It looks like I will spend Saturday driving some vehicles. I am actually curious to drive some vehicles head to head. I am definitely going to drive the Aztec AWD. I am also going to include the new Sante Fe LX, Rav4, the Grand Vitara V6 and X. I have already driven the Tribute V6. Luckily, the steering wheel didn't fall off in my hands! Still, it an excellent vehicle as far as power/handling/features. Just wouldn't trust it for the long haul. I should have some info and impressions next week! ? - can you get an Aztec with leather? Are they hard to find?
5 recalls and counting on Tribute. I'm quite surprised. I still want to test a Aztek at some point. Maybe in the spring when it's a bit warmer out. ;-)
I'm afraid that the polarizing styling is cause of much bashing along with people's dissatisfaction with GM products in General. I lurk on many sites on these forum's and find that any of the domestic manufacturer's sites have a fair amount of bashing, and a vehicle with the styling of the Aztek would draw even more.
It's an Aztec info site... I myself am very impartial to GM products, especially with the Aztec, however I have no actual data to back it up so I will be driving this weekend with an open mind. Who knows this might be the best small SUV on the market, Ugly or not! Given my experience having driving a 99 Grand Ma and a 98 Grand Prix, I can say it's a mixed bag. The GP (se model) was pretty decent (Good acceleration, decent handling) but the interior is kind of cramped for such a big car. Interior bits were better than many of the GM products I had driven but still kind of cheap for the cashola. As for the GA (GT), well it isn't worth commenting... except it isn't dishwasher safe.
The title of the forum is Pontiac Aztek, doesn't really limit it to info exclusive of opinions. I think that once somebody has commented about their opinions on the vehicle's looks, they should not harp on it. That being said, I think the looks are a major cause of the low sales of the vehicle. From posts of the owner's of the Aztec, it does seem to have some useful features and seems to be reasonably well built.
I have test driven the Aztek GT and I really enjoyed the drive. I had an excellent sales person, and although I havent bought yet, mainly because I'm trying to talk my husband into it, I am going to make it our next vehicle. I think that the Azteks are kind of ugly to the point that they become cute!!
Let's please all try to get along. Posts that are off topic, or hostile in nature, will be hidden or deleted.
And now for the benefit of those that came here to learn about the Pontiac Aztek, let's continue with this subject in a friendly manner. Thanks for your participation.
Hidden Topic...Brave soul your are..!! So you continue to insult me even when the opinion's I posted were NOT my own, but Edmund's. Again, you must be very sensative when it comes to your Aztek's "polarizing" looks.. I am sure you are brave at your computer screen , however let's see how brave you are: come on down to Florida and Insult me to my face ! Have fun driving your minivan. It has the same platform based upon the "Montana"... the minivan that came in DEAD last in the offset crash test..
I have no problem with some critical comments wrt the Aztek ( I don't have one), but consider the following:
a) You have no interest in this vehicle other than to bash it. b)You have never said one positive thing since you have been here. c) You come an brag about your BMW which is not even close to the same kind of vehicle. d) You do not even really participate in the discussion (but feel the need to add smart alec comments).
I'll ask you again (for the 5th time), why are you here?
They sound so much alike (same style/grammar), both keep on referring to "Pumba" and are both from the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Are you guys just the same person? Why not to keep using the same moniker?
Polite Edmund's users- Leave it alone. You can't win and by acknowledging these individuals, you merely encourage them to continue posting offensive OT material.
Pocahontas- Why just hide. Those type posts are pure name calling and should be permanently scribbled.
A) I didn't hide the post, the moderator did. As for your offer, I appreciate it. Let me mention that I have no desire to travel to FloriDUH, home of liberals and voter thiefs.
Let me also mention that anything and everything I say here, I am more than capable, and willing to defend. I even defended your right to spew your pablum all over the screen, and would do so again. Even though I disagree with you about the best damned vehicle I have ever ridden in.
You see while you were driving your little beamer around with your simp clients, I was defending you [non-permissible content removed] in the various jungles of South and Central America. At those times I wasn't there I was either training Mujahideen to fight against the Soviets, or I was training to do those very same things.
Now, I think that after all of your insidious and vile postings, it is clear that I disagree with you. Know that although I would love to never see that misspelled topgun, ever again, I would never deny you the right to mis-speak your truth.
But be advised that I think your threat and or offer to come down and say those things to you would be fruitless, although probably a good work out.
There is a religion called Asatru, it has a series of "Bible" like stories. You should check it out some time. I mention this because of my belief in one of it's base principles, "A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero, but one." And in another faith, there is the principle - "Fear is the negation of faith."
