Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
A reporter would like to speak with you about your experience; please reach out to PR@Edmunds.com by 7/22 for details.
Options
Comments
I live in the Seattle, WA area that gets rain and morning ice, but very little snow (except in the mountains, but I don't ski). I do camp in the drier months, even when they're not dry, but the most off-roading I really do is packed dirt roads.
So with the type of driving conditions I'll encounter 95% of the time, is the $2000 AWD option a waste of money compared to the Aztek GT FWD with traction control?
tonychry : Why would you be balling out a saleslady at a dealership about something GM didn't put in a truck. The lady probably had not comment because she thought you were a nut. Further.. I would hardly call VSC "critical safety equipment". Some how man kind had made it this far without it. Please!!
Kissfan: I've only been reading this forum for a few short weeks so I didn't realize that yours was black. I had black one, not a GT
, for a loaner a couple of weeks back. I received a number of +ve comments on it - even from a few friends/colleagues who were previously trashing it vociferously. Personally, I think black is one of the nicest colours out there for the Az. But in an Ontario winter? You must have all the touchless carwashes mapped out...
Congrats again on your Sentra, theiceman
Kissfan: there is NO price overlap between CR-V and Aztek - yours prices at 30K+ (probably soon to drop 2-3K), while max price in Canada for a CR-V is 29800. Most CR-V's without leather etc are thousands less. CR-V is the vehicle with the BEST defect record (2001 Consumer Report); I look forward to seeing any GM vehicle in the top 5.
In market for a Silverado/Sierra - anyone know anything regarding their quality?
CR calls the Silverado competent, gives it high marks for low depreciation. However, they give it a black mark for reliability. Interestingly, the pre-'98s score above average reliability according to CR. That's often a sympton of a vehicle with good components and a good chassis but lousy assembly - if you can get them fixed under warranty, they'll be fine. If you like the truck, why not just get the extended warranty? Would you get it the same colour as your Aztek?
AZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEKAZTEK
theiceman
WRT to safety systems, "Some how man kind had made it this far without it", yes it has, but guess what? Some of the individuals of the species have not because of lack of such systems. I personally want to make sure I don't outlive my family before it's their "time".
Like I said, rationalization...
gonzo : Of course you will put some negative spin on the brand manager's forum. The GMC/Chevy versions will both come with 3rd row seating by mid summer and V8 option is in the works. The I-6 has more HP/Torque than most V8's anyway.
Azteks in Oakville! : Saw two black Azteks this morning on my way to the office. Black AWD and a Black GT. Were you out this morning Kissfan??
Well, guess what? Sometime ago very few cars came with these features because folks didn't want to pay for them (your reason), consumer uneducation/apathy, and the carmakers' perception that the average American could care less. But over time and market pressure from the European and Japanese models, these systems became widespread and standard in many cases.
WRT to VSC, I bet you that it will become just as common within 4 to 5 years as airbags are today. I'm just one those folks that likes to be ahead of the curve when it comes to my family's safety.
Of course, YMMV.
Where are you in Oakville.
Driving the AWESOME AZTEK around......
Kissfan : I live at 3rd Line and Upper Middle. I was coming down to QEW and Kerr. Must have been you in the GT. Black is one of the Best Aztek colors for sure.
Plus, everyone in this country who has purchased an Aztek previewed the vehicle with none other than Kissfan himself. Bet the Sentra has greater resale within 6 months.
My sales guy alone sold 7 (Raymond Chu @Lauire Williamson). I saw 4 today. So Zircon....your Gonzo like post is in error. Harly worth the energy of your keystokes.
Zircon......remember God has given a certain number of keystrokes. Don't waste them.
DINDAK......Next time you drive by an AZTEK GT.....give the thumbs up. I'll know its you (by the way what do you drive. I drove by 3rd line and Upper Middle today. My daughter takes swimming at QEW pool Saturday @ 2:00 - 2:30 and Sunday @ 11:30-12:00. If you are ever scooting around the area at those times drop by the pool. Pick up my Sentra tomorrow @ 7:30 PM.......Fun little car to drive.
All the best Dindak!!
;........the AZTEK smile.
Sometimes the truth hurts.
I post only facts.
I never posted anything about the safety issue since we were all guessing. (Actually I had posted that I thought the Aztek would do better than the Montana since it didn't have the huge door openings- I guess I was wrong)
My posts are indisputable.
The Aztek is a huge sales failure. Fact.
Most people (over the age of 14) find it's appearance repulsive. Fact.
GM is in a terrible slide and out of touch with what the market wants. Fact.
