Believe it or not, the phrase was kicked around with the Aztek marketing team during the Aztek rally last summer. Whether they were just joking, or drunk, or a bit of both (it was a great weekend...) it was toted as the possible 2002 marketing slogan.
Nice pics. I especially liked some of the aspects to Carolyne's Aztek. Actually, if you don't mind, I would be curious where she got some of her parts. The seats look great. I also like the turn signal covers on the sema. Some very nice mods.
Carolyn bought her Aztek right off the lot that way. It was a custom job done by the dealership for a car show. She doesn't know where to get the parts. We've already tried to get that information from her.
The Alero uses the same 3.4L that is found under the Aztek's hood, although it makes only 175 hp there.
The soon to be discontinued 3.5L is found in the Intrigue, not the Alero.
I don't think it is worth GM's time and expense to offer the 3.8L in the Aztek for a gain of only 15 hp...the difference in power probably wouldn't even be noticeable by seat of the pants, although it is definitely a smoother operator.
Please sign up for epinions.com write a favorable review for the Aztek. It's already 89% reccomended, but there are a few reviews that are negative and they really aren't justified. The people that are negative about the Aztek haven't even driven it and they aren't using factual information. Especially Davesvt, heres the link check it out!
All of the negative reviews on eopinions save one had driven tha car. I find it ironic that people find fault in a negative review, if a person doesn't own the vehicle???? Why in the world would someone buy one if they test drive it and don't like it? I more trust the negative reviews than the positive, because in many cases, people buy a vehicle, and THEN try to justify their 30K purchase of this failure. In the case of the Aztec, with all of the negative press and criticism, and the absolutly abismal sales, I believe the buyers "justification" positive reviews are even more biased. I am sure you all like your vehicles, but the fact is this vehicle was, and is a marketing, and design failure, and unless Pontiac does something drastic, you will be stuck with a "collectors item" with no collectors.
On Aug 6th on a different board, you posted your research into Aztek prices. You claimed to have found several examples of someone's dream Aztek for less than 16K. That is a lot less money than your post #3268, claiming Azteks are 30K. I have a 2001 Aztek AWD GT and the sticker price was 28K. The real sale price was below invoice and Edmund's TMV price, then the dealer subtracted the rebates and my GM credit card earnings from the price. I haven't found my Aztek to be failing at what I need it to do. If Pontiac does not sell another Aztek, it doesn't matter to me. If someone is looking for a nice car, I reccomend looking at the Aztek. Dan
I looked at the negative reviews on the Aztek again just to make sure I wasn't crazy. In my review I stated please drive it before you review it. If I'm not mistaken only 1 out of the 3 negative reviewers actually drove the Aztek. Uhhhhhhhh........ Ya, I think I'm going to take their non-factual, poorly researched opinions and run away from the Aztek. Well I would only do that if I was one of those Jay Lenno Jay walk all stars. Or maybe if I were one of the droves of others who take opinions and then follow the rest of society and stick with the mainstream products that are offered. You know what I better run and get an Explorer, that's what everybody else is getting it must be good! HA HA HA HA HA HA!
I wish society wasn't filled with idiots that buy products because of style and brand marketing. One example of this is the Mustang VS. Camaro and Firebird, now the Camaro and Firebird are gone. In my opinion and in a few others, the GM version is much better than the Ford version. Oh well I guess change is welcome, but I like it to be better not worse.
