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Pontiac Aztek

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  • jkidd2jkidd2 Member Posts: 218
    Not sure if this is new news or not...thought I'd post just in case.

    http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caranddriver/dai/2003/march/200303- 21_dai_aztek.xml
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    is there really a difference between the Aztek and the Rendezvous? And is GM taking the Rendezvousz out of production, like the Aztek?
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    is there third-row seating in the 'Tek and RDV? How safe is it?

    Did GM use the Aztek/RDV as the R&D department for the SRX? If so, maybe I don't have to wait a year for the bugs to get worked out of the SRX, eh?
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    adp3 asked is there really a difference between the Aztek and the Rendezvous!!!!

    Outside of

    the superior appearance of the Rendezvous over the Aztek,,, or
    the superior ride of the Rendezvous over the Aztek,,, or
    the superior handling of the Rendezvous over the Aztek,,, or
    the larger interior of the Rendezvous

    I guess not.

    Unlike the Aztek the Rendezvous has been a big seller for Buick and will continue to be for many years. Next year the Buick line will be strengthened with the addition of the Rainer.

    ~Ken
  • gregeastongregeaston Member Posts: 128
    Don't forget the vastly superior PRICE of the RDV to the Aztek.

    $26,345 for the base RDV
    $21,395 for the base Aztek

    And I'd hardly call the RDV a superior appearance to ANYTHING. It's butt-ugly in its own way.

    And how is the interior larger on the exact same frame as the Aztek? Because there is more headroom for the third seat? Yipee. Try utilizing that extra space with cargo and you obscure the driver's ability to see out the back window.
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    Hi Greg good to see you are still around and still as feisty as ever which by the way is a good thing.

    Greg you can purchase the basic RDV with rebates and GM points for around $21k. The same basic Aztec with the same rebates and GM points would run around $18k or a net difference of about 3k. You will get that back when it comes time to sell or trade in the vehicle. The general perception of the RDV is quite good compared to the Aztek and that probably is why one is selling and the other is being discontinued.

    Greg you are correct they are both built on the same frame and have the same overall dimensions. But that however is where the similarity ends. The RDV has an overall larger appearing interior over the Aztec because of the difference in the body design.

    The Aztec is tapered and sloped in the back to allow for a pop up tent. whereas the RDV is more rounded to allow for more comfortable seating and cargo room. Also the seat design and layout of the interior gives the RDV a more comfortable and richer appearance. I have no need for a beer cooler between the front seats or a pop up tent in the cargo area. Apparently you do and that's great but that is why the RDV has more interior room.

    ~Ken
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    thanks for the info, guys - I didn't mean the question to be a "loaded" one. I assume there are differences (more than leather and bells and whisltes) and I figured folks here could point them out

    not every question is a request for an argument, right?
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    The reason the Buick seems larger, is that it is. Almost 4" longer wheelbase and overall length.
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    Sorry adp3 I really didn't consider my comments on the differences between the RDV and Aztec as an argument. I thought that was what this Town Hall forum was all about. The exchange of ideas and view points.

    ~Ken
  • adp3adp3 Member Posts: 446
    thanks, Ken - I was reading "tone" that wasn't really there

    thanks for the comparison info
  • buzzbo99buzzbo99 Member Posts: 111
    So the Aztek will end production in December of 2004. Has anyone read if Pontiac has another crossover in the works. I cannot see any division just getting out of the crossover market since it seems so popular.
  • paulmlacpaulmlac Member Posts: 27
    Hello all.

    I own an '03 Buick Rendezvous with trailer towing package. I realize this is not that vehicle's board, but I posted a question over there and didn't get a lot of feedback. So I'm trying here realizing the similarity between the vehicles...

    I use the vehicle to pull a 1,000 lb pop up camper. It tows pretty smoothly. There are only some real minor tugs when accelerating, going over bumps, etc.

    We are considering upgrading to a larger pop up that would weigh about 2,000 lbs. I am concerned that the vehicle will tug more and that I'll now know it's back there.

    I know I'm well within the 3,500 lb limit but am interested in some practical, real-world experience.

    So... Does anyone use their Pontiac to pull about 2,000 lbs and how much do you know the trailer is back there with tugs, etc?

