Pontiac Aztek

kissfan1

Did you know about this. No maliciousness intended.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recmmy5.cfm

kissfan1

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/ problems/recalls/recmmy5.cfm

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/ problems/recalls/recmmy5.cfm

Put the above link together to view

Simple point........What good is a five star crash test. When a seat belt will not hold you or steering may malfunction causing the said vehicle to crash.

Heaven forbide if the steering malfunctions.......sending you into a wall.....then the belt does not work!!!! Ohhhhh My!! (tongue in cheek...... ; )

No vehicles mentioned by name.........But we can say this.......The AZTEK has none of these (yet...knock on wood)

your AZTEK pal

stever

I like the one where the nut attached to the steering wheel is loosey-goosey. Makes you wonder which nut they are talking about:-)
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

eieieio

Kissfan1, everyone I have asked (that I trust) suggested not changing over to synthetic until 12,000 miles. FYI

I missed this site for one day and it took me all night to catch up....slow down everybody....

A message for everyone on this site that have taken automobile safety to a new level, I suggest the safest car is not a car at all! Perhaps some of you should stop bashing the Aztek before the information is available, and look into public transportation (I believe a bus is safer than a BMW?) Let's debate that awhile! later

topgn

A bus , intelligent response....
Well my M-5 Battle tank will destroy any bus or Aztek that get's in it' way...

gonzo7

SEE? 77 posts when we all bickered and about 3 since the truce.

Again, Thanks to the hosts for not having a heavy hand.

kelmoshea

Hello everyone,
I haven't been here for a while and I am amazed how many posts I have missed. I have a question.
I own an Aztek, I have 11500 miles on it and the Service Engine Soon light came on. I brought it to the dealer and the told me that it just lost connection to the computer and just need to be reset. They did that and on my way home it came back on. They have no clue what it is and I have to drop it off for the day for them to check it out. Has anyone else had a similiar problem?????
Also thanks for the info about synthetic oil, I also want to put it in my Aztek.

jmatero

The check engine light can come on for any number of reasons. Unfortunately, it's been my experience that if your car is not exhibiting any OBVIOUS problems (is drivable...) they merely reset the light. You need to get your car back to the dealer and demand they trace the problem. It could be something as simple as a bad O2 sensor or you may want to check your gas-cap. Some ECUs are very sensitive to fuel-system pressure and will create a fault code if the fuel cap is not tightened.

Regardless, it's a new car and I'm sure it's nothing to be concerned over.... just insist they diagnose it and repair the problem.. a simple reset is NOT a solution. There's nothing worse than getting your new car and having to take it back in. (after all... wouldn't you rather be DRIVING your new car?)

Good luck and let us know what happens! I'm sure it's nothing!!

gonzo7

Also, at 11,500 miles you're really close to being out of the 12 mo/12,000 mi warranty under which everything is covered.

oac3

I have to agree with jmatero on this. I had same light come on twice on my '96 Maxima. Turned out it was a bad O2 sensor. In fact, Nissan ultimately, and quietly, recalled thousands of Nissan's for bad O2 sensors which were fixed f.o.c.

lbthedog

Your dealer should have a diagnostic tool know as a Tech 2. Since your vehicle is OBD2 compliant and every light vehicle for the last couple years is too, the software for setting codes has changed. No more disconnecting the battery to clear codes, no more paper clips jumping terminals. The only way to retrieve codes is with a diagnostic "scanner". Codes can be reset by a given amount of ignition cycles or again, the scan tool. Your Aztek has two O2 sensors. It also has a fuel tank pressure (or actually vacumn) sensor. It can measure misfires and tell you which cylinder is faulty. There are some other parameters the PCM monitors. Depending upon the limits written in the software, the PCM will trip the light. If any or all of that makes sense to you, it means that your code could be a lot of different things. It could be as simple as a loose gas cap. In case you haven't noticed, the design of the caps has changed over the last couple years. And all of them have lanyards attached to them. That was done under the orders of the EPA. While the back yard mechanic no longer has the ability to decipher codes there is a bright side. The EPA has also mandated that all light vehicles use the same diagnostic tool. Software may not interchange but the scanner does. Hopefully you have a competent dealer that understands how to diagnose the problem. To tell you the truth, hopefully all that was wrong was a loose gas cap. Good luck.

kissfan1

No new POSTS from Kissfan!!