Sorry to break up your little Aztec lovefest, I just thought I would throw some reality into the mix. I'm sure you all love your vehicles, otherwise to have bought it and not like it would have been truly idiotic. If I am wrong about the styling, design and marketing fiasco of this vehicle, then please point me to where I have gone wrong. Almost every major automobile magazine, and article has mentioned the poor styling, and even poorer marketing, and add to that the fact that they can't sell the darn things!! I'm sure if someone wanted to market a box of rocks, and call it a pet a few thousand people would buy those as well. Oh yeah thats right they did that! And a bunch of people ponied up their dollars and bought them. The vast majority of people thought it was an idiotic idea, yet a few thousand souls bought into the hype, and thought they would be different and buy them. They thought they made a great purchase, kinda like the Aztec. All I am saying is its a good thing ya'll are so positive about your vehicle, and I hope they actually do last longer than the average GM product, otherwise, you are going to have a really tough time reselling those things. Kinda like the pet rock. I myself along with the VAST majority of the auto buying public do not find the Aztec particularly appealing. I too wish idiots would not follow marketing trends, and buy the latest "cool" thing. Maybe then we wouldn't have tents on the backs of minivans, and trucks that look like they were designed for 5 year old hotwheels fans. I'm not saying go out and buy an explorer, but for gosh sakes if its NOT a better change don't encourage the pencil pushers at GM by buying the darn things, they will only think they were right . Luckily the numbers sold have proven the design geniuses at GM wrong. I realize that this is a hard nut to swallow but it is true. I will leave you to your love fest now, and you can all go back to discussing fixes for the leaks in your aztec tents, and all of the complements you recieve over the good looks. Good luck I'm glad ya'll are happy with your purchases, thats all that matters, and hang on to them, cause no-one else wants them (not even GM). Let the personal attacks begin.
By the way there were 4 negative reviews on eopinions three of which had actually been in the car. Some may have found it too aesthetically offensive to drive.
It would appear you have done lots of research on the Aztek. Sounds to me like you are a closet lover of the vehicle. Either that or you have nothing better to do than post a short essay reiterating what has been said a million times before.
What do you care what other people buy? If no one bought AZTEKS, the world would be a boring place. There are enough monkey see monkey do types out there. To all the undecided SRV shoppers out there, GO FOR IT, GET YOUR LIME GREEN AZTEK NOW!! If you purchase one before Jan 31st, you may get the TENT/MATTRESS option free while supplies last. C'MON Samsdad, don't be that way, get your Frog green AZTEK now. Pontiac is droping the color for 2002.
My wife has developed an increasingly bad hip, and finds boosting herself up into our tek-GT a bit of a pain. I would like to hear from anyone who has installed aftermarket step bars or running boards: about their practicality, aesthetics, installation cautions, et. al. Any comments would be much appreciated. Thanks, Alan
The '02 Honda Civics were all recalled for wheels falling off in a number of cases due to cheap material. It's just hasn't been made very public by attention-needing nightly news anchors.
I saw the Aztek at the SF Auto Show last week. It was the first time I sat inside one. I was very impressed with the interior. I like the exterior except for the rear...from the back doors to the back of the vehicle. I wish that Pontiac used the same shape for the rear that is on the Rendezvous. Just my opinion...thanks.
If you get a chance drive the Aztek. I like the window, because it affords excellent visibility. It took a few days to get used to the back window, but now I don't notice it as anything strange. Imagine looking back and being able to see through the trunk of your car, this is what the window does. Dan
Why isn't the Pontiac website updated yet? Is the 2002 Aztek not released yet? I haven't seen one at the dealrship, the salesman will call when they arrive, but come on it's almost December. Is there a place were more info on the Aztek can be found?
Samsdad - I couldn't care less what the "vast majority" wants. My wife and I prefer to decide for ourselves. Thanks and kudos to GM for making a bold, versatile and unique vehicle like the Aztek. We used our tent four times this summer, had a blast, all without the usual camping hassles like pitching a full self-supporting tent. Design failure? I don't think so. The Aztek has the best rollover safety ratings of any SUV yet tested. It also won the JD Power APEAL award, due to the elated satisfaction of its thousands of owners. And my wife enjoys the great rearward visibility afforded by the innovative rear hatch glass.
amorales - come see our wild and bold Aztek GT at
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
My wife and I love the Citrus Green Metallic. To each his/her own.
Thanks, my compliments to you and your wife on Kermit mobile. We have the red berry colored GT. About a month old now. GM just sent us the complimentary tent/mattress package. We are excited about trying it out at Silverwood camp site near San Bernardino. My wife loves it. It is her purse on wheels...Plan to use Mobil 1 5W-30 Try-Synthetic at first oil change at 2,000 mi. We plan to keep it until next millineum.
Since the 3000 miles marker hasn't changed in about 40 years while oil becomes more and more refined I think it's a load of crap foisted on us by the oil companies.
