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The Rendezvous will undoubtedly sell more than the Aztek due to its more conservative styling - but it may in fact help the Aztek's sales (hey, how could they possibly be hurt?) as buyers, no longer put off by styling, will finally discover that the Aztek/Rendezvous is really a good vehicle. Plus, I think you'll be seeing a lot of "yeah, you can have a Rendezvous but the Aztek over there is the same vehicle with some neater features and it is $2000 cheaper...." at the GM dealerships.
Still, my mind is not yet made up and I remain open to suggestions about alternatives. I'm definitely in no rush - there are plenty o' Azteks on the lots and the deals get better almost hourly.
If i was to do it again.....I would look at the following:
Mercedes Ml300
Acura Mdx
I would toss the over priced poor quality BMW x5
This is the high end.....lot of $$$$$$
I would toss the
CRV (small under powered)
Rav 4 would be consideratio.....but small
Escape would be tossed....5 recalls....very worrisome (Tribute as well)
I would look at Sante Fe closely
I would look at the Subaru Forester (but very small....and personally I find the styling repulsive ...too boxy)
With the deals to be had and the quality available with the AZTEK.....it is hard to beat.
One issue on AZTEK.......only 2 tests for safety complete
1. Front Side Impact 5 Star Best in Industry
2 Rear side impact 3 Star (same rating as Camry & 626.....no slouch.....very acceptable)
Front testing being done as we speak.
Regards.
(I've never off roaded ....it isn't designed for serious off roading)
Then she stopped at Tim Hortons......Clerk saw her pull in with the AZTEK??
He says .......Every person who buys coffee is pining for the AZTEK?? (for those who do not know....Tim Hortons is Canada's Starbucks and they have contest called roll up the rim to win 20 AZTEKS)
True ......story!!
good reviews
http://www.epinions.com/content_11157802628
Mark
Louis
Mark
As for Tim's: who wouldn't want to win a vehicle, even a Lada? It has a lot less to do with the vehicle and everything to do with the value of the prize.
Kissfan, I've been pretty tolerant of your never-ending posts. I'm glad you like your vehicle. Really. But you went overboard with this last bunch. Calling people "school bullies"? Saying people who don't like the Aztek have a grudge against GM? How the heck do you know? Are you a mind-reader? It's simply asinine. Then going around reporting off-topic posts and "personal attacks"? Get a grip. You sound like the whiny little kid throwing a tantrum when he doesn't get his way. You seem unable to recognize an honest difference of opinion and simply attempt to overwhelm everyone with volume when you're disagreed with. I can understand your need to justify your decision to buy a vehicle that is the subject of near-universal scorn. But that doesn't change the fact (note that word please) that the Aztek is a disaster of incredible proportions that has been unseen in the industry since the Edsel.
And regardless of how many dozen absurd posts you make about how the grocery store box boy or the drive-thru kid at the coffee stand like your car, nothing changes the fact that the Aztek is a total failure in the marketplace for a whole bunch of very good reasons. Run and complain to the hosts if you want. I have always been civil here and never had to worry about hosts reprimanding me, but this is getting ridiculous. And with that, I'm outta here.
2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6
Aztek:
Base $29,255
AWD $32,895
GT $32,895
GT AWD $36,185
Rendezvous:
CX $30,995
CXL $34,995
(to convert the above to $US, multiply by .66)
It's hard to get accurate info right now but it looks like the differences between the CS and the CXL will be that the latter will have:
Versatrak AWD
Dual automatic climate control
Odor/pollen filter
Theft deterrent system
Ultrasonic rear parking aid
Tire inflation monitor
Driver information center
Universal garage door opener
Leather seats
Driver and passenger 6-way power seats
Heated front seats
CD with equalizer and 8 speakers
I am interested in what others say about the aesthetics of the vehicle - but it's my own views that will decide what I will buy. I recently bought a 2000 Bonneville SLE - a car which has its share of votes in the "ugly new car" forum - but I bought that vehicle for my family and me, not for those others out there who don't like it. I personally love that car's styling.
As I said earlier, I kinda like the Aztek's styling - I don't love it but neither does it leave me cold or repulsed. If, as a bonus, it gets +ve remarks from my kids' friends, store clerks, etc., then perhaps that will be fair compensation for the repetitive references to the Edsel that Aztek owners have to put up with.
That being said.... when one decides to buy a vehicle with the "in your face" styling of an Aztek, you should expect and accept that not everybody's going to like it and some are going to speak their mind - sometimes not with as much respect as we would like them to.
Hmmm... Maybe, I'm not ready for this vehicle after all.....
