Pontiac Aztek Midsize | Compact
Pontiac Aztek Midsize | Compact
[Dec 06, 2002]
Chris A
Strength:
- Versatrak for better fuel efficency - Pioneer Stereo System - Seat Covers - Spacious - Package addons (Tent, air mattress etc.) - Great Handling - Perfect college student vehicle or small family car.
Weakness:
- No indication when AWD has kicked in. - Could use a larger engine. - Occasionally the trunk sticks in extreme cold weather. - Not very good with extreme off roading. This car is amazing. I have to admit, I think its different looks are somewhat appealing. I'm sure that in today's society if the car were made by BMW or Mercedes people wouldn't make such a stink about how it looks. I have driven this car hard for well over a year. I participate in a lot of activities such as rowing, rock climbing, wilderness survival and camping. This vehicle is very versatile and probably is one of the better handling 'SEVs' on the market. Being a college student and living in the snow inundated Buffalo, I can say that this car has many advantages in the winter especially if you opt for the Verstrak package. Both my parents drive fuel guzzling cars, and while the Aztec isn't a super efficient car, it provides a happy medium for any large-vehicle owner. The car is spacious and has a great base stereo system with pioneer speakers. Like to party or rave, this car is for you! Similar Products Used: Jaguar S-Type, GMC Suburban, 2003 Envoy EXT, Boneville |
[Dec 06, 2002]
Natalie
Strength:
None
Weakness:
It is a Pontiac, General Motors Product. GM does not stand behind their supposed warranty. I am sure my lawyer will identify more issues. I purchased a 2001 Pontiscrap Aztek 20 months ago and have had nothing but problems with this large lump of junk. BE FORE WARNED DO NOT PURCHASE AN AZTEK. Yes they have great incentives because they are piles of junk! I to was sucked in, because I was told they are functional vehicle..... I agree they are. Lots of room and options! I was also told they are great on gas, lies, lies, lies! I would hardly call 16. 4 miles to the gallon, (yes I have had the wonderful update installed)for a 2 wheel drive vehicle efficient, or something to brag about. As well, the computer that controls the door locks,anti-theft system,power windows etc. has been replaced once and is malfunctioning again. This weeks lump issue....The key is currently stuck in the ignition and my lump won't completely shut off! Horary! Maybe I will be lucky enough to pay for a new battery or alternator! Still not convinced? I have been complaining about a problem with the way it drives/handles for approximately 8 months. GM Service department says there is nothing wrong with it? They can't seem to find a problem. Take to another non GM technician, and surprise surprise I have a CV Joint that is badly in need of repair. Guess what? The vehicle is mechanically unsafe to drive! Who would have ever thought that a clunking, shimmying car that won't hold a straight line on the highway would be unsafe? Apparently not GM! Again I love General Motors, seeing how they can't seem to find this problem, I will get billed for the diagnostic testing at $60 an hour for their pile of crap that only has 48,000km's (29,808 miles) on it! Warranty? Lots left you may think? Only when it suits General Motors. The hatch is a minor problem, been having that problem since it was purchased. Seems to be another engineering marvel that GM can't come up with a solution for. I have a repair solution for the lump of junk that is in my driveway..... Weenie roast anyone? Of course with my luck it won't malfunction in a way that it could self implode. For all this hassle I get repair bills and a monthly payment of $500! What a grrrrreat deal!Oh yes, if you would love to have your bank account drained for repair bills after purchasing a new car buy an Aztek, you won't be disappointed. Similar Products Used: Never owned anything as close to a pile of crap as this, maybe if I had a horse? Going back to a Ford Explorer/Truck ASAP. |
[Nov 08, 2002]
Leonard Musta
Strength:
A fun family car, for those who said "ill never be driving a minivan" tons and tons of cargo room
Weakness:
battery takes 2 hours to replace Get the hiking package if you are using it as an infant transport vehicle.. waterproof seat covers and floor mats are great. Love the head turning And how the car makes truck lovers so upset for some unknown reason Drives really well compared to other SUVs low to the ground suspension great for road driving Heads up display really great to follow speed and radio channel Onstar and phone in car has proved useful and affordable the info display including miles till tank is empty is useful as well as directional display and time to replace oil (yeah no more ugly stickers) Similar Products Used: Escape, Xtera |
[Nov 02, 2002]
Mike
Strength:
Control, Nice sound system, power sun roof, powerful, VERY easy to see when backing up (something that most pontiacs flaw in), and is overall fun to drive.
