2001 Pontiac Aztek GT review from North America
"The Aztek is a unique and fun to drive vehicle"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
A/C condenser failed.
Original tail lights clouded over.
Replacement tail lights clouded over.
Battery cracked.
Drivers side lumbar adjust knob broke.
Transmission is slipping.
Rear brakes squeak. Dealer fix is temporary.
The door catch on the eyeglass holder broke.
On-Star is useless. They can't even unlock my doors.
The Tailgate doesn't open the first time.
The pump shaft in the power steering pump broke.
Valve clacking on startup.
Starter grinds on first startup of day.
Front headlight covers are starting to cloud.
General comments?
I have had pretty good luck with this car until it went out of the general warranty. Luckily I was smart enough to buy an extended warranty and so far all the major problems have been repaired under that warranty.
The gas mileage is OK. I average 24 to 25 mpg. Much better than my supercharged Thunderbird. ;)
The drivers power seat mechanism will need some lube. It runs slow with the engine running. Painfully slow with the engine off.
The power steering pump shaft breaking was most likely my fault, but in all the years I have been driving, this is the first pump shaft I ever broke. Here is a hint, do not crank the wheel all the way to lock, hold it there and then step on the gas. You will break your pump shaft also.
The lumbar knob breaking is just due to poor manufacturing. When the seat wears it allows pressure to be applied to the plastic knob and stress to it will finally break it free.
The eyeglass holder door catch is another example of cheap plastic parts. I guess I'll spend the money and get a replacment part.
The one item that has functioned real well so far is the radio. Speed Controlled Volume rocks! Hey its the little things in life...
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| Don't judge a book by its cover! |
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| Wish I'd kept my 1988 Escort or waited for the Pontiac Vibe |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 2001 |
| Year of manufacture | 2001 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 6 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 6 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 50007 miles |
| Previous car | Ford F150 |
| Date of Entry | 30th April, 2006 |