Pontiac Aztek Goes The Way of the DoDo

We love our Pontiac Aztek--it is by far the best vehicle we've ever owned and even though it's ugly it's fun to drive and go camping in.

The Aztec is a heck of a versatile vehicle, I suspect many people villified it because they feel safer in a Tahoe or something along those lines. Talk to any Aztec owners; they love it. They also love the deal they got when they bought it so it's win/win all around.

The Aztek is cute in the sense of pleasantly ugly. We love ours. Now if I could get oine of those camping attachments, it will be perfect.

I love it, it is great for shopping for anything, it is not an ugly car at all. It is so much like an Humvee. Comfortable to take long trips, and room for everyone if need be. Just when car designs were getting into the the Jetson's state, they turn back the time and go back to those ugly old family cars.

How dumb....

Not pretty I can live with ( people snicker )
The Aztek reliability is ugly too.
GM dealer said my complaints re: road noises
were unfounded - BEFORE WARRANTY RAN OUT !
Now with less than 50,000 mi. on it they want
over $2000 for wheel hub/bearings and over
$5,000 for rear drive.
Sadly those repair costs are all I probably
could sell it for in average condition.

Not pretty I can live with ( people snicker )
The Aztek reliability is ugly too.
GM dealer said my complaints re: road noises
were unfounded - BEFORE WARRANTY RAN OUT !
Now with less than 50,000 mi. on it they want
over $2000 for wheel hub/bearings and over
$5,000 for rear drive.
Sadly those repair costs are all I probably
could sell it for in average condition.

Well, I saw it and fell in love (small enough for a single Mom of a kindergartener) but I am having the darnest time finding one to buy. Pontiac doesn't even list it on their web site.

I own an Aztek (2003) Just turned 48000 miles and things are begining to fall apart. The fuel gauge stopped working the other day, the electrical system is cooked, and the check engine light is on which means I don't pass emmisions. Funny thing, my parents own a 2003 Aztek, just turned 48000 miles and the fuel gauge broke, engine light is on, and electrical is cooked...we bought them at the same dealership. We both called GM who said, well, we'll have to see if we can make some "good faith" offer, but your warranties have expired.
Did you ever wonder why GM sells "extended" warranties after 36000 miles? IT's because their products are going to break. The cost of the warranty and the deductable with each trip to the shop offsets their cost for parts and labor. The customer thinks they got a deal, but really they got the run around again.
I'll never buy GM again. I'm buying my cars from Japan from now on!

I love the Aztek. It is by far the most versatile vehicle for any lifestyle, its discounted like no one's business and its unique style just add to the car's personality. If people could get past the looks and be willing to check one out, unbiased, I guarantee they would fall in love with it once they saw what it had to offer for the price. So the next time someone says "Eww, the Aztek is so ugly.", simply reply to them the same way I do. I tell them "People have to get past the looks and see what it has to offer. Because if everything was just about looks, then alot of people out there would die alone."

Three phrases should be among the most common in our daily usage. They are: Thank you, I am grateful and I appreciate.

Im a pontiac fanatic. Well, this is the sad end to my pontiac days! I have had nothing but promblems with the Aztec,3.4 engine. It loves to eat oil 2pints every 1500miles. when brought the car into Potiac they said "It was Normal." My break lines went while driving "whew almost killed my son and I, the air conditioning quit, I replaced and 2000 miles later, I have no heat!Transmission has never shifted and pontiac never repaired or replaced even though it was in the shop every other week. They can find no problem. They even wanted to charge me 125.00 for dianostics when it was under warranty! This morning I have noticed a coolent smell when leaving the vehicle! Off to trade it in! OH yeah pontiac did give me 2000.00 off another GM vechicle! Well I will lick my wounds and move on! I have owned a Pontiac, Lemas,firebird, transport (which also ate oil)and LAST Aztec. You lost a valued customer! STAY AWAY FROM THIS CAR!

I have 2002 Aztek that I use for my job. The car has 428,000 miles on it! Yes, you are reading that right...428,000 miles! I have had to do NO major repairs...just routine maintainence. My only complaint is that they SUCK to maintain yourself.

I have almost 40K miles on my 2002 Aztek AWD. I fell in love with it during the designing stages when it was to have been a true outback type of vehicle. Eventhough GM never followed any of the publics wants or desires, I still found myself loving the Aztek. Eventhought the interior became more van like, I was greatful the exterior remained mostly untouched. I have only had to replace the muffler and a rear brake sheild. I love my Tek Noir.

Bought it cause I loved it - 2003 and still love it today. I don't thik that it is ugly - it's just unique!!! Does everything on the road have to look the same??? Even though they have stopped making the Aztec they seem to have problems leaving the design behind - check out the new line of Torrents - doesn't it look a little reminicent of the Aztec? I just think that all those that make fun of my Aztec secretly wished that they had one!!! I have never had the slightest problem mechanically with it other than regular maintenace. As this is the very first new car I have ever owned - I am not disappointed at all!! Too bad that the rest of the world couldn't accept it for the terrific vehicle it really is (was). Being unique isn't really a bad thing!!!

We love out 2002 Aztek more than any vehicle we've ever owned, including a Cadillac El Dorado. It rides like a Caddie at about half the cost, I can charge my cell phone or run a radio with the engine off, and the slide-out tray in the back is ideal to place my shopping without having to bend over. I love the sleek dynamic styling. However, it developed computer problem six months after purchase, and the dealer wouldn't replace the computer under warranty. Two months after the warranty expired the AC went out. I'll be trading for a Toyota this summer.

I LOVE MY AZTEK! I just looked at the first one on the showroom floor and a year later bought one. Have had only one problem - a rear hub assembly. Would absolutely love to have another one,however, can't find one that is set up like the one I own (loaded car) and I am spoiled! It has 120,000 miles and will probably drive it til the wheels come off or the maintenance expense gets too high. They are a dream to drive and turn on a dime! GIMMEE ANOTHER ONE ANY DAY! It's my sixth Pontiac!

I read all of your comments re: Pontiac Aztec and get a bit of a lump in my throat since this very day I purchased a Pontiac Aztec. I never knew it was so bad till I hit this web site. Sure hope that all of you are wrong (sorry!)

Have a 2003 Aztek and its a piece of crap. If you are thinking of buying one...run, run away!! Nothing but issues and none of the mechanics claim to be able to fix it.
Don't buy one!!! If you have one, leave the keys in it and hope it gets stolen.

I have a 2001. Replaced the transmission at 36,000mi, and had to rip the engine out to repair a head gasket at 42,000mi. Heat and Air have both died twice each. AND I still love the car even though I had to rebuild the whole thing. What can I say...I am committed. I will most likely keep it forever. I will just never by a Pontiac again. I have had no assistance from them. Even my mechanic told me they should have had a recall on the head gaskets. It’s not a Pontiac anymore. I rebuilt it and I renamed it. It is now the Sievers Aztek.

I just bought a 2001 Aztec. Its the best car i have driven. Its eXstremly smooth. I've read these comments and if your buying a car used you can't exactly antisipate what the past owner has done to the car. Because you have to replace or fix something major doesn't mean it wasn't or isn't a good car. The Pontiac Aztec is a great SUV. Mine i bought with 91,000 miles...It has nothing wrong with it. I can tell that the past owner took very good care of it and that its a quality car that i will be able to to continue driving i'm sure for another 100,000 miles. You can't blame the car maker or car for faults someone who previously owned ti has caused.
That aside...the Aztec is amaZing!

Well I am another very unhappy customer with my 2003 AZTEC! I would have traded it months ago if I could have! I have had problems since it hit 30,000 miles. I had it in the service center so many times and they always seemed to have an explanation for everything! I have had to replace the complete brake system, battery, gas tank system and now I leak oil and have to replace the oil sending unit. My antifreeze leaks so bad that I have to keep a bottle in the car to fill as needed. It needs a lower intake seal in the transmission replaced at $2,200. I will never buy a PONTIAC again!

I DON'T THINK MY AZTEK IS FUNNY LOOKING OR UGLY! YES, ITS AT A GOOD PRICE BUT ITS ROOMY, AND FITS A FAMILY OF FIVE GREAT! (WITH A CAR SEAT)IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE COLOR OF THE AZTEK,YELLOW,TAN AND WHITE LOOK FUNNY BUT MINE IS A DARK BURGANDY AND IT LOOKS VERY NICE! AS FOR THE COOMENT ABOUT IT ALWAYS BEING IN THE SHOP ALL THE TIME, MY AZTEK HAS 70000 MILES AND HAS YET TO MESS UP OR BEEN IN THE SHOP! MAYBE YOU FORGOT TO CHECK IF IT HAD OIL!!I AM PROUD TO BE A AZTEK OWNER AND FEEL SORRY FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAD TROUBLE WITH THEIRS!! BLAME IT ON THE DEARLERSHIP!!!!

I have a 2001 - love it. The turning radius is amazing. Had A/C issues, and the transmission isn't sounding as good as it used to, but in all I've put only about $1,500 into it over four years. Not bad at all. The heads-up display rocks and the leather interior is really nice. VersaTrak is useful in the winter. And you'd be amazed what you can haul in the thing - even with the back hatch closed!

