i believe that the pic from that USA Today article was of the new Pontiac Vibe and not a redesign of the Aztec. It is going to be produced along with The Toyota Matrix (the vibe's twin) as more of a wagon than a minivan hybrid.
You mention that "Everything you say you do in the Azztek can be done in a good mini-van or well designed SUV." Do these vechicles also have numerous tie-downs in the interior luggage storage area? I've found the ability to use tie-down straps to hold down junk (coolers, strollers, luggage, gas cans, high-chairs etc.) as an unexpected bonus of owning a 'Tek. I'm not sure this is a common feature in other SUVs/MVs.
I agree with what Nat posted above, if you like the looks, you can negotiate a heck of a deal.
Look at the link again. The first pic is the Vibe, you are correct but go further down and view the restyled Aztek is a maroon/burgundy sort of color. That is an Aztek and not a Vibe!
Please. Even if a vehicle didn't have tie-downs this is something that anyone could add easily. They simply screw into the cargo floor, which is usually removable and easy to work with.
.......I think you'll realize/agree that it is a picture, although a very small and unenlargable one, of the Pontiac Salsa concept from last year's SEMA show.
Now, that having been said, Pontiac has intimated over the past few months that the Salsa could certainly be looked upon as something of a portent of things to come for the 2002 production version's "freshening". So, I guess one could claim that it is the redesigned Aztek, in a manner of speaking.
The 'Tek has tie-downs located at several locations on the side of the inside wall as well as on the floor. No way would I spend a weekend with my brand new $20k purchase and a hand drill installing brackets.
Sounds like other SUVs also have mounts on the side in addition to the floor. Regardless of who has them, it is a cool feature...and definelty not one "anyone" could install.
Ok, if you say so. If I wanted to mount additional tie downs, I could easily mount them either to the permanent floor or the removable floor that covers the inside spare. I already have 4 tie-downs standard, 2 at the rear floor(plus the 2 upper hooks for the cargo net) and two at the front of the floor.
That looks like heavy duty stuff. I just used left-over "d" shaped gizmos that I used to lace in canoe float bags. Screw 'em in or use a pop-rivet to the plastic insides of my van. Work fine for hooking bungies cords for securing the bikes upright or whatever, but I wouldn't trust them for securing "projectile" portable TVs. I could use some of those Caravan style grocery hooks though. Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
The big repair bills remind me of the $1800 estimate to repair my pickup bumper after it was hit by a snowplow. I ordered a new bumper and plastic corner from the dealer and brought the parts to a paint shop. A half hour with an air wrench and the parts were replaced and looking like new. The total cost, including paint was under $300. This was in 1997.
103 degrees and humid today and the Aztek was nice and cool inside and of course looking cool on the outside. One coworker walked past and stated "You brought the cool car today." Another coworker (T100 owner,) asked if she could have the keys to drive it during her lunch hour.
For Tony to mount some tie downs in his vehicle using extra long screws that all automotive experts use and drive right straight into the gas tank. Please be sure to fill your tank first and use the highest speed possible on your drill, not that any friction from the drill could do any damage. And feel free to put them just about anywhere. Just thought that I could help with some automotive knowledge. Hey by the way, got any specials on duct tape? Not that any Aztek owners need it but just in case one of our German vehicle owning friends needs a bit of help.
I thought I was in the other forum for a while there. The off-topic posts have been (mostly?) removed. Steve Host Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I have the Aztek Biking Package, with two roof mounted racks. I couldn't find out anything about an interior mount, other then the Pontiac website mentioning it. The dealer denied all knowledge. If anybody has an inside rack, I'd love to know about it!
To use the roof mounted racks, I had to get a step ladder. I got my first Aztek dent with only 60 miles, trying to put a bike up with out the ladder It's also helpful to have a lightweight bike. My Trek is easy to load, but my wife's bike is about 3 times the weight, and sometimes a challenge. (Maybe she gets a new bike since she got me an Aztek).
The utility bars generate some wind noise when they are installed.
