Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Ford Windstar LX Deluxe $27,915 Base MSRP
Chevrolet Venture Plus $25,255 Base MSRP
Pontiac Montana $27,390 Base MSRP,
Plus many more. These vehicles do meet the criteria you set, and there are several more. Other than styling and "lifestyle" packages the Aztek is by no means unique in performance or capability.
Problem is, I'm picky. My current car is fine for now and the foreseeable future, so I'm not in any kind of dire straits. Here's what I want, and I'm having trouble finding it:
2001 AWD GT
Aztek Yellow (MUST be yellow, won't buy another color!)
1SC Package
Sunroof
Second-row Captains Chairs
6-CD In-Dash Changer
Trailer Tow Package
Yes, I realize it sounds silly but if I am to buy a 2001, it HAS TO have these features. And since I am not in a "have to buy" position, I can afford to be picky.
Does ANYONE know of ANY dealer with such a vehicle on their lot? Any "heads ups" would be appreciated. I live in Minneapolis, but imagine that if a dealer in....say......Ohio is motivated enough, they'll find a way to sell me the car and get it to me, right?
Good luck finding the Aztek you are looking for. I really like the 2001 AWD GT that I bought this summer. It is a very nice ride. Don't worry about any ugly look issue, I've never had any negative remarks. I've had numerous unsolicited positive comments. Every passenger I've had in it has remarked that they really like the ride, including honest people that in the past have voiced negative remarks concerning my vehicles.
Later,
Dan
Dan
Dan
http://www.grandamgt.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=545ac7e6a4936e0563476cfe52a6c3e1&forumid=27
Also look at the details available at
http://www.gaupgrades.net/
under 'performance upgrades'.
Brace yourself... it's not cheap: $3600. Plus possibly $1000 if dealer does the install. But how many other SUV's (or for that matter MINIVANs) even have such an option? Oh wait - just the DAYTONA AZTEK, the first SUV in history to pace the Daytona 500, and the coolest Daytona pace vehicle in years....
That said, I have not confirmed with a dealer or Eaton whether the unit fits in the Aztek. However just from my own inspection of the engine bays of the two vehicles at dealers, it appears the Grand Am engine bay is more confined and constrained. Ask a dealer you trust. Also: the supercharger requires hi-test fuel.
tc_i_am: The Aztek IMHO is way out of the league of ordinary, mundane minivans with their anonymous, me-too styling. Aztek seems to be considerably less to buy as well, if similarly equipped (I'm sure there are exceptions and you will eagerly go dig them up now. Knock yourself out - I enjoy the entertainment). But answer me this: how many minivans have ALL these features standard or as options:
1. HUD, Steering wheel stereo controls, 6-disc CD stereo, OnStar, moonroof, leather reclining rear split bench seat or captain's chairs, AWD (oh that will make it hard for tc_i_am's search sorry dude), delayed accessory power, camping package with integrated tent, front and side aribags, ABS, TCS etc etc... you get my point or would you like me to continue with (2)?
Bode13 - First I'd suggest going to your dealer and have them run a locator check in a multi-state area comprising your sales zone. Or you can do it yourself, albeit more slowly, via www.gmbuypower.com . Just get search zip codes from www.usps.com first. gmbuypower even lets you look at individual stickers of vehicles in stock! I like the yellow too... we test drove one and got a lot of looks - people staring a lot, soaking in the unique styling. Our dealer (Bob Sellers in Farmington MI) had a yellow AWD just last week. Good luck!
fedlawman - it's good to hear from another Formula fan. Formulas RULE.
p.s. LS1 equiped vehicles rule! 8)
Refer to VIN# 3G7DB03E81S542278.
It is the exact vehicle you are looking for with two exceptions that are easily negotiated at the lot (especially since they are surely going to want to offload last year's 'ugly duckling').
It doesn't have captain's chairs. BUT they can fix that. And it has the regular CD player, not the 6-disc.
Otherwise it is exactly your vehicle.
Hope this helps a little. If you give me your zip code I might be able to find one closer to you.
~Greg
Compression ratios are the same for both engines, 9.5:1, but the Aztek 3400 variant makes ten more horse and 5 more ft lb., probably due to a slightly hotter cam grind (only my speculation). For people like me who 'enhance' their GTP's (mine has an undersize supercharger pulley) it's commonly known that tranny overheating is the biggest risk (although it should also be noted there are several differences between normally aspirated and supercharged Grand Prix 3800 V6's). So anyone supercharging an Aztek (assuming no fit problems) should at the least add a third party tranny cooler (like I did on my GTP) or get the factory towing package for their Aztek (like we did - what a coincidence).
Eaton has done considerable testing and engineering to ensure their blower does not unduly 'degrade reliability' for Grand Am owners. It might be slightly more risky on an Aztek engine if indeed it does have a hotter cam. Maybe post the question over on the grandamgt.com site... or ask Eaton.
The yellow Aztek that I bought in April has all the moldings perfectly aligned. Until I had a minor accident involving the rear end. The rear quarter left side molding was replaced by the dealer. It was installed amost half an inch higher than adjacent molding. I had a long fight with the dealer to get this fix corrected. We eneded up with a Pontiac representative saying the job was done right. The other body shop(not Pontiac dealer) said, they could aligned the moldings right. But for the money they were asking, I decided to live with it.
Take a closer look at the alignment of the moldings. Some of them, in my opinion, are not done right.
Anybody else heard of this problem? If you have, I'd appreciate any comments.
I'm not a big fan of minivans either, but they are practical and highly functional. As for the option list you supplied, I'm pretty sure you can find minivans with those options, even AWD (although rarely - but how many Azteks sold are AWD?). The only one that you won't find is the camping package. But then again, most minivans are long enough and come with removeable seats so that you can sleep in them with the back hatch closed. No bugs, no leaks. We did this in a '91 Lumina van for years.
