Pontiac Aztek

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Comments

  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    Drew, You are right. The ML320 and the Aztek are not in the same ballpark. Number one is the price.
    I paid almost twice the price of the yellow AZTEK when I got the ML320 in February of last year.

    The steering of the ML320 is superior, the suspension is better. It absorbs the bumps smoother. The
    materilas are of better quality. It is like a vault.

    What surprise me is the Aztek has a better build quality. The Aztek is roomier, giving a more comfortable ride. I took off one rear seat and the cargo tray. The main advantage is versatilty. The stereo sounds better than the Bose Accoustimas in the ML320.

    At first my wife was against buying the Aztek. But when she got in and drove the car, her perceptions started to change. The Aztek has grown on her.

    Ask my 11 year old daughter, which car she prefer. Right away she will say, the AZTEK.

    I am running out of words, differentiating the two cars. Maybe it's the versatlity, the bells and whistles,
    the Onstar, the unique styling, etc..., etc..... that make us love the Aztek more than the ML320.
  • jmaterojmatero Member Posts: 253
    I've owned subarus in the past and currently have a Passat and the handling of AWD vehicles (along with their superior performance in rain/snow) make them my top choice. I know many of today's traction control systems are quite good, but you haven't lived until you've driven an audi A4 Quattro or subaru legacy GT at high-speed into/out of a curve. A driver's dream. I'm considering an A4 Avant next year or possible another Subaru and I thought a Pontiac with Toyota mechanicals, sport suspension, 17" wheels, ABS, AWD and a flexible interior design (along with 180hp) would give both a run for the money.
  • jmaterojmatero Member Posts: 253
    I've driven both and while the Aztek's ride is quite nice, I have to agree with the person who stated the "feel" of the two are night and day. The ML does have a more German feel (for obvious reasons) and the steering and braking "feel" are superior (just my opinion) to the Aztek. Interior quality seems a wash, but I will say the Aztek was very quiet.
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    GM is a media company, but consumers may not be ready to embrace telematics.

    Pontiac Division Head Wants to Revive Excitement in Showrooms:
    The Aztek was designed to reach a 30-something market, but most of its buyers are well older than 35.

    Steve
    Host
    Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Most Azteks I see around here have a mom and kids in the back going to school or hockey practice. Perhaps they should give in and just market the thing to families rather than single 20 somethings that can't really afford it anyway.
  • aztekaztek Member Posts: 10
    Hello Aztek fans (and those who may not be),

    The rally is looking better than ever. Pontiac is going to be doing some really cool things for us. If you are interested in finding out more about the event e-mail me at aztek@nni.com

    We will be meeting in Paramus, NJ. There we will have some discussion and presentations. Then we will be driving to a few other rally points.

    We'll end up at our final point which is the Green Valley Beach Campground where (those who choose to) we'll camp out for the night.

    Joe
  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    Joe, I think more Aztek fans will participate in the rally, if you will post on this board the information about the event.

    Looking ahead to see you in Paramus.

    Exzur
  • countsmackula1countsmackula1 Member Posts: 61
    Could the hosts please tell me me why my second message was erased? No hard feelings,I'm just curious. I hope that all differing opinions aren't erased in this manner--thanks. Oh yeah, the Pontiac Aztec is still the ugly duckling of the auto industy. Kinda reminds me of "the Emporer's new Clothes".............If enough people say it's cool, others will start to believe it.............
  • todd54todd54 Member Posts: 22
    ...for the Aztek can be seen at: http://www.manik.com/products/pontiac.asp


    and purchased at: http://www.1autoaccessory.com/. Search on "aztek" to see a list of the items.

    Todd

  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Please check the e-mail account that is in your profile. Thanks!


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • ab348ab348 Member Posts: 20,079
    Yesterday I picked up my rental Aztek from Avis, a white FWD base model. The Avis guy was interested in my reaction to it and asked me to give him some comments when I turned it in. He said they have 90 of them here in the local fleet. This one was fairly well-used to my surprise, with over 11,000 kilometers on it already.

    My initial reaction to the interior was fairly positive. The controls seemed fairly well-laid out except the cruise switch on the stalk was blocked by the wheel rim, but generally I had no trouble figuring things out and getting set up. I hate gray interiors, but this one was redeemed somewhat by a few factors: it had various shades and patterns mixed in, along with some black, so it wasn't all one dismal shade. The headliner was a very pale textured vinyl that brightened things up as well. The seats were a woven twill with some patterned cloth that didn't really thrill me, but it beat the gray mouse-fur cloth most makers use these days and looked like it would wear very well. The seats looked narrow at first (I'm a wide-body) but proved very comfortable during the day. A lumbar adjustment would have been nice but they seemed fairly supportive.

