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 7/25 for details.
Options

Pontiac Aztek

14142444647127

Comments

  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    Changing the wheelbase and having a unitized structure that is dimensionally different makes one change many other aspects of the platform (linkages, axles, etc.).

    A good example of a "same platform" would be the Camry and ES300, all the mechanicals are the same dimensions (wheelbase, turning radius, wheel track, etc.) Though the engines are similar (3.0L V6), the ES300 has been optimized for better hp.

    P.S. Azztek!
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    I just posted them over in the Aztek owner's club photo gallery (remember that that topic is mainly for posting pictures only). A big improvement, IMHO.

    drew_ "Aztek Owners: Photo Gallery" Apr 17, 2001 2:39pm


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,284
    Something seems flaky in those prduction numbers. AFAIK Olds produced no 2001 Cutlasses. And are you telling me I can still buy a new 1999 Riviera from inventory? I might need to check that out...

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • bdreggorsbdreggors Member Posts: 143
    Check this out:

    http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/homfc.asp


    Three Cutlasses and an Eighty-Eight were sold last month. In fact, my local Buick still has a Riv on their lot. Brand-spankin' new '99 , 1200 miles, loaded, Silver Arrow edition. Anyone interested? :-)

  • gizmo15gizmo15 Member Posts: 22
    We bought our Aztec just over two weeks ago... not a CT, but we got the extra convenience package... top of the line stereo, power driver seats, pull out tray, cooler etc.

    So far we really like it, although like Rich, my wife drives it during the day so I don't get to use it that much.

    Looking forward to trying out the camping package, as soon as it warms up a bit, and looking forward to sharing experiences with fellow owners.
  • gizmo15gizmo15 Member Posts: 22
    This a question for those of you who have had your Aztecs for a while.

    Do you use anything special on the black body moldings, or do you find they stay new looking on their own? I'm a bit worried about them starting to fade and get dull.

    Any suggestions from your experiences?
  • aztekaztek Member Posts: 10
    Hello! A bunch of us are holding a rally in July. It will be the 28th and 29th (for those choosing to sleep over). We will be meeting at the Fashion Center in Paramus, NJ.

    E-mail me at Aztek@nni.com if you are interested.
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    Call the Aztek a failure but it seems to be running neck and neck with the Ford Excursion.


    http://www.autosite.com/editoria/asmr/svolsu.asp


    How come nobody's running over to that board and raising heck?

  • 1tadpole1tadpole Member Posts: 2
    My husband and I picked up Quazimoto(my choice in names) in mid-January. It is a maple red AWD GT with 1SC package and every other available bell and whistle.
    I am madly in love with it despite the fact that I am not allowed to drive it to work due to the obnoxious people in the parking lot who like to slam their car doors into other cars :(
    -Karen
  • joke34joke34 Member Posts: 2
    I am an Aztek owner since January (Pewter GT with AM/FM/Cassette/CD). I'm a manager in a hospital. I live in Northern NJ, am married with two daughters, two cats, one dog and one fish.
    I love this car!!! I drive it into NYC every day and can't say a bad word about it. Am still trying to come up with a name for my Tek (besides My Baby).
    - Jo
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    If they make that Aztek Salsa, they will sell lots of them. That is a big improvement. Although I still like the conservative Rendezvous better, I might be lured in to Aztek with those looks!
  • zirconzircon Member Posts: 62
    Excursion is (was) the fad of the month if you will. It is alreasy passe. Gas prices will keep them in the driveway all summer.

    Salsa looks much better than the existing model but front end is still pretty radical. I agree with matero - Pontiac's fortune is much brighter with the coming Vibe. Hot looking and excellent drive train.

    If the Highlander shares many some components with the Camry, is it also made in the States? It seems pretty pricy, but will no doubt hold its value well. Not everything with a Toyota badge is an excellent seller - take a look at the egg on 4 wheels, the Echo. It is pretty brutal looking and has sold poorly if I am not mistaken.
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    Hello all!! You know me as Kissfan. My Name is Rick and I live in Toronto (Oakville) Canada. I've owned my "All Black" Tek since September 3rd. I also own a 2001 5 speed Nissan Sentra SE Sport. Have one daughter and cat named BO (after Bo Jackson) and a hamster named TY (after Tyrone Wheatly). I'm a huge Oakland Raider fan and luv Rock and Roll (Kiss, Aerosmith.....).

    I'm in sales and sell for a Communications company. I sell Digital Video Services.