Someone won't consider a mini-van because of looks or image, and then goes out and buys a vehicle with a "polarizing" look.
I can hear the synapses firing out there...
If you can be allowed to create 'facts' out of mid-air, I can amend my challenge to exclude mommy-tanks.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/46418/article.html
and more specifically:
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/46418/page022.html
It looks like none of them offer AWD, but some do have traction control systems. I'd look more, but I'm lazy. Honestly, I'd take a minivan over an Aztek any day of the week, especially after reading about some of the features they have. But that's just my opinion.
On further inspection of the Edmunds Minivan pages it turns out that the Montana, Town & Country, Grand Caravan, and Venture all offer AWD.
The Aztek camping package reminds me of the IH Scout 2. It had an option for camping off the tailgate. The Scout was a fun vehicle. The fun time are what made the lasting memories for me. I've been having fun with the Aztek. My buddy that owned the Scout died at the age of 43. Kinda helps me put my life in perspective.
Dan
Also - GM is now third in the world for quality, behind only Toyota and Honda! Sorry don't have a link yet. They bumped off Nissan. I heard it was an article in either USA Today or Wall Street Journal.
As for sleeping in closed vehicles - I have done it (used to go camping in a K5 Blazer we had). Ventilation is for the birds, especially in hot weather. That's where the Aztek Aztent shines.
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
More recently they have brought out something nearly as shockingly ugly -- the Chevy Avalanche. Where are those people coming from??? Maybe it's versatile, etc., but the plain fact remains that it looks like a huge joke. They must think that people will buy any stupid thing they decide to crank out. I certainly won't buy either of those two poor excuses for a vehicle.
jim250 - Everyone has their opinion. I agree with you about the Avalanche, mostly because I don't like its squared-off wheelwell arches. However I for one really enjoy the unique, modernistic styling of our Aztek GT. GM deserves credit for innovation in styling. You have to take some chances to be a styling leader. My wife has received nothing but positive comments from strangers, friends, neighbors and coworkers about our Aztek. Take a look at it:
www.mwshowgo.com/kermit/index.htm
Anybody else heard of this problem? If you have, I'd appreciate any comments.
The Montana, Town & Country, Grand Caravan and Venture overall length are over 200 inches. The non GM minivans are almost 80 inches in width. Compare to the Aztek length of just 182.1 inches. Huge difference in size folks
vin_weasel,,,,,, Why not compare the Aztek with the regular Montana, Venture or Caravan??? Because these vehicles do not offer AWD.
AWD, among other things are concern,,,, does not make sense to compare the Aztek to the current minivans.
The Pontiac Aztek is a class of its own.
If you look at it from that perspective, the Aztek is truly in a class by itself. And ronsexton, based on that perspective, minivan any day of the week.
BTW, I agree about the Avalanche. It is the ugliest truck I've ever seen.
AWD vs FWD is intersting. I would like to see statistics of minivans vs Aztek where they compared the number sold with AWD vs the number sold with FWD.
Minivans are noisier because of the cavernous interior space, which tends to amplify sound. Minivans bodies tend to flex more, which results in more interior squeaks and rattles. Subjectively, minivans just don't "feel" as well put together. The Aztek, on the other hand, has a tight, controlled body, and a quiet, smooth ride...much better than the minivans I've driven. The factory sound system is better too.
I think it was already mentioned that, although an AWD minivan is a viable alternative to the Aztek (roomier and more versatile too), for some reason, similarly equipped, they usually cost significantly more. I don't think Aztek buyers are in the $30K + demographic, whether by choice or necessity.
Ultimately, the compromises that the Aztek makes vs. a minivan really do put it in a class by itself. It can go anywhere an AWD minivan can, it is subjectively more solidly built, it has a rugged, sporty interior that appeals to sportsmen (women), and it's affordable.
The only area where the Aztek has a problem is...it's looks, and there has been enough talk about that already. If you don't mind the looks, it truly is a terrific vehicle for the price. If you don't, you don't.
BTW, my opinion on the 2002...if you don't like the 2001, you still won't like it. If you like the 2001, you'll love the 2002. If you were on the fence in 2001, you'll buy one in 2002.
The highbeams are bright enough to burn out the retinas of anyone in a regular sized car in front of you. Nice thing to have in the fast lane at night when someone decides that 25mph is fast enough.
I think HID would be a wasted investment in the tek. The lights are fine the way they are.
The Edmunds Maintenance Guide
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
CarsDirect.com Price $28,771
MSRP $32,730
Invoice $30,021
3.8L engine w/ 215hp/245t
Dual Zone Front HVAC
Rear HVAC with separate controls
Infinity Speaker System, equalizer, in-dash changer, etc.
Rear Audio Controls
Auto-leveling Suspension
Trip computer
Better crash test ratings (especially for the rear passengers) than the Aztek.
length--------------------------------->200.5(182.1)
width------------------------------------>78.6( 73.7)
height----------------------------------->68.9(66.7)
The Chrysler minivan is 18.4" longer, 4.9" wider and 2.2" taller than the Aztek SRV.
Huge difference in size folks. Are these two vehicles in the same ballpark??? Worth of comparisson????
When yer right, yer right.
Hmmmm.
Thanks Ex. Thought for a minute there you were telling me that a 16" wheel is bigger than a 17" wheel. Relief...
Oh, I'll take them out before I leave for the store. Me and the forklift I have lying about just for the purpose.
And once I do figure out what to do with the seats, what is the width of the interior cargo area of the T&C? Is it wide enough to get plywood and sheetrock in there flat? Cuz sheetrock doesn't like to flex.
Just checking.