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Steve_
Host
SUV and Vans Message Boards
Please play nice, guys! No personal attacks okay?
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
BTW... congrats on the Aztek. Keep us up to date on your experiences.
http://www.auto.com/industry/iwirb30_20010130.htm
If you must buy an Aztek, wait for the refresh this fall. If you must buy something now, get a Toyota Highlander!
Hey Drew,
Nothing to worry about. You're one of the reasons the Subaru site is so great! (Is that you blushing...:-))
Anyhow, I know how thankless the host job can be and I certainly don't want to make it any harder!
Stephen
The general faces an outright attack from abroad. The Detroit Free Press ran a story on market share earlier this year, and the general is in a long-term free-fall. I come from a GM family and wonder whether the corporation can right itself when nobody has the courage to prevent reputation-harming products like Aztek from coming to market. Cadillac vizon is the general's next and bigger catastrophe...
So far, the new posts in here have seemed to be okay. As we mentioned before, critiquing the vehicle is just fine as long as the posts don't become personal and current Aztek owners are not personally attacked for their (admittedly er...quirky) vehicle choice..I'm sure you (and others) have seen what can happen and have happened. The occasional off-topic posts are perfectly okay and normal, just as long as they don't take over the main topic of discussion completely. Perfect example is, of course, the Subaru Crew topics. :-)
Thanks!
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
I checked out the crash ratings last night for Montanas and Regals. As most of you know, the Aztek is built on the Montana frame. I have read from several independent sources that the Montana is not safe. I have not heard similair comments on the Regal. However, the crash ratings for the Montana appear to be better than the Regal ratings???? What am I missing here? FYI, my local Pontiac dealer reports that the Aztek is one piece, while the Montana is a two piece (I forget if he was refering to the frame or body). His point was the Aztek should score better as a result of this manufacturing/design change.
JC, would love to hear your comments on the above (while I'm finding I do not agree with the majority of your thoughts, I do appreciate the chance to at least consider your thoughts).
Sales figures and ugly duckling comments aside.......I'm keeping my AZTEK for 10 years and after 7 ,000 miles it is great. NOT ONE RECALL.
2. DRzoom.......I was going to buy the Sienna. What you say about OPERATIONAL concerns is true. There have been none. Go visit the Sienna board and problems abound even with as few as 5000 miles.
Things that make you go HMMMMMMM!!
3. Dindak: No I was not on Trafalgar. But I drive down WINSTON CHURCHILL to ROYAL WINDSOR......then east on RW. Drop my daughter at school and return to the home office.
My daughter is the one in the back listening to TUNES on the best sound system I've ever heard (factory installed) . In a vehicle. By the way she likes the CARS.
Signed "Your Aztek Buddy".....or It is an awesome vehicle it realy truly is! And thats a fact!
see ya
THE AZTEC IS THE UGLIEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER SEEN
Sure, it is roomy, but geez, the shape is so award. I personally think that creating the Aztec was a blunder.
If you want a good looking popular car, that is roomy, go for the PT Cruiser. Sure, it may lack some power, but at least it is not ugly like the Aztec.
After owning a 30 year old German car that ran great, was fun to drive, and more reliable than many new cars I decided to try a new German car. I heard horror stories about BMW maintenance, then I heard the truth from people who have owned bimmers for many years. Of course, I also read the write ups in Edmunds.com. Edmunds is far and away my favorite sight because they are self proclaimed bimmer lovers. If BMW had designed the Aztek, they would love it. My car currently has 6k miles and not a single problem. More over I do not expect any major problems from this car for as long as I own it. Fit, finish, quality of material, everything is excellent. It makes a Japanese cars feel like a tin can on wheels.
Where am I going with this? When my wife told me she wanted an Aztek, I was literally petrified. My knees were quaking, the walls start shaking, anyhow you know the rest. Not only was it an American car, (which I swore I would never own again) but it was an ugly one at that. But she was very excited about it so I thought I would give it a try.
