Pontiac Aztek

graphicguy

I've been a Pontiac fan, but never an Aztec fan. My neighbor was in the market for a station wagon and/or SUV. He finally decided that an SUV would fit the bill as he owns a backwoods cabin in the Smokies. I've been to it and it is hardly a cabin...more like a "lodge". It isn't situated on any paved road however. Anyway, he needed AWD or 4WD. He looked at the usual suspects...CRV, Highlander, RAV4, Subaru, Grand Cherokee, Liberty, TrailBlazer/Envoy/Redevous.

He had decided to get a CRV since it did everything he wanted and was about the right price (loaded up...about $22,000 after some negotiation).

He and I had attended the local "auto show" a couple of weeks ago. Based on the show, I expected him to buy the CRV from the way he was talking about it.

Well, Saturday he came home with an Aztec, all black. While I wasn't taken with the style of the Aztec I saw at the Auto Show (a blue one), I wasn't taken by the styling of the CRV either. Neither was very good looking IMHO!

In black, the Aztec is pretty darn sharp, though.

He said by the time he negotiated the Aztec and combined it with the $2002 GM rebate it cost about the same as the CRV. He said the Aztec offered so much more than the CRV...V6, Heads-up Display, Pioneer stereo, more room, better ride, quieter, power everything, etc.

He let me drive it a bit yesterday. While I suppose it's still an acquired taste, I was quite impressed with it. Nice piece...very well put together and very nice.

exzur

My yellow 2001 Pontiac Aztek GT AWD runs on 235/60-17 Goodyear Eagle LS tires for over 10,000 miles now. I would love to see this car with the 245/55-17 BFGoodrich Scorcher T/A yellow rib tires. Calculating the sizes using http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm, the BFGoodrich tire is 0.4 inch wider but 0.5 inch lower than the Goodyear tires.. Would the Scorcher T/A tires fit my Aztek with no problem? If not, Is there a way to make the yellow rib tires fit?

Any help will be appreciated...

exzur

My yellow 2001 Pontiac Aztek GT AWD runs on 235/60-17 Goodyear Eagle LS tires for over 10,000 miles now. I would love to see this car with the 245/55-17 BFGoodrich Scorcher T/A yellow rib tires. Calculating the sizes using

                     http://www.paspeedo.com/calculator.htm, the BFGoodrich tire is 0.4 inch wider but 0.5 inch lower than the Goodyear tires.. Would the Scorcher T/A tires fit the Aztek with no problem? If not, Is there a way to make the yellow rib tires fit?

Any help will be appreciated...

jwalt2

kermitek and others, thanks for your input on purchasing an Aztek. This last Sunday I purchased a used (slightly) 2001 black FWD GT. I'm happy with it so far! I'm really pleased with the visibility the large side view mirrors give. This one has the Pioneer sound system which is a major upgrade from what I had previously in my little Ford Escort SW. My 15 yr old "student driver" is also very pleased with it. I plan on purchasing the tent system before summer.

kermitek

You're quite welcome, jwalt2! I hope a lot more folks can experience the thrill we get from owning an Aztek! The stereo in ours is the best stereo we've yet had in any car we have owned. I too like the great visibility from the side mirrors and the extended rear glass. Hope you have many nice miles! BTW when you get serious about the tent, you can get it for a pretty serious discount by ordering it online from a place like www.gmpartsdirect.com - all you need is the part number. I can post that if you are interested, but I will need to know if you want just the tent or both the tent and mattress.

exzur - have you called the guys at www.tirerack.com ? They know a lot about what fits various vehicles.

stever

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noastar

I actually used my tek as an SUV today and picked up some supplies for the play I'm working on. The loading bay is a ramp that leads to the basement. Well, I began backing down and...Crunch! I grounded out at the lip. Eeeek! I was barely crawling and scraped it just a bit, but I'm still worried I might have hurt something. Anyone know if anything truly important could've been hurt? It was my own stupid fault. Picture a 50 degree downward slope and then at the lip they put about a 5" speed bump. It's virtually impassible. The University truck had to be lifted to get down there (I was unaware of this).

Guess I learned my lesson. This may be incentive to use a lift kit some day.