The Aztek is a mechanical antique. Fact.
Poor safety test results. Fact.
Dealers, in areas where Kissfan is unable to take his touring three-ring Aztek show, are eager to give them away at nearly any price. Fact.
There is no modern vehicle mocked so pubicly nor to be rediesgned as quickly as is possible. Fact.
Let me know if I can be of any assistance.
(Note: BOTH eyes open)
I don't need to call people names to make a point, so please try to keep it civil while you correct me about what I write about. I'm anxiously waiting...
Louis
It can easily be perceived that this board has been taken over by children who's only objective is to vandalize it.
Ok here... Your Statement ....then reality:
Aztek is a sales failure......
No question!! 75k target and about 18k sold. Yes it is a failure from a sales perspective. (Pathetic marketing.....No colors in many markets...God in Toronto all you could get was Red and Black till almost November......Did GM make mistakes....yes)
Most people over the age of 40 find Aztek Repulsive: Strictly opinion. Show me your Gallop pole or your FACTUAL imformation. I own one I talk to people daily. Easily 7 out of ten find the looks cool. BUT THAT IS STILL NOT A STATISTCAL FACT. Sorry Gonzo you have no fact there.
Gm is on a slide.....They have lost market share....In my Sentra purchase I drove every entry level GM product found nothing accepatable......I agree they need to turn it around. Market share loss is a FACT . (indisputable)
Aztek is mechanical Antique.......your OPINION. Some who see the glass half full would say it is great marriage of proven and new. Is it brand new out of the shute.....No but is proving to be very sound vehicle with no OFFICIAL RECALLS (and minor TSB's......I know how you hate my referencing other vehicles......Take a look at Tribute/Escape....and your fave...hehe..x5).
ANOTHER OPINION.
The Safety results are not 5 Star accross the board but 5 STAR FRONT side inmpact is excellent......The results are average......not poor. Another OPINION Gonzo.
Dealers giving them away.......OPINION. I know people working hard to make deals and dealers are holding firm. They are not being given away. Another OPINION.
Show me your EMPIRICAL evidence.
No modern vehicle mocked........another OPINION.
AND yes you can be of assistance......where do i get crash test info on the:
Borgward Rapid 130.
All the best......be carefull how you define fact. What goes on in some peoples minds is often OPINION........they believe is Fact.
My New Black Sentra (pick up tomorrow) has a charcoal Grey dash....curious how I'll get glare.
We can take this offline....... email me @ kissfan@raidersfan.net
Thanks for you help.
kissfan : Good luck with the Sentra. One of the best little cars out there. I usually drive my silver Intrigue. I will look out for your Aztek. I was actually there for the Home Show today. My wife brings our little one there for baby/mom classes during the week also. Small world.
How has the Aztek been for reliability? Does it feel solid? Do the little things still work?
You see, my mother-in-law owns a 1998 Chevy Venture and, overall, it's a terrific vehicle...reliable, economical, and rugged. There are some problems, however, such as faulty plastic trim, fan setting #1 doesn't work, the rear wiper motor groans, and the left front brake makes a clicking sound. Nothing serious to be sure, but little things one tends to associate with GM and first model year production.
I'm curious to know if you think GM has engineered these issues out of their newer models and how the Aztek stacks up.
PS: I wish the Rendezvous came with a cooler and tent option...how cool!
I have a full-size SUV with 3rd row seating, but I am only a family of 4 (+ occasional grandma visits), and besides keeping the kids away frome ach other (less fights), that is as much need for the 3rd row as I'm gonna need.
Buy the Rendevous if you must, but the 'Tek would do if you love/want that cooler and tent package. Besides, for the kinda deals out there on the Tek, you'll save a bundle buying it.
Hey Kissfan, want to expound on the great 'Tek experience to 'fedlawman' ? If you can't change his mind wrt buying the 'Tek over the Rendevous, no one can... :-)
After a 2 day rental I am looking to buy an Aztek but I am having a bit of a hard time finding a good deal on one.
Best I have found so far is 35,465$ CND for the GT which seems a bit steep. Would any of my fellow Canucks be able to drop me a few lines with info that might help my barganing position? Almost all of the info I can find on the web seems to be based on the US market and US $$ which doesn't seem to translate too well to the Ottawa Ontario market..
Thanks in advance,
Twismer@fastlane.com
Although they only have two left, Surgenor's can get more for you. My salesman there was/is John Piper (their top salesman I believe...and it shows. I highly recommend him - 741-0741). Stay away from Sunrise unless old fashioned car sales techniques fascinate you.
theiceman
All the sales people I have spoken to said that the Aztek's were selling well but I really wasn't sure if that was just part of the sales pitch.