As I stated before, I was amazed at how this car drove. It was dead quite, I mean far more quite then my bimmer which cost a hell of a lot more. The steering was tight and handling and power were very good. Now remember the whole time I am test driving this thing, not only am I comparing it to my car, which is unfair to begin with, but I am also trying to do everything in my power to write it off. In the end I couldn’t. In fact, the looks were the only thing I could find fault with this car. Everything else about the car was impressive, and believe it or not, the looks do grow on you. I don’t even think it priced too high. At $2000 under invoice I think $26,000 is a great price for a totally loaded Aztek GT AWD with power everything, leather, heated seats, power front seats, heads-up display, dual climate control, Onstar, fold out rear tray, door pouches, 6 disc changer, rear passenger radio controls w/ headphones, trailer towing package with built-in air pump, camping package need I continue.
However, the biggest surprise about the Aztek so far has been its reliability. So far not only is it one of the most reliable and maintenance free new car releases to come out of any country in years, but its an American car to boot. I still can not understand how GM has managed this. I’m sure it’s a fluke, and before too long Aztek will be spontaneously combusting all over this great country of ours.
FREE SPEECH RULES!!!
The interior of the PT CRUISER is for lack of a better term....."cheap"
As for DRIVE.....this PT CRUISER is the most expensive NEON. In Canada a CRUISER is $30K for a four cylinder tiny under powered vehicle.
But HEY.......it looks GREAT!!! Sorry i buy QUALITY..... not looks.
Plus I like my SWISS ARMY KNIFE ON WHEELS......the AZTEK.
Signed
your AZTEK PAL
All I am saying is that the PT Cruiser is good if you do not need a lot of room. I personally like the Cruiser, and I was in NO way comparing it to the Aztek.
All I meant was my personal preference is a PT Cruiser. Once again, obviously the PT Cruiser would not be a good choice if you are looking for something with a lot of room, but if you are looking for a lot of room, go for a Jeep Cherokee, or a Dodge Durango. Those have a lot of room, V8 power and they look good too.
Thank you!
Drew
Host
Vans and SUVs message boards
Steve
Host
SUV and Vans Message Boards
I'm not here to trade insults but to discuss the merits of this vehicle. To date I have found few negatives pertaining to the overall quality of this vehicle. Other then styling there remains little of substance brought to the fore.
Not being a "my country (vehicle) right or wrong type person" there are negatives that inherent in the AZTEK:
1. The power is adequate but I would love 210 HP instead of 185HP.
2. Higher wheelbase. To be true off roader. (but then again I do not go off road)
Being an owner the positives are:
1. Great Comfort
2. As responsive as any vehicle in it's class.
3. Space....Front and rear space abounds.
4. Good fuel economy.
5. Ergonimics......Controls perfectly placed. Stereo controls and preset on steering wheel. Never take eye off road as i flip through tunes or stations.
6. HUD : great feature for monitoring speed.
7. Never ever have turn on a headlight again......or turn the headlight off. Sensors do it for me.
8. Flip fold seating that make the vehicle great for skiing, hockey gear.
9. Fantastic vehicle in the SNOW.
10. Fit/finish and quality...excellent.
11. Quiet Quiet Quiet
12. Awesome factory 10 speaker sound system.
Admin......go look at last post by Topgun.....Do not lump me in.
I'm an owner and satisfied customer. My monicker is irrelevant. If you are going to police. Police the offenders. Read my posts .
Thank you.
Besides, if I'm a big enough jerk, perhaps everyone will start yelling at me instead of each other:-). Enjoy your ride.
Steve
Host
SUV and Vans Message Boards
To all of you that dislike it, your opinion is your own, just remember that mine is mine.
As for the PT vs 'Tek: As I've said before, having 54" chest and shoulders fits right nicely in my Aztek. As for power, I would put a supercharged 'Tek against a supercharged Cruiser any day, but more importantly, I don't have to. My Aztek gets up to speed without wearing out the bottom of my sneakers, or having to put on a supercharger.
However, if I did do all that, I'd have a Daytona 500 pace car!!
Now if it came from Scotland . . . Or if Christopher Lambert drove one . . .
I am glad to see that the Aztek seems to have a high level of quality. A lot of people on all these forums take a great deal of satisfaction blasting quality on american made vehicles, mostly citing anecdotal evidence or incomplete statistics. It seems that GM owners will defend GM while blasting Ford or Chrysler and vice-versa. All manufacturers are trying to put out good products and for the most part they do.