    Driving it, I was struck by a few things. My first impression was that it seemed underpowered around town. That wasn't really the case, I think; it has adequate power, but could benefit perhaps from a slightly lower first gear or final drive. At 65 mph the engine barely is turning 2000 rpm. Engine noise wasn't bad and when you floored it the thing moved out quite well, with some roughness noted once the engine began to get into the higher rev range but generally not bad. Brakes were nicely weighted, steering was fine for the most part (one exception noted below). The vehicle was very tight and solid, and build quality seemed very good. I detected one creak late last night when I was tooling around the neighborhood, from the rear suspension; sounded like a bushing that needed some freeing up. Other than that, not a squeak or a rattle. Wind noise was low despite the huge door mirrors (which are needed).

    My day consisted of 600+ km (about 400 miles) of mostly highway driving, both on expressways and secondary roads. The biggest compliment I can give it is that for such a long drive, I got home and didn't feel stressed or tired. It handled reasonably well, but my one complaint was that the steering seemed a little darty at times on small wheel corrections. That could be a tire pressure or alignment issue since rentals don't get the best of care. Ride was generally good, with only a little side to side rocking reminding me that you sit higher than in a car. Didn't really note much crosswind sensitivity, though it wasn't a particularly windy day. I was very pleased with the stereo; knowing I was in for a long day I brought some of my favorite Steely Dan CDs with me and they never sounded better. Wish I had that setup in my regular car. Great sound.

    What didn't I like? Well, I was inside it, so I didn't notice the styling except when I got out. :) I found the rear visibility quite poor, due both to the shape of the rear opening and the shading used on the rear glass. I normally drive a sedan and this just seemed difficult to get used to. Along the same lines I found parking a little tough because I couldn't see the extremities of the vehicle at all. I didn't make use of the rear compartment or rear seat so I can't comment on that, though there looked to be decent room. And it seems to me that in a vehicle like this the interior could use some zippier color accents.

    I liked the interior generally; the dash was well-laid out, albeit with a sort of Blade Runner/early-80s Japanese design sensibility, but I liked it anyway; the seats were good, and there was lots of storage space with all sorts of places to put things. The dynamics of driving it were better than I expected, honestly; I had no complaints at all in that department except for the steering issue I noted. Overall verdict: a better car than I expected.

    Would I buy one: probably not. Mostly because of the exterior. That's too bad because it's not a bad vehicle overall. The reaction to the exterior seemed to fall into a few different camps. Older folks (seniors) like my neighbor just shook their heads. He asked me, "what *is* that thing?" when I parked it outside my house last night, and the tone was not positive. OTOH, young kids (I'm guessing 3-10 years of age) were just fascinated by it. I noticed that every time a car passed me with kids that age in it they were always staring at the car, craning their necks to be able to keep it in sight. Maybe it reminds them of something they see in cartoons? Anyway, I would guess they think it's cool. The third group that seemed to take a bit of an interest in it were some SUV drivers, who I noticed looking it over in traffic more than a few times. Don't know if they were favorable looks or not.

    The concept of the vehicle, though, seems to have some merit. If they were to tone down the styling as apparently they plan to, that would help, and perhaps the Buick version will cater to a broader market. It seems to me they could lower it an inch or two and improve the look immensely without hurting much in the way of driving or utility. What you would have is a vehicle similar to a small station wagon which might appeal to a lot of people. Looks-wise, aside from the styling and black cladding of course, bigger wheels and tires, if combined with a little lowering, would do wonders. Plus, I don't think that white is the best color for one of these either. But all in all I have to give credit where it's due; it served me well on a tough day's travel and if I had to rent one again I wouldn't hesitate.

    2017 Cadillac ATS Performance Premium 3.6

  • scuzzbopperscuzzbopper Member Posts: 1
    My name is MScott and I'm from upstate NY. My Pewter AWD GT is a month old with zero problems and doing great. Hi to everyone on the list and thanks to everyone on the boards (kissfan in particular) that helped sell me on the 'tek.

    MScott
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Sounds like a fair assessment. Perhaps if Pontiac fixed up the 2002 models, I may be interested. I think I would still lean towards paying a little more for a Rendezvous.
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    Excellent review...... No question. Thanks for taking the time to provide a very level handed assessment of the AZTEK..........