Does that mean I don't fear, not at all. But true courage is found in owning that fear and going through whatever causes you the fear. I felt that every time I put my knees in the breeze. What I am pointing to is should we someday meet, and you are as belligerent, uncouth, judgemental, pushy and opinionated as you are here, and you make that offer, who knows?!?!
And yes, I love my Aztek. Any resemblance to Animalia Chordata Mammalia Artiodctyla Suidae Phacochoerinae Phacochoerus aethiopicus is excellent. It was one of the heraldic beasts. It was so because of it's intelligence, strength, hardiness and ferrocity. SO to those comparing my Tusk to pumba I say thanks!
this is an automotive forum. Your politics, political affiliation, and opinions on the state of the republic, as represented by the current political circus - are quite irrelevant. Edmunds does NOT care.
And the tone that this is taking is quite unacceptable and far out of bounds for civil discourse as required in the Participant's Agreement.
If you can't or won't get it back on track, I can and will shut this conference down!!!!
Front Porch Philosopher SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
and just curious, has there been any other vehicle that stirred up this much emotion among Edmund viewers? Even though I don't care about Aztek, I love this conference. Please keep it going.
It's outlived it's usefulness (?) As far as Aztek-bashing topics go...we've heard from the same few people here (over-and-over-and-over) how much they hate it. Face it, there are no new members, just the same old ones that preach to each other. On the other hand...if all the hatred and ignorance of those few were to be unleashed into other topics...
We need more people like you Wrangler! Yes, shut this site down because he doesn't like it! While were at it lets burn all the books I don't agree with too. We should also get rid of those intellectual types who are always causing trouble too. On the other hand, if you don't like it here- quit reading it.
Between our hostess Meredith and her propensity for purging posts that offend her and the over sensitive whinings of others, I have turned over a new leaf. In the spirit of the holidays, I would like to share my new-found feelings with you.
1. Tiny wheels really look good on big mini-vans. 2. Every vehicle not covered in gray plastic has not lived up to its styling potential. 3. GM really has its finger on the pulse of America. 4. The Montana / Lumina /Aztek platform is both sophisticated and safe. 5. "Aztek" is more correct and way cooler than the frumpy "Aztec" 6. Nothing cooler than a hacked off, hatchback minivan. 7. I think the marketplace rejection of the Aztek adds to its allure.
I have been looking for a new car since the fall and was really unsure as to which car I should get. I knew that I wanted a small SUV but could'nt decide between the Tribute, Santa Fe, Aztec. I had pretty much given up on the Aztec because of the price, and after a test drive, thought that the Tribute/Escape was cheaply built and overpriced. I was ready to buy a Santa Fe. I test drove one and really liked it. Unfortunately, I could not find a loaded one in my area. I happened to drive past a Pontiac dealer yesterday and spotted a Steel Blue Aztek. My wife and I test drove it and absolutely fell in love with it. We will be picking it up today. It is totally loaded w/HUD, ONSTAR, heated power leather seats, 6 CD, self-sealing tires, camping package. The sticker was $27,795, we talked them down to $25,250. Not too bad. I really want to get the Hiking package also. Specifically for the water-proof seat covers. Does anyone have this option or know how much it costs?
The following blurb, concerning the Aztek, is in the January 2001 issue of Car and Driver:
Drive it or else: Not many Azteks have been spotted on Pontiac’s home turf around Detroit,so GM has reportedly been installing a number of executives in the new SRV. (“sport recreation vehicle”) with orders to get out there, drive, and look ecstatic. At least smile. More than 2000 GM suits reportedly are involved, and we understand that Pontiac had no trouble rounding up enough Azteks to support the program.
This surprises me. I didn’t think that a company such as GM would subject their executives to cruel and unusual punishment.
According to Motor Trend the goal for GM was 70,000 units sold the first year... They have been selling here in Tampa Bay since 8-1-2000, so four and half months in the market, they have sold 8,8674. So let' keep it simple : the goal was about 6,000. units per month. That would be for 4 & 1/2 months 27,000 units should have been sold to date. Now in my company a person who predicted a goal of 27,000 units sold year to date, and only sold 8,000. he would be looking for a job!!!!
Echoman1::: You should have come to Clearwater, Fl. they are selling Azteks at invoice...
I'm trying to ignore the looks of the vehicle when making my decision as to what AWD vehicle I want. I discounted the Honda and RAV4--no engine power or ABS (on RAV4). Forget the Kia's, Suzuki's, etc--same and more problems. I also didn't want a crew cab pickup. The SantaFe really was underpowered so the Tribute rippled to the top of my list. Then there is the Aztek GT..I can't say I know where it fits in but it will be AWD and I see that it has the same engine as my Montana with a suspension comparable to the GrandPrix GT that I just traded in for an ML320. The price of the Aztek is higher than the Tribute but do you get more performance? Don't tell me about off-road use because all of these vehicles are not meant for it unless you stay on fire-roads. I want AWD that's fun to drive ON the road that will get me through snow covered roads. I'm sure that some of you that aren't so concerned about looks have done some analysis on these mid-priced vehicles and I would like to know why you eventually chose the Aztek (GM card points don't count!).
