Hey, I love my Aztek!

It's wide enough for 3 booster seats in the back, has decent storage and is distinctive enough to spot in the parking lot. I much prefer the split gate/window combination. The mileage is OK (22-24 of continuous highway), and it's got a peppy engine.

Oh, if you run a business, the back panel is great for a magnetic or vinyl sign.

Best of all, it drives like a car, not a truck. Believe it or not, I contrasted it to a Olds Silhouette (I know, it's a minivan) and just loved the Aztek's ride.

Actually, there's really only one thing I always hated about the Aztek: a really, really bad blindspot, necessitated by the back window design.

So, it's weird looking. So's the Mini Cooper, the PT Cruiser (for which I still don't get the attraction), the Prowler and an awful lot of cars these days.

Here's a funny Aztek review, courtesy of Steve McConnell himself:

http://www.popealien.com/reviewsdetail.php?review=2001%20Pontiac%20Aztek.

Steve also said there's also a fourth Aztek reference in Code Complete 2, but I haven't found it yet.

> Hey, I love my Aztek!

LOL, I was waiting for the first owner to offer an opinion. ;) It is an, uh, distinctive automobile!

For some reason, I'm reminded of this: <a href="http://www.snpp.com/episodes/7F16.html">http://www.snpp.com/episodes/7F16.html</a>

:-)

I love my Aztek! Maybe the people offering negative comments are just to "level" headed! It has lots of space great interior and it is quite zippy! The blind spot does take some getting used to...
This is definetly a car for some one who thinks outside the box! I'm proud to be such a person!

I have a 2002 AWD and I love the car. It's peppy enough to keep me out of harm's way, tall enough to allow me to see "down the road", roomy enough to carry things I need, up to and indcluding 2 carseats. Yes, it's unusual looking at first but the plus's far outweight that. The blind spot is an issue but if you tilt the rear view mirror that goes away. Since all driving schools recommond turning your head and looking before changing lanes, it's not that big an issue.

A great car for all around use!

I like Aztek. Why many people say that Aztek is ugly? I think it looks pretty cool. I'm planning to purchase a used Aztek. Anyone can give me some advices? How about Aztek's performance? I really like it.

Love my Aztek. MPG, roomy, very comfy front seats, just enough power and a great discount. Like it so much even bought his "big sister", the Rendezvous, for my wife.

The blind spot issue seems to be dependent on driver height, seat adjustment and mirror positioning. Have always been able to "adjust out" for our drivers.

Best of all my girlfriend loves the camping package for our little "get togethers" in secluded areas as she calls it affectionately: "MY Aztek".

I must admit, the design at first was not so appealing, but it grew on me. I love my Aztek! It's got plenty of room for my girls and all of our "stuff". I don't have to worry about things not fitting in. If it's a little too long, no problem. Just shift the carseats over and take out a seat! It's perfect for the single mother who is repulsed by station-wagons and definitely not ready for a minivan (Can't stand the thought of being a typical soccer mom). Of course, the V6 engine helps me feel better when I'm accelerating past the little 3 and 4 cylinder cars up the mountains with the air conditioner on full blast! It doesn't hurt either that I can definitely spot it in a crowded parking lot. Over the last year since I got mine, I've noticed a lot more of them popping up in our area. Can't be all that bad if it is catching on.

I love my Aztek. I have had it since 2001 and have almost 90,000 miles racked up. My older son thinks it's ugly, but doesn't hesitate to borrow it to go skiing or camping! My 13 yr old is begging for it when he turns 16!

I love the Aztek, so much that I traded my 2002 for a brand new 2005. I am disappointed that they quit production. I don't know what I'll do next time. It loves the mountains and makes a great car or truck or SUV. And most people ask "what is it?" but once they have ridden in it think it's cool!

I have liked Azteks ever since they first came out, and always wanted one. I traded in our 1999 VW New Beetle on one just yesterday so I could own the final version of the car, the 2005 Aztek AWD in electric blue. With the sunroof open, this thing freaking rules. And I've never seen one in this color before, so when I saw it on the lot I just said "that one". Today I even had a guy in a Hummer H2 looking over at it appraisingly as we sat next to one another at a light. I call it my "Electric Blue Trash Truck Sport". I'm glad I was able to get a fully loaded new one before they became extinct.

I was reading through the comments on this post as it showed up under the "Recent Comments" section. I just though the post by Doug was hilarious:

"Love my Aztek. MPG, roomy, very comfy front seats, just enough power and a great discount. Like it so much even bought his "big sister", the Rendezvous, for my wife.

<snip>

Best of all my girlfriend loves the camping package for our little "get togethers" in secluded areas as she calls it affectionately: "MY Aztek"."

No matter what you guys think, the aztek (aka asssuck) is, was, and always will be, one of the largest car design failures of all time. It was an absolute FAILURE based almost entirely upon how it looks. It was loaded with all the features people where looking for and very few people bought it. They took one look and said "OH MY GOD WHAT IS THAT HEINOUS MACHINE!!?" It looks like some immoral mass meat processing device or perhaps some satanic effigy of a long forgotten god.

For every ONE person who likes it, there are 100,000 who said they hate it. (You can't argue with the sales numbers).

For those who do like how it looks, I am of the belief that there MUST be something different/broken about your genetic code. The aztek gene is something to be studied intensively, and then systematically erradicated from the human race.