    PS: I was getting tired of reading those incessant biased comments from that hopelessly devoted .....kissfan ; )

    guess what........ always wearing the ; ) AZTEK smile!!
  • steveswstevesw Member Posts: 5
    I've noticed that the crossbars on the roof rack of my Aztek shift a little, causing a periodic shifting noise occasionally when on the highway - when the wind catches them just right. Has anyone else heard this shifting sound on your Aztek, and if so, do you know of a remedy? It's not major, but just a slight occasional annoyance. Thanks.
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    my pleasure........i hope you enjoy your vehicle.

    i'm so happy....i drive to montreal tomorrow........

    ; )........AZTEK smile!!!!!!!!!
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    best defense is good offense. bring it on bashers....... i own them.. lol

    ; ).....wearing my AZTEK smile
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Hey... I think all the Aztek bashers left and went to the Aztek is ugly forum.

    Boy it got quiet here fast.

    :-)
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Dindak - Where is it? I want to go there too!

    BTW, I just found out I'll be going to Montreal next year for my 20 year high school reunion (yes, I grew up there). I'm just wondering where you live.

    Brian
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I don't know... it was in the top ten busy discussions.

    I live near Toronto in Oakville ON. Montreal is a great city to visit. Very European.
  • bdreggorsbdreggors Member Posts: 143
    Its in the "News & Views" section. Currently, the topic seems to be Aztek vs. VehiCROSS in the looks department.
  • malthepalmalthepal Member Posts: 4
    On Thursday evening I bought a white AWD Aztek GT. As it wasn’t in my dealer’s inventory I actually do not take possession until Tuesday or possibly Wednesday of next week. This is a bummer ‘cause I am off on Monday and Tuesday of this week and I wanted to play with my new “toy!”

    My first choice in colour was Maple Red but they either produced fewer fully loaded versions in this colour or perhaps this colour turned out to be more popular. They only colours that I would not consider were Yellow and the Mossy Green. As there was a model with all the options I considered desirable in Canmore, I decided that if I was in an already distinctive auto did the actual colour matter that much as long it didn’t glow in the dark or under black lighting.

    I did a lot of research (on-line and off), attended car shows, read magazines but what put me over the top and convinced me that this was going to be my next ride was the 6 day AVIS test drive I conducted in the Florida Keys. The FWD non-GT model I rented lacked the sliding tray but it was still great to haul around my Scuba gear. There were no squeaks, rattles, pops etc in this unit. It had over 8,000 miles on it when we picked it up, put on another 600 and even the most skeptical member of this forum should agree that rental units are often “abused” or under maintained.

    I would like to thank Kissfan1 for his undying devotion. However, the fact that multiple posters from different regions of the continent all felt that they had made the right decision in purchasing this automobile and believed in the value, fit and finish of the Aztec probably carried more weight in the final decision-making process.

    I could have afforded to buy into a more expensive vehicle. There is a Mercedes Dealer located next to where I work. I looked into buying or leasing a ML320. A nice pricier option I considered. Looked at the Land Rovers at the Calgary Car Show. The Land Rover was the only non-GMC that offered dual air conditioning left and right as opposed to front and back. Gas consumption and dismal collision repair reports as well as expensive routine maintenance costs (as well as my better 3/8's feelings) persuaded me that this may not be a good option. What will I do with the extra $15,000 or $20,000? Maybe the Great Barrier Reef needs another once over.

    If anyone is interested in a 1988 Lebaron GTS in excellent mechanical shape but needing some bodywork I am considering offers. It will hit the Bargain Finder in the next little while. I plan to list my Aztek in the June, 2014 edition. HA HA!!

    Anyway, I will keep you all updated on how my new Aztek performs. I am not totally thrilled with Stampede Pontiac in Calgary as I hoped to be behind the wheel sooner (this weekend) but hey, a little anticipation will only lead to greater appreciation come Tuesday.

    Thanks to ALL posters. Your opinions were valued. Just remember that there are many readers of your posts that don’t comment. When you read and re-read and re-read the same things over and over and over and over and over again it can become a little frustrating for those looking for NEW information. .

    Ken
  • malthepalmalthepal Member Posts: 4
    I tested to see if I could write my message and then copy and paste it from MS Word onto the Edmund's Message Board. Unfortunately my test message did not have any puncuation marks or bolding or italics included. I think the basic message should be available and next time I will use the spell checker available in this forum.