    And finally I love my AZTEK. It is a great product that I will defend to the death.... lol> ;)

    Wearing the AZTEK smile ;)........gonzo be gone!!
  • jmaterojmatero Member Posts: 253
    The Ford has been out for 3 years now, so sales are dropping off. I never said the Aztek was a failure... in fact, I predicted sales would pick up after the restyle. Remember, too, that very few $40,000+ domestic vehicles sell in great numbers to begin with. The Aztek is a new vehicle in the <$30k range.
  • gonzo7gonzo7 Member Posts: 259
    Hi- My name is Gonzo.
    For years I have said "If They could only take a minivan, hack a couple of feet off the the back, Dip it in gray plastic, Put tiny tires on it, overprice it and market it poorly- I would wuv it!"
    My dreams have come true!
  • rotterdamronrotterdamron Member Posts: 10
    Hi, Had my Tek for 2 weeks now, Pewter GT with 1SB package, heads up display is unique and should be a standard feature on all vehicles for safety reasons. In this package came the alarm system, insurance is CHEAPER than my 98 Sunfire with all the discounts.I also am a Defensive Driver Instructor vision and command of this vehicle is what sold me. I also have 2 girls in college and needed a way to transport them this fall, did a side by side comparison with the Blazer etc and the TEK won hands down, more money, but much more fun to drive, besides, my 2 girls love the stares they get on the road. Still programming Driver 1 key, and Driver 2 key,( wife doesn't like the horn thing when it locks).Will try to tackle the radio controls next. keep you posted. A happy camper. haha
  • gizmo15gizmo15 Member Posts: 22
    Quazimoto...I love it. My wife and I call ours "The Beast". As for the stares, it's amazing. I still can't believe how many we get!
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    Ignorant posters need not apply.

    Do you OWN one......No.

    Bye

    ;)......AZTEK smile
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    Test drive it Thursday and drive it home Friday, if all goes well. Will check out the rear latch, dash-warping and over 60 mph problems identified by NHTSA before signing the line.
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    The rear latch is the only one I've seen repeated. There is a TSB out on it. Mine and the lady at my daughters school have no issues.....I've been up to 140KMph and it was rock solid.

    All the best.....Dr Zoom......hope you are tekking soon.....you will love it.

    ;)........the AZTEK smile!!
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Just noticed gmcanada.com now has full information including pricing on it's web site. I imagine Rendezvous should be showing up at dealers very soon.
  • ziogioziogio Member Posts: 4
    To be honest, my girlfriend and I prefer the current look of the Aztek, especially the black model. I just hope that by the time I'm ready to buy the model with options I want will still be available.
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    While the Rendezvous looks great, I do prefer the looks (interior and exterior) of the Aztek. Plus the 'Tek is considerably lower in cost when you factor rebates and dealer invoice sale price. It may be a long time before Rendezvous are sold close to dealer invoice.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    We still have a year on a current lease before we can look at a Rendezvous. Hopefully the prices will come down and incentives come up. Even at list, the CX is in range so I think it will be ok. Then again, if the Aztek re-style goes well, I may just look at one of those also.
  • steveswstevesw Member Posts: 5
    I've been following this discussion for a while, since I've had an interest in the Aztek, and I've appreciated many of the comments. I checked out and drove a bunch of other vehicles during my search. When I first saw the Aztek up close, I said 'woaaa' - this is different!! After test driving it, I found it to be a pleasure considering its comfortable seats, its roominess, the interior design details and layout, super sound system, how it handles on the road, and the fact that it is very smooth and quiet on the highway with little engine or road noise.

    So, I picked up my new red sun-roofed GT Friday evening in Rhode Island. What a fun vehicle to drive!! Anyone out there who is thinking about a new vehicle, that allows you great flexibility, really ought to try one out - it may grab you as it did me. I do like the styling alot - there are things on it I would like to see changed, but that would be true for me for most vehicles.

    Gas mileage was also a big consideration for me. It's only been a week so I can't say yet for sure how it will do. I do about 100 miles to and from work, mostly highway, but so far it seems to be great on gas!

    I noticed the enthusiasm of Kissfan and queried him about the Aztek, and he was very helpful. So, if you are a potential Aztek owner, talk to those who own, and maybe we can help.

    I drive down the highway and watch the stares and smile!
  • kdudemgbkdudemgb Member Posts: 3
    Hi, we have a two week old steel blue base model. Very happy with it, my wife uses it as her daily driver. I now drive my wife's Grand Cherokee Limited that I now realized how rough riding and awkward it is. (right after the first couple times of driving the Aztek amazingly).