    Thanks!
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You might take a look at Towing tips for SUVs.

    tidester, host
  • triumphertriumpher Member Posts: 58
    Just wanted to let everybody know that my Aztek (2002 model with 27854 miles on the clock) is presently at the dealer to get new front wheel bearings. The last few weeks I heard increasing noise from the front end , and it was louder when the weather was warm, and also louder when turning around corners at speeds between 30 to 40 mph. the service writer did not act very surprised about the fact that the bearings are bad just at about 28000 miles. Thus, I want to alert everybody to carefully listen to the rolling noise in the front before the warranty is up!
  • monty95monty95 Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had any luck reprogramming the 2003 Aztek? I just bought my 2003 Aztek and I love it. However the owners manual says I can reprogram many of the options like the loghts staying on for 25 seconds after you shut off the car. I have yet to figure out how this is done. The book says turn the key to ON and press the odometer button for 2 seconds. I've tried every position of the key, light switch and held the button in from 2 seconds to a minute and no program mode. The dealer says their tech dept says my vehicle doesn't have this option. The book says it does, in fact there's another option if you hae a DIC control (which this does not). Any help here? Thanks
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    The dealer is right, your Aztek dosen't have this feature. The manual is incorrect.
  • crj1crj1 Member Posts: 70
    Thinking of buying one, what are your thoughts?
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    We have had ours for a little over a year now (19k on it). We haven't had problems with it at all other then the hatch not opening one first try (pretty common thing and nothing more then a minor annoyance). With the exception of a few bad ones, they seem to be pretty reliable and most owners are quite happy with them (from talking to others here and elsewhere) . Its not a real off-roader but with AWD and winter tires, a very snowy winter here in the northeast we had not troubles at all (and others even with FWD and stock tires are happy with bad weather conditions (17" wheels with 'looker' tires being the exception) ) . Ride is comfy,not much wind noise at all for a larger vehicle, handling is easy, parks better then a full size minvan might. Power is adaquate, but it is not a rocket for sure, but that most likely contributes to better gas mileage (our AWD can get a little over 25mpg lightly loaded on a long trip, and around 20 or a little better in everyday driving). Some don't like the line separating the rear glass, but it seems to quite nicely block a good portion of the headlights from vehicle behind you (I like that). See if it fits your needs and desires and go out and drive one, you might like it. Good luck
  • olrdvolrdv Member Posts: 53
    Although we bought a RDV, I like better the accessories from the Aztek, in particular the Cargo Net System.
    I have the 4 connection rings on the sides, free without connecting to anything.
    Questions: is anyone familiar with the interchangeability of the net system? Are those connecting rings roughly at the same locations on both Aztek and RDV?
    Thanks.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Aztek-kies love those odd-looking vehicles (New Haven Register)

    Steve, Host
  • garthodinsongarthodinson Member Posts: 37
    Hey everyone, it's been a really long time. The fact of the matter is that there is no real difference in ride. I have test driven the RDV and if anyone says that it rides better, they are biased.

    How do I know you ask? I tested it with accelerometers, possibly the same that GM uses. The ride in my Aztek with 46k miles on it was less than .0001% different (with my Goodyears and not the Firestones that it came with). This figure is well within the accuracy of everything involved. If anyone wants to know the methodology then e-mail me at aztek@fast.net.

    I rode the same roads, hit the same bumps and overall came up with the same reading. Also the Aztek measured less gs on turns at the same speeds as did the RDV!

    As for the difference in capacity - sorry but the difference in price makes me glad that I didn't wait for the RDV - who cares if the RDV will hold two more midgets than the Tek?

    I believe that the Aztek net system will work on the RDV with the seats folded down, if they all have those loops on the backs of the fold down seats. I believe that the ones that I rode in had them wher the Aztek has a round upside down hat like thing embedded in the floor.

    As for the person that said that sales figures prove the superiority of the RDV is dead wrong. Buick has pushed and marketed the RDV very well. I wish that pontiac had done the same thing.

    Marketing is everything. Think pet rock.

    Joe
  • olrdvolrdv Member Posts: 53
    Thanks for your input. I went to the Buick/Pontiac dealer and tested the Aztek cargo net on the RDV.
    It does NOT fit, the wall to wall distance where the rings are mounted is wider on the RDV. Not counting to the lack of floor rings.
    It can be modified to have an OK fit.

    Regarding the comparisons between the Aztek and RDV, the differences are minimal other than each one individual taste. And we can NOT argue about tastes.

    As a owner (wife's car) of a RDV, I believe the Aztek is more bag for the buck, although I agree with wife about the prefered RDV styling.

    There are a few differences, like the rear suspension and other minimal items, some of which the Aztek cars are superior.

    This comparison should boil down to personal style preferences... and they are only...personal.

    We should keep it this simple. No more than this.
  • crj1crj1 Member Posts: 70
    Well I bought a 2003 Black Aztek with the 1SC package and 17" wheels a sunroof and XM radio, so far I love it.
  • triumphertriumpher Member Posts: 58
    After receiving a new right side wheal bearing and hub at about 28000 miles, my January 2002 Aztek received a new set on the left side at 29012 miles on the clock.