I follow this forum out of shear curiousity at the motives behind those who buy the Aztek. Nothing more, nothing less, but this 4th grade mentality is just too much to handle... I'm out of here.
Bye all. See you around the Vortex jmatero. :-)
KissFan, Sometimes you really go off the deep end. Cool it with the CAPS -it makes you seem irrational. Communciate with words not a silly juvenile style.
If the Aztek was as popular as you say, You could personally have sold more that the 11,000 or so GM has unloaded.
As for" Dennett" GUESS WHAT ..This is America and Freedom of speech and the ability to speak one's mind is our constitional right.. Even here in Edmunds , we have the right to voice our opinion of the Bloated Minivan called: Axtek, and long as there are no personal attacks...of course I think someone called me a bully.. I promise I will not cry...!
Mark
Besides it's obvious looks, there's something else.
It has been declared by it's marketers to be cool.
If something has been declared cool-It isn't.
Sure, some marketers could declare N'Sync to be cool but they only fooled 12 year old girls who in a month or two realize they were duped.
The Aztek is trying way too hard. It reminds me of a middle aged guy with gold chains and a rented Corvette- He thinks he's cool but everyone is either laughing at or pitying him.
He might fool some but mostly he's the fool.
Errr...what about those participants who don't live in the US ;-) Actually Town Hall is not the place to exercise your freedom of speech. While we don't moderate the boards, that is to say, we don't review each and every post before it is allowed to appear in Town Hall, Edmunds.com does reserve the right to remove any post with or without notification. This is laid out in the "Terms of Use" that every Town Hall participant agrees to at registration.
As someone said, just because you have the freedom of speech doesn't mean that you can go into a restaurant, drop your pants and scream. ;-p
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Whilst looking for info on an Escape (a recommendation I received elsewhere), I came across this fairly unbiased review of the Aztek: www.familycar.com/RoadTests/PontiacAztek/index.htm
Just to clarify my position on the Aztek (like anybody cares), although I am overall +ve about the car, I too think the backside is unattractive and think the plastic cladding is way overdone. Can live with the front-end though. Still, I can't understand those who hate the Aztek and yet like the X-Terra (an SUV which objectively also has its... shall we say...homely qualities).
Drew, old pal, you're visiting the wrong restaurants. Come to NYC and I'll show you a good time .
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
topgn : Boy the BMW group must be quiet again. BMW RULES BUD!
kissfan : Your posts are a little over done sometimes, but given the environment you are in here in this forum, I can't blame you. Some people posting here are bordering on hostile.
There is a decent review in the Toronto Star this weekend for those in the GTA.
BTW, last night at dinner after a hockey game, my friend's wife said, and I quote: 'Have you seen that car that Tim Horton's is giving away? Is it ever ugly'. Chuckle, chuckle...
Cheers
BMW does rule, but let's forget about my opinion:::
Let's see what Edmunds states>>
They call the Aztek >>Pumba the talking pig..
BMW 328, just about the best driving machine for any price....
Oh and they redesign the vehicle about once every six years ( not six months like the Aztek minivan))))
Heres a review of the Aztek I found thats a little more balanced than some Ive read: carclick.canada.com/roadtests.asp?sk=ott&ID=POAZ2001 . Hope the link works.
Thanks for setting me straight on exchange rates dindak. I've heard from many Americans (incl. my brother who lives in L.A.) that, even with our taxes, most cars tend to be a little cheaper in Canada.
Maybe Edmunds should delete their own review...
Oh and nobody (Aztek Owners ) answered one of my previous post...
I asked about resale, because in the 2002 Bravada section, a 2000 Yr Bravada owner was stating he paid $36,500. for a fully loaded Bravada and wanted to (NOW WATCH THIS AZTEK OWNERs) trade his 2000 Bravada for A REDESIGNED 2002 Bravada..
He purchased in May of 2000...Guess what? the dealer would only give him $21,000. as a trade in with only 12,000 miles. WOW almost 50% loss in one year...Now this is a vehilce that is leaps and bounds more popular than a AZtek, however I am trying to draw a comparison here.>>>>
1. BRAVADA ...GM PRODUCT being REDISIGNED in 2002
2. Aztek GM product being redesigned after only
SIX MONTHS...
OF course resale does not matter to Aztek owners :: Everyone who has purchased a Aztek states they are going to keep it for 10 years so who cares about resale...Maybe the Bravada owner said that too....!!!
Another Example is a 1996 4 Runner, now worth 51% of it's retail value 5 YEARS LATER...
