2002 Isuzu Axiom

What is it?
2002 Isuzu Axiom Sportwagon

What's special about it?
Do you remember the Isuzu ZXS concept vehicle from our 1999 Tokyo Motor Show coverage? Of course you do. Well, now Isuzu has decided to build a production vehicle based on the ZXS. The production vehicle wasn't shown at the 2000 New York Auto Show (the ZXS was used for the display), but Isuzu did give out some important details.

As crossover vehicles are all the rage these days, Isuzu's entry combines the rugged nature of an SUV with the more road-oriented purpose of a station wagon. Production of the 2002 Axiom will begin in the spring of 2001. It will be built at Isuzu's facility in Indiana.

The exterior styling is unique, as the sculpted lines make it look like a futuristic wagon from space (OK, not really). The Axiom will have a moderate reduction in ride height, a body-on-frame chassis, an independent front suspension, and Isuzu's Intelligent Suspension Control system that continuously adjusts shock damping. Power comes from the same 3.5-liter V6 engine found in the Rodeo. It produces 215 horsepower and 230 foot-pounds of torque. Four-wheel drive will be standard. The Axiom's powertrain will be backed by a 10-year, 120,000-mile limited warranty.

Inside, the five-passenger Axiom will have multi-function display similar to the one found in the ZXS. It will allow occupants to control the sound and climate systems and view a digital compass and a clock calibrated to the U.S. atomic clock. Side airbags and ABS will be optional.

Why should you care?
Whereas Audi SUV-ized its A6 Avant wagon to create the Audi Allroad, Isuzu has wagon-ized its Rodeo to create the Axiom. As such, the Axiom is still rather truck-like, containing a body-on-frame chassis and a non-independent rear suspension. However, the Axiom sounds much more practical than the VehiCROSS. And if it is successful, look for other manufacturers to follow suit.