Hey I love my Aztek. What's wrong with being different? Different is good. Why be all the same. I bought my Aztek because it's as different as I am. I've had no troubles with the car. I'd own a another after I retire this one.

Look, I don't care what ya'll think about azteks, especially the previous comment made by TRUTH...LMAO
I think everybody deserves their opinion, And if we like the way AZTEKS look so what. I personally think they are fu*^ing tight. SWEET.
I don't think that there is another suv out there that comes close to the AZTEK.

I LOVE my aztek. I own a 2005 black fully loaded aztek and my wife drive a 2003 yellow aztek. THEY ARE THE BEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED. I think its the slick design that drives everybody nuts..some people just don't want to admit it. but azteks rule.

What about all the problems with these things? I don't think I've ever seen so many reviews about so many problems - intake manifolds, wheel bearings, etc! Geez, I love the way the thing looks, but if I wanted to keep pumping money into something, I'd just keep my 11 year old Probe!

I've had my Aztek for 2 years and just have under 12,000 miles on it since I live near Boston, MA and take the T to work every day. So far, I've had no problems with my 2004 and I really like it too! I think it's cool looking, a bit ugly, but so is my Mastiff and she's awesome! I've been looking online today for them and see that the model has been replaced for 2006 so I guess it'll be a collectors' item some day?? At any rate, I'll be keeping it for about 10 more years until I get my money's worth or my milage worth out of it. Until then, I'll continue to wave at the others out there who are part of our "Aztek Family."

I love mine too! 2001 GT - 64,300 miles and no problems. People think they're ugly but have they looked at the Scions or the Elements????? Azteks are beauties up next to one of those. The thing with the Aztek is, you have to drive it to appreciate it.

My wife and I both love our 2001 Aztek ,Imust say
It is not the best looking car on the road ,tier are a few worse than it. the ride is very good and
it has geat versitility .it has some problems
but they are not restricted to Aztek only !
I would buy another one If one could !

I was one of those people who thought the Aztek was the biggest crime against humanity until I took a quick peek in one as I was leaving a used car lot. WOW! Was I surprised. I ended up buying a used 2002 black 'Darth Vader' Aztek (with the cool 'camo' interior). It's perfect! I sometimes cart a wheelchair around with me and being able to remove one of the back seats makes this an easy chore plus all the hooks and nets in the huge interior makes stashing stuff easy. My cat likes it too.

Probably not the greatest but sure will go down in history. Type of vehicle that you'll love to hate or hate because you love it.

Clearly the only people making comments here are poor misguided aesthetically challenged souls searching the net for ANYONE who even has the guts to comment on what is the most FUGLY of any vehicle made, by far, and a total lemon at that. Proof humans are a sad lot. Only odd thing is it took GM so long to put it out of their and those who hated those things misery.

FUGLY ? seymour

Wow. I think we have amassed the compendium of people who actually like the Asstek. All 18 of them.

What's REALLY funny are the people to spend the energy to type out their complaints about the "ugliness" of the car and how it should be done away with. Either you guys are just so feeble minded that your eggs are all placed in your vanity baskets or you just come from a bad German bloodline.
Either way, I like things you have to look past the surface to see the beauty in. I presently drive a Ford Cobra but am looking for a 2005 Darth Vader of my own as we speak. Any leads (by the open minded only) would be greatly appreciated. Oh yeah, gotta have the moonroof.

cheers owners

All I can say is this - I LOVED the concept car, and never forgave GM for what they did to it. Anyone who has seen pics of what it SHOULD have looked like would understand how so many people found the resulting product as a sin against humanity, which it truly is - sorry, WAS.

For those that like'em, all the power to you - that doesn't make it any less sad. It was available for 5 model years, and sold less than 125,000 units. GM needed a minimum of 150,000 from '01-'05 just to break even. Those who like it are clearly in a small club.

You know, we like our Aztek. The bland spot did take some getting used to. Butthe other feature of the car and the nice ride make it a pretty cool. You know the design is funky but it does grow on you. Hey you guys can drive whatever you want. Some of you think that the Ford Probe was a "neat" car.

The Aztek is a great automobile. It's the only suv/minivan that both my husband and I could agree on. It's the best of several vehicles all in one. When I started reading about the Aztek after I bought one I was surprised to find that people thought it was unattractive. My first thought was cool finally something different.

The only complaint with it I can find is that when I do need to replace something parts typically have to be ordered but that's the same thing I love about it. It's not some mass produced clone.

well i feel in love with the aztek the first time i drove one.i gotta a 2 year old and one on the way.these cars are way better looking than them ugly ass scions or elements.they are funky and there are very few.they drive so smooth.and have tons of room.so to each his own.if you dont like it so be it.but i love mine@!

Yep...I too am an Aztek owner. You love em or you hate em. There is no middle ground. "Looks like a biga** roller skate", according to one guy. I would like to see a Grand Am get that kind of response driving down the highway. So what? I betchall have an ugly shirt or two - and we have to look at it when you wear it. So what? GM created a monster...or at least had a brain fart in the execution stage but let me tell you...we dressed our white vehicle up with some strategically placed bullet hole stickers...added some cruched fenders from running into trees and packed my kid's entire military kit into the back and we still have room for five adults and a stuffed curious george on the dash. My opinon...aztek owners are just completely comfortable with who they are and what they want in a vehicle....like those Element (shudder) people...