Weakness:
none that i can think of. I am 16, I come from a pretty well-off family (not bragging), And got this car for having good grades. Being 16, im pretty picky, and i like the 'sweet rides' when my parents got this, i thought it was cool looking, besides the back end which looks like it was smashed into a wall, it is a pretty cool looking car. I think it is safe, powerful, easy to drive, and see around, and there is more than enough room for my friends to fit. I have put a new exhaust system on it, no not the one what sounds like a lawn mower, but it boosted it about 20 horse power, and i can beat most of my friends in races because of the AWD pick-up and go power. I really like this vehicle because it doesn't slide around in the rain or snow, and i can take it off road, without the fear of breaking anything because of the suspension. The brakes a little tight, but its ok. Overall, i like this car, and i wouldn't trade it for anything. Similar Products Used: Lexus RX, BMW M3 SUV |
[Oct 31, 2002]
Kathy StPierre
Model Reviewed:
/Aztec
Strength:
none to speak of
Weakness:
you name it! This vehicle has been nothing but trouble since the day I drove it off the lot. I first wanted one for the unique look it had. However, I very quickly lost all love for the vehicle when everything started going wrong. The very day I drove it off the lot it had "intermitent" radio...sometimes it worked...sometimes it did not!! It also had failed windshield wipers the very next day, and it has been all down hill since then. It has now been in the shop for faulty brake assembly on both the rear and front brakes. It has had a new fuel injection system put in, and other such problems. My husband and I are just beginning to look into our options of getting rid of this vehicle and I hope Pontiac will stand behind the product and buy it back. Similar Products Used: Ford Windstar...loved it! |
[Oct 29, 2002]
Bill
Model Reviewed:
AWD
Strength:
... as above ... especially exterior design extras!!! I am getting 30 MPG on Highway!!! Quiet ride and excellent on Snow and Ice!!! Stands out in a crowd ... doesn't look like 90% of the vehicles out there!!! Owning an Aztek is like being in a Private Club ... all other owners give me a wave or thumbs up!!! I like talking to people (which is good) because have had people ask me for a tour and have many questions!!! That and other drivers checking out My Aztek with admiring looks, feeds my EGO!!!Ï
Weakness:
... dealer gave me 2001 Tent Package ... leaked like a sive (one of the reasons I'm glad I waited for 2002) ... 2002 Tent Package with Blow-Up Mattress works great!!! Power Steering is too tight!!! Buy Touch-Up Paint ... little nicks happen way too easy!!! I am concerned that I may have to re-paint in a few years!!! Not real comfy as for Camping ... removing rear seats helps a bit but, I would not recommend for Camping more than a night or 2!!! . . . almost bought a 2001 ... glad I didn't in that Pontiac seems to have worked out most problems!!! My Aztek was purchased from lot without a test drive!!! Dealer did some custom exterior design detail work and, included tons of extras that I may not have ordered but, sure do appreciate!!! For instance, Trailer Towing Package (will never need but, happy with heavy duty suspension and as I do a lot of Moutian Driving ... Transmission Cooler a PLUS!!!) I Must Admit, the Yellow colour was a definate plus ... didn't like most of the other available colours!!! IT IS THE MOST FUN VEHICHLE I HAVE EVER DRIVEN!!!! Similar Products Used: ... last 3 Vehicles were customized GM Vans!!!P |
[Oct 28, 2002]
Jerry Kempfer
Strength:
The over-all design is nice (inside) and it was a smooth ride for the first year
Weakness:
A poorly (mechanically) designed vehicle with a manufacturer who cares nothing about their consumers. Watch out Aztec owners. At 33k miles we had problems with the brakes, transmission and several small things. We took the vehicle in under warranty and they did nothing to fix the transmission ("unable to dupliacte problem"). At 40k miles the transmission and a/c died and we had to pay for a new a/c unit and Pontiac refused to cover the transmission. We had another transmission put in at 41k miles and now, just a few hundred miles more, it too is failing. GM will not back their product even though the problem was first noticed and brought in for service while under warranty. We are going to court to recover our costs and Pontiac thinks this is a joke. If you have had transmission problems, please post a note here. Similar Products Used: Ford Windstar |
[Oct 25, 2002]
john wright
Model Reviewed:
aztec
Strength:
ride, handling,funtional,
Weakness:
none People who like having the same thing as everyone else must hate this car styleless people. This car handles great and has plenty of room, eneyone who likes to be different and have an identity will love this fine vehicle. And for those who think it's ugly think for yourself and quit being affraid of being different. Similar Products Used: none |
[Oct 20, 2002]
jackie towbin
Model Reviewed:
Pontiac Aztec
Strength:
It is a comfortable nice riding vehicle, just don't get too close to the car in front of you in case you ned to stop.