Miss me??

kissfan1

Our dealership had a customer appreciation night where they bring you in serve diner and have reps from GM answering questions from the new owners.

One of the items they covered was that if the GAS cap is not clicked when tightening the Service Engine soon light will come on. I'm fastidious about it.

Saw two AZTEKS today........Gold one & Red one.

Watched Discovery Channel yesterday and they painstakingly went through the OFFSET type crash that Lady Dianna died in. Without seat belts she crashed into the front seat ripping the aortic vein from here heart. Illustrated 3 things:

1. Wear your seat belts
2. Don't get in car with drunk
3. The OFFSET test is a very important test. I only hope the IIHS does the test on the AZTEK

signed your AZTEK pal

sunny2001

...but despite reading the last 200 or so posts, I actually LIKE the look of the Aztek (albeit the back end could use some improvement- I can settle)! It is a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous look of so many cars, minivans and SUV's on the market today, a reflection of our homogenous society, but won't go down that path - this is an Aztek discussion...step inside of one and it's roomy, attractively sporty,and functional... haven't bought one yet, but am seriously considering it, taking full advantage of the failure of Pontiac to successfully target and market the vehicle (Motor Trend reports that only 11,000 have been sold to date while they were expecting 75,000 for the year), resulting in what seem to be bargain prices for a reliable, versatile auto that has proven to be safe and virtually trouble-free...

Now to the question....I've been querying dealers over the i-net on the base model (MSRP 21,995) for consistency purposes,in an effort to work from there. The best price I've received (all in the last couple days) is $18,450 with the camping package included.

Thoughts on price, holding out for another few months....how low can it go?

sunny2001

...but despite the many negative previous posts, I actually, by and large, like the look of the Aztek....it "should be" a refreshing alternative to all out there who are comfortable with your otherwise ubiquitous cars, minivans, SUV's, and lifestyle -> after all "different is good"! and I applaud Pontiac/GM for its bold step - however, see opportunity in taking every advantage of Pontiac's inferior marketing effort (only 11,000 sold, but 75,000 anticipated by GM for 2001)on this functional, roomy, and pretty much trouble free vehicle, which brings me to my question.

Best price for the base model I've been able to obtain over the i-net is $18,450 with the camping package included (MSRP = 21,995)...What do y'all think? Do i hold out for a few more months for the fire sale? and for those who are in the buying process, what has your experience been relative to price?

sunny2001

...for the redundancy, I got booted out of MSN & got a bit hacked that I had to retype my query, only to later realize that both messages had actually posted. Yikes! Still interested in your thoughts.

mark156

Hi Guys, I just talked to my friend in Schaumburg (outside of Chicago) and he helped his sister pick out a new 2001 Pontiac Grand Am yesterday. She will pick it up tomorrow. Anyway, the salesman asked if he might be interested in the Aztek and that he could get a good deal on one. My friend said no, that he didn't care for the looks of it.

My friend said that the dealer had over 60 (yes, SIX-ZERO) on the lot to choose from. I was shocked, that's a lot of Azteks to push! The dealer was Harbor Pontiac in Schaumburg Illinois.

Mark

pgorges

The Aztec might well be the most ill conceived vehicle ever produced. Were they drunk when they designed this thing? If you own an Aztec and like it, that's great, but Pontiac sure built one butt ugly something or other. It is too easy a vehicle to bash and I'm sure owners are sick of it. I'm posting to ridicule CM, not vehicle owners. This is what happens when bean counters and idiotic designers collide.

pgorges

ab348

OK then: you're crazy.

dindak

sunny2001 : Good luck with the Aztek buying. While I'm not crazy about it, it does seem to be a pretty reliable vehicle.

mark156 : The 60 Azteks are probably not all for the one dealer. It's often the case that they are distributed to smaller dealers after being dropped off at one big one. It happens here all the time because there is more room in the suburbs than in the city to park them.

