Pontiac Aztek

drzoom1

Anybody used it yet? Looks like since the side runners are flush with the roof, you might need some kind of a special setup ($$). We think a water-proof plastic/canvas type carrier would be nice. We will start shopping for a carrier over the next few weeks. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

lbthedog, I have no answers for you. We will also be shopping for a trailer hitch (in the GR area). Will let you know what we find, please do the same.

drzoom1

Robyn, You mention that "If you put a bigger engine in the Aztek, the gas mileage would detract from it's practicality". Good point. I have no problem with the acceleration of our GT. Plenty of power for a dude who is married with kids. And being married with kids, I certainly appreciate the better gas mileage. ***The Aztek balances power and gas mileage nicely.*** But if you are a single guy looking at 'Teks (assuming that is at least part of the target market), I would think engine size matters.

kdudemgb

Yes, it was a two page instruction sheet (English and Espanol). Some black and white pictures showing where to connect the straps. If you have any questions, email me at mbabich2000@yahoo.com. If you didn't noticed, salespeople are not very mechanically inclined and it's not suprisinging it too three of them 20 minutes to set it up.

oac3

ever driven (or rode in) a lex (is300, gs300)? or a bimmer (3-, 5- or 7-series)? talk about fun ! for me, i think what makes people 'talk' about the 'tek is two pronged: (1) the styling, and (2) the people who buy it. this second point is the more intriguing one for those who don't like the 'tek. they wonder what is the make-up of people would buy such polarizing vehicle ? or, they wonder what it is they are missing that 'tek owners ain't... i guess, it's gonna remain one of life's unsolved mysteries :-) for me, the front facia look has grown on me, but the rear hasn't and probably won't.... but cruising around town in our toyota sequoia and looking down on the 'tek and others on the road gives you a different feeling.

oh, what a rush...

ruski

someone got an Aztek at my company and they park it under my window. I actually like it more and more. It is yellow. I think it is a very nice shade of yellow that Pontiac used.

lbthedog

Hey we all make choices, for the price of your Lexus or Toyota I got an Aztek and can put some cash away for my kid's college days. For I what I paid, I got a lot, and I'm having fun, what's wrong with that?

oac3

c'mon relax, man... i got two kids too and sending them to college is my #1 priority. however, by the time they are ready for college, i will have the $$$ to pay for it, bimmer, lex or toyota notwithstanding. but, for all of the things i have had to go through to get me an education, i gotta have fun with my money NOW and not later. who knows, i may not live to be 65 to enjoy it then...

just having fun with ya, ibthedog, don't take it too serious, ok ?

drzoom1

I got two kids too and sending them to college is one of my top priorities. However, I gotta have fun with my money NOW and not later. Who knows, I may not live to be 65 to enjoy it then. That is why I did not purchase a boring Toyota and instead purchased a fun Aztek! As a bonus, early reviews indicate the Aztek is very reliable (think Toyota reliability).

kissfan1

I have one kid and I want her to be sent to college. That is one of my top priorities. However , I've got to have fun with my money now and not later. WHO KNOWS , I may not live to be 65 to enjoy it then. That is why a purchased a wild and fun AZTEK.

I get to drive down the highway and be looked at with either envy or disdain. Yes it is polarizing and yes it creates opinion. Well that is who I am. The AZTEK is the embodiment of my psyche.

1. I believe different is good. Different mean new ideas. New ideas made USA great (and Canada)

2. Prefer to trailblaze rather then follow the beaten path. Kinda "Go where no MAN has gone before" (Thx Mr. Rodenberry..... they thought your show was lousy....hmmmm)

3. I love the Silver and Black of the Oakland Raiders......What does that mean....It means US vs the world......againest all odds....we win!! ( Remember upstart rebels vs big bad England ....Who woulda thunk you guys woulda won that one) Raiders luved to be hated....Hmmm familar!

4. Favorite band KISS was the scourge of the Rock world. Different unique. Hated by critics. Laughed at by mainstream music scene. 80,000,000 Million CD/Albums later. They break records in 1996 comeback tour......

Just four small reasons why the AZTEK is me......and I am the AZTEK. It is the embodiment of a part of my persona.