I too am a victim. My extended warranty (60,000) just ran out and my gas tank is cracked, my transmission started to slip. I have had it in the shop 10-12 times since I have owned it. It took the dealer 1 1/2 years to fix my A/C system. At least it was under warranty except for the $100/visit I had to put down after 36k miles. I do enjoy the versatility of the vehicle and the price was far below other SUV's for 2003 models, but now I am losing every bit of savings. I love the "cockpit" feeling of the drivers seat. I too will probably not deal with GM in the future. I really thought they had turned a corner a few years ago in quality, but I will have to return to foreign models in the future. I realize every make/model has its share of problems, but the Aztec has more than its fair share if you read around.

we got our aztek brand new in 2005 when my wife decided we needed more room for our baby boy. well ive got to admit that it did have more room than my sports car but the SUVan was a complete abortion and i knew it from the start and at first it was ok it handled ok and SEEMED to be reliable then shortly after several thousand miles the POS started to fall apart the vehicle its self had already depreciated by almost half so we were put in a huge hole no one would give us anything for it and no dealership would touch it even though it was covered under warranty. so hey pontiac f-you you'll never be what you once were in the 60's & 70's im so glad we were able to get out of that POS even though we now have a sky high car payment its worth it to be out of the $10,000 negitve equity pontiac put us in -R
And for all you mothers out there that think that this aztek is roomy and spacious, ITS NOT WORTH IT!! you will find yourself broke down on the side of the road and later finding out that the warranty does not cover the problems with the car. I made a HUGE mistake buying that and we will NEVER deal with Pontiac EVER AGAIN!! Oh and MOORE BUICK in jacksonville N.C is a RIP OFF!!! -M

I have a 2003 Aztek. Lost both front wheel bearings early- under warranty. Lost the "lock" on the steering wheel -also under warranty. No real issues after that and have 135,000 on it. I just got the strangest letter in the mail from the dealer I bought it from offering to buy it back from me due to a "test market buy back deal". Anyone know what is going on? Thanks!

I love my Aztek, terrific turning radius, very comfortable to drive, have loaded an entire apartment inside, with the rear hatch closed! Have mastered bumpy roads and held the road in extreme winds better than my previous van.
Too bad they don't make any more. I've been very happy with the maintenance with 70,000. Would sell, regretfully but need to reduce my fleet!

2003 AZTEC 32,400 MILES ,GASKET ON LOWER PART OF MOTOR LEAKING COOLANT,700 TO FIX, ALL LABOR,BRAKES NOT GOOD,NOBODYS MENTIONED THE BAD TRUNK RELEASE.WAS GOOD UNTIL NOW.

i got the 2003 in the summer of 06 it had 26,000km on it ,it has 47,000kms on it know and it has started to leak antifreeze for the second time and after reading the other posts iam gonna try and get rid of it,but first i guess ill have to pay the bill on the leak

I bought an 02 Aztek used with 42,000 miles on it. It was wonderful. I hated the way it looked until I got inside. It's so roomy and we can pack all 3 of us and 2 labs plus all our camping gear for a week no problem! I replaced the rear bearing about 6 months ago and now it is going bad again! I cannot afford to pay these huge repair bills AND a car payment!! It seems that the bearings are a common problem. GM should make it right!! check out GM problems on www.rightonblog.com! Hubby has 93 GMAC Sierra and it has over 200K in it with original engine! He hauls as much weight in the truck as the truck weighs!! I want to know why I got ripped off?? Obviously GM knows how to build a good vehicle why not all of them????????

what was the first year the aztek landed on earth. i have a 2001, like the way it drives ,but have low mialage, i think a/c and trans problems are starting.

My wife and I both drive Azteks, mine is a 2001, hers is a 2003. 2001 has 90K on it, zero problems except for a coolant leak that was fixed under warranty. 2003 has 41k, just spent $980 on front wheel bearings. This seems to be a recurring problem with the 2003's. Overall I am very happy. 2003 was loaded and cost under $20k new with rebate. I do not think you can touch a full size SUV for under $30K these days.

I too am the victim of a 2001 pontiac aztec. I have had it in for service over a dozen times. Had a full transmission relplacement at 29K, and now at 109K the transmission is failing. The service dept. at the dealership where I bought the vehicle recommends changing the transmission fluid at 50K, however the service manual that I was given to follow when I purchased the vehicle suggests 100K. They were trying to blame the fact that I didn't change it for the failure. I reminded them that this transmission has only 80K on it....they directed me to the GM of the dealership. The air conditioning and heat have been repaired at least once each. Electrical problems are never ending. Leak in the cooling system, power steering went last year. Just put in a new thermostat. Back hatch lock has never worked consistently. Driver window got stuck in down position. Also was told that I have a bad passenger side rear wheel bearing. Eats gas recently like you wouldn't believe. Clips break every time you need to change a bulb in the headlights. I told the GM I will never buy Pontiac again!!!! From now on foreign all the way!

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy an Aztek!!!! i own a 2001 and it is a POS..has been since the week i bought it! i will NEVER own another GM product!!!Every summer the A/C goes out (condenser has been replaced 4 times), brakes are messed up, bad seal on coolant tank, body control module went out, window messed up, soooo many things i can't even remember them all!!! And the worst thing is that all of this has happened at or before 50000. miles. I have owned three other cars - all foreign made - and NEVER had these type troubles! STAY AWAY OR YOU WILL REGRET IT!!!!

I too am a victim of the 2003 Aztek. All kinds of things are wrong with that hunk of junk! An entire bottle of antifreezr leaks out within two days. Th eoil is now leaking. Get this, my mechanic told me antifreeze is leaking into the engine and mixing with the oil. Can you say disaster waiting to happen. According to the mechanic the head gaskets need to be replaced on both sides of the engine. As I read the comments posted these are problems that many of the Aztek customers are faced with. So the question of the day is-- is there something wrong with all of us who have the exact same problems with GM hunk of junk pontiac Aztek or is it innocent little old GM who has no idea what the problem is? GM is full of it this car should have been recalled a long time ago. Don't waste your money on the Aztek. It's worthless and ugly and for those of you who think otherwise it just grew on you. The Aztek sucks. Everyday I park mine by the garbage and wonder why sanitation hasn't picked it up with the rest of the trash! GOOD GOSH >>>>

I bought an 03 pontiac aztek less than 10 months ago. I have experienced the same problems as others. When I purchased this vehichle it had 46000 miles and it now has 60000, the head gasket blew and now the motor has ceased to exist. The short bus is now sitting in the garage with the rest of the junk. Hopefully I am covered under the lemon law, if not I will have a really expensive tent for the back yard :-(. Shame on you GM. The next car I purchase will defintely not be a GM because we also have a 99 blazer with the same problem sitting beside the house next to the garage. So now I am paying on two vehichles that do not run. Fool me once shame on GM, Fool me twice shame on me. GM YOU SUCK, MAY THE PEOPLE AT GM CROTCHES GET INFESTED WITH A THOUSAND CAMEL FLEAS AND MAY THERE ARMS BE TOO SHORT TO SCRATCH.

Wow, I just happened apon this site and feel kinda sick, I owned a 2003 maroon aztec with no spoiler on the the back, and my oldest son wouldn't drive it, too ugly, we bought it wrecked and it drove and road good while we had it, then a drunk driver rear ended me while I was in a turn lane in town (sounds like a blessing in disguise). He was going well over the speed limit and pushed the back end into the back seat and pushed me about 1/2 block before driving off, I had my seatbelt on and came out of it with a minor whiplash, I feel that says something for the safety of the Aztec. Well we replaced that one with a 2005, burnt orange with a spoiler,sunroof,and nice wheels, people actually comment on how sharp it is, It was also a wrecked one and we don't have it on the road yet, anyone having problems with the 2005 models????

Yeah, I'm beginning to be disappointed with my bright yellow 2002 Aztek. It makes me sick that I picked the bad apple to buy. I really liked the uniqueness of the design, the kids call her "The Big Banana". HOWEVER, January '06 had $800 of work (some electrical thing) then $225 in December 2006 (some sensor thing) has a new gas tank from driving over a muffler laying in the road and all outside panels except one replaced from tornado damage. Now the clock light is half out and the windshield leaks. Oh yeah, and one day everything electrical on the dashboard and the doors and windows just died but then...came back. I only have 52K miles on it. I filed bankruptcy last summer so I can't buy another car for five years. I hope it lasts.

I have 2002 Aztek, too. But unlike that previous post by a GM shill, my car has 824,000 miles on it! Yes, you are reading that right...824,000 miles! I have had to do NO major repairs...just routine maintenance. In fact, the engine is so well designed that it CREATES a pint of oil every 1500 miles!!

I am another victim of the 2002 Aztek AWD. If it weren't for all of the mechanical problems I would love it...overall since I bought it, 4 years ago with 36,000 miles on it (it now has 94,000) I have replaced all of the wheel bearing Hub assemblies 2 and 3 times each wheel, I have had the problem with leaking antifreeze, the electronic problems everyone else is happening..it's outragous, I know that GM knows about everyones problems, why wasn't there recalls?? I will be talking to an attorney soon!!
Save yourself time and money. Don't buy one!!!

agree with Dawn ...

My 2002 Aztek has all the bells and whistles and I like the how versatile it is, that's why I bought it new, out of the box. However, the repairs have been very costly. Everytime I go for an oil change (I always use the dealership)I also have to ask them to check something else because it 1. isn't working or 2. sounds funny. The A/C condenser was replaced, the front wheel bearings, the dash console was replaced, the rear latch, the ignition, etc....Now the heater doesn't work. And of course it is time for an oil change! It will be paid in full this July. I am loathe to get rid of it because I really don't think that I can replace it for the money. It's just not as reliable as I'd like.