I think Aztek designers tried to out-do a Lexus RX300 styling wise. My wife just leased an RX300 and I am finding some interesting similarities, inside and out.
The Aztec is a long ways away from an RX!!! The day GM develops a vehicle comparable to a LEXUS is the day that DAE-WOO becomes the #1 automaker in the U.S. (never gonna happen!) Sure, the Rendevous is kind similar but with an ancient pushrod V6, refinement??????????? I don't think so. Yes, I know this thing is 10-15K less than an RX, and if LEXUS marketed this thing with their name on it, more people would buy it, but it probably still wouldn't meet quota.
I saw a Buick Rendevous (Same as an Aztek but designed by and for Adults) at a car show. It really looks like an RX 300 but with a Mercury Mountaineer grille. I hate to say this, but it wasn't too bad.
I have a friend who is a Chevy Salesman. I really, really wanted to buy a car from him. I test drove the Tracker, blazer and a few others.
I tried all sorts of vehicles, but I really loved the Pontiac GTP Sedan. My wife owns a Firebird and so I went to her dealership and test drove the GTP. I decided that I would get it at the end of the year when they were 0/0.
He called and said they were clearing them out . . SO I went in. That's when I saw the camping package on a 'Tek it also had the bike rack (I ride a lot of trails).
My wife said that when she went to have her oil changed, she read about it and suggested I test drive one. So I did, and bought it.
I found it to be a wonderfully riding vehicle. Not "tinny" like the kia or tracker, which it way outhandles. HAS MORE GET UP AND GO THAN A PT and is roomier.
It has a dual zone control like the GTP I originally wanted. A better stereo and more versatile (I have dogs that I take hiking with me).
Tipgun and gorGONZOla aside, I have not heard one complaint from anyone in the Aztek Owners Group. Anyone who has test driven it has loved it (professional critics excluded).
So to anyone out there who is thinking about it, I suggest you consider all the plusses and minuses (including topgoons and Gonzobula's opinions) and try one.
Comments
? - can you get an Aztec with leather? Are they hard to find?
Interestingly enough, many women, including my wife, like the look of Aztek, and I find it the ugliest vehicle GM has ever produced.
Sorry if I over reacted to your joke. As for Neo Sporin, I am glad you thought it humorous
You both are wrong and
You are both LOSERS
viewpoint has to do with this forum." --tincup
I agree with that! Labeling someone a "Liberal"
and using that at some sort of insult, is simply
ridiculous and has NOTHING to do with the topic.
It isn't an "Aztek-Owners" site, or a "Aztek-Lovers Only" site either.
Well Let's see what " Edmunds.com" has to say about our cars::
1. Aztek quote: "Pumba the talking pig" ...
"the Aztek is Butt-Ugly"
2. BMW: "BMW 3 series cars are simply some of the best available to the car-buying consumer"
Who is a "Loser"
By the way I voted for Bush and I have been a Republican for the last 20 years....
Have a nice day..
Let's please all try to get along. Posts that are off topic, or hostile in nature, will be hidden or deleted.
And now for the benefit of those that came here to learn about the Pontiac Aztek, let's continue with this subject in a friendly manner. Thanks for your participation.
Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Roving Host
Anyway...back to Aztek bashing - let's stay on track.
So you continue to insult me even when the opinion's I posted were NOT my own, but Edmund's.
Again, you must be very sensative when it comes to your Aztek's "polarizing" looks..
I am sure you are brave at your computer screen ,
however let's see how brave you are: come on down to Florida and Insult me to my face !
Have fun driving your minivan. It has the same platform based upon the "Montana"... the minivan that came in DEAD last in the offset crash test..
a) You have no interest in this vehicle other than to bash it.
b)You have never said one positive thing since you have been here.
c) You come an brag about your BMW which is not even close to the same kind of vehicle.
d) You do not even really participate in the discussion (but feel the need to add smart alec comments).
I'll ask you again (for the 5th time), why are you here?
Pocahontas- Why just hide. Those type posts are pure name calling and should be permanently scribbled.
-Frank P.
Let me also mention that anything and everything I say here, I am more than capable, and willing to defend. I even defended your right to spew your pablum all over the screen, and would do so again. Even though I disagree with you about the best damned vehicle I have ever ridden in.