Watch out for low bridges! My Aztek+bike is almost 10 feet tall.
I use the rear seat cover to keep dog fur off of the seats, and I like the looks of the rubber floor mats better then the original carpet mats.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #2663 of 2685 checheche by uglymoney Jul 28, 2001 (01:03 pm)
If that is me you are catching looking your way, I can assure you that I am looking at you and not your car!
Any surfer, skier, camper gal gets my attention no matter what they are piloting. You are so few and far between.
***** honey, is that YOU????? ;D
drove to tehachapi on sunday for a gig, and the aztek got great mileage, stayed cool in the high desert heat, let us pack it up with tons of stuff and still see out the back window, cranked up the tunes, got lots of looks, mostly smiles and thumbs up, mostly from folks in american manufactured cars, which i think is the key here, personally.....
which is why i think i seldom see any here in southern cal, but my folks see tons in SW pennsylvania, "GM country"......
I'm new to this board... but have been reading quite a few posts and learned a lot. Thanks for the info! It was a factor in our family putting down $$ to have a new Aztek shipped here from Ohio, with basically every feature we sought. Wife and I are very excited! We saw the car today but it wasn't prepped yet... taking delivery tomorrow. Too wired to sleep! Here are a few pix...
Quote from msg#2664 ""You say: "i have to say that most folks haven't even SEEN the aztek up close! to even MAKE any judgement." I've been around it, in it, even under it (on the dealers floor), drove it, studied it for hours (was waiting for my Grand Am to be serviced).""
WOW!!! Very authoritative.
Another quote from msg#2664 "But for the experienced car buyer (20+ years, import and domestic), automotive enthuisist, and GM owner, it typifies everything that is wrong with GM. Mediocre execution in concept, marketing, and effort at best-in-breed design."
WOW!!! Very authoritative. Only trouble is, he can't identify an Aztek GT from the base model.
For the most part I take all the "your Aztek's ugly" stuff with a grain of salt. But I don't understand. Why do some of you care?
I'll tell the truth, I didn't like it when I first saw it but (insert another stale joke here) it has grown on me because everything else is so dull. When I park it I'm done. When some of you think about it, you have to dash off to the net and rag about it. Some even have to make things up just to placate their feelings.
Just clicked past 16k, one small problem with the hatch release. My favorite moment was when I was in traffic and a couple kids came zooming up alongside me so the passenger could stick her tongue out, which was quickly followed by screeching brakes because the driver was about to rear-end the car in front of him. Thought to myself, I'm on to something since all the brain surgeons don't like it.
Hope if you came here to flame or insult you have a great day. Other owners I talked with seem like reasonable people. I have no idea what we've done wrong but if being independent and making decisions by myself and for myself is against the law, better lock me up.
And hey, the next time you see some real big guy walking down the road with what you consider an ugly wife/girlfriend, go up to him and tell him about it. I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest of your day.
It appears to be some sort of "official" information site for GM products. Of course, once I click on the "I Agree" button, I am faced with a username / password screen that I have no way of getting past. BUT, if there's a member of the media or a GM employee out there who knows how, I'm sure the Aztek crowd would be greatly appreciative of your assistance.
See, by allowing access via your username and password, you're not violating the terms of the embargo, because you'd not be publishing whatever information is contained therein, on this site. You'd only be allowing us yahoos access to read it for ourselves.
Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can provide in this regard.
all - Well we brought our new Aztek home today... still very impressed! Wife loves it - kept giving me thumbs up as I followed her home in my car.
But the coolest surprise today was when the dealer said they now have a total of $2000 in dealer on-the-spot cash! GM announced it starting today. So we got $1000 factory rebate plus $2000 dealer rebate! In addition to some other things we were able to do on the price.
Also - thanks to whoever posted the TSB # about the hatch release. I told the dealer about it a couple days ago, and they fixed it before I took delivery.