Will let you know how it all works out
If you buy, let us know how you did!
NO other minivan or SUV (except for the PT Cruiser and the Chevy Blazer) received frontal driver crash test ratings = or less than the Pontiac Aztek. NONE. In fact, EVERY OTHER 2001 MINIVAN TESTED TO DATE has received 4 or 5 stars for frontal driver safety so I fail to see how the Aztek could be considered "average" when it received only 3-stars.
Regardless, I did some calculations based on the data available at NHTSA.gov on currently tested 2001 Minivans and SUV's:
The following is for 2001 Minivans:
Average Frontal Crash Driver: 4.00
Average Frontal Crash Passenger: 4.25
Average Front-Side Impact Rating: 4.73
Average Rear-Side Impact Rating: 4.45
The following is for 2001 SUVs:
Average Frontal Crash Driver: 3.81
Average Frontal Crash Passenger: 4.12
Average Front-Side Impact Rating: 4.75
Average Rear-Side Impact Rating: 4.88
The 2002 Aztek Ratings are:
Average Frontal Crash Driver: 3 (BELOW AVG)
Average Frontal Crash Passenger: 4 (AVG)
Average Front-Side Impact Rating: 5 (AVG)
Average Rear-Side Impact Rating: 3 (BELOW AVG)
That said, the facts are that the 2001 Pontiac Aztek's Front Passenger-seat Frontal Impact and Front driver/passenger side impact protection is AVERAGE but the Driver Frontal Crash and Rear-seat passenger side crash ratings are below average in comparison with other tested 2001 Minivans and SUV's.
This is not "misinformation", a red herring or "made up data"... it's information available at NHTSA.gov. It is fact.
Actually, I should be in the minivan market (I like the MPV for it's compact size and utility) but my wife just doesn't want a van. The Rendezvous is perfect for us because it is virtually the same size as a Chevy Venture, seats 6 or 7 comfortably, and is invoice priced around $27,000 for a Versatrak AWD model. That's a lot of car for the money!
My alternatives are the Mitsubishi Montero, Acura MDX, Mercedes ML320, Toyota Sequoia, and Chevy Tahoe...all strong considerations but significantly more expensive.
I like the Pontiac Aztek. If it had a third row, there would be no contest, and that is why I am so excited about the Rendezvous! I expect it to be as utilitarian as the Aztek with a little bit of luxury thrown in...not to mention the 3rd row seat. Perfect for my family.
So, back to my original question (post 1921), how is the Aztek?
The Aztek TV commercial with the 20-somethings throwing snowballs made my purchase decision easy!
Ponitiac stated in a article in CNN webb pages that the Aztek has the same platform as the Montana..THIS IS FACT, EVEN BACKED UP BY PONTIAC.
The Montana has been tested by the IIHS, and it came in DEAD last..with gruesome pictures..FACT.
So I actually contacted IIHS by phone last week and asked why the Aztek was not tested. The engineer that I spoke to stated that "we do not test vehicles that have the same platform as previous models that have already been tested..!
So in my simple mind that means that in a offset crash, the results of the Aztek would be quite similar to the Montana..
In fact, that was exactly the question I posed the representative of IIHS...Hypothetically speaking would vehicles with similar platforms have similar offset crash resluts...
the answer was ....YES....!!
If you have a family, buy the best and safest vehicle you can afford...!!!!
Mark ..... ;o) the daimlmerchrysler smile
Whitetek : I've noticed quite a few more on the road. They are mostly GTs so they aren't rentals either. I don't think they will ever sell what GM hoped, but I think people are getting used to their looks.
I did not, nor have I EVER claimed the Aztec to be a "dangerous" ride... What I HAVE said is that 2 of its 4 ratings are average compared to other mini vans and SUVs and 2 are below average. I didn't factor in the Tundra because it is a truck. People buying the Aztec cross shop mini vans and SUVs, NOT pickup trucks.
Also, "weight class" is only a factor in FRONTAL CRASHES... NOT SIDE CRASHES. I've posted this 5 times now and people still site the NHTSA side test results I've listed as "inaccurate". In SIDE IMPACT tests, weight class Doesn't Matter.
In other words, if you're riding in the back seat of a 2001 Honda Civic (a small car to say the least) and you're hit by a vehicle... ANY vehicle... your chances of being injured are FAR LESS than if you're riding in the back seat of an Aztec (a much larger, heavier vehicle). This is fact... some people here may think I'm "Aztek bashing" but that's not the case... I'm presenting fact. AND I don't spend my life on the crash-test sites. It took me 5 minutes to calculate those results. I only did it because KissFan posted here that the Aztek got "average" crash test results and that is NOT true.