As for synthetic, I don't like it because natural oils have a habit of clogging tiny leaks all by themselves. As far as I know, synthetics don't do this so very tiny leaks can become bigger.
I check my oil once a week ( I used to be an engineer in the service so preventive maintenance is my thing) and it still looks nearly as clean and clear as it did when the Valvoline place changed it almost 6000 miles ago.
I agree with your assessment of modern oils and of the their refinement. Most of the progress over the last 40 years is in resistence to thermal breakdown by way of multiple viscosity additives.
I prefer to change my oil at a regular interval, just to be sure. I don't think you can accurately assess how contaminated your oil is just by looking at it (you certainly can't see the miniscule metal particles it contains) and I don't know how accurate the DIC is. If you have any info on how the DIC determines oil life, please let me know, I'm very curious now.
Kermitek, just let me say I agree with your return argument above. Should we all really just do what everyone else does? I think not.
On the oil matter I agree that 3k is a huge ripoff. I go roughly by the oil monitor. It's been about 5k and I have 40% reading so I'll probably get it checked soon or around 30%. I do make sure to look at the oil and realize that small contaminants cannot be seen. I'd like to switch to synth, but I need to learn how to change my own first since the lube places charge way too much extra for it.
The medicine thing is for those that may have seen me say I'm a psychology student at Ohio University trying to become a doctory. Well, today I got my letter saying I got into medical school! I got into Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I'm really stoked since it was my first pick. Kudos to me=)
I plant to switch to Synthetic oil at first 2000 mi. Thereafter every 5,000 mi approx. Wife is main driver, mostly around town and a few highway sprints to the tune of 1000 mi a month. I have used just about every brand of oil since 1961. My favorite was the ARCOGRAPHITE 10W-40 of the 70's, no problems. Got 477,000 mi out of '74 Chevy P/U 350 engine before Pop installed a Z28 motor which he now owns and it is still running. I realize the new lubricants are a 200% improvement over the ole Pennsylvania crude. There is a message board about some guy that went 1,000,000 mi with 800 mi daily commutes using Pennzoil reg at 3000 mi intervals. Pennzoil bought the guy a new C2500 in exchange for his old '95. They are tearing it down for inspection. Must be that very great Pennslyvania crude. Regarding leaks, have never had an oil leak with any type of oil. The new Synthetics will swell up the seals and gaskets just like regular oil. Unless your engine is ten years old with 200,000 miles, a quick gasket/seal replacement will cure your oil leaks. People who experience oil leaks need to inspect their undercarriage and find out where it is coming from. I would not blame Syhthetics for oil leaks. Been using M1 for over a year on my 2000 CK2500. It has 43,000 trouble free miles, no leaks, magnetic drain plug is spotless, easy starts, i dump 5 full qts at every 5,000 mi change. Oil is ultra clean, however there are still contaminants.
My oil leaks have been from loose oil filters and drain plugs only. Of the more than 35 vehicles I 've owned since 1961, my '52 Chevy pick-up leaked oil due to the cracked cork gaskets on oil pan and valve covers. Being a starving student, i had no money to buy new gaskets. .
If i planned to drive our AZTEK GT to moon i would use the space age oil designed for spacecraft, ie Pennzoil Synthetic with PENNZANE. It cost more than Mobil 1, and the bottle says to change your oil every 3,000 mi in severe condition. Hmmmm
They put Mobil 1 in all new Corvettes, Porsches, BMW. Viper....from the factory. No need to break in your dino oil. If it is good enough for the high end sports cars, it is good enough for a high end AZTEK GT....i may change it within 24 hours instead.....
You're right about the DIC and it's ability to gauge oil life. It's purely a software calculation. The PCM is using factors such as run time, temperature, stuff that would stress the oil. There is no optical or chemical sensor in the engine that is testing the oil. There is a float switch that measures oil level but that's a totally different subject. I've been changing when the life hits 20%. If I were to be towing a trailer or running a high speeds for long periods, I'd be using a synthetic, since my wife uses this vehicle mostly as a back and forth to work vehicle, dino oil should be just fine. Just as an aside, how many of you have the trailer towing package? If so, you got the oil cooler. Myself, I wanted the cooler to extend engine life. Not just because it works as a cooler, but because it warms the oil in cold temperatures. This "cooler" is actually a spacer under the filter that has coolant circulated through it to "control" the oil temp. Only thing I don't care for is the access to the filter sucks. It's really difficult to change the filter without spilling some oil, problem being some oil change places won't bother to clean up what they spill and vehicle smells like it's leaking for a few days.
