Pontiac Aztek

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Are they still making these vehicles?!?! Looking for good gas mileage...what do you think??? Want to also pull a boat with it...anyone had experience with this? Heard about small problems....any insight?!?!

Some small problems encountered included poor radio reception with "in-windshield" antenna. An external one would have worked better. Some wind noise while sunroof is open, as well as from the roof rack cross-bars. they should be placed in the farthest point back on the roof of the vehicle. Back window tends to get dirty during winter driving (as their is no rear-wiper option).

I need the lowdown on the bads of the Aztek. I think it's good enough for a serious look to buy and she's ugly in a way i find appealing. So give me the goods on your experience with your Azzie. Are their any problems with first year models i should look out for, are their any major changes since inception i should be aware of. What is their major malfunction (every model of vehicle has one). Are vehicles with high mileage still worth looking at or do they blow up spontaniously after 200 k's ? Please reply as i am in the market for one right now. Thanks ROY

I own a 2001 Aztek (bought new) and have had nothing but trouble out of it since the day I got it home. At 15K miles I had to get the front right wheel bearing replaced (had to replace it again along with the left bearing at 60K).
Both front driver and passenger seats have had to be replaced due to breakage of the springs out of the back of the seat. Also had to buy seat covers after this because the fabric wears very easy.
At 70k the A/C condenser had to be replaced (extremely costly) because of an "unknown" tear in it.
Now at 92K I'm starting to experience starting issues where after driving it for awhile, actually even taking it to wally world (5 miles from my house), the vehicle won't start back unless I let it sit for over an hour. Had it at the garage and they can't find the issue.

In my honest opionion steer as far away from these things as possible. Sure they are so ugly their cute, and their roomy as a bus, but the issues I've had and read of others having this this vehicle greatly outweights the few benifits that GM offers.

I have a 2001 Aztek GT with 42000 miles now. That was the first year of production.
It is a very reliable car (a lot more reliable than a MB M class at half price)
Car had virtually no problems, even being the first year of production. Dealer was very attentive and GM took care of small items while still under warranty.
There was just a minor recall on the battery regulator.
The GT model had special tires that did not get flat when running over nails. How many cars can you but with that?
Mileage cannot be matched by any other SUV of its size (average city driving is > 20 MPG)

Cruise computer with compass and specially the sound system is great (Pioneer speakers were standard).

Paint quality is also nice and still shines like new.

If you hate the car then you are in the wrong forum thread, as this is for Aztek owners or people planning to buy to share their experience and help each other out.

This thread is not for you to ridicule the car design., There has been enough of that and each person has the right to spend his money the way he sees fit.
The last thing I will consider when buying a car is if the Joe next door likes it or not.

Originally Posted by BEATSTTC

I need the lowdown on the bads of the Aztek. I think it's good enough for a serious look to buy and she's ugly in a way i find appealing. So give me the goods on your experience with your Azzie. Are their any problems with first year models i should look out for, are their any major changes since inception i should be aware of. What is their major malfunction (every model of vehicle has one). Are vehicles with high mileage still worth looking at or do they blow up spontaniously after 200 k's ? Please reply as i am in the market for one right now. Thanks ROY

I have a 2001 Aztek GT (42000 mile) that I am selling in the DC area. Let me know if interested. Mo mechanical problems. No accidents. clean car.

[427HEMIPONTIAC]

It is one of those vehicles that isn't the most costmetically pleasing (to me at least...) but just does things neat. A nitch market. Sorta like Subaru with the AWD on all vehicles and keeping the opposed 4 as a main engine. IT doesn't too to bad, it (non turbo 2.5L) was surprisingly peppy and handled well (ok, has WRX rear bar added, the car is an Imprezza)

I think Pontiac needs to keep some nitch vehicles, as GM doesn't do them well. This is one. Keep it unique that it is special enough to keep people buying.

For me, I have a big family so needing a Suburban or larger is a requirement.

Now at 92K I'm starting to experience starting issues where after driving it for awhile, actually even taking it to wally world (5 miles from my house), the vehicle won't start back unless I let it sit for over an hour. Had it at the garage and they can't find the issue.


Just recently had this experience with my wife's Aztec. Very fortunate to find early on when I swapped out the battery the positive terminal twisted right out of the side of it. The internal wire was barely hanging on. Haven't had a problem since.

I'm looking at getting a 03 aztek. I do alot of interstate driving, and i need something with decent gas mileage. It has about 65k on it. Looks pretty nice inside and out. If anyone knows the mpg please let me know thanks.

I have not driven the Aztec, but a friend at work bought one for his wife - and continues to hate it with a passion. His vehicle was a Ford F150 crew cab with sport bed. It was red, rolling on 20" rims with custom grill inserts and euro taillights. It was sharp. But one day he drove his wife's Aztec, which was also the first time I ever got up close and personal with one. I was repulsed, thouroughly. When I asked him about it's "unique" looks, he said he wished he could park it a different street or drive it into the river because it is so hideous. However, he was impressed by it's versatility. I guess you take the good with the bad when you purchase a car your spouse wants if it doesn't match your tastes. Personally though, I think the Aztec and it's Buick cousin are both some of the ugliest vehicles to ever disturb a traffic pattern. If I was given one, I'd drive it. Other than that, I will continue to close my eyes in traffice when one drives by and hope I don't hit anything.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I'm looking at getting a 03 aztek. I do alot of interstate driving, and i need something with decent gas mileage. It has about 65k on it. Looks pretty nice inside and out. If anyone knows the mpg please let me know thanks.

Our 2005 Aztek AWD gets 21 mpg average. Slightly more hwy than city driving. FWD models might get 1 or 2 mpg better. We have been satified with our Aztek, even with often discussed design querks. We have yet to want to park it on a different street away for our friends and family (ala bonnevillecreature post). It shines up nice in black with chome wheels...