I am another victim of the 2002 POStiac Aztek AWD with 130,000 miles.If it weren't for all of the mechanical problems I would love it also.Just put the 10th wheel bearing in,They last less then a year so you can get one under a part warranty. The upper bushings in the back went out $152.00 each, Got to change the hole knuckle.cooked the engine at 98,000 mi. coolant leaked out. steering is noisy but still works.A/C condenser went just as the warranty ren out.and now it has some sort of electrical problem Things stop working or work when there not sapose to. I got out and Left the car running and it locked the doors on me.a little later it let me in.I do much of the work my self
so the repair cost are still less then a car payment. I like my Pontiac's but not this one, worthless peace of S.Oh and Pontiac is not misspelled in the first sentence that is how you spell it when it is used with the word Aztek

i'm looking for a 2001 aztek,in good body and mechanical condition at a giveaway price. anyone have one?

Wow, am I glad to find this web site. I thought I was the only one to have purchased the biggest piece of crap (2002 Aztek) made in America. I loved the look, didn't want a minivan, wanted to be different. Wish I'd known what I was in for. Both front hubs, a/c and cooling fan, heat w/blower switch, radiator, water pump, battery, all the lightbulbs and just today, the body control module for a small fortune. Thank you to all for letting me vent and an extra thanks for those of you who understand what I'm going thru. Maybe by the time I pay it off in June I can trade it for a goat with a cart.

I have a 2001 Pontiac Aztek and I love it.There is plenty of room for the kids. It drives smooth. I am only having one problem with it...I can smell antifreeze. Before I bought it the intake gasket was replaced. I took it to the garage today and he thinks I have a hairline crack in the radiator. I still love it!

I have a 2003 Aztek and starting to experience same problems. Fuel sensor not working, leaking antifreeze, heater quit working for a while (works now) and my computer is infected! Doesn't remember my radio stations. My rear hatch has NEVER worked, even though the dealer worked on it twice. Sometimes the doors won't unlock when putting it in park and then you cannot get it out of park until you turn it off. Lots of these comments are about 2003 -- not a good year obviously!!

I am going Friday to look at a 2003 I better print this page and tell them I want the head gaskets looked at and all that stuff huh.

I was a fool for not doing research first in May 2005 when I purchased my 2003 Pontiac Aztek. I was in such a rush to get into something else because my old car was failing and I needed something right away. I wished I waited before getting stuck with this Pontiac Awwshucks. Bought at 48,000 miles and now 81,000 on it and engine repairs at $1800...not worth fixing at all. I've encountered every problem mentioned on this site by other Awwshucks owners...trying to get rid of it now and go with the foreign cars...only thing is i still owe about 12 g's on it...anyone know of any decent dealerships that will take it off my hands and put me into something more reliable?

Barberinos in Wallingford, CT knew it was a piece of s@*t when they sold it to me..Shame on them all.

GM should give all dissatisfied Aztek owners a refund..or an Envoy.(serious in CT)

I love my 2002 Aztec but sadely enough the problems started at 40,000 km both wheel bearings, air condition, hatch door wont open, fan lost level1,2,3. Engine seal vs radiator,replace left bearing at 140,000, The positive side it has a good sound system. Its now 160,000 km paid for and there's lots of exterior noise when windows are down. Too bad for the Aztec being engineered by a bunch of losers.

bought an 2003 aztec with 90800km and starting to have problems with the rear suspension. a roaring sound

Add one more victim to the Pontiac aztek scenario!! I have an 01 with only 39k on it. Just found out that the intake gasket is leaking(not going to mention previous problems that were fixed under warranty thank God). Called the Pontiac cares hotline and found out that they don't care at all......They did however give me the 50/50 deal and I was supposed to be happy about that. However, I felt as though they should have coved it in full. I asked them what they based there decision on? The only thing they could say was it 6yrs old....never mind about the mileage at 39k. So basically, what the were saying is, you don't even have to drive them and they deteriorate. What planet am I on???

JD

Thought I loved my Aztek till all the problems came, replaced hub bearing,not to long ago needs them again, electrical problems, gas hand dont work heater/ac switch only works on high, antilock brake light will not go out, engine light on Made a real Az out of me wont happen again

Bought my 04 aztec w/22K. 59K now and had engine problems, replaced power steering, gear assembly, intake manifold gasket, radiator seal, front break job, wiring harness, wheel bearing, now need bushings and spindles ($622).

I love my 2003 Aztek, of all the cars on the lot at the dealership this baby jumped out at me, and i just had to have it. The only problem i have had so far is the steering wheel is not aligned which there was a recall on 2003's, this is a very serious problem that i hope has been resolved forever

I have a 2003 yellow Aztec. Nothing but problems. Can't get rid of it because I owe $11,000.00 and no one will give me even half for it. Hub, sensors, gaskets, brakes, battery, dashboard lights all went out at 30-31,000 miles. When I apply the brakes the gas pedal shakes and a noise (poom/poom/poom)is made. Have taken car to dealership several times, service manager said its normal for ABS brakes to act this way. Funny, the car started doing this after the sensor went out. Also noticed that after you remove the hand break the service light comes on. This car has never been the same. CAN SOMEONE TELL ME IF THEY EXPERIENCED THIS WITH THERE AZTEC AND IF THEY WERE EVER ABLE TO GET IT FIXED? I SURE WISH I COULD SUE THE HELL OUT OF GM FOR SELLING A PIECE OF JUNK.

i got a red 01' aztec with 57,000 miles on it...this is my first car and i have had no problems with it so far, its overall a pretty nice car and i love driving it daily

After reading a most of these posts, I feel somewhat obligated to clear up a few things about the Aztec. I am a technician at an automotive repair facility, and have run into a few of these problems. Most of these problems are not specific to just the Aztec, however they are pattern failures (that occur with relative frequency,) condusive with ALL GM vehicles, with which they share parts. I'll start with the coolant leak issue. This problem is a pattern failure that MANY GM vehicles have - because they share the same engine. And not just Pontiac's. For example, the 3.4L and the 3.1L are essentialy the same engine. (Just different bore/stroke that changes displacement.) These 2 engines are used in almost every GM vehicle that utilizes a V6 engine.(Probably about 65% of their vehicles.) Be it either an option to a four cylinder, or a standard engine in a vehicle that can be had with a larger engine. Or, in the Aztec's case the only engine offered. (3.4) EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE ENGINES WILL have a lower intake gasket failure sometime in its useable life. This failure causes coolant to either leak externally, or worse internally, where it can fill the crankcase with coolant. The gasket is made from a thick piece of plastic with rubber ribs, that make the seal. Due to the heat they incur, along with the corrosive nature of the DEXCOOL, they become brittle and decintegrate. Some of them as early as 20k-25k miles! There is no way to change the design of the gasket, because the design of the intake manifold and the cylynder head it seals together, relies on this gaskets thickness to align them properly. This problem has plagued EVERY 3.1L-3.4L made since their design was updated(or down-dated?)around the 95 model year. If you have one of these engines, you either have had, or will have this problem, and most more than once. Now for the hub assemblies. The ones on the front of the Aztec are shared with many other GM full-size cars and crossover SUV's. Again- every one of these will fail
within the vehicles useable life. Unfortunatly they all have an integrated tone ring and AC voltage generator, built into the unit for the ABS. Every one of the failures in the posts above is a pattern failure found in many GM vehicles. Most are part failures due to poor design, or cheap manufacturing proceses.
Pattern failures are nothing new for GM. Rule of thumb: High content vehicle(lots of standard equipment)+low dollar price =pattern failure.

I love my Aztek. I bought it 9/1/06 with 26,000 miles on it. It now has almost 43,000 miles. I get 25 mpg. The gas gauge has started to have some erratic fluctuations, showing too much gas when started up sometimes (the needle goes all the way over to the temperature gauge/shows about a 1/2 tank too much). Recently it began showing too little gas, dinging "Low Fuel" when it had a 1/2 tank (so now it's showing 1/2 tank too little gas). I just fill up at the pump each time and reset my tripometer so I know how many miles I've gone. It's an inconvenience, sure, but it's no big deal. There is a bulletin out from GM regarding this problem, but there is no fix out for it yet, which is why there has been no recall or notice sent to customers. Anyone having gas gauge issues should contact their dealer/service center. Hopefully the engineers will have a fix soon.

Other than that, no major repairs. I've always had luck with Pontiacs (I've had 3 Sunbirds and a Grand Am), so I don't see any reason why this one would be any different. The only things I've ever done are 1 timing belt at 100,000 miles, brakes, 1 rear brake line, and 1 air condenser in all four cars combined. I think that's a pretty good track record.

Anyone know what sound the front wheel bearings make when they start to go? What triggers the sound? I'd like to keep an ear out for that problem. Please post if you know. Thanks!

MY Aztec looks very good ,it is just the change

and the beginning of the new era,it different

looks as if is is from outspace,when I am driving

in the freeway I feel in heaven AZTEC is for

people that have CLASS ,I have no complain.