    I do have the camping package and I am anxious to use it this summer which is uncharacteristic of me since I can't stand camping.

    I am married, have two small children and a cat. I work as a systems analyst for a major corporation. I live in Metro Detroit.

    Looking to add a FM modular CD changer in the next few weeks.

    Matt
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    Yes we are enthusiastic about this product as owners because we are living with the vehicle and enjoying it. It unquestionably has superior fit and finish heretofore unseen from any GM product I've ever sat in or drove.

    As many of you know I just purchased a Nissan Sentra after recieving my $2,000 Cdn rebate check from GM. I felt obliged to give my AZTEK dealer a shot at my business. Their was no vehicle on their lot that gave me the same sense of quality that the AZTEK does.

    GM may not have a sales winner right now with the AZTEK but it unquestionable has a Quaility winner. With no recalls and few irritants it remains an outstanding product.

    So my friend......enjoy your TEK and by all means let me know more about your ownership experience. I am searching High and Low for a dissatisfied owner.......I'll tell you there are none to be found.

    Luv my TEK........ wearin the ;) AZTEK smile

    Anyone interested in the Tek can email me.....I would be glad to help.
  • gizmo15gizmo15 Member Posts: 22
    I agree with Kiss fan. Other than the non-owners I haven't seen anything posted to this group, or any of the owners groups, from anyone who is unhappy with their Aztek.

    I find that amazing, especially in a first year vehicle.

    I am curious though... I've had mine for less than a month... love it... absolutely no problems. But I would like to hear from anyone who has had a negative experience. Sometimes others can learn from those as well.

    So if any owners out there have had problems please let us all know.
  • aztekaztek Member Posts: 10
  • aztekaztek Member Posts: 10
    I have had mine since October. Best thing in the world next to sex. In fact, sex in it is even better. SO all you naysayers can stick with your ford excursions and escapes. Oh, by the way . . . How many recalls on the Fords? How many on the Aztek? I would rather have a great vehicle that some didn't like the looks of, than a vehicle that those same people liked the looks of and had to keep taking back to the shop for recalls!
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    Anybody put one on yet and which brand did you get? Seen listings for Drawtite, Reese and Putnam (?). I want one that I won't bag my shin on and can be used as a bike rack at some time or another. Any answers?
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    After waxing mine I found that the plastic and the wax didn't mix. Had white stuff all over it. Found a fingernail brush at Wal-Mart that along with regular old car wash soap, did a great job removing the wax. Got to believe that using one of the trick liquid waxs would work better than the paste I tried.
  • zirconzircon Member Posts: 62
    There may not be enough vehicles on the road yet to identify less severe issues. On the other hand, the people who post here, some repetitively, clearly feel it is a flawless vehicle. Too bad the sales numbers are so low. Some of their junky vehicles sell 20x as much. Clearly a much better vehicle than the Escape, and without the quality issues that nailed the Exploder and the new GM SUVs.
  • whitetekwhitetek Member Posts: 32
    My wife and I have had our Aztek 2 and a half months now, and the only problem we've had is that the rear liftgate doesn't always release on the first push of either the interior release button or on the keyless entry. That's it, that's the only thing that's come to closest to being a problem with our Aztek. Like many have said already, the fit and finish is remarkable on our Aztek also. What I really enjoyed, was the way it handled on the snow and ice covered roads. I've never felt closer to the road in the winter in any other vehicle and we have the front wheel drive with traction control only. I could go on all day with a review, but to make the story short, my wife and I just love our Aztek!
  • aztekaztek Member Posts: 10
    Sorry about the no post. My system crashed just as I was typing this out so . . . .

    Anyway, I am organizing a rally of Azteks and owners. It will be held on the 28th of July with a camping trip that night.

    If interested please contact me Aztek@nni.com

    Joe
  • aztekaztek Member Posts: 10
    I got my 'Tek in October and have over 10,000 miles on it. The only problem I've had has been the tailgate thing and that my dealer hasn't gotten the new specs for the alignment for his machine. So, my toe is out and I pull to the left very, very slightly.

    The dealership said that if they don't get the new specs soon, when they do they will throw on new tires, gratis.