I just bought (TODAY) a 2004 Aztek. I REALLY LOVE the thing... I am a full-time law enforcement officer, and I have already added an LED package that mounts up beautifully with the back window (lower) and an LED selectable display that says "POLICE" and "CAUTION!!!" in switched red/blue/amber LEDs...
It carries my K9, her gear, my gear, a weapons locker, and anything else I need. The mileage is great (already went 500 plus miles today, going to N'Orleans) and anybody says the Aztek is ugly needs to look at the rolling toasters out there (Scion, Element... Euuwww) and then compare. My Aztek is 'Vader black, and it looks just cool.
Antin-Aztekkers... stay out of my jurisdiction. One laugh, one BIG ticket...

Go 'Tek

I love my 03 Aztek, has great power, room and comfort. People think they are ugly haven't seen the new infinity suv, talk about ugly, how about the scion. GM was just ahead of the time with the look of the Aztek, now every one is trying to see who can come up with an edgy car that will allow people to have thier own identity.

Maybe the people that think that the Aztek is ugly don't have an identity of their own, and are scared to be their own person.

I own a 2001 and I'm going on 200,000 miles, I do a lot of driving and the car hasn't let me down yet. Other than My caliper keeps locking up and I"m going thru an awful lot of brakes. I have also gone thru an amazingly a lot of tires. I've heard a lot of people making a lot of other complaints that they've had of there's at a lot less miles. For what it's worth I've got my money's worth out of mine and it's never left me stranded. Yes I'll admit I find it to be ugly but I love the way it drives and I love the inside of the car, I feel extremely comfortable in it. And yes the blind spot took some getting use too.

Personally, I couldn't care less what anyone thinks of the Aztek. I love them and it's the perfect vehicle for my family. I'm looking for another gently used one with low miles, close to Connecticut, for a reasonable price. Any leads or advice???
Thanks in advance.
In Love With An Aztek

I've had my Darth Vader black Aztek for a month now, It's an '03 and I really like it, I was really surprised at the ride quality and power.If the blind spot bothers you, do what I did and order a 13" convex rearview clip on from J.C.Whitney. You can see eveything no problem then.

People talking about the Aztec being ugly, as if ugly design is new to Pontiac.

Hello! ALL Pontiacs are horrendously ugly cars. Looking at the car from the back and the placement and shape of the tail lights and it looks like you are looking into the eyes of an ugly insect. From the front, Pontiacs look like a giant venomous fang.

No matter how you put it, Pontiacs in general are ugly cars.

i GOT A USED AZTEC ABOUT A MONTH AGO AND I ABSOLUTELY LOV IT FOR MY 40+ STATUS. IT'S A GREAT TRAVELING CAR, PLENTY OF ROOM, IT'S HEAVY AND I FEEL VERY SECURE WHEN TRAVELING. IT HAS THE STYLE, SEX APPEAL AND HAS ATTRACTED MANY ONLOOKERS WHO STATE THEY LOVE IT AS WELL, WANTING TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF CAR IT ACTUALLY IS! I'M SHOWING MY PONTIAC AZTEC AND MYSELF OFF AT THE SAME TIME. GOTTA LOVE IT.

SURE LOVE THE PONTIAC AZTEC... ITS A 2003 GREAT RIDE, SMOOTH AS GLASS AND LOOKS LIKE A MINI HUMMER ..... PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY ARE UGLY HAVE NOT SEEN THE NEW TOYOTA AND HONDA PRODUCTS YET...

I LOVE MY AZTEK! I have a 2001, and was totally bummed last year when they discontinued it. We are currently looking to buy a newer Aztek, just because I love mine so much. I wish they'd bring it back. The Rendevous has the same frame, but it's totally different. The Torrent was to take over for it, but yet it is nothing like it. I also love the split tailgate/rear window. I'm short, so it works well for me, plus it's handy for a picnic. I love the way it drives, the design of it, and I could just go on and on. Many comments do I get for the center console/cooler. I LOVE IT! Please, just bring it back. By the looks of reading other comments several others love it also.

I LOVE my 2003 Aztek! I don't think it's ugly at
all; actually I think it has it's own interesting
look. There are MANY ugly cars out on the road
these days that make the Aztek a cutie! Have you looked at the Scion?! My Aztek is just hitting 35,000 miles and she's a good runner. I
don't regret the purchase and want you all to know it's a good car!

Owner for 18 months of a nice red 'tek from the last model year (2005). Can you get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in your crossover? Didn't think so. Only regret was that I could not find a yellow one. Ten speaker factory sound rocks!

my mom just traded her 99 Sable for an 04 Aztek and i must say, what a great deal. it only has 22,000 miles, rally package, and all the works. it looks fugly, but it rides so smooth, and all the features make it a loveable vehicle. sucks they quit making it cause it's not a bad vehicle at all. much better than the explorer she was also looking at!!

hey i was looking for a car and a few people told me to get a pontiac aztek are they really that good of a ride and i think it is just the cutest car i have ever seen

I have a 2002 Azteck and I love it,the only thing that I dont like is where they put the spare tire I cant get to it I have bad health problems but,I would buy another one.

The best car on the world.!!!!

I have had my yellow 2002 AZTEC for just over 2 years now and I still love it! My husband is not a big fan but has come around to why it works for me. I'm short and a bigger gal, but I can set the seat far enough back to reach both the pedals and the steering wheel comfortably and still reach any and all controls. The split rear window is great for visibility as well. I'm diabetic so the cooler in the center console is a god-send for my medications. Not to mention that this vehicle can hold just about anything I throw at it! My only complaint is that the top of the rolling pull-out tray is a little slippery so anything put on it will slide around as you're driving. But I put a no-slip throw rug thingy on top of it and problem solved. I'm going to drive it until it dies.