I had a 2001 that I traded in at 75k miles and I miss it like crazy - I am currently looking for another one (not an easy task, since they don't make them any more, as you know). I replaced the A/C at 36k - under warranty, then never had another problem. I can vouch for the comments from the mechanic - my son has a pontiac Grand Prix and my daughter has a Grand Am and BOTH of them have had the gasket failure issue (the Grand Am TWICE).

I agree the design is UGLY! But it's my UGLY!!
I have a 2002 Aztek and bought it 2yrs ago off a used dealership. It now has 204335km and running like a dream. I have changed the computer two days after I purchased it but the dealership did it with no hassles. 6 months ago I changed the oil sensor BUT otherwise just regular maintenance every 5000km.
I love my YELLOW Aztek!!
Just bought the tent and now we are going camping!!

I have owned many vehicles / brands and they all had some sort of problem. Fixing them comes with them, nothing runs for ever. Read the manuals and have regular check ups. They are all built on an assemble line with the human hand.

I have a 2001 that's been on the road since Jan. 18 of 01 (only 50K miles though) and it's been fine. I purchased the extended warranty which was a good buy because two things WILL break on the 01s. 1. The AC compressor is mounted in such a way that it serves as a stressed member of the frame. At about 35,000 it will crack and leak. 2. The BCM - body control module - on the early Teks losses its memory after a few years and causes all kinds of havoc though nothing that will leave you stranded. The GM dealerships have a lot to learn about customer service from Toyota (our other car) but with average care I think the Aztek is no better or worse than other GM products.

We've done lots of camping in ours and the look really grows on you. Really.

I own a 2003 burgandy Aztek. The check engine light went on and I took it to the dealership. They replace the fuel gage indicator but the light was still on, then they replace the wires that connect to the computer under neath the Aztek. But the light was still on, then they replaced the sensor, and you guessed it, the light is still on. I am not sure what more they can do but it is spending another night in the garage awaiting the mighty master mechanic to look at it in the morning. Does any one have any idea what could be wrong?

I Have a 2001 Aztek and had nothing but problems out of it. Transmission has went out of it 2 times and now it sits in the driveway brokedown again. I wish they would buy mine back.

Seeing all the "I love my Aztek" comments from above, it looks like all the Aztek owners are trying to improve the resale value of this model, and get rid of their UGLY cars. Think about it, so many Aztek apologists in one place.

I HAVE A 2003 AZJUNK I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS SINCE THE DAY I GOT IT. IT ONLY HAS 50,000MILES ON IT AND ALREADY REPLACED HEAD GASKET 2 TIMES SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON FRONT WHEELS HUM SINCE I TOOK IT OFF THE LOT I TOOK IT TO DEALER ABOUT 4 TIMES FOR THAT AND THEY TOLD ME THE AZJUNK SUPOSE TO HUM A LIL I KNOW A LIL ABOUT CARS AND I KNOW YOUR WHEELS ARENT SUPOSE TO MAKE NOISE I TOLD THEM OVER AND OVER ITS THE BARRING THEY TOLD ME NO. NOW JUST YESTERDAY MY AZJUNK LEFT ME STRANDED IN WEST VIRGINIA 4 HOURS FROM MY HOUSE THANKFULLY I HAVE A FRIEND DOWN WHERE IT BROKE DOWN THATS A MECHANIC HE IS WORKING ON IT NOW HE SAID THE FUEL PUMP HARNEES AND RELAY IS BURNT UP NOT GOOD HUNH. SO WHAT EVER ITS WORTH TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING BUYING AN AZTEK DO YOUR SELF A FAVOR AND TURN THE OTHERWAY PONTIAC DOES NOT WANT TO WARRINTY THESE PIECES OFJUNK

I am a TWO time Aztek owner. First one was a 2003. Unfortunately, it was totaled in an accident. I liked the vehicle so much, that I bought a 2004 Rally Edition to replace it with. Hmmmm. Ok, I absolutely love my Aztek, I will start with that. It now has about 38,000 miles on it. There have been some issues though along the way. There have been a couple of recalls that had to be dealt with, a problematic fuse issue that plagues my cigarette lighter and aux. power outlet. (The fuse blows faithfully every month) I can get about 15 uses out of each one. Something with a gasket leak????/ That needed to be fixed, the FUEL level indicator doing EXACTLY as someone else described. That was replaced, some engine relay thing, the rear hatch latch (which is bad again), the sunroof sensor has been replaced, I used to have intermittent stalling, gee..........I can't remember what else has been fixed or replaced. but THANK GOODNESS THAT WAS ALL UNDER WARRANTY!!!!!! NOW.......my warranty is UP. Yikes! Reading about all this stuff makes me sick! I have truly enjoyed my Aztek though. It drives beautifully, has plenty of room for two dogs and a kid, and it is actually pretty good on gas. I am HOPING that all the issues have been fixed and that I can drive it until it is paid off at least. Looks like the ugly duckling on the outside, but feels like a swan on the inside. Good luck everyone. (And yes, if they still made them, I would buy another)...I think.

i loved at first but now iam having second thoughts we had went on a trip when we got back the differention whent on it and now we cant seem to find a part for rrrrrrrr

I first purchased my yellow Aztek in 2002. It was so ugly, I subsequently purchased a second Aztek, this time burgundy in color. I have no complaints. Like many other cars in the past, some have problems and some don't. What has been important is that the dealer (Abeloff) has always stood behind the product when there has been a problem. We have now reached 98,000 and 75,000 miles and still going. I have also been rammed 3 times in one car, belive it or not, the yellow one. How can you miss it? Anyway, the othe vehicle has always come of wrose than me.

i like it but had noithing but problem with just the other day the differentional when $$$$$$had to phone all over just to find one. there are a lot of other things air cond engien light comes and goes ect ect ect and like most of you said warnenty gone.

Point to note about owning any model or make of car....THEY ALL BREAK DOWN and all mechanical devices require routine and some major servicing from time to time. I own a 03 Aztec AWD and a 99 Transport both required lower intake manifold gaskets I did these jobs myself with a moderate mechanical background, not fun jobs, changing spark plugs on these engines are no laughing matter either.!Ive owned a fair number of cars, trucks, SUV,s and the Aztec is the most fun.!

Nothing but problems---i bought my 2002 aztec in dec 2006 and now 8mnths later its messing up---one day it was fine and now its going crazy--i turned my car on and as i was going to work all my power would go on and off while i was driving...like it was posessed...so i took it home and the security system locked up nothing in my car would work so i had to wait till shop opened again in the morning...when i got up to take it to the shop my car was dead n had to be jumped....took the car in and they said all the power was going out bc of battery being bad...so pontiac fixed it and cost me 300$ for labor n battery...wow!! pulled it off lot and it did same exact thing as it did when i took it in...left it there on lot so they could look at it next day....welll they drove my car 50 miles and used all my gas n said it wasnt acting up n was perfectly fine...so i took it home and the security sysytem locked up while going home..so i took it back again and seen whati was talking about and they say its the BCM body COntrol Moduel..and is going to be another 500$ for that ....this car is full of problems and would rather just dump it then have to deal with this car ever again....it sucks on gas milage and is bright ass yellow and i hate it...i bought it real wuick bc i needed a new car but finance cmpany said i had to purchase somthng with a certain milage n price range n thats all they had that matched that on the lot at that time.....should of researched this car first before i bought this piece of crap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Indeed. I purchased my 2003 Aztek back in February of this year with 64,262 miles on it. I love it! I haven't had anything major go wrong with it. Noticed that the doors don't unlock sometimes after putting into park and won't let you shift from park sometimes unless you re-start the car.I have always been a Pontiac fanatic, especially with the Grand Am. My Aztek now has about 75,000 miles on it. Around 72,000 miles, one of my break lines had broken during an emergency stop! For a car of this year, I was told by alot of people that shouldn't have happened. I also noticed that another post here had mentioned the same thing. Replaced it. Now just recently, about 5 days ago, I had failed to notice that my sunroof did not close all the way and that it was still in "vent" mode. Well...it rained, alot. The next day the inside of my car was wet. From ceiling to floor. Shortly after, my fuel gage has quit working and my "service engine soon" light has been on. I know that there is an electrical connector that runs under the driver's the seat from the tank to gage. It may have gotten wet and shorted out my fuel gage (there was a notice for Aztek's of 01 and 02 for this problem.) As of right now, several days later, the service light cancelled itself this morning and my gage may be correcting itself as well. I always have a full tank when I start it, but after a few minutes of driving, it seems to slowly go to where I think it should be. I've had my eyes on the Aztek's ever since they were released, but I am disappointed that have had such a bad run! My friend has an 01 Aztek, and everything is dying on it! The computer is fried! I still love mine though, and I do hope that nothing else happens with it. I'm sorry for those who have had worse than me. Other than that, I too must say that this is the last GM car I will ever buy.

I have a 2002 Aztek. I had only had minor issues before last winter. The first week I had it the tail gate stopped working; I have had it replaced 5 times. The last time the dealer replaced both the top and bottom of the hatch (Pontiac covered all of this). The ignition cylinder jammed and I was stranded in downtown Cleveland at 1 in the morning, I will say that Pontiac sent a tow truck to get me and covered the repair. The real major problem started last winter. The head gaskets started leaking and needed to be replaced, the car only had 52, 000 miles on it. I got Pontiac to cover about 70% of the repair by asking there customer service line if Pontiac is saying there cars are only good for 52,000 miles. They were shocked I questioned the integrity of the engine, but it worked they paid for most of it. Now I have electrical problems, the odometer reading ERROR when the car is on, only ½ the dash board gauges work. I have no idea how many miles are on the care at this point, around 80K give or take. I have been to the dealer and was told for $400.00 I can have a refurbished dash unit, a new unit is not an option. My husband drivers a 1996 Chrysler Concord I fear we will have to replace the 5 year old Aztek before the 11 year old Concord. I definitely will not buy GM again. I hate to say it because you always want America to work, but Japanese may be the way to go.