It might be my imagination, but I wonder if the trailer tow pkg helps the AC blow cooler in very hot weather like we had today in Detroit. I drove both the Aztek and then my 98 Prix GTP in quick succession and the Aztek had much more AC capacity and cooling power! the trailer tow pkg has a special engine oil cooler among other things.... My GTP even has a 18 K GVW aftermarket trans cooler. It was running much hotter.
I took a bunch of pix and will get them up on my site in a week or so. while at the dealer I picked up the tent and air mat. It has a cute foot pump so I inflated it and my toddler is playing on it right now. This weekend we're going camping!
Just reading some posts before bed, when I come across lbthedog's #2682. I haven't laughed that hard for a long time! Thanks, it's just what I needed before bed after a hard day's work. BTW, I now have over 5700 miles on my Aztek and the only problem I've had was the rear hatch release, which now seems to be working fine after a trip to the dealer. What a great vehicle. It's so comfortable and extremely functional. The cargo room is HUGE! It seems like it could swallow anything you throw back there.
I tried a fork mount roof rack and just didn't like getting up that high. My hand balancing the bike was holding on at the bottom of the front fork. I'm going to put a receiver hitch on and use a rack made for the hitch. With the hitch rack I can carry my nephew's little bikes. Inside is a good idea for expensive bikes but the passenger seats have to be pulled. Thanks for the reply. Dan No rattles or pops, no need for tape to hold parts together.
Drove in a hard rain with the Aztek a couple of days ago. Had no experience of any bad handling as told in Road Review. Car was predictable and responsive in Northern Wisconsin where rain on the road may not be like rain in your area. Dan Aztek GT AWD No rattle on the front passenger door.
I tried a fork mount roof rack and just didn't like getting up that high. My hand balancing the bike was holding on at the bottom of the front fork. I'm going to put a receiver hitch on and use a rack made for the hitch. With the hitch rack I can carry my nephew's little bikes. Inside is a good idea for expensive bikes but the passenger seats have to be pulled. Thanks for the reply. Dan No rattles or pops, no need for tape to hold parts together.
Hope the new CEO of GM will turn the styling dept. around.... have you guys seen the new Avalanche? What was GM thinking? The Chrysler guy should be able to turn things around, hopefully. Mark
2010 Land Rover LR4, 2013 Honda CR-V, 2009 Bentley GTC, 1990 MB 500SL, 2001 MB S500, 2007 Lincoln TC, 1964 RR Silver Cloud III, 1995 MB E320 Cab., 2015 Prevost Liberty Coach
Well we got back yesterday from a weekend showing our new Aztek FWD GT to family in Ohio. They were impressed and felt we got a very good deal. We also took it off-road on my family's twelve acres, mostly mild stuff - just a mowed hilly field really. Nothing like my K5 Blazer adventures from previous times in Colorado. But still a lot of fun. Traction control never kicked in (no dew on the ground). We also had a cookout and used the tailgate seats and stereo to listen to some country music (pull your hair out now, BMW fans). Then we camped out! The tent worked great, I had it up in about ten minutes with no directions. Only drawback: a mosquito gap between tailgate and rear floor pan, easily covered by a beach towel. Wife, toddler #1, and I slept in a drenching bath of August moonlight.
On the way back to Michigan we got a lot of curious looks, a few smiles and 23 MPG with me leadfooting it home.
I have some tent pix and will post to site below, later this week.
(09:14 Aug. 03, 2001) Aztek's second-year design refresh said to be nearing completion
Conspicuously absent from General Motors’ recent media rollout of 2002 vehicles was the Pontiac Aztek, the stylistically challenged crossover from GM’s “excitement” division. We’re told a highly unusual second-year design refresh is done, but the Aztek was held out of GM’s annual product show so Pontiac can show off the redesigned vehicle on a separate stage.
Initially, some of the cladding will come off and a spoiler will be added to break up the vehicle’s tall rear end. Look for the debut of the new-look 2002 Aztek this fall, followed by even more changes later in the year.
