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is Truly Worthy Copley News Service The Axiom is the best vehicle Isuzu has ever built. The temptation here is to scoff, "That's not saying much." Truth is, Axiom is a worthy vehicle, regardless of who makes it.
To that end there are several fun gimmicks about this vehicle that exemplify its search for truth: a GPS-based compass and clock system, which always give the vehicle's true position and correct time (calibrated on the world's atomic clock in Colorado). Aside from that, Axiom exhibits some truth in packaging: namely, a well-styled vehicle that will attract the car-buying public. Or, in our quest for truth here, we should amend that to the truck-buying public since Isuzu sells only trucks, not cars, in this country. Axiom's special show-car styling elicited plenty of mostly positive response from passing motorists and pedestrians. Inside, its warm caramel-colored leather interior and unusual styling appointments woke up even the most jaded auto writers. Detractors gripe that Axiom is little more than a stretched Rodeo. But while true (that word again!) in many regards, it is worthwhile to point out that that might not be such a bad thing. The Rodeo is competent enough to sell briskly for Isuzu, and for Honda, which re-badges it as the popular Passport. In fact, the Axiom borrows from more than just Rodeo/Passport. Its solid 3.5-liter V-6 engine comes from the Trooper; its exceptional but optional Torque-on-Demand all-wheel-drive system comes from the VehiCross; and the whole vehicle comes from the Lafayette, Ind., plant that Isuzu shares with Subaru. In our short test drive, we liked the Axiom's crisp-shifting automatic transmission - particularly on downshifts, where it consistently selected a higher gear on downshifts than most other wimpy automatics we've driven lately. The transmission's ability to automatically select and hold a lower gear on deceleration made us feel more in control, and hence, safer. The 230-horsepower V-6, while not particularly economical at an average of 18 mpg, does run on regular unleaded. Drivers are able to choose a "power" mode that improves performance at a slight sacrifice in economy. Handling is adjustable, thanks to an easy dashboard button, which selects between sport and comfort. The AWD system, which automatically shifts torque needs from back to front wheels as conditions dictate, also has a selectable two-wheel-drive setting, and a low range position for semi-serious off-roading or wet traction. At barely $31,000, the Axiom is not cheap, but it does offer real competition to higher-priced luxury SUVs, the aggregate of which are priced around $38,000. True, you may have to do without a few luxury extras that big-ticket SUV buyers have come to expect - like lap and shoulder belts in the rear middle seat, in-dash CD changer, a full-feature navigation system or third-row seating. But if you are one of those people whose VCR at home is flashing "12:00" because it's too complicated to program, the simpler virtues of the straightforward Axiom may be just for you. Jerry Garrett is a San Diego-based auto writer and a contributing editor to Car and Driver.
Safety equipment -- ABS, dual front air bags, lap and shoulder belts and remote keyless entry with theft alarm. Standard -- Climate control, power ergonomic controls, stereo with 6 CD changer, cruise, tilt wheel, skid plates and privacy glass.
Base MSRP -- $25,895 (XS $30,785) including $545 destination charge; price as tested, $31,330. Options on test car -- Leather upholstery and trim, heated and power adjustable front seats, AWD, moon roof, fog lights. The Competition -- Acura MDX, Lexus RX 300, Mitsubishi Montero Limited. Where assembled -- Lafayette, Ind.
PLUSES -- Cutting-edge styling inside and out, eschews pricey luxury SUV fluff, good value. MINUSES -- Most rivals have a reputation of bulletproof reliability and quality; Isuzu is still a work in progress in those regards. News Index | Features Index |
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AutoWord Copyright© 2001 Copley News Service |
The Axiom is all about "truth," according to its marketing campaign,
which isn't a stretch since the dictionary definition of axiom is "a
universal truth."