I HAVE A 2001 AZTEK, MY KIDS DON'T LIKE IT BECAUSE THEIR FRIENDS MAKE FUN OF IT,I LIKE THE WAY IT DRIVES AND TURNS, I HAVE EXPERIENCE ONLY
TWO PROBLEMS WHICH I GESS ARE COMMON, ( THE REAR HUBS ARE BAD AND LEAKS ENGINE COOLANT ).THE CAR IS VERY LIGHT AND SEEMS TO BE VERY FRAGILE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT, ALSO IS VERY EASY TO ROLL OVER.

My family have a '01 Aztek and I like my car (use that term lightly). I have had several problems out of it and it's driving me crazy. 1st problem was a few months after we got, antifreeze was pooring from the engine. Good thing it was under warranty, because it cost nearly $3000.00. In the past year and a half, we have replaced the hub assembly 3 times and it needs replacing again. It's not under warranty so that comes straight from our pocket. I understand that cars don't last forever but it's not even 10years old! My husband has a 1995 Honda Accord, and it runs great. Currently, our fuel gage is going crazy. I have to esimate how much gas I have because it always reads "full". GM needs to recall this vechile and give us something else for equal or lesser value that can fit the family who owns it.

Well I have a 2002 p aztec,On 9-17-2007 we recieved a phone call from South Carolina,my mother-in-law was not going to make it,while driving my husband to the airport to be by his mothers bed side,2 miles from our home @5:00am all of a sudden we heard this clanging noise comming from the engine and the AZTEC died. Need I say he missed his flight,I missed work etc. Now I could have a used engine w/ 30.000 miles installed for $1600.00 or a rebuilt engine replacing the PLASTIC GASKET w/ a metal one for $1744.00 or $3666.00 for the engine and labor.I owe $7000.00 w/95,000 miles no warranty CALLED GMC there not aware of any PROBLEMS PLEASE HELP !!

Yes, we fell in love with all the features that the Aztec has as well,. We got all the optional packages it had to offer. We have traveled all over the continental United States with it. All the way from driving dirt trails in Death Valley, camping on the shores of the Sea of Cortez in Mexico, crossing over into Canada, and picnicing on the beaches of Cape Cod. We have camped in it, until it has paid for itself. However, all of the issues that other owners are mentioning are plaguing us now as well. It is getting expensive to maintain, just as we finished paying it off this summer. That must be why they stopped making it. Something inherent in the design that the same maintenance issues are hitting us all about at the same mileage marks.

I bought a 2001 Pontiac Aztek new in Dec. of 2000. I truly do love the car because ugly as some may think it is, it looks like nothing else on the road. Aren't you tired of all the cookie cutter cars out there? The first year I had it I had all sorts of A/C problems, condensor replaced 3x. The final condensor must have done the trick because I no longer have A/C problems. I maintain the vehicle regularly and have had no major problems with it until last summer when the engine coolant leaks began and I had the intake manifold gaskets replaced. Then brought it into the shop today because exhaust was spewing a white cloud of smoke. Guess what? A head gasket leak. $2300 to tear down the engine, machine the heads and replace the gasket. UGH! But you know what? I still love that darn car. I take out the back seats, put all my dog crates in it and load a ton of other luggage and supplies and travel to dog events. I like the way my Aztek looks, and face it, if everyone else thinks its ugly I don't have to worry about auto theft. Will I continue to sink more money into it if it keeps having problems? I'm not sure, but for now, it's a keeper.

We have a 2003 Aztek. 73,000 mi. Here is what happens: You start the car and drive it. You put it in park and as you begin to take the key out of the ignition it will not go all the way to off. It keeps the electrical system running. Sometimes after a minute or two it will 'let go' and allow you turn the key completely off. But sometimes this condition will last for hours. Any amount of restarting it or driving will not 'let the key release properly'. Is there a known bug fix for this? A relay? a fuse? Intermittently the 'security' light also comes on, but then seems to fix itself. Is this also part and parcel of the same problem?

The car gets 15 in the city, 20 on the highway, doesn't leak coolant, has been nice bearing and gasket wise so far. The rotors are going bad, but that is because it was parked in a tide area of Sausalito, CA and got salt water on the brakes.

Adored my 2003 Aztek with camping package! Had the bearings replaced @ 20k, along with weather stripping, no big deal, still under warranty. Then @ 88k miles a sleeve needed replaced in the transmission because GM knowingly put a wrong gasket in the transmission on some Azteks that "Should work fine". Cost $1300.00 ,now at 15 mos later, it needs a whole new transmission that GM will,"GET THIS", give me deal on @ $3200.00. What a deal?! My personal machanic will replace it for 2500.which still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. This vehicle was great til it hit 88k road miles on it. It is and was extremely well maintained. My toyota ( I had to buy used because my husband wouldnt buy a foreign car) has been great! Now my husband is considering buying a foreign car new! Wow! GM has diffently made an impression on us. Just not a good one!

My 2003 Aztek has just gotten 60.000 miles on it. I have not had any major problems with it til now. I got out the car and got back in and the key would not fit into the ignition. I have owned alot of cars and this is a new one on me.

Carol Braddock,

You put it in park and as you begin to take the key out of the ignition it will not go all the way to off. It keeps the electrical system running.
-well i've had that chronic problem also to the point of changing to many batteries than should, and putting a strain on my starter and all the above,
let alone in the winter the dash board looks like a christmas tree. And in the summer the dash is normal. But if anyone has a suggestion as to the ignition problem, please email me @ joshuakerouac@gmail.com

Ok everyone that needs parts, I have a few parts left from A salvaged 2004 pontiac aztek.
I was going to rebuild it, but seem to not have much luck on bady panels.
It only has 40,000 mi. on it.
I have the complete drive train, including front seats that have the side air bag curtains, I know alot get discouraged at their Aztek, but like all cars, things go bad and especially the Aztek era for GM, things were going down hill for GM, but if anyone would like to keepo their AZTEK going, drop me a e mail and lets keep our AZTEK's on the road.
I will help you out in any needs possible.
Alot of parts are available to the canadian side of the earth but not in the USA, So I bought me a spare parts car, since i own 3 AZTEK's. I would not get rid of mine for all it can provide ofr me as in camping vehicle, shopping, travel and just plain out eye opener Vehicle, Alot ask me what is it, I tell them it is A CUV, they say; CUV? yes, Camping Utility Vehicle.
if you need help or anything parts wise, contact me e mail lovers_forever_as_one@yahoo.com
KEEP the AZTEK alive...............

I had been driving a 91 S-10 Tahoe no air, stick PU since April 1990 bought new. Sold it in 2005 with 320K. mi. Never had to spend more than $2500 in repairs which included 3 sets of tires, I did the majority of work on it. Excellent mechanal shape, just kind of rusting away and the clutch was killing my arthritic knee. My doughter borrowed our 72 Datson station wag bought used in 1993 with 30K, she said for 2 wks in 1998 and kept it for 8 mos. I had to tow it home. It just wasn't worth repairing. she drove it under the ground if you know what I mean. Outside of rutine maintainence and 1 set of tires, never had to spend a penny on it for the 180K mi. that I drove it.

One rainy friday evening in Nov. 05, My wife decided she wasn't going to ride in my truck anymore, and we went car shopping. She fell absouluty in love with an 2001 white Aztec Gt AWD camper mpdel with 62K,(I think it was the handsome young salesman)at a nearby Chrysler dealer. It appeared to be in perfect shape. We drove a couple of times and I was very impressed with how well it handeled in the changing rain to snow that evening, on both city streets and xpreswy at speed. The only acessorries missing, as far as I was concerned, was a owners manual and sunroof and duel heat controls. I love the radio. It plays both tapes and Cds. As it was quite dark by this time, I tried to tell whify to wait untill the next day to check it out in daylight, but she said she was not going to set foot in my truck again for life, just had to have that car now!! You guessed right. We drove away in it. I insited on buying a 2yr extended drive train warrantee. A good thing we did. Well the first thing I noticed the next day was the air cond, wasn't cooling and not enough heat. They kept the car for a week and gave us a loner, and fixed the air, replaced one headlight bulb,and incedenly left off the back cover, and started getting water in the housing, but not the thermostat. I didn't notice that right away because we were in a warm up weather cycle. The Crys. dealer said thermostats wern't part of the drive train warrenty and wanted $150 and a week to change it. I went to a Pontiac dealer and bought one for $14 and Pep Boys put it in for $25 and one hr. About 3000K more mi. and 74K, I went to a Pontiac dealer fot an oil change and another headlight bulb replacement. they wanted $50 to change the bulb, I learned how to do that myself, and was informed the intake manifold gaskets were shot. They replaced top and bottom gaskets under warrentee and charged $300 to flush the motor. They said warrentee didn't cover the flush. At about 78K tha trans started clunking at shift points. Charged $250 for fluid change and screen cleaning. Quiet for about 2k, clunks returned. Still there. 82k stuck in park. $200 to replace freyed and burned wires. 84K Check enginlite $240 to replace most sensors so I could pass emissions. Advised by favorit mech to drive until trans fail. 96K decided to get trans work done, discovered warrentee expired. Still clunking along Hope it last thru winter, also have a miner oil gasket leak. Think I can do that. Wife still loves the hell out of this car, and guess what. So do I. But I'm kind of looking at the 2008 Vue hybred tho. They are about the same size. This high gas is kicking my butt.
Good luck 2 all U. ugly car owners and happy holidays to all
Herb & Ruth Freeman

I have to say this, even though it seems completely off-topic. This is my attempt to steer honest, hard-working people away from CRAP automobiles and companies that do nothing for their customers:

I own a 1987 Nissan 300ZX. I am on the original transmission and engine. My maintanence has consisted of ONE set of springs, ONE set of shocks, two sets of tires, ONE set of brake pads, ONE set of rotors, timing belt change, and ONE spark plug/cable change. The fluids have been changed per reccomended periods. The only mechanical failure I've had, was my OEM starter going out this year.