Anywho, does anyone know what kind of damage you can get from a mild ground-out? Is there anything in particular I should look for?

greg_easton

...and you think they're doing a great job. But I began to get suspicious after reading on this board and the other site how much of a pain it is to remove and replace the air filter.

So I went out to my 'tek today and spent 20 minutes getting into the airbox. What did I find? At 16,000 miles my air filter, which supposedly had been checked 3 times before, was filthy. So filthy, in fact, that I put it right back in the airbox, closed it up nice, and went BACK to Valvoline about 2000 miles before I really needed to get my oil changed again just because I had to know if I was imagining it.

Could it be, that these guys were SO good at their job that they could pop the airbox and inspect it in just seconds instead of the 20 minutes it took me? Possible. But I was a smallboat engineer in the Coast Guard for four years and I know engines inside and out, so I'm no rookie under the hood of a car. I was pretty sure I was being ripped off.

I arrive at Valvoline like any other change and don't say a word to the guys about my problem. Strangely enough, the guy under the hood actually took the time to pop the top of the box to look inside (the car shook like mad while he tried to wrench it out far enough to look at). So I thought to myself "Good. I wasn't wrong. It is a pain to get at."

But then he did the unthinkable. Yep. He tightened the whole thing back up and checked off in the computer "Checked". So as he asked my for my credit card I asked him "What do you consider 'clean' for the air filter?" He proceeded to give me a long song and dance about checing it at around 15,000 miles and that it looked good and was all set. Then I informed him that I had it apart not 20 minutes ago and I knew for a fact that it was BLACK. He changed about 35 shades of purple and green and promised to take care of it right away. Which he did. Well, kinda. It took him about fifteen minutes to change it.

And he was kind enough to not charge me for the air filter.

Nice guy.

So I got home and headed off the www.vioc.com to file a complaint with the company.

kermitek

Greg - I know what you mean. It amazes me the things those clowns miss/skip. I had a friend who went there, drove away and got a "low oil" light. He immediately shut it down, pulled off, checked his oil - NONE on the stick! They had failed to tighten his drain plug! He cought it just in time before seizing his engine. I was at the quick-shop I go to and the guy said "ya last month we had a grand cherokee in here, someone didn't tighten the oil filter or plug, we had to replace his engine..." &%J@((* !!!!! Do it right people! I'm to the point now where I pull out, go around the building, pop the hood with the engine running, and do a quick final check. Some oil leaks are "pressure leaks" and only appear when the engine is on (you prolly know this already never mind). I've also frequently had to tighten the little tire valve caps - a small thing but hey - they matter too. Quality service comes in all sizes.

Try the K&N - then the only problem will be reminding them NOT to check the filter Oh wait - that should be easy for them!

dgrpk

gm litogation:

I bought an '02. and it now has about 285 miles on it. I finally decided it was time to move it out of the driveway. Got struck with the new car syndrome and didn't want to put any miles on my new yellow banana!

Kermitek:

I sat and talked with the owners of the pontiac dealer, (who also happen to own a couple of other dealerships on that same street) and they treated me really well. Took care of my scratch, set me up with a rental for the day, assured me that I could come and talk to them in person anytime I wanted to and that keeping me satisfied with my purchase was important to them and them offered me a free first service and gave me a $25 gift cert to dinner.
I was really impressed and content with the outcome of my purchase. Being in their position, they were extremely approachable and I respected that. and they turned out to be really nice guys.

I cant tell everyone how many looks I get in my tek. People sometimes stop and stare as if I just landed a spaceship! Its great. and the fact that its yellow makes it even better. I love my new tek and the way it handles.

I would like to look into some accessories for it, I understand because of side airbags, seat covers have to be specially made, and the parts dept at the dealership said gm doesnt make a "bedliner" for the back.
I will check the accessories board, any input from anyone on available accessories for the tek?

My tek came as a base model with tinted windows, thats all. has the cd player, which is standard.

Glad to be part of the gm family of cars, love my tek. and all the interest it sparks in people. and love my new car smell!!!!!

kermitek

dgrpk - I got a pamphlet a while ago from my dealer showing an array of Aztek accessories, from bike racks to seat covers. It also showed a large rubber molded tray you could get for the rear cargo area. I have been meaning to get one, since we took out our sliding cargo tray to have more volume in the back. I will try to look up the part number. Have fun in your cool yellow Tek!

waymoresblues

I had a headlight go out on my '01 Tek and went to AutoZone to buy a replacement bulb (DIDN'T KNOW THIS WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY) and got an STP Air filter while I was at it.

