What is it?
2002 Isuzu Axiom
What's special about it?
The Axiom, Isuzu PR hacks say, transcends all definitions. It's elusive. It's up to the owner to make his own classification. Is it a sport wagon? An SUV?
Basically, it's a wagonized version of the midsize Rodeo, which retains body-on-frame construction, but with such niceties as a button that gives you a choice between sport mode with firmer damping and comfort mode to provide a smoother ride. It also has a satellite link that allows precise digital compass readings and a timepiece monitored by the atomic clock.
It retains technological marvels such as the Torque-on-Demand full-time 4WD system and Intelligent Suspension Control. We just hope they somehow work better in the Axiom than they do in the Rodeo. The vehicle is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 230 horsepower, 15 more than previously stated thanks to a specially tuned engine, and 230 foot-pounds of torque, much of it available in the low rev range. With a towing capability of 4,500 pounds, it falls 500 pounds short of other midsize SUVs, so you'll want to be selective about loading up your trailer. It'll be available in 4WD or 2WD, and both versions are mated to a four-speed automatic tranny. And in case you're concerned about disturbing airflow on the local byways, they point out the 0.38 drag co-efficient, the lowest of any SUV.
Why should you care?
We must tell you, we've driven a pre-production Axiom around town, and we've found that there was little difference between it and the fatally flawed Rodeo or its twin, the Honda Passport — from the harsh yet wallowy ride from a flaccid chassis, identical interior trim pieces save for some stylistic flourishes, right down to the rattles that invaded the cabin. We're hoping that Isuzu addressed those build quality issues with the production model. It'll be available at your nearest Isuzu dealer in early April. By the way, one of their advertisement strategies is to send out chain letter-like e-mail, so be on the lookout.
2002 Isuzu Axiom
What's special about it?
The Axiom, Isuzu PR hacks say, transcends all definitions. It's elusive. It's up to the owner to make his own classification. Is it a sport wagon? An SUV?
Basically, it's a wagonized version of the midsize Rodeo, which retains body-on-frame construction, but with such niceties as a button that gives you a choice between sport mode with firmer damping and comfort mode to provide a smoother ride. It also has a satellite link that allows precise digital compass readings and a timepiece monitored by the atomic clock.
It retains technological marvels such as the Torque-on-Demand full-time 4WD system and Intelligent Suspension Control. We just hope they somehow work better in the Axiom than they do in the Rodeo. The vehicle is motivated by a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 230 horsepower, 15 more than previously stated thanks to a specially tuned engine, and 230 foot-pounds of torque, much of it available in the low rev range. With a towing capability of 4,500 pounds, it falls 500 pounds short of other midsize SUVs, so you'll want to be selective about loading up your trailer. It'll be available in 4WD or 2WD, and both versions are mated to a four-speed automatic tranny. And in case you're concerned about disturbing airflow on the local byways, they point out the 0.38 drag co-efficient, the lowest of any SUV.
Why should you care?
We must tell you, we've driven a pre-production Axiom around town, and we've found that there was little difference between it and the fatally flawed Rodeo or its twin, the Honda Passport — from the harsh yet wallowy ride from a flaccid chassis, identical interior trim pieces save for some stylistic flourishes, right down to the rattles that invaded the cabin. We're hoping that Isuzu addressed those build quality issues with the production model. It'll be available at your nearest Isuzu dealer in early April. By the way, one of their advertisement strategies is to send out chain letter-like e-mail, so be on the lookout.
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