I wish you luck with your new Aztek. My Aztek has been a HUGH disappointment: Faulty intake manifold gasket, AC broken (leak in condenser), car over heats, engine makes a horrible ticking sound when idling, and 18.2 mpg is the best gas mileage it ever got. It was getting 16.3 mpg before we had the intake manifold gasket replaced. All of this has happened before 10K miles. Pardon my French, but this car is a piece of crap. Also, Kermitek please do not compare the BMW and Aztek again. We are talking to our lawyer today about the Lemon Law. We do not want this piece of garbage littering up our driveway for one more day.
I've never noticed a gap with my tent before. You might want to make sure the lower flap tucks completely under the tailgate next time and that should prevent that.
Johncos, I hope you get your situation straightened out. I can assure you that what you describe is a very isolated incident and I know that Pontiac can make it right for you.
And since I could buy 3 'teks for the price of a BMW, and each one would have far more cargo space and versatility, I'll take the 'tek any day.
I spent two comfortable nights in my Tek this weekend. The "tent" package didn't come with my Tek purchase. I can sleep in the back with the rear hatch & windows cracked open and have just enough room to stretch out on the air mattress I got on sale at Target. Not bad considering I'm 6'3". I paid about $24 for both electric pump and mattress. I may still get the tent, but for now I'm happy.
Does the temp gage on your Aztek stay in one place after the car warms up? Mine used to, now it fluctuates wildly from hot to all the way up to the red mark. The dealership assures me this is normal.
... is something I believe to be within my rights. I did not set out to compare BMW's and our Aztek, was merely commenting on how many BMW owners "would not be caught dead" doing anything as "common" as listening to country music on their tailgate. In fact, I did a little poking around on the web before we got our Aztek, and drooled over the performance numbers of the BMW X5. It is a little out of our price range... but here are some other reasons why it fails utterly in comparison to an Aztek GT:
1. Poor value for the dollar... VERY few cars are actually an investment. Most are depreciating assets. Why tie up a lot of $$ (buying OR leasing) in a vehicle? The optimum financial strategy is to buy/lease the least expensive vehicle meeting your needs, then INVEST the rest in a true investment.
2. The X5 utilizes space poorly, for the sake of performance. Ditto for fuel economy.
3. There's something weird going on styling-wise (IMHO) with the X5. It looks like it was given a 4-inch lift kit by high-school teens.
4. Scary defects and recalls, such as failed linkages eliminating your steering, and parked X5's burning down the homes of their owners...
(remove spaces in URL's before pasting in your browser address window)
thanks for the tip - it will probably solve the problem.
waymoresblues - My wife asked me the same question about the tent, basically, why not just sleep in the back with the hatch closed? There are some definite advantages to doing so:
1. Toddlers like in my family do not constantly probe the soft cloth for an escape route
2. Bears and coons held at bay, so you can eat and keep food in sleeping area.
3. Better vertical view of stars and moon, albeit somewhat tinted, through hatch glass.
4. Mosquitoes are not much of an issue if you wear repellent to sleep like we did (didn't really trust the tent's mosquito resistance yet on maiden camping trip). If going without the tent, another possibility is a set of screens with magnetic edges (I used to have a set for my K5 Blazer) which fit the front side windows. I got them several years ago from JC Whitney. They may still offer them, or they could be handmade for very little $$.
*Johnco, the wild temp gauge is certainly abnormal! Mine's the picture of steadiness for over 10,000+ miles! Mine's so steady I've pondered whether it worked at all!
* I was disappointed that my request to have my rear hatch looked at were IGNORED by the dealer (yes it's still broken). I just went over the invoice and it is not mentioned. Now that I have KissFan's #'s I'll go prepared next time. * I may still get a tent just to have one. I'm waiting to have an extra $200 to burn....Hey - I think George W. has a check in the mail to me next month....hmmm...Camping with the hatch up worked fine. Here's what helped:
a> Windows cracked open an inch or so with Window Gutters (best $50 accessory I've ever purchased)
b> Leaving the rear hatch ajar for air circulation. No mosquito's bit me. Of course I did have DEET on from earlier.
c> Running your motor and blasting the A/C for 10 min's before bedtime. It gets you off to a good start (just don't fall asleep with it running)
Sorry to hear of the problems some are having, I also agree that GM will make good on them. I'm still getting 29 road and 23-25 city with A/C on. Oh ya, used the cooler at Saratoga to hold my favorite beverages and eat my sausage and pepper sandwich on, can it get any better than this!