You see while you were driving your little beamer around with your simp clients, I was defending you [non-permissible content removed] in the various jungles of South and Central America. At those times I wasn't there I was either training Mujahideen to fight against the Soviets, or I was training to do those very same things.
Now, I think that after all of your insidious and vile postings, it is clear that I disagree with you. Know that although I would love to never see that misspelled topgun, ever again, I would never deny you the right to mis-speak your truth.
But be advised that I think your threat and or offer to come down and say those things to you would be fruitless, although probably a good work out.
There is a religion called Asatru, it has a series of "Bible" like stories. You should check it out some time. I mention this because of my belief in one of it's base principles, "A coward dies a thousand deaths, a hero, but one." And in another faith, there is the principle - "Fear is the negation of faith."
Does that mean I don't fear, not at all. But true courage is found in owning that fear and going through whatever causes you the fear. I felt that every time I put my knees in the breeze. What I am pointing to is should we someday meet, and you are as belligerent, uncouth, judgemental, pushy and opinionated as you are here, and you make that offer, who knows?!?!
And yes, I love my Aztek. Any resemblance to Animalia Chordata Mammalia Artiodctyla Suidae Phacochoerinae Phacochoerus aethiopicus is excellent. It was one of the heraldic beasts. It was so because of it's intelligence, strength, hardiness and ferrocity. SO to those comparing my Tusk to pumba I say thanks!
EVEN THE AZTEK...!!!
this is an automotive forum. Your politics, political affiliation, and opinions on the state of the republic, as represented by the current political circus - are quite irrelevant. Edmunds does NOT care.
And the tone that this is taking is quite unacceptable and far out of bounds for civil discourse as required in the Participant's Agreement.
If you can't or won't get it back on track, I can and will shut this conference down!!!!
Front Porch Philosopher
SUV, Pickups, & Aftermarket and Accessories Host
Yes, shut this site down because he doesn't like it! While were at it lets burn all the books I don't agree with too. We should also get rid of those intellectual types who are always causing trouble too.
On the other hand, if you don't like it here- quit reading it.
I have turned over a new leaf. In the spirit of the holidays, I would like to share my new-found feelings with you.
1. Tiny wheels really look good on big mini-vans.
2. Every vehicle not covered in gray plastic has not lived up to its styling potential.
3. GM really has its finger on the pulse of America.
4. The Montana / Lumina /Aztek platform is both sophisticated and safe.
5. "Aztek" is more correct and way cooler than the frumpy "Aztec"
6. Nothing cooler than a hacked off, hatchback minivan.
7. I think the marketplace rejection of the Aztek adds to its allure.
Looks like you are in the wrong country.
Drive it or else: Not many Azteks have been
spotted on Pontiac’s home turf around Detroit,so GM has reportedly been installing a number of executives in the new SRV. (“sport recreation vehicle”) with orders to get out there, drive, and look ecstatic. At least smile. More than 2000 GM suits reportedly are involved, and we understand that Pontiac had no trouble rounding up enough Azteks to support the program.
This surprises me. I didn’t think that a company such as GM would subject their executives to cruel and unusual punishment.
They have been selling here in Tampa Bay since 8-1-2000, so four and half months in the market, they have sold 8,8674. So let' keep it simple : the goal was about 6,000. units per month. That would be for 4 & 1/2 months 27,000 units should have been sold to date. Now in my company a person who predicted a goal of 27,000 units sold year to date, and only sold 8,000. he would be
looking for a job!!!!
Echoman1::: You should have come to Clearwater, Fl. they are selling Azteks at invoice...
I am just saying that the style of Aztek borrows from that of RX300.
It really looks like an RX 300 but with a Mercury Mountaineer grille.
I hate to say this, but it wasn't too bad.
I tried all sorts of vehicles, but I really loved the Pontiac GTP Sedan. My wife owns a Firebird and so I went to her dealership and test drove the GTP. I decided that I would get it at the end of the year when they were 0/0.
He called and said they were clearing them out . . SO I went in. That's when I saw the camping package on a 'Tek it also had the bike rack (I ride a lot of trails).
My wife said that when she went to have her oil changed, she read about it and suggested I test drive one. So I did, and bought it.
I found it to be a wonderfully riding vehicle. Not "tinny" like the kia or tracker, which it way outhandles. HAS MORE GET UP AND GO THAN A PT and is roomier.
It has a dual zone control like the GTP I originally wanted. A better stereo and more versatile (I have dogs that I take hiking with me).
Tipgun and gorGONZOla aside, I have not heard one complaint from anyone in the Aztek Owners Group. Anyone who has test driven it has loved it (professional critics excluded).
So to anyone out there who is thinking about it, I suggest you consider all the plusses and minuses (including topgoons and Gonzobula's opinions) and try one.
I like it.