I was going to change the lightbulb myself, but quickly realized I was in over my head so I went to my local auto repair shop, and they referred me to my dealer, informing me 1> it was covered 2> the latch to install the light was busted

So, the Dealership ended up replacing the bulb, air filter, and FINALLY fixed my REAR HATCH. Putting in a part they hadn't before. That was about 2 weeks ago and I think it's actually fixed now. SO HAPPY!

Glad they put the air filter in for me, seeing what a pain it is to do.

kenym

I think that is a really cool term "unlurk", anyway I was at the Cleveland Auto Show last week and I got my first look at the "Trek". I found it to be quite different from my Rendezvous. But a really nice vehicle. The spokesperson for the Pontiac display said this maybe the last year for the "Trek". They had another vehicle there that resembled the Trek but much smaller. I think he said it was coming out in the Fall.

I think the format for the Town Hall is really great, and each owners group has the same passion for there vehicles as the next, I found the Buick Rendezvous group shortly after I purchased my RDV, and this is the first time I ventured out of my group. If you get a chance I recommend reading the other owners groups.

Does anybody know what the tent kit for the "Trek" cost, and if it would fit the Rendezvous?

Thanks Ken

montanafan

The vehicle that resembles the Aztek is the Vibe and it is out now. 2003 Aztek production is scheduled to start June 24th, 2002.

kenym

Thanks montanafan that sounds about right. However I am quite certain he said that the Vibe was going to replace the "Trek". But than again I am an old person and don't always get things right.

I was pleasantly suppressed when I looked at the "Trek" at the auto show. I really hope they continue making them it looks like a fun vehicle .

Ken

gregeaston

It's 'TEK, not "Trek". Talk about a pet peeve...

And regardless of what the stuffed suit in front of the display told you, I can promise you that the Aztek isn't going anywhere and the Vibe is NOT the replacement for the Aztek, no matter how many dealers, Motor Trend writers, and other assorted morons say so. They are different projects, handled by different development teams for totally different markets.

I feel so much better now that I have cleared that up.

Now.... The tent packages cost about $200 a piece and they are specially fitted to the rear of the 'tek and the air mattress is as well. You would be not be able to get it to fit properly on the RDV. You bought the 'luxury' version. We have the cool, outdoorsy, do everything version.

kenym

gregeaston I am truly sorry about the "trek" thing. I promise it wont happen again.

The body styles ( length & width ) are about the same. Are you sure the tent wouldn't fit?

Ken

greg_easton

Forget about it. We all have our pet peeves, that one's mine.

As for the tent...

...I'm on the Buick site right now looking at the quicktime movie of the back seats. It appears that the 2nd row seats are identical to the 'teks so they should be easy to get out of the way, but that pesky 3rd row seat doesnt look like it sits flat. Does it? If it doesn't, even if you get the tent to fit on the exterior, it won't be a comfy sleep.

Now that I look at it, you might be right about the shape not being different enough to make a big difference. But looking for differences reminded me of a bigger problem. There are special mounting points designed into the Aztek just for the tent. Unless you want to go drilling holes in your rear wheel wells (awfully close to your fuel and brake lines) you won't be able to attach it anywhere.

Of course, someone with enough desire to make it work, and some good resources (a friend in auto body, perhaps) might be able to pull it off. If you do, I would love to know about it. I'll certainly be glad to give you any assistance I can.

catera1998

I work for a National company specializing in Cash Registers (read between the lines) and they are replacing all the Chevy and Dodge vans with 2002 Azteks. They are all Arctic White base models with Grey interior. Some were resistant at first but once they found out about the standard cooler....most changed thier minds. The Teks don't hold as much but are more comfortable and better looking overall than the vans. I should get mine in a few days. One thing that already irks me is that the base models don't have standard keyless entry, requiring two pushes of the power lock switch to lock the doors....oh well...its a company car eerrr suv.

gregeaston

"One thing that already irks me is that the base models don't have standard keyless entry, requiring two pushes of the power lock switch to lock the doors"

Actually, if you push the button once you activate the 5 second delay on the locks. You don't have to push it twice. Pushing it twice just locks it right away.

montanafan

Second option is to program the Aztek to lock on the first push. The local dealer has 8 of them that were going to be built this week for "unnamed" company. Hope you enjoy them.

gregeaston

Oh yeah.... Sometimes I forget that the 'tek has all that personalizability programmed into it. I'm still not used to having a car that can be reprogrammed to my liking.