    I just want to alert everybody out there to listen for bearing noises before the warranty is up. the dealer told me that they had several Azteks that needed new wheal bearings. The noise is most prominent when the car had run for a bout 30 to 40 miles, the speed is between 25 to 40 mph, and the car has to turn (bend in road, etc.) to either side.
  • m2kappm2kapp Member Posts: 16
    Hello All,
    I just bought a 2003 Aztek(2wd) with 23000mi on it 6 days ago. My wife and I love it! We were looking for something safer with more cargo room than her mazda protege to carry around our newborn baby girl in. I also own a 2002 Impala LS and am a member over at www.clubgp.com. A lot of info can be found there on upgrades/mods as well as maintenance and recalls in general as the Aztek(2wd-don't know about AWD yet) shares the same tranny(4t65e)as the Grand Prix/Impala/Regal/etc. I've already changed the engine oil to Mobil 1 sythetic and am going to do the tranny next. Has anyone modded their Aztek here?
  • crj1crj1 Member Posts: 70
    Well I now have about 400 miles on my 2003 Aztek and I like it a lot more than I thought I would, I wanted a 04 Gran Prix but I have 2 young daughters....So far so good.
  • olrdvolrdv Member Posts: 53
    The Aztek does NOT share the V6 engine with the Regal or the Grand Prix.
    It shares the V6 engine with the Grand Am, Alero, base Impala and RDV.
  • bbeard74bbeard74 Member Posts: 4
    Last month I took our 2002 Aztek to my parents house in Michigan (from Erie, PA). I left a bit earlier than planned, so I decided to try something new. Previously, most highway speeds have averaged 70-75 mph. This time I drove 65 mph max. Never exceeded 2500 rpms. The result shocked me... 30 MPG!!! I am running Amsoil 0W-30 oil, but have made no modifications. Return trip (including a 1.5 hour bumper to bumper construction slowdown still netted 28 MPG). I will never speed again.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Thats really good , best I have seen on ours is just over 25 on a trip. We have AWD version and thats still not to bad for a reasonably heavy vehicle
  • olrdvolrdv Member Posts: 53
    my RDV with AWD made an overall average of 18mpg for the first 3000 miles combined driving.
  • m2kappm2kapp Member Posts: 16
    Please point out in my previous post where I had said anything about ENGINES....Now, like I said,our TRANSMISSIONS (4T-65e) are shared with the W-body cars and also GM Minivans,LeSabre,Park Avenue and Bonneville. Also, technically, our 3400s are essentially nothing more than a bored out version of the 3100 pushrod 60 degree V6 that is used in the Grand Prix, Malibu,and Century.
  • olrdvolrdv Member Posts: 53
    Whats your point with those stats? I can verify them, but...
  • ptacekjptacekj Member Posts: 2
    My Aztec sets engine codes when it feels like it. Engine runs the same whether the codes are set or not so it's hard to tell what kind of engine performance problem the set code is causing. Dealer has had it 4 times. First time they found broken wires to the MAF sensor. Fixed it and it worked fine for a week. Second time the check engine light was on they found a blown fuse for the AIC (Air injection controller). They replaced fuse and found no other problem. The third time the check engine light set it was the AIC again but they said it's working fine. They think it sticks occasionally and sets the code. The 4th time I brought it in the AIC code was set again but they said I should clean the AIC myself to save myself lots of money. Question: Haven't got my service manuals yet so has anyone ever done this fix or have had this problem? Also I get a fast idle every once in a while; about 1500 RPM at idle. Only happens once or twice a week. After the car has been shut off over night, it's fine. I've been told the AIC can cause this. Any help appreciated. Thanks...........Joe
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    AIC? thats a new one to me, haven't heard of any others having a problem with it
  • bbeard74bbeard74 Member Posts: 4
    To echo a message further up about wheel bearings, I had the drivers side go at about 26.5K and the passenger side at 28K. I got conflicting stories at the dealership. The service coordinator told me they had seen several Azteks in for wheel bearings, the shop manager said he hadn't seen many at all... I watched this one being replaced and am confident that if this reoccurs at 56K miles I will order parts and replace myself.
  • jkwh50ajkwh50a Member Posts: 7
    Check out http://www.aztekrally.org for infomation
  • jkwh50ajkwh50a Member Posts: 7
    Check out http://www.aztekrally.org for details..
  • kritta16kritta16 Member Posts: 20
    hi all. well it's been awhile since i last posted anything here. i need some advice on whether or not anyone would recommend a 4 yr lease on an aztek. any suggestions/pointers ? thanks. i'm supposed to sign papers today but having a little bit of cold feet.
  • crj1crj1 Member Posts: 70
    If you don't mind me asking why a 4 year lease? I leased one for 2 years and the payment was very reasonable. Do you get a GM discount? plus it depends what part of the country you are in, I live in Michigan..
  • kritta16kritta16 Member Posts: 20
    well apparently my credit isn't as good as it once was... i have not ever leased and in my mind it's a dirty word. LOL i have asked what is the residual on the vehicle after 4 yrs (for that matter, will it even be running?!). no actual numbers have been discussed and that kind of gets me. i get the feeling i'm being offered the screwjob of a lifetime. just wanted to know if anyone else concluded the same. thanks.
  • kritta16kritta16 Member Posts: 20
    signing papers tonight. i looked at it this way, it may be a bit of a screw job but at least anything that goes wrong w/ the vehicle (within reason) will be covered for 4 yrs. that's pretty good, if you're a single mom with nobody to help.