    I drive the 'Tek very hard. I also live in the city and get about 20 mpg and on recent road trips to Maryland (400+ miles round trip), Pittsburgh (500+ miles round trip) and Northern NJ to see relatives and scout sites for the rally - got an average of 28.345 mpg on the highway.

    No vibrations, wind noise, nothing. It rides like a dream.

    I have hauled a refrigerator, Dry Wall, Plywood, People, and it hasn't skipped a beat.
  • robynrrobynr Member Posts: 22
    You mean they're staring at the car (truck?), not me? And I thought it was just me that
    was so darn good lookin' after I shaved off the beard! ;) (har, har!!)

    Robyn
    SE Michigan
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    Test drove our new GT last night. What a ride! The rear latch works fine and it handeled smooth at 90 mph. HUD is going to be standard on all my future cars. We finalize the paperwork today at lunch and will be on our way.

    BTW, I negotiated the price primarily over the www. Talked to several dealers all across Michigan and made offers to all who had a 'Tek on the lot that met our specs. This was my first new car purchase and it was very painless and consumed a minimal amount of my time. Negotiating took about 30 minutes (at the dealership) and primarily involved figuring out what was included and how much to pay for the extra items. Our 'Tek's 1SC package includes power passenger seats which is not listed as part of the 1SC package. Also had to pay $132 for the tire upgrade that is listed as being in the 1SC package.

    Overall, a very pleasant experience. We have been shopping since January and visited Toyota, Saturn, Buick and Chevy dealerships. For us (married w/two toddlers), the Aztek was the best fit.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I think a toned down re-style will cause sales to increase dramatically. People seem happy with the utility, ride and quality. Let's hope the 2002 models looks like that Salsa!
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    Reproduceable findings...... Just for the record,

    " I really don't believe the vehicle is flawless. Vehicles as the human condition are inherently flawed. If not flawed at birth they certainly become flawed with time and experience. Much like humans.......now some vehicles are more perfect then others. Some are bolted together better and will perform better over tima and with experience"

    "What I do believe is that..... amongst all the owners I have talked to.... all the records compiled by the NHTSA ....the dealers.....the brand manager......I have found strikingly little evidence substantiating problems with this vehicle."

    "You are right with ..... sales approaching 10,000 units... the sample may not be broad enough. However 10,000 owners would certainly be raising a stink if there were problems. To date nothing ".
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    My point is this,

    "The Infiniti Qx4 (5,345 Units... Electrical Recall)......cannot even find sales figures for BMW x.5 (3 serious recalls...and a whole EDMONDS page dedicated to x.5 problems)......Even Mercedes M Class with 10,000 units has a recall.

    The AZTEK may not have the prettiest face or certainly the cutest butt.......but she is a well built "piece of metal" that owners are enjoying.

    The quality is unquestionable........the NHTSA, and the customers all think so.

    Flawless.....NO.....Good product....Yes

    ;)......wearing the AZTEK smile
  • ultradrultradr Member Posts: 9
    hey aztek fans. recently had a 'tek gt fwd overnight. thought it was great. i'm sold. i have the option of either fwd or awd, out the door $200 over invoice(s). i live in northern illinois and am wondering if i really need the awd? never thought i would like the 'tek but it really is a pleasure to drive. have enjoyed all the info on this list.

    tim
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    I live in Toronto and am perfectly satisfied with the FWD. I've driven in snow 10 inches deep here in Canada and the FWD was just awesome. I personnally do not think I would spend the extra cash on AWD or suffer the poorer fuel economy. If I lived in Montreal which gets significantly more snow or the mountains of Colorado .....then I would invest in AWD.

    You will enjoy your AZTEK.......most owners have.

    ...... ; ) wearing the effervesent AZTEK smile
  • ultradrultradr Member Posts: 9
    thanks kissfan1. appreciate the insight. would love to hear from others too. the other vehicle i've looked at is the subaru forester s. a little less room, but still awd. that maple red 'tek gt was mighty fine though.
  • wierdalfanwierdalfan Member Posts: 3
    Hi, I'm looking at an Maple Red Aztec GT with the 1SC package. Dealer is offering it for just a shade under 22K. I would like to hear from those in the snow belt areas who own one who the positraction handles. I'm in N. Va where we are normally in the "mixed precip" area. Thanks.

    I've been reading up on the board and yes, I understand the 1)"safety" concern, but its only me and in the DC area, if your smashed by a semi, it really doesn't matter what your in. 2) As for resale value, my current Jeep is 11 yr old, and I plan to keep the next vehicle as long as possible also. 3) Looks. I'm a Weird A Yankovic/Dr. Dimento fan, ie. WARPED. So what if 90% of the population thinks its ugly. They probably have the same reaction to me so its a perfect fit. I've seen the picture of the new Salsa remake and prefer the original.

