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Yeah, the traffic cameras were my only concern as well. I don't think they have them here in the bay area. I thought they were going to stop using the intersection cameras down there since it was found that the camera's manufacture were getting kickbacks from revenue earned from the tickets. Not a good idea.
Nope, I have the tan leather and a green Axiom. I think the combination is a good match. I got mine before grey leather was available. My only gripe about the tan leather is how easy dirt shows up. I have to clean the leather every couple of weeks it seems. The grey leather definitely looks sharp especially with the black and grey exterior.
After doing much digging on the internet, especially a lot of car care forums I found this stuff called Lexol. Most carparts stores have this stuff. I use it on my wife's Ax and it's been great after a year. There's also this stuff called 404 which a lot of people seem to like too. I've used both - the 404 stuff can be used pretty much on all leather, vinyl, etc. So the dash and plastic trim pieces get this stuff. There's supposed to be a lot of UV protectors in it. Actually the 404 stuff has also been great on the OEM hard top of my Amigo.
I'm amazed that your Axiom didn't come with the front plate already fitted. I bought my 4x4 Ax in April of 2001 and had a tough time removing the front plate once I got it home! Later on I re-fitted the plate and it looks fine. No need to use the brackets supplied, the dealer had used a form fitting plastic adapter, which works well.
Now about that brown vs grey..Let's face it, whether or not you can see the dirt, it's still there, personally I'd rather see it, that way I can clean it off! When I got my Ax I had no choice, but no gripes, with a year of back-country abuse, mud, dirty clothes and hands (I do lot of climbing) I have no complaints, the Ax works great in the rough and slippery stuff and cleans up just fine.
I'm not sure how much tire pressure will affect your ride, the Ax is a bumpy ride on the concrete freeways of LA, there's just no way around it. If you want a smooth ride you should have got a Highlander, then again when the going got tough in the back-country you'd be walking.
Expect some whine from the transfer case, that's the sound of gears working together. Remember you've got the best 4wd system on the planet underneath that designer skin.
For the combinaton of price, features, performance off road and on, there is nothing to beat the Isuzu Ax.
I wanted 4 X 4 cause I do snowboarding doing the winter in southern CA. However, my wife convinced me that I don't need 4X4, and it's was of money, since I'll be using it once or twice a yrs. She's right. I live in southern CA. We bought the car for room and features(my wife hates mini van). But, it would be nice to have 4x4. BTW, i was try to get a free roof rack from the dealer with purchase of my car, they told me that roof rack does not exist for axiom from the dealer part. I was shocked casue i saw that option on isuzu printed accessories book. Well, I'll just have to go with yakima~!
Tell your dealer he's wrong. I just bought an OEM roof rack off of E-Bay from another dealer for $185. The regular price is $320 it installs in the slits on the roof where the trim is. NO drilling required because the holes are already there under some tape. I have a Yak rack on my Amigo - it looks good on it, but I was thinking it wouldn't look right w/ the Axiom's design.
I was also able to order this OEM roof rack from my local dealer for regular price, but I was able to get the other one much cheaper off of E-Bay. (thanks again Ryan!)
The quality of auto sound systems is a pretty subjective judgement. I am not an expert, but I like the sound system in the Axiom a lot better than the one in the Trooper. Having said that I'm sure the experts will find fault with it. When I had my Trooper I changed the speakers to improve the sound. On the Axiom I am happy with the way it is.
On a different topic, my local Chrysler/Isuzu dealer just wrote me to tell me thay are dropping the Isuzu line. I wonder if this is the beginning of a stronger GM presence in advance of the new Ascender. Now I'll have to drive 1 1/2 hrs to get warranty service, if I'll ever need it.
Hmm . . . a month or two ago Don Kott, a very large Ford/Isuzu/etc. dealer in the Los Angeles area changed hands, and the new owners were either dropped by Isuzu, or they dropped Isuzu (depending on who you talk to). Now I have to go to downtown L.A. or Long Beach for warranty service. Before I could drop it off in the morning and get a courtesy van to my office in the South Bay. No more. -jj-
Hey I'm turning 16 soon and I've been reseaching different cars and suvs. Originally my dad suggested that i get an axiom since we have a 98 trooper that has been very good to us. At the time I didn't have a clue what an axiom was so I dismissed his opionion. but after taking a look at it, i'm very impressed with the look of it as well as the numerous positive reviews about it. The question that i have is is it at good as it looks. Also i heard that the front of the Axiom can be easily messed up. Thanx
Had the new blue AX for two weeks, and now a little over 1,000 miles already. Commute about 70 miles a day, mixed city and highway driving. My mileage has been a steady 17-18 mpg (actual nearly identical to what the computer average is), much better than I anticipated (2WD)! It's been hot here in TX, so the AC has been on all the time. What have other's been getting so far?
sveltax: Glad to see there is another one like mine, I have no problems to report, enjoy it more each day. Is yours the canal blue color as well? I opted for the 2WD because here in central TX I rarely require 4WD, our other car is a Subaru Forester for those occasions (great car BTW).
