Faults:

The only issues I have had are to do with air conditioning and the transmission. Both covered under warranty by dealer.

I am now approaching 240,000 km without a major repair or problem. Excellent vehicle for car topping kayaks or camping - nothing comes close!

Cheers.

Bhotrum@yahoo.ca.

General Comments:

Great for long trips - comfort level is high.

Excellent sound system.

Good a/c system.

Good step in height.

Good for car topping kayaks.

Faults:

Rear hatch lifters are weak, i.e., unable to fully extend the back hatch for complete access. Even with a significant upward push, the hatch partially closes. Dealer comment was essentially--"lube them well and you'll have this."

Windshield wiper design is poor for cold climates. The wipers sit below the level of the hood so it's impossible to clear them of snow and ice. Summary, if you stop the car with a warm windshield and then get snow, the wipers freeze to the windshield. Since you cannot reach them to clear them, the wipers tend to rip when you use them. Winter wipers reduce, but don't solve, the problem. The only apparent way to solve it if you park outside in the cold is leave the wipers in the "up" position". This makes it very hard to clear the rest of the windshield. Dealer comment was--"We'll be happy to sell and install new wiper blades."

A/C condenser is a nightmare. First one was warranty repaired in 2003. Warranty repair failed in 2005. Dealer records were "lost" so they "couldn't" confirm that it was their work that went bad--new cost ~$400. A/C condenser installed in 2005 failed in 2006. Dealer comment -- it must have been installed wrong; we can install a new one for ~$600.

Only reason I'd still consider buying a GM car is based on my experience with my Vibe.

General Comments:

Space is nice. Shape is a bit bizarre, but it handles well and accommodates the two teens and their stuff.

It was the only 5-door, hatchback, US company car sold w/in 50 miles of my house in 2001. In retrospect, I should have considered imports or kept my 1988 escort.

Faults:

Prior to 36,000 miles our fuel sensor went out. It was replaced at no charge.

Also prior to 36,000 miles our control switch stopped working. Would only work on speed 3. We had to pay for that. Was told the switches often go out when they are used a lot.

The next problem we faced was the AC condenser. Even though it was past factory warranty, I fought to have the dealership pay for that since the car was a certified vehicle. And since they new about the potential problem, I received my full amount back that I spent to fix it.

Currently our Aztek has around 54,000 miles. We started to hear grinding noises from the engine. We could hear a harsh shift from second to third gear. Since I had been reading all of the problems with the transmission on these vehicles, we took ours in to a shop. Sure enough it was the transmission. Thought we could drive it home, but it started to slip out of gears, and finally went. Estimate to replace (overhaul) $1,750 before tax. Seems as though with as many people that have or of had the same issues with this vehicle, there needs to be some sort of recall.

General Comments:

We enjoy the car because of the room it has, and its comfortable.

Faults:

This 2001 Aztec has had non-stop problems. First it was the body control module (a $500 problem that arose just after the warranty went). At about 75,000 the A/C condenser sprung a leak. The gas tank was damaged at the intake nozzle requiring replacement, a rock hit it just right. My lower back glass broke, I suspect my deviant little nephews, but can't just replace the lower glass, have to buy the whole back latch at 900 hundred just for the part. The gas gauge never works right. I'm in the process of replacing the a/c condenser myself, last I seen the repair manual ran a cool $125.00. If anybody knows where I might find instructions, I'd sure appreciate it.

General Comments:

I really like the space in the Aztec. The gas mileage is good at 27 on hwy, where I do most of the driving. Handles super.