I bought a case of Mobil 1 quart bottles at the PX last month. When I reach 6000 miles, I'll bring five bottles and my GM oil filter to Jiffy Lube...let them scrape their knuckles on the hot manifold!
Change your oil often...it may be a rip-off, but it's still cheap insurance.
I looked underneath and the 3.4 (3.3 actually) uses AC DELCO PF-47. There appears to be room for a PF-52, a longer higher capacity oil filter. This will allow the use of 5 qts instead of 4.5. Greater capacity would insure more lubrication and better cooling of oil. Also using the UPF (ULTRA GOLD) filter with greater filtration and oil flow would benefit the engine greatly. I've seen $8-11.00 price tags. More at dealer. Regarding the DIC, i agree, clever device. Easy to reset change oil light. According to owners manual, i believe i read to depress accelerator twice with engine off and the gauges reset.
Re: Trailer towing package. Does anyone know if you add dealer installed or aftermarket package, do you get the oil/tranny cooler?
Just curious if anyone out there is a warranty gold user or has any imput on the company. I read the forum on them, but it's pretty old and most complaints are about their old administrator (Interstate).
They seem like a good deal since they cover all the high tech components on the Aztek along with squeeks and rattles.
Hi all. I just committed to a purchase of a 2001 Aztek. Carsdirect.com is trying to entice me into the extended warranty. I have mixed feelings on it. What is everyone's opinion on them?
This is through CNA, is a Corporate Credit Card type (so accepted at the majority of dealers), doubles the warranty to 6yr/72000 mile, and does include diagnostics and gaskets. Cost is $1250.
philnjill - I have had a good experience with GM MajorGuard on my 98 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. Some dealers have pretty good deals on MajorGuard when you first buy the vehicle; but you really have until the regular 3/36 warranty runs out. The chief advantage of MajorGuard is zero hassles - the dealer covers things right on the spot, no filing of claims. The rear main oil seal failed on my GTP and that alone would have cost $650-800, instead it was $50.
I'm looking at a bumper to bumper 7yr/100,000mile warranty from Warranty Gold. I like that they have an exclusionary list. A small list tells you what isn't covered and everything not on it is. The list has basically just stuff like brake pads, rotors, paint, etc. Wear and tear is covered, as is overheating. I was amazed to hear squeeks and rattles WERE covered. Some factory warranties don't cover that full term. Also their insurer is domestic and rated A- by AM best. I've searched for weeks and haven't found a good deal with a company having an A insurer. They have been around quite a few years too.
Claims can be authorized at the mechanics discression and paid via corporate card over the phone.
My quote was $1224.
I would never take GM Major guard since I think GM's service departments are jokes. They know you're stuck using them, where-as an outside mechanic must rely on either cheating you or treating you well to get repeat business. I have had nothing but headaches from dealerships and Pontiac has advised me to use another dealer for repairs. This one seems just as shady as the last. With an aftermarket warranty you're free to take it to a dealership, but if they give you the run around you can take it anywhere you like. This is a HUGE difference between factory warranties. Also the quote above included a $0 deductible and 100% money back if policy is never used.
Ok Can someone clarify this for me. This sounds like pure BS to me. i called my local Pontiac dealership and he says that only 8 Azteks are headed to Massachuetts and that the only way to get one is to order one because they will stop making them in january because the Vibe is replacing it. Ehh???? This is BS right?