I generally get between 17-18 mpg in regular day-to-day driving and over 21 on the highway. I have almost 8,000 miles on mine.
Getting an Axiom at age 16 would be nice. You need to sit in it and drive it to make sure you like it. The reliability is as good as your dad's 98 Trooper and the drivetrain is almost the same. One thing you will like about it is that it is unique - not many on the road and it gets a lot of looks from the curious.
yeah i've only seen one in AZ and that was in the bowling alleys. I told my friends i was planning on getting an axiom and they didn't know what it was. I'm really looking forward to getting those stares. I've just got two worries, one i heard that the grill can get easily dented, and two i heard the distance between the gas and brake pettle are really close that it becomes a problem. If you guys help me out i would be really grateful
I have no idea how easy the front grill is to dent since it hasn't happened to me. However, looking at it up close it appear to be sturdy enough. Someone else with more technical knowledge than me might be able to give you a better answer.
As to the pedals, it is a matter of getting used to the driving position. Nothing will replace taking a test drive. I traded in a Trooper for my Axiom and the driving positions are very different. I have my seat further back in the Axiom and find it very comfortable. I don't have any problems at all with the pedals. Again - take it for a test drive.
So far my Axiom has been incredible. They are great trucks, just like your Dad's Trooper. You also asked one time about the stereo, it's decent, could use more bass, but then again what couldn't. :-) Just realize that if you take a close look at the radio, it does not appear to be one that you can easily change since the climate controls are integrated with it. So take it for a good test drive and if you like what you see, hear & feel, tell Dad to get out the checkbook.
MPG: So far a steady 15.0 mpg, mixed daily commute of 80% city, 20% highway (in traffic), oh yeah... lead foot.
In which cities are you guys getting 15mpg? Driving in Chicago, I cannot get anything better than 12.5 mpg (and it is a lot worse on short distances). Then again, I cannot go faster than 30 mph and I go through endless intersections that always turn red on me. If I drive on the highway, I get about 19.5 mpg at 80 mph. If I set the cruise at 60 mph, I am getting 22.5 mpg fuel economy. I have 1,600 miles so far and the vehicle is great, although the ride is somewhat jiggly as compared to an average family sedan. It seems that the engine is running smoother the more miles I put on. I recently tested the acceleration from 0-60 mph and according to my stopwatch, it is 7.6 seconds. Of course, it is not a scientific method, but the pick-up is pretty quick no matter how it is measured. The only complaint I have so far is that whooshing noise coming from the rear axle or transfer case that I was writing about in one of the previous posts. I will have it inspected by the dealer soon. Outside of that, it is a great car/truck and it gets plenty of looks.
Anything that bolts to a Rodeo *should* bolt to an Axiom. If someone on the east coast likes any of the ECB products I'd be willing to help them do the install of a rodeo bar.
Sounds like they thought it was the best of both worlds. They have an article in their June '02 edition that says their are trade-offs with part-time 4WD and AWD systems but that's not necessarily true with Isuzu's hybrid TOD system. They used an Axiom in the feature and more or less said you get the best of both worlds with this system. Specifically, the flexibility of AWD, but the durability of 4WD. Sounds good to me.
I live in south orange county, and now i'm seeing more axioms on the road. I see lot of white and gray. So far, every axiom that i saw on the road has the tan interior. I haven't seen one with gray interior. Do axiom make gray cloth interior?????
I saw a blond gray Axiom on the road yesterday. We were driving in the same direction, and of course the other driver noticed me immediately. After waiving to each other a few times, we started talking through open windows. The other guy said he bought his Axiom just after they came out last year and he really liked the black color, which was not available in 2001. I think it is cool that there is such brotherhood amongst Axiom owners. There are not too many of us out there, so we need to stick together. Do you think Jeep Grand Cherokee or Explorer owners talk to each other while waiting for a green light? I don't think so.
