EDMUNDS.COM 2004 ISUZU AXIOM
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Isuzu''s Rodeo-based Axiom is a compromise that will please few consumers. It looks like a car, but drives like a truck. Most people buying SUVs today prefer the opposite.
Pros
Strong V6 engine, distinctive styling, slick four-wheel-drive system.
Cons
Old tech underpinnings, cumbersome control layout, slow steering, tight legroom in front seat.
What''s New for 2004
More power is the word for 2004. The Axiom''s 3.5-liter V6 engine features new gasoline "direct injection" technology to improve both horsepower and torque. Of a less exciting nature, the audio system doesn''t include a tape player anymore and the speaker count drops by two for a total of six. Outside, there''s a new chrome finish for the front grille and for the XS model''s optional alloy wheels.
Overview
Introduction:
Axiom is mathematically defined as a self-evident truth. Applying that definition to America, one axiom of our society is that style rules over substance. Thus, it is appropriate that one of Isuzu''s later volleys into the SUV-selling game is named Axiom, because it amounts to little more than a steroid-popping Rodeo wearing a tuxedo.Isuzu only sells sport-utility vehicles in North America, unless you''re counting its rather successful commercial truck business. It gave up trying to market cars in the States many years ago. So you''d think that this Japanese manufacturer would be conceiving, developing and marketing segment-leading SUVs, given the fact that it''s unfettered by the concerns associated with designing and fielding a wide range of vehicles to American consumers. Alas, landslide success in this segment has so far eluded Isuzu on our shores, despite rabid consumer appetite for fuel-sucking four-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicles. The Axiom is a parts-bin exercise, based on the Rodeo''s platform and structure and styled to appeal to a new breed of SUV buyer: the crossover consumer. Witness Axiom''s crisp, carlike design; two-tone interior trimming; tasteful chrome accents; and tapered roofline. Were it not for its chiseled chin, the Axiom could almost pass for one of those Euro-brand station wagons that have exploded in popularity. Don''t be fooled, though. This is middle-of-the-road effort, amounting to little more than a rehashed Rodeo wearing nice duds and a Halloween mask for effect. If you''re looking for a comfortable crossover SUV, vehicles like the Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Nissan Murano and Toyota Highlander would be much better choices.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door Axiom is offered in two trim levels -- base S and high-line XS. S models include a decent list of standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels, power windows and locks, keyless entry, automatic climate control, a trip computer, a moonroof and a four-way power-adjustable driver seat. XS models add Isuzu''s Intelligent Suspension Control system, leather seating with heated front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, HomeLink, a six-disc CD changer and a power-adjustable passenger seat.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Axiom is powered by a more powerful version of Isuzu''s 3.5-liter V6 engine this year. Thanks to gasoline direct injection, horsepower is up by 20 to a total of 250. Torque, too, rises, with a max output of 246 pound-feet. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard, and both two- and four-wheel-drive models are available. The Torque-On-Demand 4WD system attempts to "predict" slippage by actively monitoring the wheels, brakes and throttle. It then transfers power to the wheels with the most traction for maximum control.
Safety:
The Axiom lacks some of the latest safety hardware, including side airbags, head-protecting side curtain airbags, stability control and BrakeAssist. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard, though, and the vehicle has decent crash test scores. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Axiom a rating of "Acceptable," its second highest score, after conducting its offset front-impact crash test. In tests administered by the NHTSA, the Axiom received four stars (out of a possible five) for front-impact safety and five stars for its protection during side impacts.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The interior of the Axiom is highlighted by two-tone trim and the centrally mounted Integrated Monitor System (IMS). It handles all of the climate controls as well as the premium sound system and the atomically correct digital clock. The idea here is to reduce knob and button clutter, and the futuristic-looking console certainly is different, but to us it just seems like a step backward in terms of proper ergonomic design. A lack of seat-track travel and height adjustment can make the front seats uncomfortable for taller individuals, though the rear seats offer ample room in most areas. Cargo capacity is a very respectable 85.4 cubic feet, comparable to that of most other midsize SUVs on the market.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Last year''s Axiom had plenty of poke; the 2004 model should be even faster. A dual-range transfer case and Torque On Demand system give 4WD Axioms above-average off-road ability, but with less than 8 inches of ground clearance, don''t expect to tackle any truly gnarly terrain. The suspension isn''t quite as praiseworthy, as it struggles to find a balance between comfort and performance despite the availability of multiple settings on the XS model. The steering is slow, requiring too many turns to attain full lock, and road feel is nearly nonexistent.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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