Pontiac Aztek

todd54

The wiring harness was supplied. The ball and harness were only available as additional dealer installed accessories. Of course, that was in October of '99 when the Xterra's were brand new perhaps they've changed their policies since then. I do notice on the Nissan website www.nissandriven.com under the "Xterra" category, "accessories", "tow hitch", the quote "Hitch ball and harness are each available separately". So I can't help but think you're mistaken, or perhaps you are in contact with an especially generous dealer. In any event, this is an Aztek board and so after you reply we should probably drop the subject.

Todd

gonzo7

If you bought a hitch over the counter as an accessory, you would need to buy the other stuff seperately.
If you ordered the Towing Package (emphasis on the word PACKAGE) You were to receive the ball and tongue.
I speak from experience. You got shortchanged.

kissfan1

1. Brakes.....Hydraulic Master System (called Nhtsa...to confirm)
2. Equipement Child Seat (incorrect manual....installation could lead to child death...regardless of crash rating..lethal)
3. Fuel....Fuel line fittings and Pump
4. Fuel Throttle linkages and control
5. Steering Wheel and column
6. Visual Systems Winshield Wiper....and Assembly
7 Wheels Hub

Tin.....this is a complete listing.

; ) ....... aztek smile (eyes wide open)

mrobinson3

I love my Dodge Dakota pickup, but the gas tank is small, and the V6 engine eats up gas like mad. I am considering buying an Aztek with the removable captains chairs since I haul TREES (hobby) and want a vehicle with the bells and whistles/feel of my wife's Pontiac Bonneville SSEi (minus the power, OK) but with the ability to store some serious cargo. Not weight, but SIZE.

I wonder, however, will someone offer a rubber mat that goes down in the rear area and leaves only holes for the Captain's chairs to be removed/re-added?

I am looking at getting a GT with FWD (better gas economy) - 10 speaker radio, towing package, and maybe the camping package.

- Mason

- Mason

kissfan1

Keeping us on topic.

Gradually this board is returning to a rational discussion of the product.

Keep up the good work.

; ) ...... aztek smile (great vehicle)

mrobinson3

Is the Aztek Salsa a good idea of what the 2002 re-skin will look like?

Does anyone know a link to pics of proposed re-skins of the Aztek?

Also, is a Salsa "kit" available? I like the look, minus the color. I want that Sunfire hunter green color...

I want to know if it might be better to buy the 2001 at a deep discount, and maybe take it to my local hot-rodder for a re-design of my own for a grand or two...

- Mason

juancho1

mrobinson3,
What is the Aztek Salsa? Do you have pictures?

gmdrone,
Please quit toying with us and show us the pictures of the Aztek redesign.

mrobinson3

Want to see some really wacky vehicle designs? Go to your local Japanese grocery store, buy a car magazine, and flip through it for a while. Next time you see an Aztek on the road, it will look conservative by comparison.

Too bad America is full of prudes when it comes to car design. I guess we should all buy beige Corollas so we don't offend anyone's senses.

Mason - 9 years in Tokyo

mrobinson3

Ypu will find several links.

Also try the Aztek "Sport Edition".

- Mason

kissfan1

If you look at the back of car and driver magazine their is a company that makes rubber mats that are fitted for all sorts of vehicles.

Unfortunately , I do not have the name but I think they advertise in every issue. Check it out.

By the way ...... good luck with your purchase. If your experience is like mine you will truly enjoy this amazingly versatile vehicle.

Please report back to us on the vehicles performance and your buying experience. Your input will be valued by owners and other perspective buyers.

you to will wear the....... ; ) ....... aztek smile!! (all the best)

mrobinson3

I wonder.

Anyway, I will check it out.

kissfan1

See this is where the lower volume of sales may hurt us. In after maket products like this.

But if you give them a call......they may be able to accomodate. Let me know. Thx!!

; ) ..... the aztek smile

mrobinson3

In almost every episode the blue Aztek makes a short cameo appearance.

Has anyone else noticed?