The car has less than 90K miles on it, but it is over 21 years old. I see posts of cars such as the Aztek with 30K miles and FOUR YEARS falling apart like crazy. The second these POS GM car warranties go out, they fall apart. I had a pontiac last 6 years and 99K miles. The second I hit 100K, my transmission went out right after the AC stopped working. I previously had a 1990 Nissan with 161K miles, OEM everything. No issues. I see a pattern...

I'm not endorsing Nissan, since I have no idea how their new cars hold up. I'm simply trying to put the question in peoples head that asks, if OLD technology cars can hold up this well without a hiccup, why do a good chunk of new cars fall apart after 3 years? Why do the dealerships and companies do NOTHING to help the buyers?

Why can you buy a 15K imported Toyota econobox, push it to redline on a daily basis, and read claims of people surpassing 100K miles in just a few years with NOTHING changed but tires, when at the same time you can spend 32K on a new midsized sedan, take a look at your manual, and notice that the recommended maintanence will cost you at least 7K in 5 years time?

Anyway, the Aztek is by far the world's ugliest car.

I HAVE A WRECKED 2005 BLACK RALLY GT ASTEK.....SELL OR PARTS.....GOLDENCARTEL@HOTMAIL.COM

Marie...learn how to spell before you post. It's "their", not "there".

I LOVE MY AZTEK!!!!!!!!!!

I think everyone is going with a trend on this car.

1st of I have seen way uglier vehicles. I stand and look at my truck everyday and I don't think it's ugly.

People think it's cool to jump on the band wagon and say it's ugly though they have one. Shut up!

2nd the truck is wonderful I have no complaints, great gas mileage, spacious, good HP.

3rd go test drive one and see if you don't fall in love with it. People are paying thousands for vehicles that aren't any better than this vehicle.

Great sound system
Great storage

I could go on and on but I decided to break the mold. I was trying to find out how to replace my headlamps because i'm retarded like that and stumbled upon this site and was like jesus. It seems people just read and jump on the bandwagon.

Vehicle = not ugly people are just stupid... you mean to tell me the PT cruiser is better looking? No the torrent? or the eqinox or however you spell it... no wait the pacifica?!

NO! plus they all suck!

I love my BWA - Big White Angel and that's all I have to say about that Jenny.

To all the GM bashers sharing their ignorance:

Start any web site bashing a car and the few people who had problems, some with an axe to grind, and those who do not perform maintenance can make it appear that ANY car has a bad record. I submit the following:

1. The Aztek uses common transmissions and engines used in other GM vehicles. There are no "Aztek" problems.

2. GM has the longest warranty in the industry because they build the best cars. People who rave about their Asian cars have neve tried a GM car. Their parents bought Nissan so they buy Nissan. They are no more informed than bubba was when the Asians first came here during the GM's heyday.

3. Ten percent of the Toyota Tundra big V8 engines had to be recalled for suddenly locking up.

4. Those motor oil ads about "sludge" are directed at Toyota and to an extent Volkswagen. Toyota has had major recall problems. Just Google Toyota and sludge or Camry and engine problem.

5. Azteks are ugly?? Are they?? Who says, Hollywood? And what is a Prius a Jeep a Volkswagen Beetle or an Element -- Design exercises? Why are looks important on this one car when the whole world condemns shoppers for buying SUV's based on vanity and image?

6. All the objective sources say all GM cars are as good as anybody's and many are better than anybody's. The same sources say the only problem that GM has is perception. "Perception" is just a polite term for choosing to be ignorant.

Kevin

I am a loyal GM customer, but my 2003 Aztek is a piece of junk. I had to replace all my wheel bearings, several brake rotors prematurely, heated seat doesn't work, and now my 3.4
L needs new lower intake manifold gaskets. I have a Chevy Silverado I bought at the same time and the only repair it needed was an $80 U joint. My 99 Saturn has been great. 2000 Saturn not as good as 99 but much better than Aztek.

I have a 2004 aztek rally I love the car, besides gm putting in junk bearings from the start, in the buick renezvous, saturns vue and etc. The pontiacs had a service bulletin for the wheel bearings. They refunded my money, check online, Remember its a vehicle that needs maintance just like any other vehicle you run it and don't service it on a regular it will breakdown and cost more, Im looking for a second awd!

some people pretend import cars don't also make plasticky lemons, maybe in 1987 they were making a good sports coupe but my girlfriend has a 2000 Nissan Xterra which has proven to be a quite a headache, with small (but expensive to repair) things like wheel bearings and brake components failing quite suddenly and often between 75,000 to her current 100,000 mi and thus in and out of the shop constantly. my '99 Ford Ranger has been much more reliable, with only 2 small unscheduled repairs in 119,000 mi so far. the main one, which is a common problem was with the heater core valve that broke at 100k but other than that, no complaints. FYI my dad also had a (I forget the year) late 80's Nissan Stanza that was a bomb with strange electrical problems, finally dying for good when the engine gave around 85,000 mi. that said, the Aztek has to be one of the worst conceived and made cars ever and particularly heinous to look at or be near. I almost died when they gave that thing away as part of a grand prize on "Survivor" about 5 years ago, when that show was at the peak of its popularity.

It's expensive to maintain but overall loved it. I wish I had another one.

i have a 2004 Aztec bought used with 12000 miles on it and paid 16K. have had no problems as of yet with 96K miles on it. rides great, and four people with golf bags are comfortable. get the big kick from people's looks, like what the hell is that. i didn't buy it to please your stupid attitudes of what looks good in a car. ha ha 25mpg not too bad, you Yukon suckers!

I am a single mother,teacher and owner of an 01 tec with 80,000. It has had the AC replaced and some rear end thing replaced and a few other things that it should have been recalled for. About a month ago. The odometer quit displaying the millage I took it in and the mechanic pulled it and said they would have to send it out but, it wasn't urgent and it could wait until I returned from my planned 900 mile trip one way. Oh, he also put in an o2 sensor and changed the oil. When I got in and started the car the gauges went hay-wire, the locks seemed possessed, then it went into security mode, the radio is locked as well as everything else...no inside lights, locks, UGH! It was working fine. No one has an answer and when I did some online research and tried to share it with my mechanic, he was offended. I'll never get another Aztec or Pontiac and I will tell everyone I know about all the problems I've read about here and on other sites. You would think that Pontiac would do a recall. They should be ashamed.

I just bought a '05 Aztec and I absolutely LOVE it! I traded my '00 Pontiac Grand Prix GT for this! Although I miss My "Red Rocket" I have to say the Aztec is great! I bought it with 60K mi on it and It is in great running condition! I lvoe the Gas Mileage too! My "redrocket" got terrible gas mileage the TEC gets greater milage than my car! I agree with all the positive people on this site and it is all due to iggnorace that you people are being sooo pesmistic! I would buy another one in a heart beat! You have to be RESPONSIBLE if youstandards are going ot be sooo high and if you think any car is going to stand up to your standards it has nothing to do with GM or the Aztec or anything like that it is your shear Laziness & Iggnorance that your vehicle has not lasted as long as you think it should! Maybe you should try changing the oil flushing your whole systems & just stop B****ing about it! Be RESPONSIBLE that is why you have a car in the first place!

I am having a problem with a leaky gas tank on my 04 model. How do I find out if there is a possible recall.

I see a lot of people complaining about the same issues that I currently have. My AC works only if the inside of the car is cool, but if I turn the car off and go inside somewhere for an extended period of time that the inside of the car gets hot, the AC does not work. My heater also doesn't work properly. There is no need to start my car in the morning since it only blows cold air. When I am driving the car, the heat starts to work. When I come to a stop and am idling, the heat stops working. My brother replaced the thermostat last year and it seemed to work a little better, but now I'm back to square one - although it has been quite cold this year.

CAN ANYONE E-MAIL ME WITH ANY IDEAS ON WHAT TO DO?

One would think that since there are so many consumers with the same issue, that Pontiac would fix the problem..HA HA HA.

OK, OK, OK -- I have an '01 Tec and I am having or had most of the bad issues: 1) the a/c went out and now I have NO Heat (in Chicago! C'mon! 2) I replaced the driver side wheel bearing too. I love this car (rides really smooth since the bearing has been fixed) and I am Blues singer who occasionally must haul musicians and equipment it is the perfect size - not too big at all. But, from what I read here, since we are ALL having most of the same issues THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED!