Weakness:
Brakes, electrical system, CID center We have had nothing but major and minor problems with this car since we purchased it.It has been in for service 14 times. The most serious being intermittent brake failure, which they are unable to duplicate at their service center. The electronic keys would not open the doors on many occasions. The CID center which we have been told " is for show and tell" is useless, even the compass does not work. We will be going in for arbitration on the above next month Similar Products Used: We had a 1999 CHevt Blazer for 3 years and only had to take it in for ssservice twice |
[Oct 14, 2002]
myersark
Model Reviewed:
GT
Strength:
Different looking. Lots of room. Great gas mileage. Comfortable. Easy to park. Handles well. Decent pickup. No major problems in the first 50K.
Weakness:
Some of the interior components are made of cheap plastic. The lumbar control knobs keep falling off. A/C had a leak. Front brakes (but we ran a mail route for awhile). Malfunctioning release for spare tire (wouldn't let the tire drop down!). Has a 'clunk' in the front end. Complained about it, they greased part of the steering system, but it is still doing it and seems to be getting worse... I actually have enjoyed owning this vehicle, for the most part. When I first saw an Aztek, is said, "What is THAT?" Admittedly, I wasn't sure I actually liked this 'different' looking vehicle at first. But, the more I looked it over, the more I liked it. Because it was 'different.' To me, it has retro, futuristic characteristics. And, believe it or not, a lot of people tell us how 'cool' it looks. But, it does seem to be a vehicle you either love or hate the looks of. Upon reading some of the previous posts, if those people thought it was so hideous, why did they buy it in the first place??? And in all fairness, it does seem to me the reviews are really to be posted by those who have actually owned the particular vehicle being reviewed. Our family consists of tall people. My husband and older son is 6'2", and our younger son is 6' and growing. This auto actually seats all four of us in comfort, both front and rear seats. It was very comfortable on a cross-country trip we took this summer, plus we had plenty of room for suit cases, coolers, etc. It isn't the AWD, but the front wheel drive with traction support got us around great last winter in the snow (and we live in the boonies of the Ozarks, where the roads are hilly, curvy and not well maintained!). Another reason for choosing the Aztek was fuel consumption. We have put on close to 50K miles in the last year-and-a-half. It AVERAGES 22 (hills and all). It's got an automatic transmission, too. I have had some tanks average 26 mpg. So far, it's been very dependable, too. We got pretty well every option available, including the 6-cd changer, etc. The teenagers really like the sound system! It also has a cool driver information center and has sound system controls on the steering wheel. Saftey wise, it has dual air bags and also side air bags. Similar Products Used: I've owned several vehicles, including a BMW, Alfa Romeo, couple of Fiats, Cadillac, and in the more recent years, '92 Chevy 4x4 PU, '98 Dodge 1-ton diesel dually, '01 Dodge 3/4 ton 4 x 4(still have.. |