- Mason

wweens

Lots of discussion on the $2K receiver for a hitch. Please, when somebody gets a quote or better yet, one installed, let us know the price and any details.
Louis

dindak

Watch Dark Angel all the time. Great show! I think the Aztek fits the show well.

tim1my

Can anyone out there confirm that there are currently regional offers upping the incentive on the AZTEK another $1,00, including a campnig pkg? If so, where....and what does this bring the total incentives to? Many thx in advance! ~ Future Aztek owner(?)

millergr

I have a Yellow AWD GT on order and the region i currently offering a $1000 rebate plus $500 dealer cash. Also if you take delivery before the end of April then they are throwing in the camping package. These incentives apply for a purchase option and may or may not apply for a lease option. You would have to check on that.

By the way, I spoke to my dealer the other day and he told me they are going to discountinue the Citrus Green color. Not enough demand for that color. I thought it looked good in the brochure against the snow and bright sun but seeing one on the road is a different story.

Greg

kissfan1

Yellow is a real cool color. We have not seen any yet in the Toronto. Looking forward to seeing one.

Yesterday , I pulled into the Sussex center here in Mississauga. There was a red 'Tek in the lot. I parked my black one right beside it. Went in for my meetings.

When I came out there was a young couple just circling both vehicles. As they saw me walking towards the vehicle, they were embarassed. I called out to them and told them it is ok to look at the 'tek. Well they had a million questions. They love the vehicle. I opened it up for them and they enjoyed the "free" demo.

We spoke of price and they were happy to hear that deals could be had. They want one!

It is lotsa fun owning a vehicle that people are so interested in. Gave them my email cause they are shopping for one and may have questions.

I detect a buzz starting. Maybe spring car buying fever.

; ) ...... the aztek smile. ( winning the world over....one aztek at a time...lol! Yes my tongue is in cheek)

kissfan1

By the way there was an ignorant post on here that you deleted. I responded in kind.
I saw you deleted the ignorant post........I deleted my response.

Thank you for raising the bar........for conversation regarding the AZTEK. Owners and perspective buyers thank you.

Regards

gmdrone

I tried to post to you yesterday regarding the rear liftglass latch, however, I let a bad word slip in and Steve (rightfully I might add) deleted my post. Must have been thinking about the management brain capacity or something.... Anyway, Ramos informs me that the problem you are experiencing was early production problem, and is not normal. The strikers need to be re-aligned. Take the Tek to your Pontiac dealer, he should have a TSB on the condition. If you cannot, let me know and I will connect you with someone who can help.

I wish I could post pix of the re-skin, however, I have to leave that to the PR guys, I don't want to get canned for that. Besides, if it is anything like the SAAB version, it may well undergo more changes before they make a decision on what to release.

FYI, the Rendevous passed the quality gate last week, under defect target by 50%! I think that this is the best quality launch I've seen in 20 some years at the General, hope to see the trend continue. Those of you that don't care for the Aztek styling, may want to look at the Buick, its a lot more conservative.

Regards,

MAK

kissfan1

Take care of that prior to my florida trip.

GMDRONE......appreciate it!!

; ) ...... aztek smile

kissfan1

My service guy at Laurie Williamson and he was not aware of the TSB.

If not too much to ask do you either have copy of TSB or TSB number. Please let me know.
Should soft copy be available: I'm at kissfan@raidersfan.net

Thx.

; ) ....... the aztek smile

infinia1

while shopping for a new car abour 5 months ago, the wife was wanting a minivan and i definately was not. we thought the aztek would make a good compromise so we went to test drive. this was when aztek were first available and everyone stared as we test drove. we absolutely liked everything the aztek offered. we absolutely didn't like the price and ultimately that's what kept us away. it was just more than what we wanted to spend, so we went with an alero. while we are very happy with the alero, i still am intrigued by the aztek and am considering it as our next purchase in about 2 years. the versatility is amazing. ya, the looks are "different" but it is a cool vehicle with plenty of space that we are lacking in the alero. back then i had requested a brochure from the pontiac website. i finally received it about 2 weeks ago and it included a cdrom that was pretty neat. it showed the aztek in action with all the features. it also included a ton of magnets, they are all over my fridge. has anyone else received these? it's great to hear that everyone's aztek is performing well. keep tekin!

lindsey

I for one appreciate the fact that you have discontinued signing off with "Your Aztek Pal." It was beginning to drive me away from this board. But then you go and do your Aztek smile seems like every second or third post. Ugh!