I liked it (unusualness) from the first time I saw it. But, I too did not do my homework or there were people out here too embarrassed to say they were having problems.

I want to get rid of it but have a little more time to pay on it - I WANT MY MITSUBISHI BACK! Sorry, GM...

I bought a 2001 Aztek and loved it at first.....Have not had THAT many problems...Did need to get headgasket replaced at 69,000 miles which cost me $1,612.00. Now I just got a letter from GM that offers to reimburse me for a repair done in late 2004 because of a small crack at the base of the fuel tank....I will be getting a $340.00 refund from GM......Now THAT is great news! GM admits a mistake after 3 years and is going to give 2001 Aztek owners repair refunds!.....Anyone else get that letter from GM?

I got that letter from GM one day last week. I own a 2001 Aztek with 76,000 miles on it. For the past 3 months or so the car has been going crazy, as though it is possessed. When my mechanic fixed the A/C last year (A/C and heat has been repaired two times since 2004), he said that the A/C wasn't working due to a problem with the BCM. Now I can be driving and all the lights on the dashboard start flashing, all of the gauges go crazy, doors start locking and unlocking, radio locks up, rear hatch locks up, security light or service vehicle soon light stays on continuously. Though they were off today and everything was normal except the rear hatch will not open. If I reset fuse 28 under the hood, then the rear hatch will start working for a day or two. There is also loud noise around the wheel on driver side. I suppose that is the wheel bearing. It was leaking antifreeze back in the fall, but that just quit leaking one day. Next week it goes in for BCM replacement. This car has been very disappointing. I will not be buying another Pontiac, maybe not even another GM product.

Bought a 2005 aztek brand new had problems with the car shutting off at 6000 miles had brake problem four times and the car now only had 15000 miles on it and is still cutting off. This car was a piece of trash and they should never make another car like this one.

I just bougt a 2003 Jet Black fully loaded Aztec and it has been wonderful(knock on wood)!!I hope it lasts because it is a good looking car.

I have a 2002 pontiac aztec and it is a peice of crap! i have had problems with it since the moment i signed the papers! before i even bought the car, i drove it for two days... and did not have any problems with it... the day i signed the papers for the vehicle, i noticed my gas tank was leaking. Within the first week of owning it, the gas tank was replaced, put in a new battery, a new alternator, new fans, new belts, and a new hatch for the back, since then, one year later, i have still had to fix electrical wiring, the belts, again, head gaskets, the rear hatch is broken again, and now i need to fix the thermostat. Not to mention for over a year, my check engine light was on, awd was disabled and my abs light was on, everytime i took it to have it checked, no one could figure out what was wrong!!! i put new tired, the lights went off. not to mention i went to leave and i backed up maybe 2 feet and all of a sudden my "brake" light came on for no reason... I personally do not feel safe in this vehicle, I have a two year old son, and unless I absolutely HAVE TO I choose to use any other car except mine. Oh and something similar to some others ive read too, drivers seat heated seat doesnt work, half the dash lights don't work, a/c don't work and my heat is letting go! it's the middle of winter and the temp here is 5 degrees right now. gm should just give every pontiac owner their money back and just shred these.. THINGS!

I do love my aztek even though its not that attractive. Plays my music loud, fits a lot of my friends for camping plus their camping stuff. Great on gas and people can't believe how far I can get on a tank of gas. The only thing I really didn't like is when I took it in to pontiac dealer ship and they screwed me over royally. First they ran over a nail blamed it on me, then they said my heater was blown and I told them no cause it would still go on if you tapped a wire and they said no blown moter, then I replaced the supposed blown motor which still wouldn't come on without tapping that wire, now they were saying connection. Something that should have costed me 3 - 4 hundred cost me 7 hundred. I will never go to a dealer ship again for services.

Can't argue with people who've had problems--I still remember the last 2 years of my Aerostar and the last 2 months of the Caddy we traded in for the Aztek. My wife found this thing (as we pulled into the lot, I asked her "Gawd, WTH is THAT funny looking thing?" I had no idea she was intending to buy a car; thought she was just starting to look. But she'd done research and wanted the Aztek. She beat the dealer down to 0% interest (about six months after they'd been doing that); we got it with the camping package and have camped in it, towed with it, and just turned 100,000 with it yesterday. And apart from a rear latch that never works the first time until I take it to a dealer, and having to replace the AC fluid once, all we've done is standard maintenance (knock on wood). The worst thing that's happened so far is, the thin, cheap plastic place where the keychain goes through the remote broke on both units. My wife picked up those rubber/plastic coinpurses, and put the remote in there; wprks fine (much better than the $50 replacement units (plus anothere $50 to reporgram them--I found a website that gives that info; GM oughta be ashamed!)

Never had such success with a vehicle; all I can say is: make sure you do the maintnance. Sorry for those of you who wound up with a POS. Got my fingers crossed for the next purchase....

As for the heat problem I had the same on my 03 Aztec and it is easy to fix. All ponticas have this problem some how after awhile a small air pocket forms in the heater core. You need to open up the air bleed nut there are 2 you only need to open one of them and run the engine after you open it just a crack. keep it open unit you see a steady flow of the coolant. Go to your local auto store and they can show you where the bleed nut it also it takes 7mm nut. You might have to do this a couple times, but it works and fixes the problem

I also have a 2001 I loved it the body the color red I also have the camper package well... here are the problems... a/c first then the thermastat, head light went out, car would not disengage from park, starter went out, now I have NO dash lights my stereo is LOCKED and my mileage reads error !! I am a single mom and this was a horrible mistake on GM they will not fix or refund or repair there MESS of a car... this car only has 75k miles one owner and has been maintained it has to go..... SHAME on GM .....

Bought my Aztek new in 2004 and this evening it nearly killed me! Horrible snowstorm, windshield impossible to see out of and god forbid the windshield wipers decide not to work!!! I am reading about the electrical problems and realize that the doors AREN'T supposed to stay locked after the car is in park...silly me. I also have noticed that my heat is not working...defrosters take years to actually defrost. I can only imagine the AC is probably also not working but too cold to try it out. Oh, only has 21,000K on it and yes the warranty is off but I owe too much to trade it in. YIKES!!!

My wife has an 04 Rally she has liked it so far. It has about 86,000 mi on it and has not had any problems. She wants to get a new car. I started to look around to see how much it realy is worth. I was going to trade it in but the guy said no-one wants them, they have been discontinued etc. He offered about $4,000. I thought he was full of it. It is gray so it does not look so "ugly" as they say. Any body know the real going price avg.

I have an 03 Aztek that I have really enjoyed. I'm up to 110,000 miles on the vehicle with no issues other than maintenance. Engine is strong with no oil usage and drives great. I will keep it until it falls apart.

JUST BOUGHT ONE ON 2/23/08 AND AFTER READING THIS I AM SCARED TO DEATH.

Coming up in April 2008, my dear red Aztek will be seven years old. Today I have to replace the original battery. It's on its second pair of tires. Still looks good inside and out except for a peculiar sunburned effect (flaky, peeling) on the tail light plastic and the roof rack. This was a replacement for my 15-year-old Chevy Blazer S-10. It needed to haul 4'x8' sheets of plywood or whatever just as the Blazer did. It did that just fine, but also assumed the role of hauling my kayak on the roof rack. Excellent! It has proven to be a good all-around UTILITY vehicle. Oh yeah, the driver side seat never did heat up like it was supposed to do, but that's my fault for not pursuing a fix. The passenger side does heat up as it should. The A/C has always been quick and efficient. The fuel gauge works just fine. Mileage is pretty decent...25mpg. The limited vision out the back was a concern at first, but I adapted and now it's not a problem. It's a great little vehicle. I feel very confident driving it. I did the Onstar for the first year, but the cost was exorbitant and now I rely on my cellphone. I don't know if Onstar service has improved at all in the past several years, but we had trouble connecting with it. It wasn't a big confidence builder.

We have a 2002 Aztek & we just love it. Yes it is different looking but it's the best vehicle we have driven and we are sorry they don't make them anymore.
We have had very few problems with our Aztek.
D & G

WOW! We are thinking of possibly buying a 2001. We drove the car, and love it! I have read every post and there is a few who love the car but more hate it. We think the car is cool, not ugly, and drives great. But now I am not sure. As much as we want it, we do not need a money pit!
Could we get any advice?

My husband and i just bought a 2002 Astek, we like the room for 2 car seats and a 14 yr old, like the room for strollers, and us, rides okay, problem is the heater fan for 1,2,3, dont work, and left light bulb blew out , my husband just cant figure out to replace it , oh, and this thumping noise just started when you make turns, need help with the head light replacement, no manuel

As an owner of a 2001 aztek I bought it last year with 61,000 miles for only $6800... great deal on a great car!! It has 99k miles on it now. At 96k we replaced the thremostat ($12 at autozone) and a vacuumm hose ($3)... and thats it... other than that, the AC fan selector switch does not work on high.

I have an '03 Aztek, and yes it is ugly, but it is a great car. It gets great mileage for it's size, has plenty of power, has been pretty low maintenance. Mine has 105,000 miles on it and we have had to replace the intake gasket, thermostat, and the drivers window regulator. That's all. Oh, and after all that mileage I still have not done a rear brake job. It has so much room in it. When you take out the rear seats you can slide in a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood in it without having it hang over the tailgate. There are not too many family vehicles or SUV's that can do that. I'm keeping this ugly car until it dies, which might be for quite some time.