... are more numerous than I expected with the Aztek. Thanks waymoresblues for the tip on Window Gutters... where do you get them and what are they made of? BTW if you decide to get just a tent, my dealer said it can be ordered from them (p/n 12417515) sans mattress for $119. When I tried the part number on www.gmpartsdirect.com where I get parts a lot, it came up unavailable so maybe try www.grandautoparts.com (they can quote you via email). Both places have GM parts for Major markdowns (>30% !!) from retail. Also, if your dealer is stiffing you on the hatch fix, step off and find a better dealer. I have seen a wide spectrum of dealer service departments. My dealer did the fix before we even took delivery (it helped that I had the TSB number from this forum! Thanks guys!). BTW Good idea abt the AC biological precooling sequence.
rotterdamron - ditto on the cooler lid - it was one of the first things my wife noticed! She said "oh I can put my snacks on here!" The rubber insert in the lid holds things in place - another little blessing reserved -AFAIK- for Aztek adventurers.
800 miles so far in our flawless and luxurious Aztek GT!
My wife drives her Aztek daily to work and to drop/retrieve the kids at day care. She has been getting unsolicited compliments on a regular basis! Keep in mind she is NOT a car geek like me... I tend to seek these things out b/c I like to talk w/people abt cars anyway. With her, people are just walking up to her in parking lots... twice already in one week! The first said they liked the car, and the second, today said "Whoa! Like that color!" or something like that.
The day we bought it I was cruising around in a parking lot and saw a lady in another Aztek parking there. She smiled and kept watching as I drove past. I thought about stopping and asking her about her car, followed by a subsequent thought of "This is the kind of stuff that could get a guy in trouble..."
The day we ordered our car (to be brought in from another local dealer) we test drove a yellow Aztek GT. Egads I have never been watched so intently by other motorists in my life! I also have an LS1 Firebird Formula. It is TOTALLY IGNORED compared to this. And they weren't snickering looks either - mostly seemed like people were "drinking in" a view of something fresh and different.
We have yet to be visually or verbally ridiculed about the Aztek. If someone does, it won't devastate us since there is more to life than what others think. Still it is fun to watch people react, whatever they do!
Someone said $2000 in Dealer cash in ADDITION to the $1000 rebate? What region of the country? I am in Ohio and need to know if it is available here. I can get the employee price (thank you Grandpa!), and that nets me the dealer cash as well. As I look at these things on the lots, no one has mentioned the dealer cash (let's sit down at the table and talk, blah blah..grrrr) Please tell me or send me to anyplace that shows me what is available (the info on Edmunds is not up to date). I am limited on funds, and this extra $2K puts this puppy in my price range!
Yeah, it's ugly. Last time I remembered caring about that I had more hair, no kids, and more money than I knew what to do with. Now its all about utility, MPG, price, and reliability. Looks don't play anymore. I will be trading in a '93 Colt Vista, and my other car is a Sable Wagon, if that doesn't scream "I don't care", what does?
So what is the verdict from you folks with 10,000 miles or more - how is it holding up?
Happened to me. Before 8/1/01 it was only $1k dealer cash, and a choice of $1k or financing deals. After 8/1 it is $2k dealer cash and also the factory rebate of either $1k or the financing deal. We got $3k off the price! And got the employee discount (BTW I do NOT work for GM, just a spun-off subsidiary). And we also got some off from rebate credit cards!
If your dealer balks, have them call my dealer - Bob Sellers Pontiac GMC in Farmington Hills MI, 248-478-8000 and talk to Carl Merollis, the splendid salesperson who sold us our car.