By the way, I stopped at the Toyota dealership last night just to see, feel and compare my Axiom to Toyotas, which are holding their value so well and which are so popular. I honestly do not understand what people see in this brand. The interior of all Toyotas is very disappointing. The workmanship and quality of materials used for the interior is terrible. It looks really cheap and is poorely fitted! The Highlander has plenty of room in the back and the sitting position is comfortable, I also liked the extra storage spaces, but again, interior looks and feels aweful. I know you may think I am biased becasue I own Isuzu, but honestly, comparing the interior of Axiom to any Toyota is like comparing Mercedes to Chevy.
Yup I think you find that Subaru and Isuzu owners are probably the friendliest most willing to talk with each other brand of vehicles out there. It's amazing what a brotherhood it promotes. I guess it's cause they are such limited in #s that they have to stick together!
Yep, Canal Blue with tan leather interior. Actually went with the all tan interior as the seats seemed more plush than the black/tan leather seating option.
Having fun in my Axiom! I'd like a little more torque, but the horsies are going strong.
Anyone have break-in requirements? I checked my oil after 1000 miles, it was very clean. Should I change it and use synthetic, or save it for the 7500 oil change?
I have about 800 miles on my axiom. I plan to replace my oil to mobil one when it hits 3000 miles. I've been using mobile one on my 2000 acura tl, and it's make a difference. My engine stay clean(inside), and smoother, and I change every 7500 miles. When i change the oil it's seems clean. Has anyone used Nu-Finish wax before, and how is it?
I heard that the suspension on the axiom isn't really good. Is it bad enough that it becomes a problem. And does it have better or worse suspension than the trooper
Not sure who said it was bad, but the Axiom has an excellent suspension.
It has Gas-charged shocks all around (Trooper and rodeo have hydrolic) and the Axioms is adjustable valving controlled by a switch inside. Having driven them both, the Axiom feels much better and is great.
It is true that some reviewers were complaining about Axiom's suspension because they compared it to cars and/or car-based SUVs such as Lexus RX 300 and Toyota Highlander. My Axiom is the first truck I ever owned and I do feel the difference. Despite the computer controlled shocks with 17 possible settings and the Sport mode option, I still think that the suspension jiggles too much on uneven roads, potholes, etc. It has a tendency to swing forward and backward especially in Normal mode. You will definitely get a trucky ride from this suspension, although when you sit behind the wheel, you feel like you drive a car. Somewhat harsh Axiom's suspension is fairly easy to get used to.
Axiomlover is correct in saying reviewers are comparing the Axiom to vehicles like the Highlander. I see this all the time in Axiom reviews. I just read one in which they classify the Axiom as a midsize SUV (fair enough) and say they recommend the Highlander in this class. But, the Highlander is definitately not in the same class.
The Higlander is not a truck but a tall Camry wagon. It is a good car based vehicle, no question about it, but it doesn't have the towing capacity, low range, and most of all, the ruggedness of a body on frame to compete with the Axiom. It would be ridiculous that somebody shopping for an Axiom would consider the highlander, the 4Runner is the true toyota competitor in this class.
I like Paisan's acronym of "SMV." It does seem appropriate. I always laugh when someone with a car based SUV comes into a truck based SUV forum and recommends the Highlander and similar minivan like SUV's. One of the most ridiculous was when someone went into the Sequoia forum and said the Pilot would cut into the Sequoia's sales.
I love my Axiom, it is a very well built truck. It definitely has much more utility than any car based vehicle and because of that, the ride may be a little harsher, but again, that is what I wanted and got.
IMHO the Axiom is a lot like a circa 1980s Caprice Wagon. Frame based, wagon body, towing capacity, cargo capacity, good ride. The Axiom is much better though cause of the safety of AWD, low range for off-roading, and fit-finish of the highest degree. The Highlander like posted above is a camry wagon with a lift kit!
To be honest with you guys, the main reason for my decision to purchase an Axiom was the looks and standard equipment. Although I am getting used to "trucky" ride, I would prefer to have a better refined suspension to give me a car-like ride. I am using this vehicle on asphalt streets and expressways of Chicago and I have nothing to tow. I may occasionally go off-road just because I can and I think it would be fun. I know it is probably unrealistic, but I think it would be great if Isuzu offered buyers a choice between a truck based body on frame (for serious off-roading and towing) and a car-based FWD soft unibody (for street driving)? IMO, Isuzu would appeal to a larger group of buyers with lower weight and possibly better gas milage. Anyhow, the looks, performance and amenities of my Axiom will more than make up for the trucky ride, so it is just something I have to get used to.
