2002 Isuzu Axiom XS

When toting things takes precedence over hauling people, just flip and fold the Axiom's rear bench seat to create an 85.4-cubic-foot bay.

Our only criticism of the Axiom's aft quarters is that the relatively low placement of the lower seat cushion (which makes access/egress easier) leads to a rather knee-high seating position. That aside, there's generous room for a pair of adults or modest accommodations for three. Filling the basic 35.2 cubic foot cargo bay is facilitated by a large rear hatch with bumper-level cutout. When maximum hauling is the order of the day, the Axiom's split-folding rear bench can be quickly and easily flipped and flopped to open up its generous 85.4 cubic feet of space. The standard retractable cargo cover also pops in and out of place with a simple push-and-rotate action.

Punchy 230-horse DOHC V-6 and 4-speed autoshifter proved a potent combo. Our 4WD Axiom tester ran 0-60 mph in just 8.7 seconds.

Beneath its smartly sloping hood, the Axiom carries a fortified version of Isuzu's standard 3.5-liter DOHC V-6. Revised intake and exhaust plumbing helps bump output to 230 horsepower, 15 more than it makes in the Trooper, while torque remains at 230 lb.-ft. It's teamed with a standard 4-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly and incorporates a special grade-sensing logic circuit to prevent unnecessary gear changes on uphill and downhill runs. The duo packs a solid performance punch, sending our test vehicle from 0-60 mph in just 8.7 seconds and through the quarter mile in 16.5 ticks at 82.3 mph. It also nets the Axiom EPA fuel economy numbers of 16 city/20 highway, in either rear- or all-wheel drive guise, while providing a standard tow rating of 4,500 pounds. Although the engine does tend to sound off a bit under full-throttle acceleration, it's a pretty modest price to pay for the kind of real-world results it delivers. On the stopping side of the equation, the Axiom is even more impressive. Its ABS-abetted 4-wheel discs hauled our 4,180-pound tester from 60-0 mph in a decidedly car-like 126 feet.

Despite 7.9 inches of ground clearance, Axiom handles more like a mid-level sport sedan than a traditional sport utility vehicle.

As with its closest Isuzu SUV kin, the Axiom's suspension matches an independent A-arm/torsion bar front setup with a coil-sprung 5-link live axle out back. On 4-wheel drive models, this hardware is combined with Isuzu's Torque-on-Demand system, the same package found on the Trooper since 1998. It automatically adjusts motive force between the front and rear wheels using a variety of predictive and adaptive inputs. Unlike some competitors, the 4WD Axiom also offers a low range transfer case for particularly challenging driving conditions. All of this works in consort with the latest generation of Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control, a computer-controlled semi-active system that can instantaneously adjust the damping actions of each shock absorber through a range of 17 settings. Tying the Axiom to terra firma are 235/65SR17 all-season tires on standard cast alloy wheels.


Out in the real world, the net result of this well-seasoned technological potpourri is a sport utility that approaches the handling flavor of a mid-level sport sedan if not its overall cornering prowess. Even though it has nearly eight inches of ground clearance, our Axiom displayed little of the top-heavy reactions one associates with vehicles having a high center of gravity. It responded to the challenge of negotiating narrow, winding mountain roads with surprising confidence and proved a model freeway cruiser. Disengaging the suspension's firmer Sport mode softened the ride instantly without introducing any unpleasant sense of "wallow." While some impact harshness does come through on seriously rough or broken pavement, the Axiom is a solid cut above many of its competitors in that department as well.


The Axiom is being produced at the Subaru-Isuzu joint-venture facility in Lafayette, Indiana. Total output is expected to be in the neighborhood of 30,000-35,000 units per year. While hard-core four-wheelers might be a bit skeptical, most average SUV owners are likely to be delighted by the Axiom's twin virtues of sprightly performance and car-like road manners. The fact that it doesn't look just like all the other sport utilities on the market should only serve to further distinguish it from the pack. (www.isuzu.com)