We have a Aztec with 86,000 mi. It has made a humming noise since we got it after you shut it off. Took it to the dealer and they could'nt hear it. Called the main office and they never heard of it. I just call it the haunted car and tell that to the people that hear it. We usully park far away so no one hears it. I like it but wish it did"t make that noise.

I just stumbled upon this site. I have spent days researching the aztec. I have read alot of postive things and some negative, but mostly more positive. I am buying a 2004 tomorrow that has 50,000 miles on it. I am a bit nervous, but as some say all cars have issues. I just got done with a dodge stratus believe it or not I had that car 12 yrs, it was a 1995, I got my monies worth. Yes I had repairs along the way, but I don't feel it was bad for the years I had the car. Thinking about the milage thats on the car (250,000) I will kiss it good bye and send it off to car heaven. If I reviewed that car right now I would likely have heart failure and never ever buy one!! lol....If I do as well with my new aztec I will be very happy.There are haters for every make. Even threw my car search I had so many people with different opinions. Ohhh don't buy a ford one would say, and the next would say get a ford! oh don't buy a dodge...and so on...whatever I was looking at everyone had a different view. This will be my first pontiac.Some of the sites I reviewed said alot of good things and helped me make my choice for the money I have to spend.I am still nervous but I would be with any purchase or and make or model. They are offering an extended warranty, and I will buy it..... I need to have this car as long as the old dodge I am saying rest well to. I am still searching reviews and I pick up my car tomorrow...lol I am driving myself crazy hehe...I will be back in a few weeks to post how I like my 2004 aztec. Cheers all my fingers are crossed!!Here is one of the sites for the people who want more opinions on the aztec http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=10771

I just stumbled upon this site. I have spent days researching the aztec. I have read alot of postive things and some negative, but mostly more positive. I am buying a 2004 tomorrow that has 50,000 miles on it. I am a bit nervous, but as some say all cars have issues. I just got done with a dodge stratus believe it or not I had that car 12 yrs, it was a 1995, I got my monies worth. Yes I had repairs along the way, but I don't feel it was bad for the years I had the car. Thinking about the milage thats on the car (250,000) I will kiss it good bye and send it off to car heaven. If I reviewed that car right now I would likely have heart failure and never ever buy one!! lol....If I do as well with my new aztec I will be very happy.There are haters for every make. Even threw my car search I had so many people with different opinions. Ohhh don't buy a ford one would say, and the next would say get a ford! oh don't buy a dodge...and so on...whatever I was looking at everyone had a different view. This will be my first pontiac.Some of the sites I reviewed said alot of good things and helped me make my choice for the money I have to spend.I am still nervous but I would be with any purchase or and make or model. They are offering an extended warranty, and I will buy it..... I need to have this car as long as the old dodge I am saying rest well to. I am still searching reviews and I pick up my car tomorrow...lol I am driving myself crazy hehe...I will be back in a few weeks to post how I like my 2004 aztec. Cheers all my fingers are crossed!!Here is one of the sites for the people who want more opinions on the aztec http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=10771

I own a 2002 Pontiac Aztec. I have never liked the look of it. I never would have dreamed I would have bought one. After getting in the drivers seat and driving it I loved it. The look is something that still hasn't grown on me. My Aztec has over 100,000 miles on it. I have had some issues with it but all and all it has been a real good vehicle. I have replaced one front wheel bearing since I owned it. I consider this a normal maintenance issue. If there are people who think they can purchase a vehicle that won't have normal issues like, tires, brakes, oil changes, I guess what I am saying is normal wear parts. Every vehicle has these things. Saying that I will say these are the problems I feel I shouldn't have had. Electrical problem, which I feel has to do with a bad ground somewhere. Now I am having a heating problem which I am not really sure where to look. My guess is the coolant fans aren't turning on like they should, which again, has to do with electrical. If I am driving the car and there is air flow going through the radiator the car runs cool or what I would say is normal. My problem with the whole thing is that once the car heats up from either sitting there idle or in some cases on a hot day if I go on a long trip or I am towing my travel trailer and the temp gauge gets to 3/4 and I shut the car off it will not restart until it cools. Does anyone know if the computer has some sort of safety feature that doesn't allow the engine to start until it cools back down? I have no coolant leaks and I have never seen or heard my fans kick on. I took it to the repair shop for this and told them what I thought the issue was, the mechanic who is a good friend of mine and is ASE certified said he could get the fans to kick on and off with his scanner. This is the second Pontiac I have owned and I would say both vehicles have been very good to me compared to what else I have seen out there for the price.

We have 63k miles on ours that was bought new in 2004. It is FWD and loaded up with options. It's been a pretty reliable vehicle and averages 25mpg with the v6. If you keep the speedo at 65-68mph you will find it can get a steady 27-28mpg. Not bad for one of the uglier vehicles to grace the American roadways. Oh, and as a Police Officer, I can tell you that I've never heard of anyone stealing one of these. Enjoy your "new" car Sue.

I have fallen in love with the aztec in 7 grade knew i wanted it got it as a graduation present last april its an 01 and its made it home and back to school for awhile but now it has no heat and it is leaking antifreeze. Many people have looked at it we cant figure out whats wrong yet but they want me to sell it i cant i love it its a god vehicle my mom thinks its good cause of the protection it provides so i want to fix it and then keep driving it.

I BOUGHT A 2005 THREE MONTHS AGO WITH 42000 ON IT IVE MADE ONE PAYMENT AND MY ANTI LOCK LIGHT AND AWD DISABLED LIGHT IS ON. ANY IDEAS???? JUST DID IT LAST NIGHT. WIOSH ID SEEN THIS SITE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT.

I bought my 2005 Aztek in January of 2006 with 12,000 miles on it. I love it! The only things that have had to do is routine maintenence and a few light bulbs. I am completley pleased with my Aztek!

I have a 2001 Aztek and despite a few problems, it is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I would love to upgrade to a new Aztek eventually but unfortunately they have been discontinued. They are so unique, not at all ugly. Just a bit more than boxy or rounded as all other vehicles. The interior is awesome. If they ever make they again, I will be standing in line for one!!!!!!

I BOUGHT MY AZTEK IN SUMMER OF 2007 AND THE HEAT DOSE NOT WORK HALF THE TIME AND THE ANTI LOCK AND AWD SERVICE TRACTION WHEN IT STARTED I COULD HRER SOMETHING RUBBING THE CAR LOT TOLD ME THATS THE WAY ITS MADE I AM A MOTHER OF A ONE YEAR OLD WHO HAS HEALTH PROMPLES I NEE HELP

I have an '01 yellow Aztek with graphics on the sides and I love this car!! With the back seats rolled down or out, the car is so versatile it's amazing. Have we had issues - repairs - yes. Total cost over 6 1/2 years has been $1900, in 2006 for induction system cleaning and left front wheel hub bearing replacements, and since Nov '07 replacements of the BCM electrical module, battery and security system module. Good news, not many repairs. Bad news, last three in the last six months. If repairs continue at the current pace, probably time to get a new car. Otherwise, ready to move on, hardly; I love my Aztek!

I bought an 2001 Aztec second hand. It had 93,000+ miles in 2005. The previous owners replaced this with a newer Aztec. They do look like space ships from Judge Dread, but the family (my Husband-a big guy) and the dog can ride comfortable. I am going to drive this thing until the tires fall off. Oh wait I just got new tires in august of 2007. Well I love my "little red wagon"

Bought my 2004 Aztek on ebay paid $11, 100 with 8900 miles on it. Honestly, I am satisfied. No major problem, but I'm religious with 3000 mile oil and filter changes etc.. Use the camper set up and love it. Haul's a real load and very decent mpg...on highway, I ran 25 mpg last road trip to Chicago. Buying used highly depreciated "undesirable" vehicles is smart...ugly? Yeah, in a cute sort of way like some dogs and wives...husbands too.

102,000 miles so far, no major problems except a recurring shudder in the front brakes, which only started in the last 5,000 miles or so. First 95,000 were trouble free. We went out shopping yesterday to replace it, but really can't find anything as useful. We have a baby in a car seat and 3 large dogs, nothing else can carry us but a minivan. Guess we'll just keep driving it for now.

Bought my 2002 Aztek new in the Fall of 2002.

Here is my list of problems:
2003 - Check Engine Light is ON. Water intrusion caused electrical problem; fixed under warranty.
2005 - Transmission failed at 60k, water intrusion into body harness causing electrical problems. Replaced tranny, torque converter, Body Control Module, Wiring Harness, etc. for $7k out of pocket.
2007 - AC went out.
2008 - Leak in low side service port for AC. Also found lower intake manifold leak. Fixed AC problem for $400; replaced manifold gasket for $800.

Car now has 70000 miles on it. It's my second car. I would get rid of it, but I have spent too much money on it ($30k with repairs). It still drives well & now its my beater.

ADVICE: If you buy a used Aztek, buy one that has already had the AC condenser, wheel bearing & manifold gasket fixed. Then get the best warranty you can find and find a dealership/mechanic that provides free loaners.

FYI - If you replaced your lower intake manifold gasket, you may be eligible for full/partial reimbursement due t