Bode13

I remember reading a story online, it may have been the Detroit Free Press, although I'm sure it made the rounds. Anyway, the story was more or less an interview with the new design guy who replaced the original Aztek guy (sorry, names escape me). He described the "interim" changes (which were dead on: 17" five-spoke wheels, low profile tires, spoiler, monochrome paint, less obvious cladding, fewer side ribs, etc...).

But after that, he said there would be "more changes to come, later in the year". I assume that meant with the 2003, which according to Montanafan starts in the last week of June.

Anyone know anything about additional "freshening" or major changes to the 'Tek for '03???

gregeaston

I've heard rumors of things like DVD players, and some interior changes and options, but nothing solid, and no major changes to the exterior as far as I have been told.

kenym

The 2003 changes to the "TEK" is called the Vibe. So now is the "TEK" going to be called the "VIB"?

I am sorry Greg I just couldn't resist that. I know from your post you say this can't happen. But I learned along time ago never say never. The only thing guaranteed in life is change. It may be good or it may be bad, but life does change.

Ken

greg_easton

Yeah, except that I have friends on the Aztek Dev team and I can tell you with ALL certainty that the Aztek isn't going anywhere.

But if you insist on going about spouting bad information, that's your prerogative. And it's mine to correct you so the people on this board that come here for good information don't go away believing it.

squiredogs

No changes to the exterior? What exactly is this "development" team developing??? Adding a DVD player is a development project? I was holding out for an '03. But if they're just slapping an expensive option and jacking the price, I'll get a Vibe or an '02 model.

Dan

kenym

Greg I honestly hope you are right. I wasn't trying to give misinformation I was just having a little fun with you. You really have to lighten up, or you will get an ulcer.

Ken

dgrpk

I too have been hitting my lock button twice, I didnt realize it had a 5 second delay. Thanks for the info. Also, not to sound uninformed about my new '02 tek, but I didn't realize that it could be "programmed to my liking." I thought that was some kind of package you had to buy. I have a base model, can it be programmed? What kind of things can be programmed?

dgrpk

Thanks! Right now I'm using a blanket to place my childs stroller on to keep the back neat and "unmarked" I definately want to buy a tray and some seatcovers, and any other neat stuff I may find necessary.

Have approx 450 miles on my tek already, I really am enjoying it.

theduke

I am reconsidering the Aztek (the VUE is too pricy), however, I remember looking at it last year and was not impressed by the 50/50 split of the back seat of the TEK. (If one half is down, only on pax can sit in the back).
Is there an option for a 60/40 seating?
Is it the same for the RDV?

Thanks

kermitek

Hi dgrpk,

Sorry took so long to get back to you - busy with job. I found a lot of GM accessories at www.gmgoodwrench.com , click on 'parts' and 'accessories' then the Aztek picture and download the 1.7Mb PDF catalog to see the cargo area mat. It is part number 12497076, lists for $76 but you can get it at www.gmpartsdirect.com for $39. Hope that helps.

montanafan

Only the 50/50 split on the Aztek. The Buick needs a 60/40 split for better access to the third row.

gregeaston

Anyone check to see if the RDV seats fit in the 'tek?

nextmoon

I've looked at both of the second row seats from both the Tek and RDV and they look indentical in size and floor mount points. I believe they should be interchangeable with the difference being in cover material.

noastar

Howdy,

This weekend I'm house-sitting for my brother and he has all the cool tools. I mentioned in an earlier post that I grounded out my Aztek when I scraped the bottom on the ground. I haven't noticed anything unusual and I hit the brakes as soon as I heard the scrape, but I'm still worried.