...in a manner of speaking! Sorry to do so but our dealer brought it to us free of charge from the original dealer in New London, Ohio, after locating it with a search constrained by our exact specifications. It has everything we wanted! For a steal!
Comments
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I agree with what Nat posted above, if you like the looks, you can negotiate a heck of a deal.
Approaching 6k and enjoying every mile!
Stephen
Yes, a lot of the newer SUV's have numerous tie downs in the cargo area.
http://www.motortrend.com/nov00/sema/page4.html
Now, that having been said, Pontiac has intimated over the past few months that the Salsa could certainly be looked upon as something of a portent of things to come for the 2002 production version's "freshening". So, I guess one could claim that it is the redesigned Aztek, in a manner of speaking.
Hope they take that tack....definite improvement.
Sounds like other SUVs also have mounts on the side in addition to the floor. Regardless of who has them, it is a cool feature...and definelty not one "anyone" could install.
For those that are curious and want to add:
www.tpcarguy.com/IBS/SimpleCat/Product/asp/product-id/221837.html
secure.sacweb.com/central4wd/store/itemdetail.asp?ID=1559
www.toppertown.com/restraints.htm
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
7 New Sport Utility Vehicles Sustain Big Damage In 5 Mph Bumps
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
103 degrees and humid today and the Aztek was nice and cool inside and of course looking cool on the outside.
One coworker walked past and stated "You brought the cool car today."
Another coworker (T100 owner,) asked if she could have the keys to drive it during her lunch hour.
Dan
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I have the Aztek Biking Package, with two roof mounted racks. I couldn't find out anything about an interior mount, other then the Pontiac website mentioning it. The dealer denied all knowledge. If anybody has an inside rack, I'd love to know about it!
To use the roof mounted racks, I had to get a step ladder. I got my first Aztek dent with only 60 miles, trying to put a bike up with out the ladder
The utility bars generate some wind noise when they are installed.
Watch out for low bridges! My Aztek+bike is almost 10 feet tall.
I use the rear seat cover to keep dog fur off of the seats, and I like the looks of the rubber floor mats better then the original carpet mats.
I'm looking for an AWD trailer hitch someday too.
Gold GT AWD w/1400miles
#2663 of 2685 checheche by uglymoney Jul 28, 2001 (01:03 pm)
If that is me you are catching looking your way, I can assure you that I am looking at you and not your car!
Any surfer, skier, camper gal gets my attention no matter what they are piloting. You are so few and far between.
***** honey, is that YOU????? ;D
drove to tehachapi on sunday for a gig, and the
aztek got great mileage, stayed cool in the high desert heat, let us pack it up with tons of stuff and still see out the back window, cranked up the tunes, got lots of looks, mostly smiles and thumbs up, mostly from folks in american manufactured cars, which i think is the key here, personally.....
which is why i think i seldom see any here in southern cal, but my folks see tons in SW pennsylvania, "GM country"......
hmmmmm. i look forward to going to pick up milk!
I'm new to this board... but have been reading quite a few posts and learned a lot. Thanks for the info! It was a factor in our family putting down $$ to have a new Aztek shipped here from Ohio, with basically every feature we sought. Wife and I are very excited! We saw the car today but it wasn't prepped yet... taking delivery tomorrow. Too wired to sleep! Here are a few pix...
http://www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
More to come... look forward to chatting with you all...
I've been around it, in it, even under it (on the dealers floor), drove it, studied it for hours (was waiting for my Grand Am to be serviced).""
WOW!!! Very authoritative.
Another quote from msg#2664 "But for the experienced car buyer (20+ years, import and domestic), automotive enthuisist, and GM owner, it typifies everything that is wrong with GM. Mediocre execution in concept, marketing, and effort at best-in-breed design."
WOW!!! Very authoritative. Only trouble is, he can't identify an Aztek GT from the base model.
More evidence of the General's myopia, not ours...
I'll tell the truth, I didn't like it when I first saw it but (insert another stale joke here) it has grown on me because everything else is so dull. When I park it I'm done. When some of you think about it, you have to dash off to the net and rag about it. Some even have to make things up just to placate their feelings.