Whether you like the government crash test methods or not... and some question them... is your choice. I don't feel the frontal test methods they use are the best either. BUT NOBODY can dispute their SIDE IMPACT testing. They simply take the car and crash a solid object the size and height of a car into the vehicle at a set speed. There is no way to "misinterpret" such results is there? The SAME barrier is used for each vehicle whether it's a Civic or an Aztek. How can you dispute/Question THOSE results? In fact, the government isn't even reporting the full results in these side-impact tests because their dummies don't register head-trauma until next year. In other words, the "star-rating" relates to torso injuries and even the government admits that the majority of side impact injuries that result in death are due to head trauma.
What should be noted here is that when it comes to side impact protection, a car like the Honda Civic (5-stars all around) is a low, small, light vehicle. You would think that the Aztek (heavier, with people sitting much higher) would provide better rear-side impact protection but it only gets 3-stars. That's engineering folks, plain and simple. And with today's technology, there is NO REASON for this vehicle to score only 3-stars... below average in the Minivan/SUV segment.
Finally, my goal here is not to "take the fun" out of your ownership experience or "scare" people as you suggest. If these results are "taking away your fun" and "scaring" you, it's because YOU are upset at the vehicle's performance in these tests and are mad at ME for posting them AFTER you purchased your vehicle. I've never read a post here from a person saying they own an aztek and are "scared" now because of the crash-test results. I have never read a post saying "I have an aztek and your posts showing the crash test results are taking the fun out of my ownership experience" have you? And what if these results DID scare somebody away from buying an Aztek... what's wrong with that? You may not LIKE the lost sale but if a person totes their kids around to soccer practice and safety is a big concern, why SHOULDN'T they buy another vehicle that performs better? If they drive to and from work on a busy highway everyday and are concerned about their OWN safety as a driver, why SHOULDN'T they choose a vehicle with a 5-star rating vs. the Aztek's 3-star driver/frontal rating? Why do so many owners here HATE the fact that I post these results? Because they love their Azteks and hate the notion that they are not the safest vehicle for the money in their class. They feel this information is an "attack" on them and their vehicles. Well, unfortunately, that's YOUR issue. If you're mad, write GM/Pontiac and demand they consider you and your family's safety PARAMOUNT from now on.
I'm sorry you feel this is "Aztek Bashing" but it's fact and if you don't like it, write that letter... or buy another safer vehicle... but don't shoot the messenger! I LIKE the Aztek and defend it ALL THE TIME... it's got a lot of great features, makes a great minivan alternative and the looks are actually growing on me. But for me, safety IS a HUGE factor when choosing a vehicle... as much or more so than reliability. So far, the Aztek seems to be a reliable vehicle with many happy owners and that's great! But I'll steer-clear because my KIDS ride in the back seat and there are MANY other choices that offer MUCH better rear-side impact protection. So FOR ME... read carefully...not EVERYONE...but FOR ME... I won't take the chance.
For ANYONE interested in how to choose a safe New Car, follow this link for some excellent information from the IIHS...
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/sfsc.htm
In a nutshell, she said that vehicles are tested in "groups" with few exceptions. In other words, they test new minivans together, new SUV's, etc. The next group they will be testing is "small SUV's" (Escape/Tribute/Santa-fe sized). The Aztek is not currently scheduled for testing because it falls into what they call a "cross-over" vehicle and the institute is still debating on what class this vehicle should fall into. In the case of the Aztek, it is most likely a Minivan but because the sales figures are so low and the vehicle has such a small market, they probably won't be testing it in the near future.
The only exception to the "tested in groups" rule the institute has made to date was the recent testing of the Ford Focus. This was because they had already tested a group of small cars last year and the focus wasn't available at the time... but there were so many requests that they tested it this year by itself.
I asked whether the Aztek was not being tested because it is based on the Montana platform and her response was "it is a factor, but not the ONLY factor at play here... the market for the Aztek is small right now and that is the main reason it hasn't been tested".
So, until the thing sells better or other "cross-over" vehicles come on the scene, the Aztek probably won't be tested.
Perhaps a write-in campaign by owners will "convince" the institute to test the Aztek...?
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
1005 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201
(703) 247-1500
and PLEASE don't think I'm attacking you....
BUT... the NHTSA slammed a 3,015 object the size of a small car into the sides of 35 2001 minivans and SUVs at a speed of 38.5 miles per hour.