*Please* cease and desist for the mental health of others.

topgn

Motor Trend had a article about the Aztek..
Called "Creature from the Black lagoon"
In the article it mentioned the Aztek could cause nightmares in small children...

I am not violating any agreement with Town Hall..
This is a true story out a major Automobile magazine....It pertains to how the media looks at the Aztek's exterior...

bdreggors

Just have to say that I've been entertained by all of these Aztek-realted posts.

I actually like the Aztek (which is odd when you consider that I like Buicks, too). Functional, good quality, and definetly unique.

In my neck of the woods, Azteks are quite prevelent and I average one or two a day.

The styling sure isn't for everyone, and I've yet to see an older person behind the wheel, but it's really a nice vehicle.

Kissfan: Aztek smile...lol! What will you think of next?

kissfan1

We know you despise GM and the AZTEK. We know you will report any negative opinion. Motor trend comments remain an opinion.

My daughter saw your post last night. She is 9 years old. One of those young children.
She....in her nine year old words wrote a response. She told you how Brett, Brendan, Lindsay, Michelle........and all the kids in grade one think the Aztek the coolest car.....of any parent.
That is what young children think.

I saw your post yesterday......Guessed you had deleted it. But I think the HOST had to.
We really don't care how Fat 40 Something Writers project their feelings on 6,7,8 and 9 yearold children. Posting that illustrates a poor understanding of what this board is about and what owners/ perspective owners and those truly interested in this vehicle are here to discuss.

In all honesty.....the venom on this board has forced many owners to the Yahoo group. I personnaly like Edmunds.....see tremendous value in this board to educate.

However , when the venom forces owners and buyers elsewhere.....everyone loses. The only people who do not lose are those who spew the venom. It is simply not fair.

The HOSTS have gradually done a great job in the last week in elevating the discussion.

I ask you.....respectfully......you have no vested interest in this vehilce. We know you do not like it or it's manufacturer.......please with all due respect let those who have invested in this vehicle...discuss this vehicle.

Thank you

topgn

"fat something writers project their feelings"

Is that what you feel about Edmunds>>

They Called the Aztek "Pumba the talking pig"
and Edmunds stated it had "butt Ugly Styling"
with a minivan platform and a dated engine..

I wonder if the Edmund;s writers are fat 40 something as you suggested..???

kissfan1

Lets stay relevant.

; ) ........ aztek smile (sorry if a smile drives you away.......but I'll keep smiling)

PS: Owners and interested buyers will keep coming. Smiles are not intimidating.

dindak

I think "topgn" is obsessed with the Aztek. Now he is searching magazines high and low for negative things they said about the Aztek. Sad.

willeis

I am 70 and drive an Aztec. Neither the Aztec nor I can do 120 mph, but neither could my Volvo 544. Both are great cars.
Will

gonzo7

Searching Magazines? THIS IS EDMUNDS!
The writers here made those quotes.

Actually though, in this month's Car and Driver there are some funny comments about the Aztek in a story about the Ford Lightning truck.

zircon

Seems Kissfan posts about 40% of the messages here, and then has the audacity to sugget that Tpgun etc. not post here (clutters up the sequence of repetitive posts by Mr. Inca.

I do give Kissfan credit: I have never, ever heard of anybody so willing to show (and let drive) strangers their own vehicle. I am beginning to wonder if this a plot by the Gerneral.

GMdrone sounds like an excellent employee - they should give you the reins to fix things that need fixing, and leave the good things as they are. Your posts are informative.

kissfan1

I thought we were turning a corner. The HOSTS were doing an excellent job of cleaning up this Board. Their are posters here that are bound and determined to bring this board to a level that is irrelevant and supports their hatred of Gm and the Azteks.

They enjoy inflaming the owners.....and buyers.

It is sad adults ...... are turned into juveniles and do not realize their bias is a form of bigotry not needed or required here.

gmdrone

The TSB is on the Service Operations website on the GM Intranet, your dealer should be able to access it. If he cannot the Document I.D. # is 754881, TSB # 00-08-64-013. They should install a rubber bumper P.N. 10103036, and re-align lift gate. Tell him to use labor OP # B5700- lift gate align.
That should cure the problem, Service Research used that TSB to fix mine this afternoon. They haven't solved the check engine light problem yet.

Thanks, zircon, I appreciate the kudos, there are plenty of us here, just don't tell anyone, they might promote me!