Resale does matter in the REAL world , why not ask that Bravada owner if resale is important.
The Aztek does seem to invite comments:-).
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
If I WANT TO CAP......I shall.
Second, you discuss safety, cars are not safe-hello-anyone home? If you want safe transportation don't buy a SUV, Truck, sports car etc. Because I travel mostly by air for work, I win the safety debate.
Lastly, you mention trade in value, like a car purchase is an investment?-hello- nobody is home I can tell! If you want investment, try the stock market. Not a automobile. I purchased my Aztek because for my needs its the best car out there...dare to debate that, you would lose! And besides, I spend my time inside the Aztek, not looking at the outside.
Ps. My neighbor came over today to see my new purchase, and said he loved the car, style didn't bother him at all. And was really impressed when I mentioned the gas mileage compared to the other SUV's in the marketplace. I think he was sold. So perhaps one more will be running around New Mexico. (without problems)
That's what makes you so avant-garde, you pioneering Aztek owner, your near apopleptic responses to those who share their opinions, that is when they're different than your own .
1) Get rid of the hotrod scoops on the front end.
2) Minimize plastic use on the sides (in particular), color code it like the Indy (?) -modified car, and get rid of the waves;
3) Do something about the rear glass and lack of wiper.
If they were to act on some of these issues, which would be most important? I think the plastic problem. The model shown earlier with decent color coding on the plastic and body actually looked decent.
Finally, does Kissfan's deserved $3000 cheque from Gm mean that a price drop in this range can be anticipated?
It's interesting to see that Aztek critics are genuinely puzzled why anybody would want to own one. Their incessant comments/questions would easily put all but the most thick-skinned on the defensive. After all, a car purchase usually involves some emotions. Given the vehicle's controversial styling, I see the bickering that has occured here as quite natural. Still, the tone of some of it is unnecessary and, while I dislike the "ugly wife" comparison that has been used recently, it does point out a politeness inconsistency: for, after all, you don't go telling people that you think their spouse is ugly - even if you think they are very ugly.
If this bickering is truly impeding the ability to conduct a constructive forum, why don't we set up a second forum ("Why I do/don't like the Aztek") as a lightning rod and re-christian this one something like "Pontiac Aztek Owners". I think it would be reasonable to expect visitors to behave themselves in the latter.
Just a suggestion - host?
Also just for you to understand this buyers perspective, my car is like my Tv or computer, I'm not ever going to sell them, just enjoy them until I want a new one.
For those who want to make this forum just for Aztek owners to discuss their SUV's, well, you might fine just two people conversing.
Ciao, Mark
I myself do not particularly care for the Aztek, but I have since found that there are some things to be liked and some to be disliked about this vehicle. I guess one can say that for every vehicle today. The Aztek is just too much of an emotional subject.
Now, for those who suggest a renaming of this forum, or setting up another forum for the "I hate/do not hate Aztek", this may not be a bad idea after all afterall there exists a forum such as this here on Edmunds. It is called "Why I don't Like SUV's" forum....there you will find serious *discourse*, which to others may sound more like *bashing*...
On a final point: maybe if the Aztek owners/wannabe-owners/and similarly minded would simply ignore the nay-sayers, maybe, just maybe, that may tone down the noise level a little... Sometimes, some of us love to see ourselves the subject of discussion and can't seem to get enough of the *attention*....
Although my wanderings among Edmunds' fora is anything but exhaustive, I have to say that I haven't come across any other vehicle forum where owners are routinely interrupted by others' criticisms. There are some bad cars out there (I'm talking about the important stuff here: poor safety ratings; lousy build quality; biodegradable transmissions; etc.) but in these other chat groups, the people who are bashing the cars are the owners! If a non-owner came in and posted "you guys are losers for buying a Dodge" (for example), it would be entirely inappropriate. Worse yet would be "and oh yeah, Dodges are ugly" (again, just an example). And yet, that's exactly what goes on right here.
Yes, the Aztek has controversial styling but man comments about that must be sounding damned tired by now. Owners or those curious about the vehicle should not have to endure the barbs. Still, I agree with oac3 that the best way to limit those barbs ('cause there's no way you're gonna stop them) is to ignore them.
Obviously, there's a need out there to bash the Aztek, why not fulfill it? Keeping it here certainly makes this forum one of the more popular on Edmunds and is probably gaining the Aztek some notoriety - as if it needs it. Moving the bashing elsewhere would make this forum a much quieter place - and although a lot less fun for the bashers, I'm sure welcome relief for the bashed.
My 2 cents.
