Pontiac Aztek Midsize | Compact
Pontiac Aztek Midsize | Compact
USER REVIEWS
[Jul 03, 2001]
Brad
Model Reviewed:
Pontiac Aztec
Strength:
The price, versatility, unique design, and high gas mileage.
Weakness:
The design is a little too aggressive for most people to appreciate. The option for versatrak AWD should not be so expensive. Of course the design is the most impressive feature. It's true when Pontiac says that you'll either love it or hate it. If you like the exterior styling or at least don't mind it, I recommend it over any other compact or midsized SUV. The model I purchased is a Base Aztec FWD with a 1SB option package because AWD adds almost $2,500 to the price and I can't picture ever needing it. I love the acceleration and handling which I didn't expect from an SUV, oops I mean SRV. I also like all of the standard features and the increadible roominess that the Honda CRV can't match for about the same price. I'm looking forward to trying the camping package out as soon as I order one. It's just a really fun vehicle to own, you just need to get used to the stares and the finger pointing. The price I paid reflects a $1,500 rebate and $750 dealer cash incentive as well as a GM employee discount. Similar Products Used: Other SUVs which I have test driven include the Chevy Tracker, Honda CRV, Chevy Blazer, and Chevy Suburban. It beats all in fuel economy and acceleration in my opinion and all but the Suburban in roominess (both passenger and cargo room are really impressive) |
[Jun 15, 2001]
Michael
Strength:
The GT interior with the leather seats exude the luxury usually found on much pricier wheels. Good dual-zone, and very convenient heating/cooling system. Very practical. Solid road fell, unlike GM in general.
Weakness:
Back window hard to open, no rear wipers. Visibility not the greatest sides and back, but still ok. Overall, it's pretty nice. Easy to get used to the looks. Stares from everyone were interesting at first, now annoying. I can never go fuel up without someone coming out to me with questions. If it's so ugly, why all the interests?Confortable, very spaceous, and with kids, the highest cool factor ever... Similar Products Used: Beats any van as far as handling, except for the ultra-luxury set. Not really comparable to anything out there, this thing is unique. For once, we are breaking out of the humdrum box. Might be criticized, but will not leave anyone indifferent. Not a bad accomplishment for a GM machine. Fun, original, and not just for the young set, I'm 44 ! Extremely happy with my purchase, highly recommended! |
[May 27, 2001]
Mark DeZwarte
Model Reviewed:
Aztek Versatrak AWD
Strength:
Surprisingly good handling, good high seating position
Weakness:
mediocre (typical) GM quality, mediocre fuel consumption (19-20 hwy) My bright yellow Aztek is really a head-turner. More people seem fascinated by it than think it is "butt ugly". My wife and I like the elevated seating position, which seems to be even more chair-like than the GMC Sonoma I traded in. I got the base trim level, but with Versatrak AWD, cruise package, dual mode stereo and 3500# trailer towing package (sans hitch, which is another $300). Cornering is remarkable for a vehicle derived from the Montana minivan. The Aztek is 20" shorter and a little wider track. So,it easily does a seamless U turn on a two lane street. Body roll is less than I expected before my test drive. The Steyr Geromatic AWD apparatus is an impressive work of engineering and aluminum casting. The AWD option also gets you alloy wheels, 4 wheel independent suspension and 4 oversize disc brakes, instead of rear drums. Similar Products Used: various minivans |
[Jun 20, 2001]
Shawn & Tricia Wright
Model Reviewed:
/Pontiac Aztek
Strength:
Higer seating for a commanding look of the road. Camping Package works great for just us. Even in the cold we have stayed plenty warm. Onstar system is great. We love the hands free cell phone part of it. Plenty of room for extra passengers. (uncrowded)
Weakness:
All Azteks should come with Versatrak.(We weren't offered that and thought it came with all GT models.) Have to take seats for comfortable camping experience. Our Pontiac Aztek is a great vehicle for people on the go. We have used the camping package a few times already. The cargo holder is a great feature for stuffing Groceries, and extra items into. My wife is the one who really loved the higher seating and the smooth luxury like ride. She thought there is no way we are going to own one of those. She test drove it and it blew her hair back Now she wants to drive it all the time. We have been very happy with our Aztek so far. Similar Products Used: N/A This vehicle is unique. |
[Jul 28, 2001]
Joseph Knott
Model Reviewed:
/Aztek
Strength:
Availability of Versatrak AWD, HUD, widetrack design, cargo room and 185 hp V6.
Weakness:
Price of some options could be cheaper, MPG of 19-22 could be improved. When I first seen the Aztek advertised, I wanted it for one reason: AWD. Around here, if you don't have an SUV with 4 wheel drive (or SRV), you're probably stuck. I will admit that the AWD is pricey, but worth it. I bought what is called the GT 1SB AWD (with the sport appearance and trailer towing package), and the features, besides the AWD, are awesome and well integrated into the vehicle's design. The sport appearance package adds the bug shield and ventshades over the windows, while the trailer package adds more durability for towing. The HUD is the next best thing, it keeps your eyes where they are supposed to be, on the road. I also have the slidding rear cargo tray, which holds most of my tools, emergency kit, camping package, and possibly the kitchen sink (just kidding) With the 185 horsepower V6, it has more "get up and go" than the Nissan Xterra, and Ford Escape, trust me, I know. Overall, it has fit the word "versatile" very well for me. The price I paid was from a trade-in of $3828, plus $1500 rebate. |
[Aug 06, 2001]
Willa Freelend
Strength:
The high seating and ability to see above traffic is great, lots of head room, great carrying capacity. Like the way it handles
Weakness:
Time to get parts, lack of knowledge in repairing the car. We have been quite happy with the vehicle. Had a lot of questions in the beginning from people observing it. However, more on the road and most people are impressed once they get over the initial surprise. We have nearly 10,000 miles on it and have enjoyed the ride greatly.I had an experience that the company seems to not believe but I want to warn owners to never leave your car running in park!!! I had parked on an incline and it was quite hot so left it running and walked to a door, looked back and the car was moving forward and hit the fender of a pickup sitting next to me. However, the company has done and investigation and has assured me that this is not possible, I just don't want anyone to be smashed by this happening to them or their child. It would seem reasonable that if I had it in park, the next step is it came out would have been reverse not forward, and if I had it in drive, got out and walked forward, especially with the a/c on that it would have run over me. I have driven for a "few" years and I am not senile so PLEASE watch your car and don't let an accident happen to you or yours. Similar Products Used: vans, Olds suv, |
[Aug 07, 2001]
Donna Brumm
Strength:
Definitely handling. Parks like a dream. Interior superior to many models costing much more. Love the design. Makes me feel distinct rather like carrying a Fendi bag. Excellent service.
Weakness:
Haven't found any to list. Have driven luxury cars for past two decades. Wanted something "different". After test driving Aztec, knew I had found my choice. Handles like a dream. When asked why I chose after years of more conventional choices, I explained, "Driving an Aztec is like wearing hot pink shoes!" (I can just see the commercial with other vehicles dropping off kiddies at upscale school or couples leaving with surprised valets at hot restaurants. All in black and white. Aztec arrives and driver steps out with hot pink shoes!") Similar Products Used: Compared to previous cars in luxury category, easily equal in value. Adore the interior. STYLE, baby, STYLE! |