I am looking into buying an Aztec and I when I saw this vehicle I absolutely loved it. It has so much room and I really like the design of it. The Aztec has so many features that you won't find in a car....(console cooler for example). Anyway, I am looking forward to being an Aztec owner and I am supporting everyone out there who already owns one. Who cares if there are people who feel that this is an ugly vehicle, their opinion isn't going to change my opinion of my future Aztec.

I'm looking at an '02 w/ 59k miles. Am interested in reading more from owners w/ high miles...

Heh heh, wife likes it. I have to say it's cute in a rather hideous way. We've been looking at used Aztek's vs Expeditions. I think I just wrote off the Expedition after reading about the mass of head gasket-blown engine issues.

Once I got past the 'funky' exterior I noticed the inside was actually a pretty good design, the cooler was definately innovative, seats supportive and rear cargo area very useful.

Maybe with some decent wheels and tires I might feel comfortable beening seen in it.

I own an Aztek, and I must say its a sweet ride. I love this car and I couldn't be more happy with it. The people who say this car sucks are the ones to have uglier cars then the Aztek, not saying that the Aztek is ugly at all, its awesome. But when they say its the ugliest car ever they must be driving a Geo or a Sicon thingy.

Forgot to add for J.O., I own a 02' yellow aztek with 139,910 miles exactly and just replaced the brakes, runs without any problems and just as zippy as the day I bought it.

I LOVE OUR AZTEK!! MY WIFE LOVES IT, THE KIDS LOVE IT. I OWN A 2004 AWD MODEL HAVE HAD IT SINCE 2003. THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST ALL AROUND VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. I AM A MECHANIC BY TRADE I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IT HAS ALMOST 65,000 MILES ON IT JUST REPLACED TIRES AT 60,000 STILL DOESNT NEED BRAKES HAD TO TURN 1 ROTOR FOR INSPECTION .IT IS GOOD ON GAS GETS ABOUT 27-29MPG HI-WAY 17-20 CITY. IT RIDES AND HANDELS EXCELLENT!DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR WITH VERY LITTLE BODY ROLL . MINE HAS THE 16 INCH ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE GREAT IN THE SNOW IT GOES LIKE A TANK AND IT STOPS GREAT .I ALSO HAVE A 19' BOAT I TOW THAT WEIGHS ABOUT 3600 POUNDS IT TOWS IT JUST FINE EVEN WITH 4 ADULTS IN IT.ANYONE WHO DOESNT OWN ONE DOESNT HAVE ANY ROOM TO CUT THIS FINE AUTOMOBILE DOWN. ASK SOMEONE WHO OWNS ONE.

Funny. for all of the Aztek owners, or perspective buyers, I have one two words...AMC Pacer. Another nice car

We just bought a 2004 Aztec and we love it. There is so much space in the back. The dealer said we could add a third row of seats. I haven't been able to find any info about it. Does anyone know about this?

I have owned three Pontiacs, ranging from a 1965
Tempest Custom, a 1968 LeMans Sprint to a 1973
LeMans Sedan.Pontiac has made some good vehicles
in the past (and some not-so-good ones) and NO
WAY would I own an Aztec. Beauty being only in
the eye of the beholder, I suppose there is no
accounting for taste.

Im considering purchasing a 2001 Aztek with 39k miles. Ive read on other forums about head gaskets and expensive engine repairs after 40k. Id like to hear from some high mileage owners and anyone who can confirm this. I can purchase an extended warranty, but cant affod to miss work for days or weeks at a time due to repair time. Any helpful insight out there? THanks.

I HATE IT AND WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER PONTIAC. I WOULD RATHER TAKE A BUS!! I BOUGHT A 2001 PONTIAC 2 YEARS AGO AND AM AT THE POINT OF BURNING IT. I HAVE DONE NOTHING BUT REPAIR THE DAMN THING FROM THE DAY I BROUGHT IT HOME. THE HEAD GASKETS ARE SCREWED. THE KEY GETS STUCK DUE TO THE GEAR SHIFT. THE BCM SENSOR WENT OUT AND CAUSES ALL KIND OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL WIRING UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. THE REAR LATCH DOESNT OPEN HALF THE TIME. THE HEAT TAKES FOREVER TO HEAT UP. THE AC LEAKS DUE TO A DRAINAGE PLUG DEFECT. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHTS COMES ON ALL THE TIME, EVEN AFTER IT GETS OUT OF THE SHOP. IT ROLLS AFTER YOU PUT IT IN PARK. ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND BRAKES LOCK UP IF U BRAKE WHILE YOU ARE TURNING. I HAVE ALL THE PROBLEMS YOU HEAR ABOUT ON SITES. ALL THE DEFECTS THAT CAN HAPPEN HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR. I BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THROUGH THE DEALARSHIP THAT WAS SUPPOSE TO COVER EVERYTHING...GUESS WHAT...ONLY ONE OF THE PROBLEMS WAS COVER. THE FUEL PUMP, BUT IT COST ME 600 FOR THE WIRING AND LABOR TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. GREAT WARRANTY HUH? I HAVE ONLY PUT 12,000 MILES ON IT IN THE LAST 2 YEARS CAUSE I DONT TRUST IT TO GO LONG DISTANCES. WHEN I BOUGHT IT, IT ONLY HAD 52,000 MILES ON IT. I FEEL GUILTY EVEN TRADING IT IN FOR SOME POOR SOUL TO HAVE TO BUY IT FROM THOSE LIEING, DECEIVING SALES MAN WILL SELL ANYTHING TO MAKE A SALE. I WOULDNT SUGGEST ANYONE TO BUY ONE. THE BAD OUT WEIGHS THE GOOD. I PROMISE!!