Regards,

MAK

kissfan1

Sorry ......other then responding to venom.

I bring real life experience with the AZTEK to this board. I own the vehicle, I paid for the vehicle....I believe in the product.....and I enjoy talking to owners and prospective owners.

Their is no crime in that. There is no hate or maliciousness in my posts. I can tell you

THAT MOST OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT HAVE ABANDONED THIS SITE FOR OTHER OWNER CLUBS........SO IN A SAD AND TWISTED WAY......NON OWNERS LIKE GONZO & TOPGUN HAVE WON THEIR WAR.

WHO IS DEPRIVED.......THOSE INTERESTED IN TRULY DISCUSSING THIS VEHICLE IN AN UNBIASED REAL EXPERIENCE WAY.

I WILL ALSO TELL YOU THIS.......IF YOU TRY POSTING THE VENOM ON SOME OF THE OTHER BOARDS......THE HOSTS SIMPLY WILL NOT ALLOW IT.

SO KEEP ALIENATING THE REAL OWNERS.

BUT I"M SORRY.......BULLIES NEVER COULD INTIMATE ME.......NEVER WILL.

; ) ........your aztek smile......

mark156

Hi folks,

In my town, our local dealer "Plaza Motors Pontiac, Cadillac, Buick, GMC " Azteks are discounted $6,000. GMC Jimmy's were dicounted $8,000. Surely the Aztek would require a larger discount.

Mark

gmdrone

check out my post #1482 re: your liftgate TSB
Have a good trip to FLA, wish I was going!
I will e-mail you plain text version of TSB, if I can ever access my Lotus Notes, EDS (Ed's Computers and phones) won't let me into the network right now, Corporate, you know!
Regards,

MAK

kissfan1

I'm printing out your post. I'm visiting my dealer next Thursday to do my 10,000 Km service / Tire Rotation and pretrip oil change.

I will fax them this TSB tomorrow so when I bring in the vehicle next week we can get this hatch fixed. They did yours.....does it work perfectly now.

I must thank you.

By the way.....If you do not mind could you send me an email @ kissfan@raidersfan.net

I have an off topic question for you.

Regards

lindsey

For those who wish to see what may be the reskinned and dramatically improved Aztek click here for one photo and Pontiac press release or click here for two larger pix.

mark156

Lindsey, if that's the new Aztek that you showed in your picture, it's not too bad looking. The cladding at the bottem made the vehicle look too out of balance. Maybe the new design will help sales and reduce deep discounts.

As I mentioned before, the experience that I had with my first GM back in 1981 was a nightmare. It made me not buy another American vehicle for over 15 years. I did buy a Jeep in '96 then again in '99 as a second vehicle. I still till this day feel very weary of buying another GM. My GM car with low miles fell over 60% in 3 yrs of ownership. Currently, I've purchased a new Mercedes E430 and have been very happy with it and the service I have received. I guess I could have bought a new Cadillac, but those GM memories kept popping back into my head. It's hard to get over a bad "GM diesel" experience.

Mark

eieieio

I started liking this forum again, then the dumb posts started showing up. I think its important to note that not one Aztek owner thinks his or her SUV is ugly, etc. So what do I care if someone else does? I don't, however, I thought it was important to point out that the only negatives on this car come from uninterested parties. Everyone that has purchased this vehicle has done so in favor of some over priced copy cat import.

Considering a Aztek? As Kissfan1 told me before I bought mine, You'll love it! And I do!

gonzo7

In the latest issue of Car and Driver magazine, on page 32, is a official picture of the revised 2002 Aztek. These are the official pictures, not the concept car above.
There is also a brief interview with Wayne Cherry the "father" of the Aztek.

gonzo7

Hopefully the sales flop and public ridicule the Aztek has brought onto GM will finally cure them of their obsession with gray plastic, ribs, scoops, flares, vents, spoilers, "ground effects" and gills.

How about designing something attractive without add ons?

Bode13

...best interests to release the photos (and presumably a soon-to-follow marketing piece) as soon as possible.

Since the styling, in studies done by independent research firms, has been mentioned by more poeple than any other single factor as the reason for not considering this vehicle (and presumably then, the reason sales have been so dreadful for what is otherwise a nice product), it can only benefit Pontiac to get these pics out there ASAP and say, "Hey, we're listening. We understand your concerns and are attempting to address them. So, whaddayathink of this design?"