    I've been looking at it vs the usual suspects..Escape/Tribute/Sante Fe. Unfortunately eveything is 1st year, with the new Jeep and Saturn yet to come. Looks like the Aztec beats them all in est MPG and I doubt that they could match the price on the higher end models.

    Thanks for any info.
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    With the traction control, most if not all the snow you'll run into will be no problem. The major advantage of the AWD is the fully independent rear suspension which includes rear disk brakes. There is a slight handling advantage and the ride is a bit better but your mileage will drop a couple percent.

    Don't worry about the critics. There was that bunch that told Colombus that the world was flat and there was that bunch that told Orville and Wilbur that they would never fly. Just to feed the fire a bit, in this month's Hot Rod magazine they did an survey. They asked if the P T Cruiser was cool. Two people said yes, the rest said no. To quote Hot Rod "Those two people were wrong". So it doesn't matter who you ask about anything. Somebody won't like something. And if they don't like the Aztek, they're wrong.

    The safety issue really got out of control here. And you are right about bigger wins. By no means is the Aztek a "Death trap". It does come with ABS, dual air bags, side air bags, the structure is quite supple. The mechanics of the vehicle are based upon the U-Van and are proven to be reliable. The body isn't. The only nagging problem has been the rear hatch release. The springs which "pop" it off the latch weren't strong enough on the early ones. It's been fixed. If not, the fix is known and very easily done.

    If you choose to buy, I think you will enjoy the ride. (at least compared to what you are getting out of) It is very reasonable as far as cost to operate. My only complaint was when I went to wax mine. I used a paste wax and got some on the plastic. It was a pain to clean up. I used a finger nail brush with soap and water. White marks disappeared.
  • wierdalfanwierdalfan Member Posts: 3
    Thanks for the info. Called the dealership on Friday and talked to the sales person I had been working with to verify that it was still available. She said yes, so with checkbook in hand, I drove up on Sat. afternoon to buy it. When I got there, I was told that she was no longer working there and then dealership reneged on the quoted price. Guess I have to take a few steps back and recook things.
  • whitetekwhitetek Member Posts: 32
    As I have stated in some earlier posts, I have been most impressed with how my FWD Aztek with traction control handles in Northeast Ohio in the winter. I don't have a GT, so the tires are the smaller ones, and I really don't know what makes it feel like you are gripping the road when you drive. Maybe it's the widetrack stance. My wife had 2 sport utilities before the Aztek, a '95 Jimmy 4x4 and a '98 CR-V AWD, and to say the least, the Aztek is by far, the best at handling winter weather. I was concerned at first, if I made the right decision going with the FWD with traction control instead of the AWD. But all it took was one snowstorm and I was convinced I had made the right choice. I'm happy to have kept the extra $ in my wallet.
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    Picked up our Maple Red 1SC GT Friday and here are my initial dislikes/likes.

    DISLIKES:
    *Must raise arm-rest to connect the driver seat bealt. Maybe I'm missing something.
    *Outside mirrors are not "bendable". Just a matter of time until it breaks.
    *No rear window wiper. Why is this?
    *Onstar. I'm dropping it after the first year free deal. How much did I pay to allow GM to provide my with this "free" service for a year?

    LIKES:
    *Looks. Definetely not milk-toast.
    *Price.
    *Suspension.
    *Quiet ride.
    *Reliability. I know, it has not even been a year yet, but compared to whats being reported at other Town Hall groups, the 'Tek is off to a great start.
    *HUD.
    *Color.
    *Stereo. 10 speakers, CD, cassette, EQ...too cool! Rear controls are usefull.
    *Ground effect moulding. No worry about stone chips.
    *Reat vents.
    *No ash-trays. None!
    *One key for door and ignition (about time GM).
    *Removable center console.
    *Driver Info Center.
    *Dual zone AC.
    *Luggage rack.

    Overall, it is a blast to drive, a pleasure to look at and full of room. Seems to be a great vechicle and I'm looking forward to years of trouble-free 'Treking!
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    That is a bummer. I believe they have stopped production for the 2001 model year so the supply will slowly dwindle. If you are ready to buy, I'd find the model/options you want and nail the deal.
Sign In or Register to comment.