2002 Isuzu Axiom review from North America

The transmission went at 80,000 miles and cost about $2500 to replace.

Just 4 months later, the compressor for the air conditioning unit died, resulting in the entire air conditioning unit to be replaced, which ran another $2000 in parts and labor.

CD Changer does not always work.

I initially decided on the Isuzu Axiom car because of the large amounts of space/headroom and yet it was a smaller-end SUV. It also felt more like a car to drive, rather than a large truck. You didn't need running boards, or take a running leap to get inside. The trunk was bigger than any other SUV out there at the time.

I loved to drive the Isuzu Axiom, and I always got comments on it. There are not a lot of Axioms out there, and people often inquired about it. It was definitely noticed.

However, if you are planning on getting this car for the long haul, it may not be the one for you. After the car crossed the 78,000 mile mark it simply began to, well, fall apart.

The CD changer began to work intermittently, not a big deal, but definitely annoying. Then the transmission went at 80,000 miles. I do have to give the car credit though, the transmission light came on, I promptly took to my local mechanic who told me there was nothing wrong and turned the light off. One week later, I needed a new transmission. This was around Christmas of 2006.

Then springtime of 07 came around. Its getting warm outside, I turn on my air conditioning and I am getting nothing, but hot air. On top of that, the car is making an awful sound when you turn the ignition. After $180 to take a look, I am told that the compressor is gone and the entire air conditioning system needs to be replaced. Another $2000 down the drain.

So, after nearly $5000 in repairs in just six months, we've decided to trade the Axiom in for a more reliable car.