I have an AWD Aztek so I'm kinda worried about the drive shaft. This weekend I'm going to prop it up on ramps and take a look underneath. I was wondering if anyone out there can tell me what to look for? I am totally mechanically challenged. I don't want to take it to a shop because I'm afraid they'll lie, knowing I'm worried, and rip me off with all kinds of repairs.

Anywho. If anyone can tell me what to check out I'd appreciate it. I'm praying I'll only see a slight scrape one something low and no dents. That'd be great. If the metal is scraped should I paint/protect it with anything to prevent rusting?

I'd really like the help. Thanks.

sbdean

Every comment I've read so far describes the Aztec as ugly. I think it is beautiful! The first time I saw one, I wanted it - just on the basis of its appearance. Now that I've spoken to two proud owners, I want to get one also.

dgrpk

I know what you mean, lots of things in life to keep one busy. Thank you for getting me that info, I've been curious about what I can get to accessorize my yellow tek, and I definately want that mat. That sounds like a good price, Im going to look into it.

Will check back later. Happy tekking

dgrpk

I tried the delayed locking on my tek, I waited 5, even 10, 15 seconds and it didn't work. Is that something you have to program. The only way for me to lock the door at this time is to hit it twice.

greg_easton

I recommend spending some time with the manual in the front seat of the 'tek. It's the only way to learn how to use these gadgets. Mine came that way, but I'm sure someone at the dealer could have programmed mine, or screwed around with yours.

jaydoh

Typically "bottoming out" means scraping your air dam or stabilizer beam. How did you bottom out? Sorry, I didn't read the earlier post.

If you hit a parking knoll, you need only worry about the nose to the tires. If you "ingested" an object (straddled it with your tires and went over it hard), then you have more to look at. I did this with a 97 Montana. The pickup in front of me dropped his full size spare and I hit it and dragged it a few hundred yards before I could pull over.

Start at the front. Look for cracks, or an entirely missing airdam (if you smacked it real good). No fluids forming puddles is a GOOD sign (dark is oil or tranny, green is coolant, and red could be brake, power steering or tranny - yellowish means put out your cigarette, but not in the yellow liquid).

Scraped metal is OK (should be shiny spots where undercoating or pain is OBVIOUSLY missing). Bent or twisted metal is not good, but can be OK depending upon the severity. Check the oil and transmission pans. Hard hits can typically shear off or severely scrape the drain nuts (although today's cars don't typically have them at the bottom anymore for this reason - I haven't looked real close under my Tek yet, as I no longer work on cars for a living having switched to computers). Look for "elbows" that hang low (these are linkages where two bars or your struts/shocks link to something else and are tied together by a nut). Make sure they are not twisted or the nut has not been sheared off. Run the length of your exhaust. This is the most fragile part of the underbelly and cracks the easiest. If you don't hear it getting louder, you are OK (but you may lose a clamp to the jolt, and the pipe can vibrate without it - causing it to crack later).

If you ran over something hard, your tires and axles will have taken the worst of it (hard to bottom out if your tires hit it) and I would advise you to seek professional inspections (your dealer should do it for you for free, and not tell you lies about the true condition). If you scraped a parking bumper or ingested something on the highway, the clues above should tell you if you have a problem.

Hope that helps.

noastar

I was backing down a ramp from a level street. The lip of the ramp had a large hump and combined with the steep angle, the middle of the underside scraped the ground. I was going backwards at about 1/2 to 1 MPH and hit the brakes as soon as I heard a scrape. It was very slow and I don't believe I went further than an inch before I stopped. I had my brother crawl under, he's an engineer, and take a look. he said he didn't see anything. It would have happened across the car at about the front of the rear doors. The only thing I was worried about was the driveshaft for the AWD. He said it was okay. The car doesn't run any different. No noise, no fluids, no problems. I think everything's okay.