I love my 2003 Aztek. I just got it this year. It has so many features and is incredibly durable. I am the mother of 3 boys and this is the perfect SUV that has it all. If they ever make it again I will run out and buy a brand new one. It is a far better car than the ugly Element or the ugly Scion. Ugly is the new pimpin these days. I only wish I discovered this car sooner.

Ok so lots of opinions from those who dont even drive an Aztek. I love it. Yes its different, thats what I like about it. Who wants to be like everyone else. I moved my mother in it yesterday OMG the amount of stuff you can fit into it is amazing!! Not to mention kids and all their bags and sports gear!Its travel friendly. Even a cooler attached!! Mine is a loaded Maroon 2003 and I would buy another anytime. The next one will be yellow though!

I love my 2003 AZTEK!! I think it arrived before it's time, that's why "PEOPLE" can't or couldn't appreciate it! Hopefully GM will go back to the table with this (THE AZTEK)!!!

Anybody who doesn't like my Aztek can kiss my fucking ass, especially those yammering magpies at cartalk.

I own an Aztec and it is the biggest piece of crap ever!!! I would defintielynot recommend this car to anyone!! Nothing but problems since the day I bought it which was only 2 months ago! The transmission will fail on you, it did on my and my dad! So, don't buy one if you were actually thinking about it!

Love my big yellow 2002 Aztek. My friends call it the 'happy car'. Maybe ugly on the outside, but way cool on the inside. Everyone I take for a ride has an instant attitude adjustment once they're riding in it.
TRUTH, you sound frighteningly like Hitler, but you're a lousy speller, so no threat there, and a guy named 'SEYMOUR' is calling my car Fugly? If you guys are evocative of the mass majority, I am happy to be in any minority that doesn't include you knuckle draggers.

My ex-wife, a psychology major, told me about studies that were made with college students, putting them through this useless, frustrating test for several hours. It had not point to it other than to study their reactions. When quizzed about it afterwards, each participant talked about how they felt their experience was relevant and useful to the outcome of the research. The point? Their minds were not able to admit that they had blown a wad of time on an pointless endeavor, and had to come up with a rationalization for the experience (and for most Aztec users as well, apparently)

Good to see all the Azztek owners are so in love with their rides. Having such a recognizable car on the road makes it so much easier for all the other drivers to see and avoid people going through an identity crisis this way!

I have a 2004 Aztec and really love it, the only down fall I've had is the resale value is way low. I owe $16,000 but the top of the blue book only allows $10,000. But I love the design and the color "RED".

We've had two - 2001 and 2003. Like a lot of other people, we thought they were ugly - at first. Then we drove one and fell in love. The only critical comment I can make is about the blind spot, but if you took driver training and know how to drive, it is not a big problem. We bought it because it has the largest space cargo space of any vehicle for its' size - as in taking the kid to college. The sound system is the best, add the air compressor, camping kit, comfort and handling, good mileage, but most especially the cooler, air conditioning vents, which are the best in any vehicle made, and the red dashboard lights - a much better idea, especially for night driving. It is a great car for road trips. In my opinion, people don't like the looks because they are intimidated. The look of the front end, plus the dark windows, put people off - when you drive one, you can practically see other drivers look at it and then not pull out in front of you! It was a shame that they "threw the baby out with the bath water" when they discontinued the car - the inside is the best designed vehicle for comfort and convenience of any - ever. The new Torrent, by comparison is a piece of caca. All they had to do was keep the inside and then make it look like all the other cookie cutter vehicles on the road. For those who don't like the looks - tough.

In the last year, my Aztec (2004 Black Rally addition) has traveled from coast to coast. From the beaches of South Carolina, over the Colorado Rockies, and through Oregon's beautiful Columbia Gorge my Aztek handled perfectly. What an incredible roadtrip and I was actually moving from east coast to west coast in the process. Thanks to the roomie cargo space, I was able to pack a good portion of personal items. I didn't have to rent a UHAUL...which could have been a huge fiasco! It is important to find a car that fits with your lifestyle, personality, and budget. For me, the Aztek has been great and in the future if I do experience problems with it, it will be okay, knowing what it has carried me through in the past. My back window is covered in stickers from my different adventures across the US...which i really love and just adds another element of my personality.I say to each his own... just get out there and enjoy life!

What a vehicle! If you haven't driven one, you should. Fabulous. One of the best values for the money. I realize that those of you that bought a new Aztek my have taken a bit of a bath with the resale value, but, those who purchased a used Aztek are laughing all the way to the bank. I love my 2004 Aztek. Purchased it for $12,500 and worth every penny.