Never mind guys, I called a good dealership and they set me stright. This guy was a total liar looking to make a quick sale, scum! The 2002 is due to be fully released here in january, at that point they will be getting more in. The Aztek is not discontinued and it is not being replaced by the vibe. :-)
Had black ice up here a couple days ago. Passed a Blazer roll over and car spun backwards, other highways had several cars and semi trucks in the ditch. Was a little surprised by ice on the exit ramp when the anti lock brakes went on, the Tek handled it very nicely. If the temps drop about 40 degrees I might get to do a snow test. Dan
I just saw a 2002 white Aztek today at the GM tech center in Warren MI. I've done considerable work as a supplier on the program and am not particularly fond of the vehicle, but I must say that the new face lift is a marked improvement. It truly looks like a different model with just a few cosmetic tricks. Its funny because a lot of the people who worked on them had the same suggestions about how to make them look better from day one (larger tires, less "grey" plastic, etc.) It's funny how an arrogant company like GM works, sometimes I'm amazed that cars even roll off the line (which, incidentally, is in Ramos Arizpe, MX.) The only thing that can change their mind is MONEY, or lack thereof because of less than forecasted sales. Yes, I have driven them and spent more time than I really wanted to around them (this always causes people to despise any vehicle that they are working on in this industry), but I still can't say that I like them. It's cool that people have different opinions than me and buy them (keeps me in a job, too!) but I think the reputation will improve once there are more 02's out there. The smartest thing to do with your 01 would be to mothball it for 50 years and own a piece priceless (and infamous) automotive history. I also saw the new Cadillac Escalde EXT (Cadillac Avalanche). That is one overpriced, gargantuan ugly [non-permissible content removed]. In my opinion, of course.
The 02 Aztek is growing on me, but I still need to see it in person. The EXT is pretty ugly IMO, but I love the Escalade. Something about the EXT doesn't look right to me.
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Believe it or not, the phrase was kicked around with the Aztek marketing team during the Aztek rally last summer. Whether they were just joking, or drunk, or a bit of both (it was a great weekend...) it was toted as the possible 2002 marketing slogan.
Carolyn bought her Aztek right off the lot that way. It was a custom job done by the dealership for a car show. She doesn't know where to get the parts. We've already tried to get that information from her.
The soon to be discontinued 3.5L is found in the Intrigue, not the Alero.
I don't think it is worth GM's time and expense to offer the 3.8L in the Aztek for a gain of only 15 hp...the difference in power probably wouldn't even be noticeable by seat of the pants, although it is definitely a smoother operator.
http://www.epinions.com/auto_Make-Sport_Utility
It will give you a 360 view of the 02 Aztek.
I haven't found my Aztek to be failing at what I need it to do. If Pontiac does not sell another Aztek, it doesn't matter to me. If someone is looking for a nice car, I reccomend looking at the Aztek.
Dan
I wish society wasn't filled with idiots that buy products because of style and brand marketing. One example of this is the Mustang VS. Camaro and Firebird, now the Camaro and Firebird are gone. In my opinion and in a few others, the GM version is much better than the Ford version. Oh well I guess change is welcome, but I like it to be better not worse.
By the way there were 4 negative reviews on eopinions three of which had actually been in the car. Some may have found it too aesthetically offensive to drive.
Nice job, Ford. How many problems does this make for the Focus now? A whole lot more than the 'lousy' Aztek.
Dan
amorales - come see our wild and bold Aztek GT at
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
My wife and I love the Citrus Green Metallic. To each his/her own.
Regards
Andy and Yolanda
I seem to recall my Rendezvous owners manual stating that it is only an estimate based on information in the trip computer.
Personally, I'll stay with every 3000 miles, or 5000 miles when I switch to synthetic.
As for synthetic, I don't like it because natural oils have a habit of clogging tiny leaks all by themselves. As far as I know, synthetics don't do this so very tiny leaks can become bigger.
I check my oil once a week ( I used to be an engineer in the service so preventive maintenance is my thing) and it still looks nearly as clean and clear as it did when the Valvoline place changed it almost 6000 miles ago.
I prefer to change my oil at a regular interval, just to be sure. I don't think you can accurately assess how contaminated your oil is just by looking at it (you certainly can't see the miniscule metal particles it contains) and I don't know how accurate the DIC is. If you have any info on how the DIC determines oil life, please let me know, I'm very curious now.