On Resale value
I share the concerns about resale value of the Aztek as I am among those who cannot predict his vehicle ownership 5+ years off into the future. Plus, contacts of mine are talking about Azteks losing 50% of their value in the first 1-2 years! The reasons? (a) Huge inventories of new -means a lot of selection and a plethora of deals to be had; (b) Scheduled early design changes - if it improves the looks, the 1st generation will depreciate more quickly; (c) The Rendezvous (although I think that one could make the value of the Aztek go either way); and (d) the belief that a fair number of Azteks will be coming off of rental car service fairly soon. No, I wouldn't say that the used Aztek market looks very healthy for the foreseeable future but, as the previous posting demonstrates, the Aztek's far from alone in this predicament - the economy's not helping any here. Still, securing a good purchase price up front is a good first step to protecting your downstream resale value.
Example I had a 1999 LX470 wich I paid $54,000. and a year later sold for $53,000. (long story, but true). NOw I wonder if there is a Aztek on the Planet that will sell for only a 2% loss in one year..!!
Oh and thank you for being pro Aztek Edmunds and deleting my previous post.
While somone who bashed me saying "Hello nobody is home" was not deleted. However, when I responded with some statements about my stock market losses and comparing resale of a Lexus to a Aztek, you deleted my post.. BE FAIR delete the pro Aztek post that insult the Anti Aztek people.
OH by the way::
I LUV MY LEXUS470
I DO NOT LIKE THE AZTEK
There is much speculation already that a 2001 Aztek B.F.( before facelift) will sell at the wholesale level of 50% of it's retail value by the end of the year...Oh I almost forgot, a client of mine owns two car dealerships and I questioned him on the Aztek issue.. He had no love or hate feelings about the Aztek, however he found in the auction book a Aztek that recently went through the Orlando Auction>>>>
Guess what .?? it went for $12,500...SAD BUT TRUE..
IF all you can afford is a Aztek, try a used 4 Runner or even the Hyundai Santa Fe ( wife had a
Elantra before we were married, never any problems in three years)..
The main difference it the the Aztek appears to have been designed by and for 14 year olds.
The RX is Lexus' best seller. That proves the concept is good but GM gets a "D" for execution.
Let's take Chrysler's designs and GM's drive trains and create a North American company capable of competing with the rest of the world.
Edmunds: why censor anybody? Debate is healthy, even if it is dominated by KissFan. KissFan does a service to the debate and should not be deleted or shouted down. He illustrates the virtues of the vehicle - few though they may be. I vote to leave him, topgn and everyone else alone.
The idea of creating a new site is silly - topgn, gonzo, jmatero and I will simply migrate with you. Informed debate is good.
Wow... now that is a damn interesting idea. Seriously. I was ready to buy a JGCL recently, but didn't want to play Russian Roulette with DC's quality control problems. And from personal experience, the V6/ECT in my '99 Grand Am is awesome (if not a little noisy becuase of the older engine design).
Maybe the Germans will give up and spit Chrysler back out, only to have GM gobble it. That would indeed be interesting. But I suspect the government would have a field day with anit-trust issues.
Why people would place their family in a vehicle with questionable offset crash resluts ...shocks me..!!!
I know you read the posts.
1. The offset test was done on the 1997 Pontiac Transport. I remind you that the AZTEK has only 22% of the parts of the Montana.....much less the Transport.
The IIHS test is of no relevance to the AZTEK. You deliberately inflame and distort the truth.
The only current valid tests are the NHTSA FRONT and REAR side test. Of which the AZTEK finished # 1 with five star rating for front. and 3 star rating for rear (Same as camry)
YOU ARE WRONG.
GO to the BMW x.5 board and discuss tranny's dropping out......and people who own $60K cars but put folded cardboard into spaces between seats to stop squeeking.
Live in glass house .....don't throw stones.
I understand most posters emotions regarding this vehicle, love it or hate it! But I also know that GM is getting the exposure that they wanted with this vehicle, even if they don't sell another one! It is about time that the General steps out and leads, even if it isn't in the direction y'all think it should be!
As for the reference to the Edsel, don't make me laugh! Ford spent millions(1959 dollars) to build what at the time was a revolutionary design with many new engineering features as well as the horsecollar design. I bet we didn't lay out more that $120 m to put this Aztec into production, so it is worth the marketing dollars just to get people to talk.
I don't love the Aztec I'm driving, but it is a competent vehicle nonetheless. I'd rather have the DTS back that I had for 4 months, but in this business, you take what they give you. After all, it sure beats driving a PT Cruiser, or a KIA!!