No buyer regrets here, having just bought my 2005 Aztek a month ago. I'm a realtor, and I didn't really want to spend a fortune on a new vehicle. I needed something with more room than most cars, but didn't want to go with a Mini Van. Add to that that my husband hates SUVs & I had just bought a year old Ion3 in May of 06 that I ended up hating, I didn't want to make a another mistake. I feel so great about my purchase, I got the vehicle that fulfills my needs at a very reasonable price. My gas mileage is similar to many of the full size cars out there. It's got some pep, and really feels great behind the wheel. As for other peoples reactions, my peers at work all seem to like it (maybe Realtors are a strange breed), but my family reaction is more negative than positive for looks, but once inside they change their tune. Okay so its considered a flop, don't care, I've also owned 3 fieros and loved them too. FYI, I'm one of those persons that thought they looked sharp in the Ads when they first came out. Happy in WI

A lot of these comments seem far too weird and similar to each other to be real. How many mention the ugliness of Scions, or how 'different' Aztek owners are (that part I might agree with)?

Jeff, baby, can you check the IP address of the posters and tell me that I'm not going crazy? There's no way this many people actually like the Aztek.

well then another moron has spoke

well then another narrow minded person has spoke

I have to be honest the first time I saw the Azteck I thought it was ugly. But now I have one. As a working mother of three I love the car. I have just graduated from college and everyone of my friends is getting new cars and I have no interested in a new car. My car is great and I wouldn't trade it for anything. However, I am looking in tring to add a third row of seats if anyone has any inforamtion on it I can do that or if ponitac has them?? All I have to say is don't knock it itll you try it!!!!

Who cares, what have we come to here!!! The other day I was comming home from work. I was so excited to get home and see our new couch. It was a huge investment, my husband and I work hard for everything we own. I remember feeling so proud, and then some guy plows into the side of my car. He failed to yield right of way while he was turning left. It was a toatal loss for us. We bought an aztec today, I wasn't looking for one, never even heard of it. It was affordable and belive it or not I have read really good reviews, all cars have problems. Best thing about it is I got it cheap, because so many people are fixated on the way it looks, and not the actual efficiancy of the car. So thank you to all you critics...I am now in a roomy, gas efficiant aztec that my family can travel comfortably in.

My 2001 Aztek has 140,000 miles on it, still going strong. Have had issues with the AC, other than that I have put less money into repaires for the aztek, than any vehicle I have ever owned.

Reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Homer gets to design a car.

I just wanted to point out that after a search of all the currently available new and late model small SUV's (including ugly ones), I bought a 2001 Aztek. It was the only one that my 6 foot 5 inch body fit in. It seems that the design trend for the small SUV "requires" a large wide console that takes away a big man's needed knee room. If you are tall and don't want to waste gas in a big SUV, look paste the "unique" design and take a seat. You will be sold by the room and the comfort (anyone my height knows how hard it is to find a seat that is comfortable. The plus is my 5' 7" wife is comfy too.

My husband just bought me one. I am totally in love with this suv. Different, well yes it is. Does it look like everything else out there, nope it sure doesn't and that is what attracted me to it.Once I sat in it I was blown away by the cubby holes in the cockpit. I smoke so there is a spot for the smokes and on the other side my cell.The cooler is great for my cd's also. And I really like all of the power outlets throughout it.I have coolers that have heat/cooling options and I can plug one in for hot food and plug another one in for keeping drink cold.The day after we bought ours we left on a vacation for 14 days. Racked up over 5,000 miles on it. Never had a back ache at all. Storage everywhere. I have more people come up to me and ask about it and once they look inside and see all it has to offer they love it as well. Mine is a sleek blk, with red and black interior and as luck would have red is my favorite color. It is totally tricked out and I couldn't be happier with ours.It is a 2002 and we only paid 8,000 for it with our trade in. So I think we got a great deal.
I find it rather disheartening that all those here who don't own one sit and complain. Different is what makes the world go around.If everyone drove the same thing or type of vehicle the world would really be a boring place. So get a life and quit bashing those of us who do like it and have had no problems.

wow can't believe the ones who are SO negative. they have to be some of the dullest people on the road. we purchased an 01 new, now with 88,000 and have had no problems. change oil and tires and maintain it like any car and it will take you anywhere. been border to border and coast to coast and still heading out on long hauls. looking for another, hopefullly yellow with sunroof this time. don't need another vader black. am a traveling contractor and it has ample room for all my tools and gear with left over for the wifes stuff too. hauls as much gear as my F250 but rides oh so much better.

I have had my aztek for 2 years now. I love it! Ya know, everyone has a right to their own opinion, that's what makes the world go round. My Aztek has treated me like a princess. It's soo comfy and roomy and yes, I do have comments about the back, negative, and possitive. Once people ride in it, they love it. It's amazing how people contain the same thoughts and ideas as the ones around them. Some guy probably had an opinion of the vehicle " that's the ugliest thing I've ever seen" and so on and so forth. Just because it isn't a vipor. And then so did his friend and his cousins uncles brother. lol. Guys love camaros right??? I know more people than not that think the front is like a boat. so there ya go. Don't diss people just because they like or don't like something. Everyone is subject to their own opinion. leave it at that.

I think anyone saying that Azteks are "ugly", "designed by a committee" and some other such nonsense, never rode in one. Azteks are for folks who like bargain hunting. For us, Aztek owners, the popular reaction to the vehicle has been a bonus: we got great value for very little money, because there was so little demand for it. My Aztek, frankly, is the best vehicle I have ever had. Where GM failed was not in building it, but in marketing it.

Keep your Azteks, ladies & gentlemen--this car will become a classic!

I LOVE MY AZTEK! I bought a 2003 new in 2003 and it still runs as well as the day I bought it. No problems at all. All you nay sayers are afraid to try it because you might like it!

