Isuzu Motors may not be the largest Japanese auto maker pedaling vehicles in the United States, but they might have the simplest marketing strategy: SUVs or bust. The sport-utility exclusive Isuzu lineup welcomed its latest addition this past April when the all-new, 2002, futuristic-looking Axiom debuted. Axiom began its long trek to showrooms in 1999 at the Tokyo International Auto Show when the ZXS concept was unveiled. The ZXS was the forerunner to the Lafayette, Indiana-built Axiom.
The mid-size, four-door Axiom joins Isuzu’s other sport-utility offerings; the mid-size, four-door Rodeo, two-door Rodeo sport, full-size Trooper and limited-production, sleek-looking VehiCROSS high performance all-road sport vehicle. From the outside, Axiom resembles a cross between sport utility and station wagon with a roofline lower than a conventional, tall-standing SUV; even though the body-on-frame, truck-based Axiom is equipped to handle off-road as well as on-road adventures.
Isuzu likes to think of Axiom as a rugged off-road vehicle with tasteful manors.
Sizewise, Axiom’s 182.6-inch length falls between traditional mid-size sport utilities, like the 2002 Ford Explorer (189.5-inch length) and compact sized models, like the Ford Escape (173-inch length). This in-between size allows three adults to travel in relative comfort in back. Headroom in front and back is decent, despite the lower-than average roofline.
Isuzu chose a rather unorthodox method of selecting the Axiom name; the company held the automotive industry’s first ever web site-based vehicle naming contest from November 17 through December 15, 1999. More than 46,000 possible names were submitted. The eventual winner Dr. Hakan Urey, a Redmond, Washington electrical engineer, selected the name because of its mathematical definition; a self-evident truth.
Two exceptionally well-equipped trim levels are available: base and up-level XS. Both come standard with a 3.5-liter, six-cylinder engine cranking out 230 horsepower and mated to a four-speed automatic transmission; it’s similar to the engine powering the larger Trooper. In addition both come with either a rear-drive two-wheel drive system or dashboard-mounted, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive capabilities, requiring minimal driver effort. The XS trim level adds fog lamps, power moonroof, and heated leather seats as standard equipment.
Both include such popular items as air conditioning; six-unit compact disc player; power windows, locks and mirrors; anti-lock brakes; 17-inch alloy wheels; cruise control and rear-window defroster.
The four-wheel drive XS edition Isuzu dropped off for a test drive had a starting price of $30,785. After factoring in the $545 destination charge, the bottom line totaled $31,330. The lowest-priced Axiom, a two-wheel-drive base model starts at $25,985 while its four-wheel drive counterpart lists at 28,465. The two-wheel drive XS starts at $28,305. One of the more unique interior nuances is the center console, which Isuzu labels the “Integrated Monitor System” (IMS).
This central control cluster incorporates both a 4-inch by 2-inch rectangular screen on top with three rows of push buttons below monitoring radio and ventilation controls. The amber-colored, LED screen digitally displays fuel range, fuel economy, outside temperature, compass and clock. Axiom’s slightly lower stature makes maneuvering inside a sit-in rather than step up motion found in taller SUVs.
The fuel tank holds 19.5 gallons of regular, unleaded gasoline. Fuel economy estimates check in at a less-than-average 16 miles per gallon in city travel and 20 m.p.g. highway in both two-wheel and four-wheel drive editions.
On the outside, the big 17-inch tires and lower height create a less-boxy, more stretched look when compared with other SUVs on the road. Narrow, band-like headlights wrap around to the front fender. The front-end’s high air dam creates a large hood design. The rear hatch door, hinged at the top, opens up from the bottom as one unit; but head clearance once the door is open is not as generous as taller-standing vehicles. Isuzu stows the spare tire under the vehicle’s cargo area.
While its size falls between a compact and mid-size SUV, Axiom’s $25,000 to $30,000 price range is closer to the mid-size SUVs like Jeep’s Grand Cherokee or Chevrolet’s all-new 2002 TrailBlazer. |