigante Member Posts: 3
    We've got about 1500 miles on ours now. Has been all in-town and no inclement weather other than hard rain (being that it's not winter yet). No real issues.

    We love handling/performance. Only negative on ride is that it seems to let little ripple-type bumps through (bad concrete on exit ramps). I believe the ISC really works. Under braking/cornering there is not really any tilt/dive. I really like this.

    The acceleration is nice, and appearance is untouchable IMHO. I think it is very tight (this being a positive term) vehicle. We got for combo of cargo space/handling/looks/value. We didn't want an impractical full-size SUV but the Escape/RAV4 size is impractical on the cargo-space for our needs.

    We were looking at Xterras and Highlanders when we got the Ax. Way better engine/handling than the Xterra. Way better value than the Highlander. Tougher looking than the Highlander and more refined than the Xterra. Better warranty than both, and I'll admit the uniqueness got it points too. We never really considered an any domestic because of quality factor.
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    4wheeler magazine has a review of Axiom this month.
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    Wanted to see if any others are experience these:

    1. Strong grab or down shift when coming to a stop (10 mph or less).

    2. Couple of rattles or squeaks. One coming from the dash under the gauges and the other from the rear (behind rear passenger seat).

    3. Grabbing or hesitation when starting from a dead stop.

    4. Passenger outside door latch not working.

    As for the first item, the dealership said it was the engine down-shifting and was normal. Brakes checked out fine. Since they only have 1 tech who is trained to handle the Axiom, I don't have a lot of faith.

    The squeaking and grabbing our going to be looked at this week. Since I use my vehicle for business as well as personal, it is disconcerting to have a brand new vehicle squeak and chirp at every bump in the road. By the way, it occurs in both sport and std mode.

    The latch for the passenger door is been on order for 6 weeks now. The story I am getting is that parts are hard to come by.

    If I can fix these flaws, I will be a happy camper again. I still haven't lost my enthusiasm for the ride.....just yet.
  • chriso1chriso1 Member Posts: 7
    I have a problem with my driver side door latch. If I pull on the inside handle before performing a global unlock, I can't unlock the driver door, I have to power the window down and pull on the outside handle, then I can unlock the inside latch.

    I suspect a linkage, or spring strength problem.

    Obsolutely no squeaks and rattles, even on rocky terrain the vehicle is very tight.
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    They suspect it is a linkage problem as well. Just waiting on the part.

    They are going to take care of the squeak - given they can pin-point it.

    The foreman went on a test drive with me, he said the grabbing from a complete stop is the drive line engaging. I informed him that it did not happen until the last 500 miles or so (I have 6,400 already), was intermittent at first and now has been regular. They are going to look at it none the less.

    I do not know much about cars so any insight as to whether the prognosis was just smoke up my .... to get me to say "okay". I would like to have some ammunition so to speak if they come back and say everything is fine.

    Thanks for help.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    This driveline is known to have a bit of a rough shift in some cases. Check out the trooper board for mor info. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    The trooper is famous, well more like infamous for having a "clunk" when coming to a stop. I believe it is the electromagnetic clutch releasing its direct connection to the transmission and returning to a viscous coupling? or vice versa. over 30 the transmission reduces the amount of coupling (electromagnetic clutch pushing plates/discs together) to provide more thrust to the vehicle. At lower speeds there is more torque so it has to use the viscous coupling so the driveline doesn't snap with all the torque applied. Higher speeds, less torque more HP. So, to make a short story long, as you come to a stop the clutch releases the driveline and thus the "clunk."

    This is my theory based on what I have read about drivelines...I just can't remember every specific, so the I believe the gist is right, but I may be off in a few places.
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks Mike. I was scrolling through the postings on the Trooper an with over 1800+, I kind of gave up after a while. Since you appear to be the most active, do you remember about when it was posted? I noticed a few referring to the TOD. I do not have TOD - I live in Houston and decided the extra $$$ wasn't worth it - so I personally do not think it is the transmission. It feels more like the brakes are not "releasing" when taking off (either coasting or depressing accelerator).

    The dealership hasn't called back yet, but I'll let you know. My guess is that everything will "check out fine".

    Darin
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    There is no "clunk" or even noise (if that is what you're referring to). The feeling is similar to down-shifting a stick from 3rd to 1st (just not as severe) but feels as though the tension or grab in the brakes is lessened and then re-applied between 5-0 mph. The pavement can be smooth or have cracks and the problem persists. It will also happen as you're firmly applying the brakes and then let up a hair (not pumping) and then re-apply firm pressure. The vehicle will lurch foward instead of coming to a smooth stop.

    Would your theory hold true on the take-off as well (grabbing)?

    Perhaps I am just not used to the braking/trans system yet.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The trooper stuff was with TOD. But it could be the grade-logic tranny, or like you said just not used to the brakes yet.

    -mike
  • drmpdrmp Member Posts: 187
    This is a very common observation among Troopers, Rodeos and now on Axioms with automatic tranny. It most likely occurs when braking in a hurry or coming to a stop abruptly. As you slow down the tranny downshifts 4-3-2-1 but the 2-1 dowshift occurs at a very low speed (or too late) almost to a stop in a way that when the first gear engages, it kicks and launches the SUV forward with a thump/clunk.

