Isuzu Axiom

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Isuzu Axiom

Manufacturer	Isuzu
Production	2002–2004
Assembly	Lafayette, Indiana
Successor	Isuzu Ascender (Short wheelbase)
Class	Mid-size SUV
Layout	FR layout/All wheel drive
Engine	3.5L 230 hp V6
Transmission	4-speed automatic
Wheelbase	106.40 in.
Length	182.60 in.
Width	70.70 in.
Height	67.20 in.
Fuel capacity	19.5 gal.
Related	Honda Passport Isuzu Rodeo
Similar	Mitsubishi Montero Sport Nissan Pathfinder Suzuki XL-7

The Isuzu Axiom was an SUV designed in Japan using a "knife blade" theme for its car-like styling. Built in Lafayette, Indiana, U.S. at the joint Subaru-Isuzu plant on the Rodeo platform. It jointly replaced the Trooper. but later comsumers said it wasn't half as good as it so it was replaced by the Isuzu Ascender. The name "Axiom" was determined by a naming contest held by Isuzu, and was won by Dr. Hakan Urey from Redmond, Washington, who suggested the name and won his own Axiom in 2001. Available with Torque on Demand four-wheel drive system. Direct-Injection engine added in 2004, boosting power from 230 to 250 hp (172 to 186 kW). The Axiom's radical styling was too extreme for some although a surprising number of its design elements later found their way into SUVs from other manufacturers. Unfortunately, under the Axiom's cutting-edge body was the largely unchanged Rodeo chassis, which was judged to be crude by critics. The stylish body was also available only as a luxury entry which limited the sales market. The Axiom was discontinued in July, 2004 after only three years. With the retirement of the Rodeo, Isuzu, which once sold a complete line of cars, trucks and SUVs, no longer sold any consumer vehicles built by Isuzu in Japan. The lineup consisted only of a rebadges: a GMC Canyon pickup and GMC Envoy SUV.