A note : Autoweek on Speedvision (if you get it) has a review of Aztek tonight at 7 EST.

tincup47

As posted on GM's official Media site
2,576 sold

gonzo7

Or 3700+ short of their goal. 41% of goal isn't a passing grade I guess.

ab348

Keep in mind that those numbers are not retail sales. Automakers record sales stats when they are invoiced to dealers. So the 60 unsold Azteks sitting on a dealer lot could well be included in the 2700 "sales" GM claims.

chytraeus

I am sure this topic has had its share of flames over the Aztek, but I am sincerely asking, not trying to bait anyone.

Would someone who really likes the Aztec mind explaining what about it you find appealing?

I have seen them and have been shocked by their appearance. I am shocked that any major manufacturer would design and build a vehicle that has, in my opinion, such an unattractive exterior design.

I know there is no arguing over matters of taste, I'm not trying to pick a fight, I just would like to have my horizons expanded. What about it do Aztec lovers find attractive?

Thanks,
David C.

tincup47

and the numbers we post are actual retail sales. We do record our wholesale sales to the dealers, but do not release them to the media.

topgn

In Auto World Weekly...states that in a article about the Pontiac Vibe a spokesman for GM said something like this: " After The Azteks unfortunately predictable failure in the marketplace, the VIbe could be the vehicle that's neede...""

READ MY LIPS;; EVEN IN GM'S OWN WORDS THE AZTEK IS A MARKETING FAILURE.......LOSER..!!

topgn

Chy it too puzzles me too..Why people would buy a vehicle that at least 90% of the public thinks is ugly...!!

Come on, would any of us CHOOSE to marry a UGLY woman... OR CHOOSE to buy a home that looks like it belongs next to the "ADAMS FAMILY" ..
Or dress so bad that they kicked you off the lot for the movie "Revenge of the Nerds Part III"

Or worse ..Buy a vehicle that GM has decided to do a makeover on a vehicle only after sis month's in production (This new news is from GM )

Or try to trade in your Aztek in a year for maybe something you like better ( Oh I know most posters do not care about trade-in or resale here, they all are going to keep the Aztek 10 years at least) and find out you will only get 50% of what you paid...

Amazing...some people will buy anything...!!!

juancho1

About a month and half ago I bought a Fully loaded AWD GT for $2000 under invoice with camping package. Use the poor sales figures to your advantage. Also, there is currently a $1000 rebate on the Aztek. remember this, Pontiac dealerships can not give these cars away. Moreover, Pontiac is redisigning the Aztek for 2002, which means after once the redesign comes out it will even be harded for dealerships to get rid of the 2001. All of this means you should not have to pay anymore than $2000 below invoice for an Aztek right now. In your example for the Aztek base that would be $18,172.

ab348

Not doubting what you state and it may be that you're right and I'm wrong. I based my statement on an article about D-C that said what I stated in regard to sales. Maybe the article misled me.

tincup47

I was just stating what my company does, and my understanding is the rest of the industry does the same. I could be mistaken on GM and D-C though.

dindak

Bored with your BMW chums again?

tonychrys

"Come on, would any of us CHOOSE to marry a UGLY woman... "

Reminds me of an old Abbott and Costello joke: "It's better to marry an ugly woman than a pretty one. Why? Because if she leaves you, who cares."

I guess the same logic could be applied to the Azzztek.

Have a good weekend folks!

lbthedog

I can understand posting your opinion once or twice. But I've got to wonder why some choose to post over and over again about how they don't like it.

Let's talk about perspective. GM does not have billions wrapped up in this vehicle. They wish they sold more. The platform has already been paid for by other vehicles. They have used this vehicle to bring a new plant on line. The quality of the vehicle is on a par with the best. The styling is at the minimum, controversial. But what's worse, what GM did or what Ford did with the Contour and Mystique? They did put billions on the line. They got smoked. How about Toyota and the Supra? An image car. Really a very good car. Not a huge investment but it died in the marketplace. While those with a grudge against GM will snicker and try to write "witty" postings go back to the word perspective. You couldn't wait for this vehicle so you could unload all your "creative" barbs. Some are actually pretty good, most aren't. But while the styling was risky, the finances weren't. Being in Michigan, I see plenty of Azteks on the road. And I will admit that I didn't like it at first but now I do. The "shock value" has worn off. I don't know if it's because everything else is so freaking bland or what. Those of you who don't like it tell the truth. Could you tell the difference between a Ford, Toyota, Chevy or Dodge mini van if they didn't put nameplates on them? Besides the grills, who cares. Just because some people can stretch the boundaries, those are the ones who will make the changes, everybody else is just going along for the ride.