    Ken
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Yes, you can write the message in Microsoft Word and then copy and paste it into the text box. However, you have to first turn off Word's smartquotes feature. Those special (and hidden) codes in Word are the reasons why you have those codes in place of the apostrophes and such; they're being copied over as well. If you wish to compose a message offline, you can also use an ASCII compatible application such as Notepad.

    As for the built-in spellchecker, make absolutely sure that you look over its suggested changes before accepting. Also, you can edit your message up to 30 minutes after you posted it.

    Hope this helps!

    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    Congrats on the Aztek. Kissfan will be very pleased!
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    Explorer 2
    Escape 5
    Aztek 0
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    1. Just came back from 1,000 KM (600 Mile Trip) to Montreal on this holiday weekend. The roads in Montreal are reminscent of Bierut. Well thank god for the AZTEK...... Even those roads didn't loosen the fillings in my teeth.

    I was happy to leave.....The damage those roads do suspensions must be gruesome.

    2. Wash washing the vehicle at my father in laws...... 4 not 1.. not 2.....but four neighbors swooped down on me while I was washing the AZTEK.

    Questions ...Questions... I showed them everything. They stayed chatting through the entire was and dry.

    Two were so interested.....they are buying one. (they were both in the market ) Well since they were so interested I took them out for a drive. They were astounded.

    3. Left Montreal this morning at 4:30 AM......Roads were dry and clear. Had tech up to 150 Kms.....ROCK SOLID (I know broke a few laws)

    4. Finally...... Mal the Pal.......congrats on your purchase. YOU WILL LOVE IT. I'm coming up to 20,000 KMS.....luv it. I will be switching to MOBIL 1 Synthetic at the 20,000 kms oil change. GONNA KEEP THIS TEK a GOOD LONG WHILE!!!!!!!

    ; ) .......... wearing an AZTEK smile that just keeps beaming!!!!!!!
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    If we have had a massive migration........too bad. Some of the posts offered little. Some distorted the facts (ie: safety)

    Buried in the onslaught there were a few quality posts that made us all smarter and more informed.

    As much as I luv my Tek.....I felt that those who posted considered thoughtfull opinions were of considerable value. Their posts made enduring the ignorant opinions worth while.

    all the very best ; ) wearing the AZTEK smile!!
  • xmf314xmf314 Member Posts: 154
    I have been lurking on this board for quite some time. You have posted several stories relating to incidents where say you have been places where people just adored your Aztek. With all due respect, does you nose get a little longer each time you tell one of these tales?
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    Hey it's happened to me too, I've had people look at it, with no prompting, and say "It's cool". Not everybody but more than I would expect. I've heard a few people carp about it but they always say "It's your choice". And then they leave it at that. But whether they like it or not they are all curious. And what's wrong with that?
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    I've been called many things that those around me view as irritating and difficult. Over exuberant, intense, focused to obsession........ but to be called a liar.......on any forum is unacceptable.

    I have no interest in lying about a vehicle. My life is a little too full for that.

    Perhaps others may consider that. My observations are real and have happened in numerous locations. You may choose to believe what you will Mr. XMF....... but ask any owner and they will tell you the same type of things happen to them.

    Perhaps the difference with me is I take the opportunity to show the AZTEK to it's fullest.

    Short of using foul language....... I say "poppy -cock" to you. Enjoy your lurking o righteous one.

    ; ) ....... wearing the impervious AZTEK smile!!!!!!!! ......... ; )
  • xmf314xmf314 Member Posts: 154
    Sorry, didn't mean to offend you. I just couldn't imagine so many people fawning over an Aztek.
  • dindakdindak Member Posts: 6,632
    I was gasing up at Sunoco today and there was a guy asking an Aztek owner all about his blue GT parked outside. I think a lot of people are getting interested in this vehicle. My wife's friend told me a few weeks ago that they want to get one next year.
  • waymoresblueswaymoresblues Member Posts: 54
    and positive comments. I can't think of one negative comment to date. Folkes are pretty nice here in Kentucky of course.
  • cwjacobsencwjacobsen Member Posts: 293
    Didn't mean to offend?!? Then what WAS the point of your comment? I have to agree with kissfan. References to Pinochio are pretty clear. You accused him of lying pure and simple!!