On the oil matter I agree that 3k is a huge ripoff. I go roughly by the oil monitor. It's been about 5k and I have 40% reading so I'll probably get it checked soon or around 30%. I do make sure to look at the oil and realize that small contaminants cannot be seen. I'd like to switch to synth, but I need to learn how to change my own first since the lube places charge way too much extra for it.
The medicine thing is for those that may have seen me say I'm a psychology student at Ohio University trying to become a doctory. Well, today I got my letter saying I got into medical school! I got into Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I'm really stoked since it was my first pick. Kudos to me=)
My oil leaks have been from loose oil filters and drain plugs only. Of the more than 35 vehicles
I 've owned since 1961, my '52 Chevy pick-up leaked oil due to the cracked cork gaskets on oil pan and valve covers. Being a starving student, i had no money to buy new gaskets. .
If i planned to drive our AZTEK GT to moon i would use the space age oil designed for spacecraft, ie Pennzoil Synthetic with PENNZANE. It cost more than Mobil 1, and the bottle says to change your oil every 3,000 mi in severe condition. Hmmmm
They put Mobil 1 in all new Corvettes, Porsches, BMW. Viper....from the factory. No need to break in your dino oil. If it is good enough for the high end sports cars, it is good enough for a high end AZTEK GT....i may change it within 24 hours instead.....
Regards to all AZTEK lovers and wannabes
Change your oil often...it may be a rip-off, but it's still cheap insurance.
Re: Trailer towing package. Does anyone know if you add dealer installed or aftermarket package, do you get the oil/tranny cooler?
They seem like a good deal since they cover all the high tech components on the Aztek along with squeeks and rattles.
This is through CNA, is a Corporate Credit Card type (so accepted at the majority of dealers), doubles the warranty to 6yr/72000 mile, and does include diagnostics and gaskets. Cost is $1250.
How do you feel about these? Thanks! Phil
They have been around quite a few years too.
Claims can be authorized at the mechanics discression and paid via corporate card over the phone.
My quote was $1224.
I would never take GM Major guard since I think GM's service departments are jokes. They know you're stuck using them, where-as an outside mechanic must rely on either cheating you or treating you well to get repeat business. I have had nothing but headaches from dealerships and Pontiac has advised me to use another dealer for repairs. This one seems just as shady as the last. With an aftermarket warranty you're free to take it to a dealership, but if they give you the run around you can take it anywhere you like. This is a HUGE difference between factory warranties. Also the quote above included a $0 deductible and 100% money back if policy is never used.
The 2002 is due to be fully released here in january, at that point they will be getting more in. The Aztek is not discontinued and it is not being replaced by the vibe. :-)
I think it's taken Pontiac a lot longer than they thought to clear the leftover 01 Azteks. I think people are waiting for the 02s.
Dan
And for the record, who were you dealing with so those of us in New England dont give them any business?
I just saw a 2002 white Aztek today at the GM tech center in Warren MI. I've done considerable work as a supplier on the program and am not particularly fond of the vehicle, but I must say that the new face lift is a marked improvement. It truly looks like a different model with just a few cosmetic tricks. Its funny because a lot of the people who worked on them had the same suggestions about how to make them look better from day one (larger tires, less "grey" plastic, etc.) It's funny how an arrogant company like GM works, sometimes I'm amazed that cars even roll off the line (which, incidentally, is in Ramos Arizpe, MX.) The only thing that can change their mind is MONEY, or lack thereof because of less than forecasted sales.
Yes, I have driven them and spent more time than I really wanted to around them (this always causes people to despise any vehicle that they are working on in this industry), but I still can't say that I like them. It's cool that people have different opinions than me and buy them (keeps me in a job, too!) but I think the reputation will improve once there are more 02's out there. The smartest thing to do with your 01 would be to mothball it for 50 years and own a piece priceless (and infamous) automotive history.
I also saw the new Cadillac Escalde EXT (Cadillac Avalanche). That is one overpriced, gargantuan ugly [non-permissible content removed]. In my opinion, of course.
The good one that was very helpful to me was Ragsdale Pontiac / Cadillac in Auburn Ma. :-) Now I'm patiently waiting until January, can't wait :-)