    This is in contrast to a Honda Civic that downshift early, providing engine brake and helping to slow down when you push the brake pedal.

    With a manual tranny, when you want to slow down in a hurry, you downshift early and use engine braking for more effective stopping. Honda civic simulates that sequence but not my Honda Passport.

    I wish Honda can transplant the shift pattern of their cars to the Passport.
  • pitt4pitt4 Member Posts: 20
    Thanks. That is what the dealer said. Any insight about take-off (see #320 & 321)?
  • rcopa1rcopa1 Member Posts: 24
    Just wondering if anyone knows of future colors. The colors are funky; what happened to silver(which is in much of their print/billboards), red, or just plain black? Dealer said they stopped producing the gold because it was not selling.

    Oh and about the resale value.... its not good on my 99 Rodeo LS. Your not buying Honda or Toyota resale value thats for sure. But I've owned both those brands and love the Rodeo best, not a single problem in two years. Best auto I've ever owned.
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Actually the 00 and newer transmissions all have grade logic built in. If you let completely off the gas it will downshift early to provide engine braking.

    -mike
  • flonyai1flonyai1 Member Posts: 11
    I experienced some thing like that on one of the freeways with concrete gaps when I was doing a test drive. It was pretty unpleasant. Several reviewers have also commented that the Axiom tends to get bouncy under certain conditions. One expert said that the ride is more sportier than comfort. What is the owners' view about these comments?

    Thanks
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    The article in 4wheeler magazine said that the Axiom is easily hung up with one front wheel and rear wheel off the ground? I would think a limited slip differential in the rear would keep it from getting hung-up in a position like that? The Axiom is supposed to have the same driveline as the Trooper, and I don't think that would happen in it, for example in deep sand in 2wd, the Trooper kept moving, albeit not too well, but both wheels would spin.

    In the article they did mention that the LSD was almost non-existent, maybe there was a problem? Just one of the interesting (possibly innacurate) points in the article.
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    I find it hard to believe any Axiom drivers are going to be hung up where they have one front wheel and one rear wheel off the ground at the same time so i would have to say that is a mute point!
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    my lsd isn't very tight. I need to yank up on the e-brake a few notches to get it to engage. So the same could be true for the Axiom.

    -mike
  • flonyai1flonyai1 Member Posts: 11
    Mike,

    What does it mean e-brake? I am not a 4WD expert.

    Could some one give me a link for the 4 wheeler article? Yesterday during my browsing I couldn't find it.

    Thanks Frank
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    E-brake = Emergency Brake

    By putting some pressure on the wheels, in the rear it locks the LSD. Also on the isuzus the parking brake isn't the regular pads so you don't need to worry about wearing it out.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    The article is in the hard copy of the magazine this month. However here is the magazine website, they have a brief article, but not the full one in the magazine, under "featured trucks". post


    http://www.fourwheeler.com/

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Hey all here is a webpage with details of the SIA Trail Ride for Sept 15th

    http://isuzu-suvs.com/events/index.html

    -mike
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    image


    ...at 7-8pm Pacific/10-11 pm Eastern. Hope to see you there!

    http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/isuzuchat.html

  • chriso1chriso1 Member Posts: 7
    Okay so I'm obsessed, but all owners of new cars are, not by mysterious clunks and clanks (I'm a NASA engineer, these things, I understand).

    The other day I was lying on the couch watching TV and reading my Axiom window sticker (I know, get a life). I suddenly noticed that under "exterior" the sticker said "molded front and rear mudflaps". I went into my driveway and looked at my beautful 4 x 4 Axiom: no mudflaps.

    Very puzzling. I haven't done anything about it yet, I figured I'd talk to my dealer when I get my 7,500 mile service. I did e-mail Isuzu and true to form they told me to talk to the dealer.

    Has anyone else experienced the missing mudflaps?
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    I saw a battery powered "Spy Kids" toy car at Radio Shack. It was an Isuzu Axiom. Just thought someone here might want one.
  • marcinmarcin Member Posts: 64
    could someone tell me what is the official address for isuzu? cause isuzu.com is not the right one :)
  • jimmyp1jimmyp1 Member Posts: 640
    looks good to me......

    Jim
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    I dunno - looks like they've been "hacked" to me . (Who is that Joe hack anyway?)

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    Steve, I hope you are joking. JoeIsuzu is/was one of the most famous TV advertising characters of all time.

    -mike
  • sbcookesbcooke Member Posts: 2,297
    Next to Joe Camel. And what ever happened to Herb, do you remember him from Burger king :-).
  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    The Honda salesman is selling suits on wall street. My uncle met hima few years ago when he went to buy a suit. It was funny.

    -mike
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Yeah I was kidding - I think marcin was joking too.

    btw, welcome back from vacation.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

  • paisanpaisan Member Posts: 21,181
    I just have no desire to go back to work though. Had too much fun in the boat, working on the Trooper and racing around the country roads with the subaru.

    -mike
  • keepontroopinkeepontroopin Member Posts: 297
    You guys are all missing the most famous sales person of all. I will give you a hint......WHEEEEEERE'S THE BEEF!!!!
  • marcinmarcin Member Posts: 64
    What is the official website of Isuzu? It can't be isuzu.com, that's a dealer website.
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