    CWJ
  • xmf314xmf314 Member Posts: 154
    Easy there. I apologized
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Okay okay, let's get back to discussing the Aztek please. :-)


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
  • fedlawmanfedlawman Member Posts: 3,118
    Are there any spies out there that have caught some snapshots (or screenshots) of the upcoming makeover? I've read the description of the changes but am curious to see the new "improved" look.
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    Your last post says.... "I couldn't imagine so many people fawning over an AZTEK"

    See you are limited by your imagination. The AZTEK is controversial and polarizing and it attracts a lot of attention.

    People are extremely curious......and they go out of their way to find out more. I'm sorry to disappoint you..........

    ; ) ........ still smiling!! The Aztek smile!! Your friendly nieghborhood Kissfan!!
  • hislanderhislander Member Posts: 67
    No need to apologize. I don't know if those Aztek fans know that many people complimented your cars out of being polite. And they meant otherwise. It happened last week at a laundrymat when I looked at an Aztek. Then the owner asked me what I thought about it. I did not want to "insult" the guy who just spent 25K for this vehicle, so I said "it's cool, man. Very cool. I would like to have one". But what I meant was the vehicle was so ugggly, in-your-face ugly.....So that probably explained why these Aztek fans encountered so many "positive" comments on the streets. So next time you heard one of those compliment, you need to think again.

    p.s. I read in the Houston Chronicle paper that said the Ford executives in Detroid made some of the engineers there to drive home the Aztek or around town to bring the Aztek's "cool" to general public...Can one of the Aztek fans confirm this story?
  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    I do not know about that article in the Houston Chronicle. What I know is your speculation of the people singing praises about the Aztek. Glad you use the word "probably" which leads to
    speculation. Speculations are dismissed right away in court cases.
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    Most 'Tek owners truly do not care what others think about their car purchase. I've had people tell me directly and seriously that they think my new car is butt-ugly. Does that bother me? Not at all!.

    The point is, if some guy on the street tells me my wheels are cool or no-cool, I take it with a grain of salt. What matters is what my family and I think. And we think the 'Tek was the best purchase for us to make. After 1 month and 2k miles, we are very pleased.

    'Tek owners understand this line of thought. Non-Tek owners typically do not understand.

    We feel we have an attractive, unique and bold looking car that is very reliable, albeit not a good seller. Ohter alternatives that we did not choose include top selling SUVs that have had multiple recalls and milk-toast styling.

    To each his own.
  • tonychrystonychrys Member Posts: 1,310
    ...touchy, aren't we? Where's your Azzzztek smile?
  • drzoom1drzoom1 Member Posts: 86
    ;)....................
  • exzurexzur Member Posts: 166
    Always there, always will......
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    No one approached me bout the AZTEK today.

    But it is not beyond the realm of the imagination to think that someone may not approach me.

    Maybe not......I'm taking my daughter to soccer practice with the 2001 Sentra SE.

    Did I tell you I was approached ONCE about the Nissan SE........ Thought you would want to know!!

    ; ).......... you KNOW what that is!! hehe
  • xmf314xmf314 Member Posts: 154
    Thanks for keeping me informed.
  • lbthedoglbthedog Member Posts: 198
    Ford is not hiding their plans to build a similar vehicle to replace the Taurus wagon. Do not be surprised to see many more vehicles of this type. The success of the Rendezvous and the Escape are "proof of concept" The rejection of the Aztek is not because of it's mechanics, just it's styling and pricing. And the styling is not as far "off" as some contend. Pricing will also come in line.

    What else would the so called experts write about this year? How to put stickers on a PT Cruiser? Or how they don't like the Aztek? Haven't seen too much else. Would have been an extremely dull year for cars without these two vehicles.
  • gizmo15gizmo15 Member Posts: 22
    It's funny how sometimes when you a use a vehicle for a while you start to miss or really like an option. The cargo tray is that option for me. When we bought our Aztec 7 weeks ago I thought the cargo tray was cool, but that's about it. Now it's one of my favorite features of the vehicle.

    Numerous trips to the garden store for bags of fertilizer, soil, sand etc - loading these heavy bags in and out has been a dream. Pull out the tray.. put the bags on easily with no back-strain -roll it in, and when we get home roll it out and unload.

    Not a huge thing, but another reason we're really enjoying the vehicle.

    Any other cool option stories out there?
  • kissfan1kissfan1 Member Posts: 283
    As usual I agree with you. No question the Aztek and the Cruiser have spiced up a relatively dull scene.

    Vive La Difference!!

    une petite souris a la Aztek..... ; ) ..........
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