Just clicked past 16k, one small problem with the hatch release. My favorite moment was when I was in traffic and a couple kids came zooming up alongside me so the passenger could stick her tongue out, which was quickly followed by screeching brakes because the driver was about to rear-end the car in front of him. Thought to myself, I'm on to something since all the brain surgeons don't like it.
Hope if you came here to flame or insult you have a great day. Other owners I talked with seem like reasonable people. I have no idea what we've done wrong but if being independent and making decisions by myself and for myself is against the law, better lock me up.
And hey, the next time you see some real big guy walking down the road with what you consider an ugly wife/girlfriend, go up to him and tell him about it. I'm sure you'll enjoy the rest of your day.
It appears to be some sort of "official" information site for GM products. Of course, once I click on the "I Agree" button, I am faced with a username / password screen that I have no way of getting past. BUT, if there's a member of the media or a GM employee out there who knows how, I'm sure the Aztek crowd would be greatly appreciative of your assistance.
See, by allowing access via your username and password, you're not violating the terms of the embargo, because you'd not be publishing whatever information is contained therein, on this site. You'd only be allowing us yahoos access to read it for ourselves.
Thanks in advance for any assistance anyone can provide in this regard.
all - Well we brought our new Aztek home today... still very impressed! Wife loves it - kept giving me thumbs up as I followed her home in my car.
But the coolest surprise today was when the dealer said they now have a total of $2000 in dealer on-the-spot cash! GM announced it starting today. So we got $1000 factory rebate plus $2000 dealer rebate! In addition to some other things we were able to do on the price.
Also - thanks to whoever posted the TSB # about the hatch release. I told the dealer about it a couple days ago, and they fixed it before I took delivery.
It might be my imagination, but I wonder if the trailer tow pkg helps the AC blow cooler in very hot weather like we had today in Detroit. I drove both the Aztek and then my 98 Prix GTP in quick succession and the Aztek had much more AC capacity and cooling power! the trailer tow pkg has a special engine oil cooler among other things.... My GTP even has a 18 K GVW aftermarket trans cooler. It was running much hotter.
I took a bunch of pix and will get them up on my site in a week or so. while at the dealer I picked up the tent and air mat. It has a cute foot pump so I inflated it and my toddler is playing on it right now. This weekend we're going camping!
I love this car!
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
Thanks for the reply.
Dan
No rattles or pops, no need for tape to hold parts together.
Dan
Aztek GT AWD
No rattle on the front passenger door.
Thanks for the reply.
Dan
No rattles or pops, no need for tape to hold parts together.
Phaedrys
upper right wingnut has no rust
Dan
On the way back to Michigan we got a lot of curious looks, a few smiles and 23 MPG with me leadfooting it home.
I have some tent pix and will post to site below, later this week.
Still lovin' our wild and bold Aztek!
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
Aztek's second-year design refresh said to be nearing completion
Conspicuously absent from General Motors’ recent media rollout of 2002 vehicles was the Pontiac Aztek, the stylistically challenged crossover from GM’s “excitement” division.
We’re told a highly unusual second-year design refresh is done, but the Aztek was held out of GM’s annual product show so Pontiac can show off the redesigned vehicle on a separate stage.
Initially, some of the cladding will come off and a spoiler will be added to break up the vehicle’s tall rear end. Look for the debut of the new-look 2002 Aztek this fall, followed by even more changes later in the year.
We are talking to our lawyer today about the Lemon Law. We do not want this piece of garbage littering up our driveway for one more day.
I've never noticed a gap with my tent before. You might want to make sure the lower flap tucks completely under the tailgate next time and that should prevent that.
Johncos, I hope you get your situation straightened out. I can assure you that what you describe is a very isolated incident and I know that Pontiac can make it right for you.
And since I could buy 3 'teks for the price of a BMW, and each one would have far more cargo space and versatility, I'll take the 'tek any day.
