2002 Pontiac Aztek review from North America

Instrument cluster: tach, speedometer, fuel gauge, but not odometer, stopped working in August 2007, after I changed out the battery. Its replacement was fully covered by extended warranty.

While in the shop for the IP, the Pontiac dealer went ahead and changed out the intake manifold gaskets. I personally did not see any leakage and had not been having to add antifreeze or oil, but the dealer's service department said that some seepage was evident on the firewall side of the engine, where I couldn't have easily seen it. I understand that these OEM gaskets are a problem with many GM 2.8/3.1/3.4 V6s built through 2003. Warranty fully covered that repair, too.

Other than these two repairs, this has been a "fill the gas tank, change the oil/lube chassis when the little light says to and enjoy" type of vehicle.

For empty-nesters wanting an economical step-down in size from a big Grand Caravan/ Odyssey type vehicle, this can't be beat! It was much cheaper than any of the late model SWB Caravans we saw, and better-equipped, too.

The Aztek has a much tighter body than a Caravan, doesn't roll in the corners nearly as much, and has a tighter turning radius.

And, you can find it in Wally World's parking lot with ease!

Fuel economy generally beats the "old EPA" estimates of 19/26.

I average 22 in town, with a low of 17.8 in below-zero weather;and 28 on the highway, with an all-time high of 29.3.