Hey,

I bought a 2004 pontiac aztek about six months ago and I absolutely love it! It is very comfortable and I have not had any problems at all since I have it. It is the right mix between a car, a truck, a van and an suv. It has it all, comfort, economy and a very smooth ride!

I'll agree they are ugly, but for kicks I drove one the other day and it completely changed my mind! What they lack in looks they slaughter in interior efficiency and effectiveness. And if you will use your brain you use the inside of your vehicle not the outside.

Had a good chuckle out of reading all the "ugly" "no taste" comments. They are right, it is butt ugly. Still have my 2001, been all over Ontario towing a tent trailer. No major problems yet, awesome ride. In the middle of winter it is nice to turn the dials without taking your gloves off. As far as bean-counters go- creative ideas and bean counters is an oximoron.

well,
I loved these Azteks when they first came out,, my kids thought I was nuts,, now years later I just found and purchased a 2001,, Yes, I now know its the ORIGINAL !! (59k )It is 'Sun on Leaf Green' ( would love to find out the real name for the colour..) We love it !! It was a meant to be,,
I have raised my gaggle of kidz in Suburbans and then Yukons,, had a fear factor of tiny things but needed better mileage,, We are getting 27-30 MPG,, sit up off the road, all windows down--we blow our hair back, the seats are most adjustable and comfortable,, and I now am sure that the original intuitions were right on track..You look around and its easy to see that as outrageous as it may have seemed in the beginning,, it didnt take long for every one else to jump on the wagon,, You are correct in stating that the aztek was just ahead of its time,, but all credits to its creaters,, they won !!

I bought my Aztek in '01. I love it. I am starting to have a few electrical issues, but I nothing to major. It is perfect for my life style. Have you seen the new cross overs? Remindes me of the Aztek. I hope GM puts them back out. I would buy another one. When they came out, I thought I would never own one, but I was wrong and glad that I am.
Many of the upper end cross overs are uglier than the Atek.

i already know what s said about the aztek, some love it, some hate it, i thought it was weird looking at the beginning, maybe it was only that the world wasnt ready for it back in 2001, im getting mine next week, i like it a lot, never imagined i'd own one..about the electrical problem it may be a moist harness below the driver seat, dry it and get some dielectrical grease on it...when i read "darth vader" from ppl who likes the aztek..i start to realize i might be a nerd after all
-diana

Well it looks like the majority of these posts are "pro" AZTEK! I am happy to include myself as a very satisfied owner. My husband says it looks like a Rhino... my nephews call it "The Great Pumpkin"... and my co-workers refer to it as "Pokemon", however she will always be my "Orange Dream". I have a 2005 Fusion Orange Rally and wouldn't trade it for ... no not even a 65 Classic Corvette. Blind spot??? What blind spot... HANG UP YOUR CELL PHONE! Cheers to my fellow Aztek lovers!

I own a 2004 orange rally addition aztek and for the price it is fully loaded. The inside has over 8 cup holders, a cooler and several power outlets and just as much gadjets as any top of the line suv.I love the way it looks(I'll never loose it in a crowded parking lot)and drives. The aztek does draw a lot of attention,some people do not know what it is. It has a lot of room( you can fit a house in the trunk) and everyone calls me when they need something moved. The aztek is also great in the snow. Who wants to be like everyone else, it's nice not to follow the crowd.

I love my 2001 Aztek, bought new in 2002. It's red and I call it my little fire truck. My husband calls it the Transformer. Even though it's a 2001, the paint and interior have held up very well and it almost looks like a new car. My husband thinks it's ugly, but he likes the ride, especially for long trips. I previously drove a Bonneville and a Buick Reatta. I love the visibility, but agree that you have to be careful about the blind spot. I lost my transmission under warranty and just had to have my gas gauge (the part in the tank) replaced. No other problems. I can load an entire flea market booth in the back and use it to transport sample items for work. Mine is the loaded, rally version. I don't think the options in the redesign model are as nice.

I love my Aztec! I bought it in 2001 and still have it today, I have 84,000 miles on it and it never gave me a days trouble. My kids call it the "tank" and the younger kids say it looks like a leggo car. Don"t know why they stopped making the truck it's a great vehicle. Yes its ugly but like everything else it went full circle from ugly to cute.

What I realized by reading the above comments is that, people and their tastes can be so different; and there is a small minority which is so different from the general population (in a bad way). BTW, are you all Aztek apologists, members of Aztekfansclub.com?, on a mission to boost the general morale and defend your decision to purchase this FUGLY car.

I feel I have a right to complain and type negative comments about the POS that GM passed off to it's buyers. I spend at least 30 hours a month cutting up my arms with razor edged brackets and ill-designed parts while changing out the constantly failing intake manifold gaskets on the 3.4L engine in the Aztek. That engine, ESPECIALLY when it's stuffed into the aztek engine bay, is like one of those chinese puzzles that can only be taken apart one way, and to remove one simple part requires just about everything else on the engine to be removed. It's one of the only cars I know of that takes 3 hours to change the thermostat in, and 4 hours to change the plugs and wires. You have to remove the intake manifold to change the alternator! Anyone who thinks they made a good decision and saved money buying an Aztec obviously doesnt realise that when they pay to have normal maintenance and repairs done they are losing/wasting massive amounts of money compared to just about any other car (unless you compare it to another GM vehicle with a V6 engine in it). Not to mention if you ever spill a bottle of water on the floor behind the drivers seat you will short out the fuel pump, since the connector isnt waterproof from the inside of the truck, just the outside (SUV! hah!)