mark156

ibthedog, now really, I can tell the difference of all cars. Yes, a majority of the styling is bland but being a car nut since I was five, I can tell the difference just at a glance. Talking about the Aztek "style", there could have been another avenue for GM to go down rather than pick the one they did. Look at the PT cruiser, that's style! I wouldn't buy one but they are nice looking and are selling like hot cakes! I really do lean towards the "retro" look. The new '49 Ford and Thunderbird are sharp looking. Also the Bug and the Rolls/Bentley line have taken a step back to rekindle the old style. The "Machine look" that so many of the manufacturers are putting out as prototypes are awful looking to me.

If Chrysler would pull the old styles from the 50's and put some of that imagination into their sedan lineup, they would not be able to produce enough. A retro version of the old 50's Imperial would be great. GM could do the same thing and start recapturing the market again. Just my .02 worth.

Mark

Mark

hkdonhonda

I am definitely not a GM fan, but I agree that the Aztec probably didn't hurt GM's wallet. For every Aztec that didn't sell, two more Impala's rolled out. And what you said about the reliability being on par, you probably are correct since, the Impala, as well has shown decent reliability. Ya the Contour and Mystique probably hurt Ford alot more, as will the Focus, the Escape/Tribute, the Exploder... Hey, I'd rather have the vehicle that bombs because of the looks then the one that just bombs (mmmPINTOmm). Man I sound like an Aztec promoter...

On a side note, as far as styling goes, I don't believe that everything from hear on out is crystal clear... In my opinion (maybe not shared with others) there are some other vehicles that from concept, look like the next Aztec. The Evoq isn't exactly pretty, the Imaj, blah. The Terradyne, sure it's just a concept, but it seems some of that design rubbed off on the Avalanche, another blah... The new TB/Bravada/Envoy? Now that is a different story... That is direction GM should be leaning towards, design-wise.

kissfan1

WANT TO KNOW WHAT I LOVE BOUT MY AZTEK:

1. Luv the look. It is aggresive and different. That is something I love.

2. Luv the Bells and whistles......Drove the Honda CRV, Toyaota Rav 4, Escape and these were chincy......

3. Luv the cockpit and the comfortable seats and excellent fit and finish.

4. Luv spacious interior. Had 6' 5" guy in back seat and he raved about the comfort.

5. Luv the quiet ride.

6.Luv Cargo tray and dazzling array of storage spots.

7. Luv controls on steering wheel for radio & fantastic ten speaker Pioneer Audio system.

8. Luv auto everything.......Lights......and a stereo that adjust to and ride noise.

9. Luv being voted coolest car at my daughters school. (quote "wicked car")

10. Luv people walking across parking lot in 10 degree freezing temps to tell me the vehicle is cool.

11. Not one recall.......Totally trouble free.

What I don't like.....or wish I could change 220 Hp engine. I shopped and found nothing close to the AZTEK in it's price range.

What car would i drive if money was no object........Acura MDX, Mercedes ML300, BMW x.5 (inspite of the myriad number of problems).

Would I buy another AZTEK......yep.....YELLOW 4 WD.

signed your AZTEK pal

meniscus

I have to admit that when I first saw the ads for the Aztek, I thought it was horribly unappealing. Then someone at work bought one and started parking near me. Every day I drove past the strange red beast, I liked it more. And more. AND MORE.

Now I find myself compelled, given that I am beginning to get the itch for a new vehicle, to go out and buy one. Given that yours was the only message here to make me feel less than insane for liking the strange animal, your input is much appreciated.

hkdonhonda

How bout an LS1 residing behind a Prowler? Man, GM should take advantage of the DCX woes and make it work. Get those designers on their team and they just might regain customers. That 300M is probably THEE nicest domestic on the market IMO. I can actually compare it quality wise as well as performance wise with the imports.

hkdonhonda

The Northstar behind the next gen 300. How appropriate that it would be named the 300N?

gonzo7

Actually Gm atually has some cool stuff but we don't get it here. Look up Gm 's Holden website. Holden is an Australian brand. They offer the Holden Commander GT--it looks like a Cadillac Catera but with the Corvette 5.7 V-8!!

kissfan1

I'm sorry.......the AZTEK is extremely well built and has no one recall.