A vehicle is an extension of a person........ for men it might be their "appendage". For me my psyche. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN SAY THAT ABOUT A MACHINE THEY SPEND 2-4 HOURS PER DAY IN???

; )........... wearing the AZTEK smile (While watching Survivor)

ultradr

kdudemqb
thanks, if i can't get any info from my dealer i'll drop you a line line.

kissfan1

TO OWN ONE!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TINA!!!!!!!!!

NEWEST OWNER OF A FANTASTIC PONTIAC AZTEK!!!!!!!!!!

; )............ wearing the AZTEK smile!!

tonychrys

I have one kid and I want him to be sent to college. That is one of my top priorities. Also making sure he lives to be old enough for college. However, I've got to have fun with my money now and not later. WHO KNOWS , I may not live to be 65 to enjoy it then. After working my butt off, climbing to the top of my field, and just turning 40, I bought a Lexus RX300.

When we had to buy another SUV this winter, I was ready to buy another "cheap" GM vehicle because of all the rebates and GM credit card points we had. We already own one bland (in terms of materials and technologies) GM vehicle. I said screw it, what am going to do, save my money till I'm 65 and then buy myself a nice car?

Anybody who thinks an Aztek (or any GM car for that matter) is top-of-the-line in it's field, has never truly owned a "nice" car. And yes, I've driven Azteks.

zircon

Why is everyone (here) worried about croaking before 65?

What's going on re: sales? The April numbers look dismal, but there are undoubtedly many more Azteks on the road. I trust sales includes rentals, leases, fleets etc? The numbers seem inconsistent.

rruck1

Sequoia = boring - I don't think so. Aztek's aren't the only vehicles on the road getting a lot of attention. Gotta love the Sequoia for it's head turning ability.

I have to say that I was intrigued when Aztek first came out. I need the 3rd seat, so it wasn't right for me from the get go, but I think it's nice to see a new vehicle that doesn't look like everything else in it's class. It would take a lot of convincing for me to buy one though, but not because of appearance. It's good to hear that so many people are having positive experiences with their GM vehicle, but GM has a lot to prove to me before I buy another vehicle from them.

dindak

Sequoia is ugly, sucks too much gas and is too big.. I'd rather drive an Aztek.

tonychrys

...I was simply cutting and pasting everyone else's paragraph to show the absurdity of what they were saying. To me it's the equivalent of "let's live a little, no McDonalds today, let's go to the diner!"

Some folks have never experienced a top notch dining out experience. That's a shame, and I hope they do before they are 65 and don't have their own teeth anymore to enjoy it...
(it's an analogy folks)

tincup47

6 months ago there were around 6-10,000 vehicles on the road, that has grown to about 25,000 now. As each month passes the chances of seeing them is greater, even though sales are still poor.

exzur

Three weeks ago I bought a yellow gt awd AZTEK with the 1SC pkg, towing pkg, and six cd changer for $28,095 minus the $1,500 factory rebate. The camping pkg is free.

On the second day, April 13, Friday, while backing up I hit a post damaging the driver side rear quarter panel. The damage is just cosmetic, but the dealer body shop say it will cost $700 to get it fixed.

On the fifth day, with my wife and my 11 year old daughter, we drove all the way to Clermont Florida. As I heard, we saw many AZTEKs roaming the Disney area.

After spending five days in Florida, we drove all the way back to New York City.

Twenty two days and three thousand four hundred miles later, I can say that my yellow aztek is
a well built and a very reliable car. The wind noise is barely noticeable. No squeak and rattle so far. The ride quality is very good. I have to agree with Kissfan. It has the Honda/Toyota build quality. The transmission is excellent. Although the engine has enough power to propel this car,
I would wish it has the Olds Intrigue V6 engine instead.

My only complain in this car is the Onsatr voice recognition system. I am having a hard time using the voice activated phone system. It would take several tries before I can make a phone
call. The VRS could barely understand the numbers. It gets annoying at times.