Thanks for the help.

pontiacwheels

There is a hitch solution for the AWD Azteks... Hidden Hitch makes it and it's a custom fit job, really nice... you can buy one for a good price at http://www.jcwhitney.com. I bought one and installed it myself. I would advise to attempt install if you are mechanically inclined. It took me some time, you have to drill a couple holes.

catera1998

I got my Aztek (for use for a previously un-named national company dealing in cash registers) 7 days ago..parked it tonight with 1049 miles. So far so good...I get lots of looks...which as much as I would like to admit aren't because I am good looking. I have loads of praise..it seems quieter at speed than my Cadillac Catera.....gets the same gas mileage (22.3 avg).......has comfy seats and the true tailgate is a nice change. Of my list of gripes....doors open to easy...I already overextended the drivers door (it now clicks when I open it), headrest should tilt forward...very slow accel when saddled down with parts, radio should have some sort of limiter to avoid blowing speakers (I am 24...used to my bose system), and lastly I have to almost slam the hatch to close it...otherwise the "rear hatch ajar message wont go away". Overall though I like it....just how durable they are will be seen as over 200 of them are being ordered and placed into service for the Dallas area alone. Till next time.

greg_easton

"lastly I have to almost slam the hatch to close it...otherwise the "rear hatch ajar message wont go away"

This will go away. Mine did it too for a couple of weeks, then it just worked fine.

kermitek

Hello catera1998,

Congrats on your Tek. I think the headrests do tilt up and back independent of the seat back, they definitely do on our 2001 Aztek GT. Maybe it's a function of what eqpt pkg you get - but on ours you just push them forward and they bend that way, or push them up straight to be in line with the seat back.

On the lift glass - my dealer said to just rotate the little black rubber bumpers on the inside rear edge/corners of the glass - enough so the lid pops on the first remote button push, but not so far that the door ajar warning is triggered when closed.

gmdrone

The headrests on your Aztek do tilt forward, even on the base model. I had one for a company car, and for 3 months I couldn't get the darn things to move. The secret is to use excessive force on the top of the restraint, and it helps to have them up all the way. I suspect that this is due to the extremely tight tolerancing that GM is currently trying to adhere to, nice in terms of fit and finish, but as you've noticed, a royal pain when it relates to functional parts. You may even have to whack them on the top from the backseat. That's what I did. Used my foot! That freed them up. Good Luck! Also there is a TSB out that relates to your glass adjustment, a lot of the early ones had the wrong overslam bumpers in them, and mad it difficult to release as well as engage. Check with your dealer, the input on adjustment of the bumpers above is good info too.

montanafan

catera1988, the option list says 4-way adjustable headrest is in the custom trim group in 1SC and 1SD packages on the 2002. May want to expirement with the rubber bumpers on the glass to lower them so the light goes out easier, but it still pops open when you hit the button on the dash. Glad your first impressions seam very positive. My sister in law saw a couple White ones at a dealership, who said they were getting 8 this month for your company. Keep us all updated.

lbthedawg

Don't care to start a flame war on Edmunds (there seem to be plenty already) but have to ask. I know what I paid, have good idea of the going price for Azteks and looked over at the Highlander board. My opinion inserted here, why are we getting so much for a reasonable price and the other people are getting so little for so much?

Another subject. Have had strange "comes and goes" rattle. Decided to hunt it down myself. Found that one of the latch mechanisms for the sliding bars was the rattle. How did I fix it? Found that the sliders could be removed by "popping off" the two rear covers on the rack (the small plastic pieces at the rear edge of the rack) Found that the racks have small tension springs that can be tweaked for more loading on the latch mechanism. After all that, I decided to leave the racks off. Heck it only takes a couple seconds to put them back on.

I must say that I am disappointed in Pontiac's effort to sell these vehicles. The current ad theme they are running is one of the lamest concepts I've ever seen. If I were Bob Lutz, the company responsible would be looking for work. Acquaintances of mine who have traveled with me almost always make remarks at the start of a journey and at the end. Of course the "ugly stuff" at the start but virtually all rave about the ride, room and comfort at the end. What GM has missed is they allowed the 12 year old mentality hide what a great package this really is. The styling got the attention but the advertising didn't sell the capability. Would I buy another? Unquestionably yes. There simply is no other vehicle at this price that does what this does.

Looking forward to many replies. This is Edmunds, not too worried about any fatal opinions.

gm_litogation

Well maybe you can find your answers here. As far as I can tell in this particular thread few supported the Tek.

ticktock4321 "2002 Aztek vs. CR-V vs. Highander." Feb 20, 2002 9:01am