The Aztek has been rugged and dependable through some pretty horrid winter conditions this past year. However, recently we had a recurring problem with our Traction Control and ABS brake system. The warning lights would go on almost immediately after ignition and the brakes would suddenly become mushy, although they worked fine when needed. It took about five trips to the dealer to finally get it rectified. It turns out the problem was with the speed sensor. This was repaired (under warranty) and since then has given no further trouble. The car has also weathered the attentions of two my young children remarkably well.
I purchased this car used. Ironically, had you asked me "what car are you going to buy today?" when I went out looking, the absolute very last vehicle I would have said was "Pontiac Aztek". I hated them with a fury when I first saw one -- ugly, boxy and angular almost to the point of being asymmetrical.
But, as a joke, I took one for a drive and fell in love. Big, roomy interior with heated, comfortable seats that fit me perfectly. And the back of the 'Tek is like having the Carlsbad Caverns on wheels! I've moved several people's households already (word got around!). It handles well for an SUV, has excellent climate control and rumbles along the highway without slowing the pace. And I've grown to love its menacing, snub-nosed glower.
Just be prepared to be gawked at.
You are right, the srv is excellent on many fronts, it takes a plywood sheet of 4x8, exactly, wow! Camping is excellent, the vehicle is actually wide enough, unlike the kinds of Ford Escape, Hundayi Santa Fe etc. Power is good, well we are not competing at the Daytona 500, right?
It turns around on a dime, very good handling, fast, well balanced, in my view 2004 Rally version will be an awesome upgrade (I will buy it or lease it again, sorry there is no other so perfect vehicle available as yet from any manufacturer). I recommend to take out rear seats, if you do not need them often, I used them 3x in 3 years. You save 95lbs of dead weigt, Aztek gets faster and more economical!!!And...I think it is actually beautifull design, check out the New Concept vehicle with 680HP and 690torqueSide exhausts under rear door!!!!!A shear brute!!
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