Despite these shortcomings, I am enjoying my yellow AZTEK. So far it is worth the money I paid for this car. I did my homework researching other cars. In my opinion the PONTIAC AZTEK
is a better value than the competition.

wierdalfan

After a couple more weeks of searching for a decent dealership, finally took the dive and bought one around the end of the month. Got a white one, not my first color choice, that would have been a maple red, but you can't see the outside from the inside anyway. So, it wasn't the GT package, but did get the 1SC package, towing package and the tent thrown in. Only got $1000 rebate, Pontiac must have changed it towards the end of the month. Enjoying it anyway.

dindak

At the grocery store last night and there were 2 Azteks in the lot. Saw one on the way to work today and at lunch at the bank, again 2 in the parking lot. They are becoming almost common now!

kissfan1

and my daughter will go to University. Don't want anyone to die in a car accident. However infering that one will die in an Aztek not in a Lexus is pure unabashed bull.......My god a woman in Toronto died in a Lexus in a 5 mile an hour collision......Air Bag deployment killed her.

So much for your theory.

The Aztek is a safe vehicle......dead issue!! (so to speak)

; ) AZTEK smile

kissfan1

Luved the AZTEK!!

Brought home Rich & Gannon!! Two new 7 week old kittens yesterday!! They purred in the AZTEK!! Happy and secure

; ) still wearing that AZTEK smile!!

oac3

geez... i didn't know this "croacking before 65" is gonna turn out to be such a calling card here. thanks zircon for helping to quelch that... and glad to hear that tonychrys (lex), drzoom1 (tek) and kissfan (tek) all want to enjoy their money NOW. that's the spirit, guys. gotta have fun regardless.

rruck1's point about the seq turning heads is absolutely on the money. how many do you see around ya everyday ? gotta agree it is kinda unique - big, hulking, handsome, and, yes, gas guzzling too. but it beats the humdrum of the expy's and tahoe's of this world...

quiz: how many would buy the 'tek over the 'seq if they are priced about same ? anyone ?

kissfan: keep up the 'tek smiles...

rrsmith2

Please forgive me - I just gotta vent.

Got our Aztek back from the dealer yesterday - 13 days after we took it in. Apparently the problem was with the housing for the evaporator coil. There is a drain hole in this plastic housing that did not get punched out in the factory. Water built up in the housing, overflowed into the heater duct and spilled over into the floor duct on the passenger side. I don't know about you, but it seems like it shouldn't have taken 13 days to figure this out and fix it - especially since the time before when I took the car in I asked if water could somehow be getting trapped around the AC coil.

My wife picked up the car at the dealer. According to her, the Maintenance Manager basically told her we should have expected problems with the car since it's the first year of a new model. I wonder what's Pontiac's offical stance on that comment (any corporate-types monitoring this site?).

Also, we were loaned a Pontiac Gran Prix to drive while the Aztek was getting fixed. When my wife started it up, a yellow light on the tachometer started flashing as did the lights on the bottom of the doors. This apparently happens when you exceed the yellow line on the tach. Problem was, the car was at a slow idle in park in our driveway! More Pontiac excitement!

We'll be taking our car to another dealer if we have any more problems. So much for American cars - NEXT TIME I'M BUYING A HONDA!

Again, thanks for letting me vent.

lbthedog

Not a matter of would, but if you want to make a comparison, I bought my tek and and have a Lotus Elan in the garage for the same amount you spend on a Sequoia . So much for choices.

drzoom1

I'd be pissed too. I hope you got some other nearby service departments you can take it too. A good MM would have made sure you were satisfied and most certainly would have made sure the loaner car did not have problems.

I hope you have better luck with you Aztek in the future.

You looked into lemon laws in your state?

rrsmith2

Illinois has a lemon law, but the way I read it, it would be a big hassle to implement and we would probably still be out money. We've talked with a lawyer friend of ours and he's going to look it over. I sincerely hope they've fixed the problem - I would really like to love this car, but we're keeping our options open.

kissfan1

At Karate tournament in Kitchener!! Parked outside main entrance at my daughters Karate Tournament. Waiting for my daughter to come out.......I was mauled. Literally a crowd of (GET THIS) 20 people asking questions ..... totally enthralled with the TEK!!!!

The kids were bonkers bout the car and at least 3 of the parents claimed that the AZTEK is their number one choice for the vehicle they are going to be purchasing in the next 2-5 Months. (Comments : AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, COOL, WE NEED ONE, WE WANT ONE)

It was real cool!!.......... When was the last time that happened to a Lexus!!

I'll tell you......the interest in this vehicle is huge!! Sales will follow!!