Normally, as you are all well aware, this type of information is a closely guarded secret, as evidenced by the heavily camoflaughed "mules" used in on-road testing prior to introduction of a redesigned or new model.

Just so each of you knows, I am a Pontiac owner, and not a very happy one to be honest. My 1996 Sunfire Convertible has been problematic since day one. I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say it's been a bad enough ownership experience (everything included) that I vowed NEVER to even consider another Pontiac. I thought I might swear off GM altogether.

I have not seen the new photos referenced in #1491 nor have I heard whether for 2002 Pontiac will have come to its senses and put the prehistoric pushrod, 2-valves-per-cylinder, V-6 out to pasture.

But, if they do rectify some of those (IMHO) ridiculous styling cues, and give it a powerplant that wasn't designed by Flintstone and Rubble Motors, then the Aztek just may be vehicle enough to keep me in the "Driving Excitement" family.

dindak

As much as I hate ribs and plastic on some Pontiacs, there is definitely a segment of the population that likes it. My buddy at work Jeff has a Grand Am and thinks it's the hottest thing on the street.

I will check out the new C&D at lunch.

kelmoshea

I saw that you mentioned something about the check engine light problem.. Are you also having that problem? And if so do you know what is causing it? My Aztek has the same problem, which the dealer has yet to figure out. Also the post that mentioned to hatch problems.. is your problem with the remote opener not working? Occasionally mine does not open using the remote or even the button inside the vehicle. I have to press the button as I am lifting up on the window. Other that that I love my Aztek and wouldn't trade it for anything. I live in MA and I am starting to see a lot of them on the roads, IE: I saw 3 on the way to work the other day!! I was so excited to see that they are finally selling!! I think a lot of people were waiting for the HUD to be fixed and also for the allwheel drive model. Mine has neither but I bought it back in August. It is a great car in the snow. I livem in a VERY hilly part of MA and I have never had a problem even in the last storm where we got 25 inches of snow! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. It is a little odd looking but it doesn't look like every other vehicle on the road today!

vadp

"THAT MOST OWNERS OF THIS PRODUCT HAVE ABANDONED THIS SITE FOR
OTHER OWNER CLUBS.....".

Kissfan, I would like to take a look.
Where can I find them?

jmatero

That's why he is always so defensive and posts 80% of the total comments here... he believes this site is an "Owners Club". It is NOT. It is a forum. Websters describes a "Forum" as "A public meeting place for open discussion" and a "Club" as "A group of people organized for a common purpose". These are forums. If you are an Aztek owner and want to chat with other Aztek owners about how much you both love your cars or you want to share info with other owners, you need to post in a Club. Edmunds, however, is a site that provides information to help you make an informed decision when looking for a car. The Town Hall is a forum.. not a club. It is here allow open discussion about EVERY aspect of a vehicle... this INCLUDES comments from people who DON'T like a particular vehicle. In a forum, all opinions are welcome (provided they are not rude or offensive). If you like the Aztek, tell us why (once, please... hint-hint) and if you don't like it, tell us why (once... hint-hint) and then sit back, read and enjoy. Posting over and over again that you think the vehicle is "ugly" and the "worst mistake GM ever made" serves no purpose. Also, posting OVER AND OVER AND OVER again how much you love your car serves no purpose. I mean, if I was looking for Aztek info. here, I'd be pretty disgusted over how far I have to scroll to see any NEW comments from NEW participants. Seeing KissFan's postings filling my screen with the same comments over and over and over is VERY annoying. How about postings from the other 10,999 Aztek owners? Why aren't they here reporting their good/bad ownership experiences?

rick128

I'm considering purchasing an AZTEK and am new to this board.

I've read and read and read.

As an impartial observer I must agree with the owners that are posting here.

There appears to be a hostile element that seem to add little to conversation.

The posts that have given me the most info come from GMDRONE & Kissfan(Although Kiss fan has a large number of posts . By and large he posts usefull information)

By far the most interesting was the debate regarding safety. It was clear posters were intent on spreading false information.

Anyways GMDRONE and Kissfan keep up the good work. Hopefully you can keep the terrorists from taking over this board.

By the way when is yellow available in Canada?

My observation