Compare this to 5 recalls for the Escape(Fuel Line, Fuel Throttle, Steering wheel and Column, Windshield wiper, Wheels and hub).......3 for the BMW x.5......(seat belts, Steering, Steering linkages)....1 for the.Infinity QX 4.....(Electrical System).....

By comparison the AZTEK is virtually trouble free......

By the way the NAME is .....AZTEK.......at least have some respect.

I know you are cooler then that........Cause the HOSTS .....could delete thoses posts.

MENISCUS: use the availabilty of the AZTEK to drive a good deal. Go with the GT you will luv it. Ya like music ....you'll luv the sound system.....the drive.....Take one for a drive. By the way don't let the naysayers stop ya.....More people come up to me to tell me they luv the AZTEK.

MENISCUS: Also there are GM haters here that want to discourage people like you. I was a tried a true Toyota man.....I will admit the AZTEK was an impulse buy cause I loved it. I hated american vehicles but the fit and finish and quality behind this vehicle made me "risk" it.......Happy I did cause everytime I drive it I enjoy it.

If you want a good vehicle.....you'll be happy.

signed your AZTEK pal

kissfan@raidersfan.net

stever

That's a good point, kissfan1. That word is on our "profanity" list, so I'm going to do a bit of housekeeping. That word hasn't been consistently deleted, but this site tries to be family friendly (unlike, say Fox television....). Please email me with your complaints, everyone:-)

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

kissfan1

Don't try fighting this WAR.......207 posts about BMW x.5 problems.

And a severe case OF BMW turning a blind eye to the host of problems!!

By comparison the AZTEK.....is the TRUE DRIVING MACHINE deliver true customer satifaction.

THX

drew_

I have removed the off-topic posts above. Copying messages from another unrelated discussion topic and pasting them in here is not appropriate. Please stay on-topic.

Thank you...

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

sunny2001

...if all those folks conveying continual distaste for the Aztek have some sort of Freudian-defined disorder. You CHOOSE not to marry an ugly woman, yet spend all of your free time bashing an "ugly" car for which you obviously have no interest....are you subconciously in love with your mother?

kissfan1

Those that visit this board are here to :

1. Get a Rise out of AZTEK owners by continually bashing the vehicle with little true representations. They often distort issues like safety testing and spread false rumours of vehicle problems.

2. Often have alterior motives. Often a disdain or hate for GM.

3. Were also the bully in the school yard.

My purpose for being here is to learn and compare the AZTEK to other vehicles within the SUV class. I try to compare but am often censored by the HOSTS......yet the host show their bias by allowing profanity and off topic slurs about the AZTEK to slip by.

The AZTEK is no doubt a vehicle that has OVER the top styling.......But it is proving to be an extremely well put together vehicle that is delivering on the promise of "driving excitement" for a reasonable price.......with no defects or recalls.

One only has to venture over to the BMW x.5 trouble board.......to see how the folks living in the high rent district of SUV land are being treated. (I tried to compare but was deemed off topic).

The AZTEK has not sold well due to styling.....but GM has delivered a quality product that is reasonably priced.......and pricing will improve due to excess inventory.

So drive a bargain and enjoy......

signed your AZTEK pal

(i hope this is on topic)

mark156

Kissfan, I'm not sure of your age, but I bet you would have bought the Edsel and praised about it to no end. After 40 yrs, you would be a rich man!

Mark

kissfan1

Never bought the EDSEL!! Can't comment on EDSEL. No connection between EDSEL and AZTEK. Plus that is personnal attack........Violates EDMUNDS code of Ethics

By the way that was off topic post......Mr Host.

By the way I posted on the BMW board and was deleted?? I commented about the problems associated with the x.5.......The post was on topic but deleted?? why HIGH rent......BMW pay advertising.......To have that post deleted.....but you let the stuff that goes on here......??

Shocking

kissfan1

POST number 1297.......off topic
POST NUMBER 1282.....off topic
Post 1287.......off topic.....personal attack.....violates edmunds code