; ) ........ wearing the AZTEK smile!!!!!!!!!

kissfan1

I'll tell you ....... from my vantage point the AZTEK has been AWESOME. I have about 12,000 miles and it has been fantastic. Toyota like fit and finish.

I'm real sorry to hear about your problems.........I've talked to at least 100 owners (Net, In person)......... You are the 1st person with these type of issues. One other had paint issues.

No recalls....... Please keep us up to date ......if this is an isolated incident!!

; )......... wearing the AZTEK smile

dpd395

Friends and co-workers, after the intial reaction of "What in God's name IS that thing?" have seemed to warm to it, especially after I gave them the grand tour of the inside. One of my friends said when he first saw it, he didn't like it, but now it's growing on him. Several others have mentioned that they were thinking about getting one, and I think they were just afraid to be the first. Only problem I have is that the OnStar personal phone is still not activated, but they are looking into it, and that's really not an Aztek problem anyway. Generally, everybody has started out saying variations on "that's the ugliest thing I've ever seen," and after seeing all the features and goodies, walk away saying "Cool," and shaking their heads in amazement. I'm telling you, keep spreading the word, and they will come. Just don't spread it too much, though, because part of the reason I bought one was because not very many have them, and EVERYONE seems to be driving an Impala of late.

kissfan1

Sunday Edition of the Toronto Sun's Drivers Source has an AZTEK review.

Byline: Pontiac Aztek BUILT FOR USERS

Here is some of the salient points of the review of the Pontiac AZTEK:

Front Seats A
Rear Seats A
Cargo A+
Performance B+
Handling B+
Brakes B+
Ride A

Some quotes:

"the utility level is incredible"
"ton of neat ideas"
"built for fun lovers"

Great article that captures all that is good and points out the few drawbacks to this awesome vehicle.

; ) ........... wearing the AZTEK smile

kissfan1

opps........ sorry non AZTEK post!!

; )

stever

Here's the link to the Toronto Sun review.

btw, go Devils :-)

Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

dindak

My wife is funny. She said "never" when she first saw the Aztek. The other day she asked, "how much are these Azteks?". I still like the looks of the Rendezvous better though. Local dealer still doesn't have any. They said in the next week or two. They do have 3 Azteks though.

waymoresblues

Just got back from a concert in Nashville (Steve Earle) and put about 420 miles on my 'Tek. It handled fine and was fast enough to merge and pass at will. Got about 24 MPG - not bad doing
75-85 mph. Since I'm happy with the performance and gas just jumped up to $1.85/gallon here - I DON'T want a BIGGER engine!

waymoresblues

Maybe I could get up a Rally here in Kentucky.
Meanwhile, Just got back from a Road Trip to Nashville, TN to see a concert. Car road like a dream.

kissfan1

is the shape of things to come.......

countsmackula1

I cannot believe some of you people! You're paying $28,000 for the ugliest vehicle the General has EVER created!!Now I know that in itself is a matter of (bad) taste, but it is all wheel-drive(no low-range), no ground clearance benefits, and that gay little tent that pops out of the back just gets on my nerves! The 3.8 engine is an ancient design-- it has decent power but it's very crude. A lot of the stuff on this "vehicle" just comes out of the GM parts bin. The VersaTrak system is nothing special.Even the also-wanna- be-off-roader Hyundai Santa Fe has a rather sophisticted AWD system made by Steyr-Puch, and it cost way less than the Aztec. It seems like that's all that Pontiacs are good for: attacting people with lots of gadgettry, but no real substance or styling. I still can't fathom why someone wouldn't buy an all-wheel drive station wagon instead of one of these. They're a better deal , and more car-like, because they ARE cars. (That is what you Aztec buyers are primarily after isn' it? )A VW Jetta,VW Passat,Subaru, or Audi wagon offers more for a similar price. For 28,000, I'd buy a 4runner or a Jeep if I had to have more towing capacity. Whover brought the Aztec to life should be put in front of a firing squad. But what am I saying? People love attention-getting, flavor-of the- month, trendy things, wheter they really offer anything or not. Thus, the Aztec will sell like hotcakes.

dindak

Nice of you pop by with your opinion. Thanx for coming out!

zircon

So, what do you really think?

scottgb

Kissfan, you say the article in the Toronto Sun gave the Aztek the following grades:

Front Seats A
Rear Seats A
Cargo A+
Performance B+
Handling B+
Brakes B+
Ride A

Funny, I read the article and didn't see any letter grades given. Guess that's just your 'objective' review. And Dindak, I've seen you all over the GM boards putting a positive spin on anything G.M. does. I get the feeling G.M. could put four wheels on a turd and you'd like it. Oh wait a minute, they already did. It's call the Aztek!

ab348

Geez, I must have read a different review. He wanted to like it, but found the dash design bizarre, the rear end design dumpy, the performance of the engine leisurely, and (of course) the styling ugly. He liked the brakes, steering, and gadgets. A lukewarm review at best, that made fun of all the problems this vehicle has had with acceptance by consumers. I didn't see any letter grades either. Does exposure to Azteks on a daily basis affect one's perception of reality?

xterracop

Well hello small world dpd395. Congrats on the purchase of your new Aztec.Click on my profile and you will know who I am. To all Aztec owners yes I own a Xterra however the Aztec was a very close runner up so I am not bashing it. I just found a friend I know online and wanted to get ahold of him. dpd395 my email is on my profile however I can also type you over the mdc 202. From MZ97. (figure it out yet)

zircon

I cannot verify the grades Kissfan reported, but the SUN typically provides grades in a side-bar. These may not have appeared in the posted article.

Any Aztek buyers consider a Toy Highlander? Nice vehicle, car-based.

drew_

Personally, I would be cautious about believing too much on newspaper auto reviews in general. Most of these sections are supported by advertising revenues from local dealerships, and obviously they're not too kind on the newspaper if one of the vehicles they're selling was dumped on by a reviewer. The APA (Automobile Protection Agency) in Canada reported on this on W5 (sort of like a Canadian Dateline NBC, but without the sensationalism; they've been around for about 40 years, I believe) and even mentioned that one of the groups representing dealerships in certain areas in Toronto had a reviewer fired because of what he wrote. As such, I take them with a huge pinch of salt ;-)


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

dindak

You are absolutely correct. Many newspapers think every new car is wonderful. Small local papers are the worst for this. Toronto Star "Wheels" section is ok though.

rickrover

Well, we've decided on the Aztek GT over the VW Eurovan mainly because of price, it will be replacing our ancient Range Rover. We are going to look for a used one, saw one awhile back with 3k miles on it for $17k but it wasn't loaded enough. This will be our third "utility" vehicle, we own a 98 Audi A6 Avant and a 2000 VW Passat sedan. Not in a huge hurry, looking for a great deal on a fully loaded one in yellow or silver. Maybe Avis will start selling some of their Azteks soon. We're looking forward to becoming a member of the Aztek family!

robynr

(fingers in ears) 'La la la la la la!! I can't hear you!!!

Just posted 3100 miles on my Steel Blue GT (Do you think Logan on 'Dark Angel' is gonna get
his fixed? It was pretty trashed!) and am still loving it.

I too have had trouble getting the Personal Calling Onstar option started up (they say "I" have to wait for a call from the Personal Calling Advisors -- Fegh!!). Other than that, it's a blast.

I have noted that I seem to be getting a lot more bug-hits on the windshield than I did in my Cutlass Supreme. That and I'm still noticing a lot of heat-expansion 'popping' of either the muffler or one of the body panels when shutting down after a 20 min. or longer drive.

Still waiting for my camping package (had to pay for it.. GM Purchase not eligible for free.)

Robyn

SE Michigan Aztek GT

robynr

dpd395 (or anyone else who is knowledgable),

I just got off the phone (land) with a Customer Care Advisor from Onstar who informed me
that since I had a 2001 Aztek, personal calling was not setup on this vehicle at present and that
I should check back with my dealer representative for updates to availability.

Does anyone have personal calling working on their 2001 Aztek (specifically GT)? Has anyone
else heard any more details on this? Does anyone have anything definate where the problem lies;
in the 2001 Aztec boxes or software or at Onstar?

Kinda dissappointed with Onstar at this stage.. Though I am still enjoying the car (truck? minivan?).

Robyn

SE Michigan Aztek GT

ruski

I found it amazing that you were able to remember such a complex word as Steyr-Puch.

But you messed up with the engine size.

Thank you. Drive through.