1. Poor value for the dollar... VERY few cars are actually an investment. Most are depreciating assets. Why tie up a lot of $$ (buying OR leasing) in a vehicle? The optimum financial strategy is to buy/lease the least expensive vehicle meeting your needs, then INVEST the rest in a true investment.
2. The X5 utilizes space poorly, for the sake of performance. Ditto for fuel economy.
3. There's something weird going on styling-wise (IMHO) with the X5. It looks like it was given a 4-inch lift kit by high-school teens.
4. Scary defects and recalls, such as failed linkages eliminating your steering, and parked X5's burning down the homes of their owners...
(remove spaces in URL's before pasting in your browser address window)
http://www.bimmer.org /x5/messages/archive /msgsy2000w17/4304.html
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov /cars/problems /recalls
(enter BMW X5 2001)
Sorry johncos to hear of your problems - your wild temp gauge is very abnormal and indicative of a large problem. Hope it gets resolved soon for you.
waymoresblues - My wife asked me the same question about the tent, basically, why not just sleep in the back with the hatch closed? There are some definite advantages to doing so:
1. Toddlers like in my family do not constantly probe the soft cloth for an escape route
2. Bears and coons held at bay, so you can eat and keep food in sleeping area.
3. Better vertical view of stars and moon, albeit somewhat tinted, through hatch glass.
4. Mosquitoes are not much of an issue if you wear repellent to sleep like we did (didn't really trust the tent's mosquito resistance yet on maiden camping trip). If going without the tent, another possibility is a set of screens with magnetic edges (I used to have a set for my K5 Blazer) which fit the front side windows. I got them several years ago from JC Whitney. They may still offer them, or they could be handmade for very little $$.
* I was disappointed that my request to have my rear hatch looked at were IGNORED by the dealer (yes it's still broken). I just went over the invoice and it is not mentioned. Now that I have KissFan's #'s I'll go prepared next time.
* I may still get a tent just to have one. I'm waiting to have an extra $200 to burn....Hey - I think George W. has a check in the mail to me next month....hmmm...Camping with the hatch up worked fine. Here's what helped:
a> Windows cracked open an inch or so with Window Gutters (best $50 accessory I've ever purchased)
b> Leaving the rear hatch ajar for air circulation. No mosquito's bit me. Of course I did have DEET on from earlier.
c> Running your motor and blasting the A/C for 10 min's before bedtime. It gets you off to a good start (just don't fall asleep with it running)
rotterdamron - ditto on the cooler lid - it was one of the first things my wife noticed! She said "oh I can put my snacks on here!" The rubber insert in the lid holds things in place - another little blessing reserved -AFAIK- for Aztek adventurers.
800 miles so far in our flawless and luxurious Aztek GT!
The day we bought it I was cruising around in a parking lot and saw a lady in another Aztek parking there. She smiled and kept watching as I drove past. I thought about stopping and asking her about her car, followed by a subsequent thought of "This is the kind of stuff that could get a guy in trouble..."
The day we ordered our car (to be brought in from another local dealer) we test drove a yellow Aztek GT. Egads I have never been watched so intently by other motorists in my life! I also have an LS1 Firebird Formula. It is TOTALLY IGNORED compared to this. And they weren't snickering looks either - mostly seemed like people were "drinking in" a view of something fresh and different.
We have yet to be visually or verbally ridiculed about the Aztek. If someone does, it won't devastate us since there is more to life than what others think. Still it is fun to watch people react, whatever they do!
Yeah, it's ugly. Last time I remembered caring about that I had more hair, no kids, and more money than I knew what to do with. Now its all about utility, MPG, price, and reliability. Looks don't play anymore. I will be trading in a '93 Colt Vista, and my other car is a Sable Wagon, if that doesn't scream "I don't care", what does?
So what is the verdict from you folks with 10,000 miles or more - how is it holding up?
If your dealer balks, have them call my dealer - Bob Sellers Pontiac GMC in Farmington Hills MI, 248-478-8000 and talk to Carl Merollis, the splendid salesperson who sold us our car.