The reason they don't offer unibody/Fwd stuff is because they are a small company, they don't have the R&D to do that kind of stuff, not to mention there are tons and tons of people in that market and they have zero experience with that.
Get an Azteck or Rendevous or other SMV if that is all you us it for! Jeez
Paisan, Actually, it seems Isuzu built the Axiom with the intention of appealing to a larger market of people. Look at how they are trying to advertise (although poorly at that) by comparing it to the Highlander and Grand Cherokee. As I earlier stated, the Highlander really isn't in the same class, and in the Jeep GC commercial, they make fun of the GC as if it is more suited for off-road use than city. Seems like the pot calling the kettle black. Talk about weird advertising, it totally undermines the ruggedness aspect of the Axiom. I blame poor marketing alone for the slow Axiom sales.
Let's face it, the Axiom is a pretty refined truck and it does a good job of hiding the fact that it is a truck. It does have a fairly decent ride without compromising its ruggedness and I can see why it might appeal to more people. I would expect more people initially looking at Highlanders wind up getting an Axiom over people initially looking at Axioms who wind up getting a Highlander.
Also, it is clear that TOD is far superior to the AWD systems in most of the car based vehicles, that alone would appeal to more people if Isuzu just advertised. If I was looking for a vehicle solely for winter travel without the need for towing and offroad, the Axiom would be at the top of my list mainly because of TOD and being rear-biased.
I can totally understand why someone would buy the Axiom based on its looks and features alone. There is a lot of value in the Axiom.
I agree that it would be futile for Isuzu to build a car based SUV and try to compete with other companies, it is just too small of a company. It is just unfortunate that Isuzu doesn't appeal more consumers, then they probably wouldn't be replacing Trooper with the Assender. I just hope they don't replace the Rodeo and Axiom with the Aztek, Rendevous, or VUE. That would bring a tear to my eye.
Comments
For OEM parts:
http://www.partscheap.com/axioma.htm
http://www.stcharlesauto.com/newparts.html
St. Charles is great, decent prices and fast. I bought my hitch from them, no problems.
For aftermarket, keep an eye on Paisan's site:
http://isuzu-suvs.com/vendors/index.html
Not too much aftermarket stuff, mostly Rodeo and Trooper stuff.
Good luck!
Nope, I have the tan leather and a green Axiom. I think the combination is a good match. I got mine before grey leather was available. My only gripe about the tan leather is how easy dirt shows up. I have to clean the leather every couple of weeks it seems. The grey leather definitely looks sharp especially with the black and grey exterior.
Also if you Axiom guys come across vendors and or links to Axiom stuff and/or Isuzu stuff send it over and I'll update the vendor pages as well.
Cameras:
Here is NY they have them too but they only shoot the back of the car since some states don't require a front plate.
-mike
I use 303 on my dash...
lol, may need to get some 409 to clean the carpet. I'm all confused now!
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Now about that brown vs grey..Let's face it, whether or not you can see the dirt, it's still there, personally I'd rather see it, that way I can clean it off! When I got my Ax I had no choice, but no gripes, with a year of back-country abuse, mud, dirty clothes and hands (I do lot of climbing) I have no complaints, the Ax works great in the rough and slippery stuff and cleans up just fine.
I'm not sure how much tire pressure will affect your ride, the Ax is a bumpy ride on the concrete freeways of LA, there's just no way around it. If you want a smooth ride you should have got a Highlander, then again when the going got tough in the back-country you'd be walking.
Expect some whine from the transfer case, that's the sound of gears working together. Remember you've got the best 4wd system on the planet underneath that designer skin.
For the combinaton of price, features, performance off road and on, there is nothing to beat the Isuzu Ax.
I was also able to order this OEM roof rack from my local dealer for regular price, but I was able to get the other one much cheaper off of E-Bay. (thanks again Ryan!)
Lindsey L
Hopefully some of you NJ Axiom owners will come out and play. It's tons of fun and no rocks to cause damage! Info at http://isuzu-suvs.com/events
-mike
link
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
On a different topic, my local Chrysler/Isuzu dealer just wrote me to tell me thay are dropping the Isuzu line. I wonder if this is the beginning of a stronger GM presence in advance of the new Ascender. Now I'll have to drive 1 1/2 hrs to get warranty service, if I'll ever need it.
sveltax: Glad to see there is another one like mine, I have no problems to report, enjoy it more each day. Is yours the canal blue color as well? I opted for the 2WD because here in central TX I rarely require 4WD, our other car is a Subaru Forester for those occasions (great car BTW).