    call me crazy, but the Aztek is my dream car... i was raised with military vehicles and as weird as it sounds, the Aztek reminds me of home. :) it always reminded me of an "urban assault vehicle". LOL anyhow, see you all out on the road!!! it'd be great if i could make the NE Rally.
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    kritta16 I believe your new tek comes with a 3 yr or 36,000 mile warranty so unless you purchase the extended warranty you won't be covered for the 4th yr or mileage over the 36,000 miles. However that being said I truly hope you enjoy your new tek and have many happy trouble free miles of driving.

    ~Ken
  • kritta16kritta16 Member Posts: 20
    thanks ken. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!! WOW it rides about 1000 times better than the Vibe i had before it. the aztek is, no doubt, one of the easiest cars to drive i have ever driven. it's effortless. it was about 100$/mo more than my other payment but SO WORTH IT. now i feel like such an idiot i didn't buy it BEFORE when i bought the Vibe instead of the Aztek. oh well. live and learn. i can now breathe a contented sigh of RELIEF the Vibe is gone. dont' get me wrong, it's a good car for what it is, but cannot compare to the Tek.

    as for the lease (4 yr) it was the only way financially i (was told) i could get into an aztek. i mean they figured the numbers but it was way too high for my budget to buy it outright. so i asked about a 24 mo lease. that was a no go too. because of negative equity from the Vibe, the 4 yr lease was really the only option that the payments would have been in reach. i am one of those people that really don't trust car dealers and i figured i was going to get screwed somehow, so i expected it kinda. i figured i was gonna be paying on something for a long time anyway, so why not get something i really like?

    love the aztek. love it!
    mine is liquid metallic gray/silver. don't care much for the outside color, but i'm so thrilled with the interior/features i really don't care. lol

    :) i am very pleased with the aztek.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Congrats on the new ride, hope you continue to enjoy it for a long time. Does seem to be a pretty good vehicle.
  • kritta16kritta16 Member Posts: 20
    hi. just signed on my new liquid silver/gray tek last evening. LOVE IT. cannot say enough how positively enthused i am about the 'tek.

    looking forward to many happy miles :):)

    peggy
  • crj1crj1 Member Posts: 70
    Glad to hear you like your Aztek, thats all that really matters.

    Chris
  • stykystyky Member Posts: 1
    We are proud owners of a 2001 Aztek and will never part with our UV (ugly vehicle) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder that's probably why we think it's shape has character.

    We read in the July 2003 edition of Motor Trend mag. that this is the last year for the Aztek and it will no longer be built. This is truly a shame. They don't know what they are missing.

    Does anyone out there know of a company that produces a diecast scale model of the aztek? Have the hat know where the jacket can be purchased but can't find the diecast.
  • montanafanmontanafan Member Posts: 945
    Read the same Motor Trend story but came away with a different take. The Aztek came before the Rendevous, the new Rendevous while come before the Pontiac version. All that will go away in 2005 is the name. Many manufacturers are going to be renaming their new products in the future to better get accross to the public the newness. GM will no longer use Cavalier and Grand Am for example, and Chryslers replacements for the Intrepid family will also get new names, even the redesigned Windstar is getting a new name.
  • kenymkenym Member Posts: 405
    It has been 23 days since somebody had anything to say. That is probably way they are going to discontinue the Tek............
    ~Ken
  • iwinuloseiwinulose Member Posts: 4
    Not only are they happy and yelling "YAHOO" about their Azteks! They are doing it somewhere freely without prejudice, and they are doing it often!

    BTW, just checked for all you Tek lovers out there, Aztek sales are up 26% for the year and on track for record sales.
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