Making cars is an extremely complex business that requires many different disciplines (Engineering, styling, marketing, finance, and manufacturing) to make thousands of compromises to come up with the final product.
kissfan1: I am glad you enjoy your Aztek, and I wish you and all other Aztek owners a good experience with it.
I wouldn't think that the Aztek would be capable of anything more than graded dirt roads, the same as the PT Cruiser or any other car. If anyone thinks that they can take an Aztek AWD off-roading, well they are going to have a long walk home.
Aztek = 6.7 inches
Many small SUV's with much less HP are better off road than either of these.
The ground clearance issue and the lack of a 2 speed transfer case really limit the Aztek to graded dirt roads with maybe some shallow ruts thrown in.
But just imagine if Aztek *looked* like PT but on a larger scale. It would be a monster hit, I suspect...
But, WOW is the Aztek roomy inside. I have never been in one, but I have seen the pictures, and that vehicle would be perfect for travelling for the simple reason that you could fit a family very comfortably in there.
I have no adversion to a van . This vehicle handles more like a sedan. However , I do wish it had a 210 HP?
Signed,
Your AZTEK pal.
NOTE: To the Socialistic Comrade Host in here this is NOT a opion but a statemnent from a auto magazine...
Steve
Host
SUV and Vans Message Boards
Things happen:
Loss of Job
Death of Spouse
Relocation
Disability
Reduction in pay
Medical Expenses
IF one of these life changes happen and one must sell assets, then the resale of the Home, Auto, or other material possesions is a important factor
I have heard many a folk say that "resale does not matter" what's curious is you hear it a lot more in the "Aztek Forum", than say in the 4Runner, BMW, or even the Subaru chat rooms.
I totally disagree with people who say Resale does not matter....!! GIve me a break. Things happen in life; and unless your are worth of Few Million, if problems were to occur and you needed to sell your auto>> getting 50% of what it's worth one year will HURT...
THE TRIBE HAS SPOKEN...BUt temptaion is more FUN..
BTW, the other hosts are cool.
Sometimes you can find us slicing coffee in the Roadside Cafe.
Steve
Host
SUV and Vans Message Boards
In my case resale not critical. I've owned all my vehicles for 7-10 years. Plan to own this AZTEK and give it to my daughter when she goes off to UNIVERSITY. By the way her and her friends luv it. They argue....who gets to ride in cool AZTEK.
But you are right resale is important. And in all honesty.....If resale is important buy HIGH end BMW, LEXUS, MERCEDES......Cars still remain poor investments.
But good point!....Cudos
Signed
your AZTEK PAL
I applaud all those out there brave enough to buy a vehicle as cutting edge as the Aztek. My wife and I test drove another AWD GT tonight and are finally convinced that it is the right choice for us. We are only waiting for the yellow ones to be available in our area come April.
Long live those who make intelligent decisions based on facts and not emotions. Long live the Tek.
Greg
You know, every time I sit in the AZTEK I enjoy the purchase. Having bought in September I probably paid a little more but my dealership has treated me like "royalty". So overall the experience has been most positive.
Back in 1985 I purchased a Toyota Corolla GTS which was fun vehicle. But the Toyota dealership was arrogant and acted as I DID them the favour of buying the vehicle. I had vowed I was not going to buy American.....But I did.....and to date am happy for it.
In MARCH I'm driving down to Florida for March Break. I look forward to enjoying my vehicle during the long drive from Toronto to Florida.
All the Best.....Enjoy your YELLOW beauty. Keep us posted.
Signed,
your AZTEK PAL
Glad to hear that you like your Aztek so much. We purchased a loaded Steel Blue Aztek in December and could'nt be happier with it. My wife drives it know, however, when it is paid off in just under three years, she will trade in my car and I will get the Aztek!!! Can't wait. We are also taking our Aztek to Florida, we have a Disney World trip planned in November. We live in Mass.
topgn-
First of all, AWD Azteks list for more than $27,000. Try 30K. Secondly, to say that one can be had for $13,500 is just not true. If it were, I would be on the next plane there to buy another one myself. I have'nt seen Gonzo around here for awhile (big smile), why don't you go look for him...Fly away topgn.
-Rich