The ONLY vehicle to get below 4 stars in rear side impact protection was the 2001 Pontiac Aztek. In fact, the Gov't has the Aztek listed under SUVs and if you go down the list, EVERY OTHER 2001 SUV TESTED GOT 5-STARS (minus the Forester actually which still got 4).
That tells me something. It should tell you and everyone else something as well. Regardless of what anyone thinks of crash testing, and taking into account these results are "not the holy grail" it is apparent that the rear-seat passengers riding in an Aztek are more likely to receive injuries in a side-impact than in any other 2001 SUV and Minivan tested to date.
For a person who carries passengers in the rear-seat to "ignore" or take these results "with a grain of salt" is irresponsible in my opinion. This is the same barrier that is thrown at Honda Civics, Ford Focuses and Chevy Prizims... yet, when it's tossed at the Aztek, 3-stars.
Look, I'm not debating the convenience of a built-in cooler or the utility of having a tent built-in... I'm only talking about safety. If you don't think safety is at the top of the list, then don't let this crash information be the decision-breaker. Look, I know there will always be those who say "Geez, who cares... just don't get into an accident and none of this will matter". Well, you can be the best driver in the world but when a guy runs a stop light what matters?
Pontiac Montana - 4 star
Oldsmobile Silhouette - 4 star
Before the Aztek was tested, someone quoting the NHTSA stated that crash test performance is the same for vehicles with identicle platforms. Maybe they tested the Aztek at 4:45 pm on Friday afternoon?
This platform has an average rating of 4 stars, OK?
By the way, I have made my Aztek a four star safety vehicle, I took the pair of scissors out of the glove box.
Some of you really need to find better pastimes. I was wrong. I thought that lots of people used the internet to look at pictures of naked girls. I'm going to make a fortune. I'm going to start a site that charges to look at pictures of smashed up cars.
Look the stars and ratings is a dead subject. The Aztek is about average. Could have done better. Could have done worse. So what are you complaining about? You continue to bring up the word "platform". You have no idea of what it means. I'll explain. It's located by the kanuteing valve by the grease fitting on the muffler bearing. I'd go further but it's time to rotate the air in my tires. Every three thousand miles.
P.S. try this link, if you dare: http://www.crashtest.com/pontiac/ie.htm
Whether it is a deep seated hatred for GM. They owned a bad vehicle from GM. They were fired by GM......or some other strange reason. They sell nissans toyotas or chyslers and take a perverse pleasure in the difficulties that GM has faced selling the product.
Fact is ..... there are no recalls on the product.
It is well made and solid. It is safe and delivers solid proven technology married to a design that is truly different.
I have an interest in being here.......I own the vehicle. We share info here and learn about the vehicle.
The prime objective of the bashers is to rip the vehicle despite it being solid and well built. They enjoy watching the commercial failure and often ridicule owners and people who want to buy it.
The hope to spread misleading concepts and sway potential buyers. They are bullies in the school yard......nothing more. Leave the site to those interested in the vehicle.
By the way.......those 14 year love the vehicle have influenced two parents at my daughters private school to buy the vehicle. If you time it right.......and pull into the lot.....at Cedargrove in Mississauga......You will see 3 Awesome Azteks!!!
Despite lousy marketing......lack of colours...... they are starting to sell. Much to the shagrin of the naysayers.
; ).........the AZTEK smile (had fun with my new Sentra today.....love 5 speed......wish my AZTEK was 5 speed)
"about average"? Uh.... for the 8,000th time,
NO... wrong
Will the people here claiming the aztek crash results are 'average" and "about average" please post a link to the data that shows the Aztek to have "average" or "about average" ratings in the Minivan and SUV field?
anyone......?
I didn't think so.
Go ahead and keep saying I'm spreading lies and misinformation but I can back mine up.... can you?
anyone......?
I didn't think so.
The Aztek is "Average" in Passenger frontal and Front-side impact protection and "Below Average" in Driver's frontal and Rear-side protection.
End of story.
follow the link, same source that raves about BMW:
http://www.crashtest.com/pontiac/ie.htm
What's those ratings? Excellent, acceptable, excellent? Who'd a thought of that? And wow, these guys use real world data.
Time to give up?
Wondering if anyone in the more southern zones has been out camping with their Aztek. How does the tent work out and how comfortable is it in the back for two adults?
By the way after we had signed the deal and they already had our money, the sales person told us this was the fourth Aztek he had delivered this week. Sounds like sales may, in fact, be picking up!