Getting an Axiom at age 16 would be nice. You need to sit in it and drive it to make sure you like it. The reliability is as good as your dad's 98 Trooper and the drivetrain is almost the same. One thing you will like about it is that it is unique - not many on the road and it gets a lot of looks from the curious.
As to the pedals, it is a matter of getting used to the driving position. Nothing will replace taking a test drive. I traded in a Trooper for my Axiom and the driving positions are very different. I have my seat further back in the Axiom and find it very comfortable. I don't have any problems at all with the pedals. Again - take it for a test drive.
I finally saw an Axiom on the road! Took some pics of it.
-mike
MPG: So far a steady 15.0 mpg, mixed daily commute of 80% city, 20% highway (in traffic), oh yeah... lead foot.
-mike
-mike
-mike
-mike
By the way, I stopped at the Toyota dealership last night just to see, feel and compare my Axiom to Toyotas, which are holding their value so well and which are so popular. I honestly do not understand what people see in this brand. The interior of all Toyotas is very disappointing. The workmanship and quality of materials used for the interior is terrible. It looks really cheap and is poorely fitted! The Highlander has plenty of room in the back and the sitting position is comfortable, I also liked the extra storage spaces, but again, interior looks and feels aweful. I know you may think I am biased becasue I own Isuzu, but honestly, comparing the interior of Axiom to any Toyota is like comparing Mercedes to Chevy.
-mike
Having fun in my Axiom! I'd like a little more torque, but the horsies are going strong.
Anyone have break-in requirements? I checked my oil after 1000 miles, it was very clean. Should I change it and use synthetic, or save it for the 7500 oil change?
-mike
It has Gas-charged shocks all around (Trooper and rodeo have hydrolic) and the Axioms is adjustable valving controlled by a switch inside. Having driven them both, the Axiom feels much better and is great.
-mike
But you also get the benefits of a truck (high towing capacity, extremely reliable rugged 200K+ of useable life)
-mike
The Higlander is not a truck but a tall Camry wagon. It is a good car based vehicle, no question about it, but it doesn't have the towing capacity, low range, and most of all, the ruggedness of a body on frame to compete with the Axiom. It would be ridiculous that somebody shopping for an Axiom would consider the highlander, the 4Runner is the true toyota competitor in this class.
I like Paisan's acronym of "SMV." It does seem appropriate. I always laugh when someone with a car based SUV comes into a truck based SUV forum and recommends the Highlander and similar minivan like SUV's. One of the most ridiculous was when someone went into the Sequoia forum and said the Pilot would cut into the Sequoia's sales.
I love my Axiom, it is a very well built truck. It definitely has much more utility than any car based vehicle and because of that, the ride may be a little harsher, but again, that is what I wanted and got.
-mike
Get an Azteck or Rendevous or other SMV if that is all you us it for! Jeez
-mike
Actually, it seems Isuzu built the Axiom with the intention of appealing to a larger market of people. Look at how they are trying to advertise (although poorly at that) by comparing it to the Highlander and Grand Cherokee. As I earlier stated, the Highlander really isn't in the same class, and in the Jeep GC commercial, they make fun of the GC as if it is more suited for off-road use than city. Seems like the pot calling the kettle black. Talk about weird advertising, it totally undermines the ruggedness aspect of the Axiom. I blame poor marketing alone for the slow Axiom sales.
Let's face it, the Axiom is a pretty refined truck and it does a good job of hiding the fact that it is a truck. It does have a fairly decent ride without compromising its ruggedness and I can see why it might appeal to more people. I would expect more people initially looking at Highlanders wind up getting an Axiom over people initially looking at Axioms who wind up getting a Highlander.
Also, it is clear that TOD is far superior to the AWD systems in most of the car based vehicles, that alone would appeal to more people if Isuzu just advertised. If I was looking for a vehicle solely for winter travel without the need for towing and offroad, the Axiom would be at the top of my list mainly because of TOD and being rear-biased.
I can totally understand why someone would buy the Axiom based on its looks and features alone. There is a lot of value in the Axiom.
I agree that it would be futile for Isuzu to build a car based SUV and try to compete with other companies, it is just too small of a company. It is just unfortunate that Isuzu doesn't appeal more consumers, then they probably wouldn't be replacing Trooper with the Assender. I just hope they don't replace the Rodeo and Axiom with the Aztek, Rendevous, or VUE. That would bring a tear to my eye.