I love my 2004 Aztek! All my friends who drive the usual boring Camry or Civic get inside this and are amazed. I have single handedly sold over 7 people on switching from Toyota/Honda to Pontiac. Give a Pontiac a try! I love my Aztek and my wife loves her Torrent.

First of all; this is a review site for those who own or may want to purchase, a certain model vehicle. It isn't a site for those who do not even own one to leave nasty hateful comments; just because it does not suit your taste.If you dont like it,dont talk about it or have anything to do with it...move on.If you dont own one then you dont need to worry about it ,do you!
I own a 2002, with 125k and it rides and drives as if it were new,i I like it a lot, and i hope i got a good deal.
Sometimes you get a bum deal from the start, sometimes its how the vehicle is driven, maintained that makes the difference.
If your worried about working on it, I work on my vehicles too; but I looked before I bought it. I knew I wouldnt be able to work on it because of it's design. Then again, the Aztec is not worse than a few GM screwups i could name.I have owned several.

I wanted to write this in hopes that people who are considering buying an Aztek may read it and feel better about their decision.

Read all of the people who love them.... if you are looking at one you must like it.... go test drive one and you will fall in love with it.

I test drove mines and it's been love every since. I don't bother listening to the "why did you get that ugly car" because once they walk up to it they are like "wow these are large in size" then you open the doors and they go "WOW THIS IS NICE"

Honestly I really don't have a complaints. Everyone complains about the rear fin dude.. you have a LARGE WINDOW in the back it's a small line that goes across it actually looks like they intended to put it there to block out peoples high beams becuase that's exactly what i DO NOT suffer from any longer.

Man so many features i could go on and on.

Fast, Roomy, comfortable, removable console/cooler, nice 8 speaker sound system, smooth ride, good mileage on gas everything is great.

The brake system is a little different and weird but... nothing that would turn my head and make me not want the vehicle.

if you have any questions you would like to ask about it you can email me jirealformat@yahoo.com

can anyone tell me why my gas gauge does not work on my 2002 Aztec?

i've gotten a lot of crap from a lot of people (mainly GUYS) who think that "aztecs are ugly cars and getting it in yellow just makes it worse!"

to me, my aztec looks like a giant lego. and there's nothing wrong with that. i think that the aztec represents a more alternative and possibly even futuristic take on automobiles. tradionally "attractive" cars just don't appeal to me at all. just because you drive something that costs more than your annual salary doesn't mean that it's aesthetic or practical.

the aztec is the definition of not judging a book by it's cover. i love my yellow 2002 aztec. it's my first car and i could not ask for anything better.

owning an aztec can be a statement, and not everyone in this world can handle bold statements. especially ones that don't sound as ignorant as their statements do.

I have a 2001 aztek with 66,000 miles and it also has been awesome so far, but is now giving me trouble. Gas gauge is shot, ignition also is starting to malfunction. I too have gone through lots of tires and brakes, but I do love my "car". We call it our spaceship! Anyone else had trouble with the ignition?

In resonse to ggszamum's post on on June 19, 2007 06:40 PM
I have the exact same car, the 2001 original and the same color as yours. I purchased it a couple weeks after the car was released. it is called CHAMELEON GREEN since the color changes somewhat depending on the outdoor lighting and time of day. The color name actually serves well to describe its capabilities, as we owners well know and love. The unusual height and depth in back when you take out the cargo tray allow us to jam pack food and fun items along with luggage for five for a full week's stay at condos once or twice a year. It drives smooth as silk, is great on gas, and I use it primarily for back and forth to work. I am completely at home when in the driver's seat, and family members who are passengers say it's their favorite ride ever.

Hey, I am the second owner and I love my Aztek. Loads of room in back for plywood ,merchandise, etc. It has the best A/c of any vehicle I have driven or have ridden. Try that for Arizona heat. You have to love the looks as no one else does. The back window does have a positive. During night driving, there is no glare coming through from vehicles behind you. I have had no problems, mileage is in the 20's in city driving and it has speed at the start from a light. Each to his own.

Hey, I am the second owner and I love my Aztek. Loads of room in back for plywood ,merchandise, etc. It has the best A/c of any vehicle I have driven or have ridden. Try that for Arizona heat. You have to love the looks as no one else does. The back window does have a positive. During night driving, there is no glare coming through from vehicles behind you. I have had no problems, mileage is in the 20's in city driving and it has speed at the start from a light. Each to his own.

Hey, I am the second owner and I love my Aztek. Loads of room in back for plywood ,merchandise, etc. It has the best A/c of any vehicle I have driven or have ridden. Try that for Arizona heat. You have to love the looks as no one else does. The back window does have a positive. During night driving, there is no glare coming through from vehicles behind you. I have had no problems, mileage is in the 20's in city driving and it has speed at the start from a light. Each to his own.

Hey, I am the second owner and I love my Aztek. Loads of room in back for plywood ,merchandise, etc. It has the best A/c of any vehicle I have driven or have ridden. Try that for Arizona heat. You have to love the looks as no one else does. The back window does have a positive. During night driving, there is no glare coming through from vehicles behind you. I have had no problems, mileage is in the 20's in city driving and it has speed at the start from a light. Each to his own.

i just bot a 2005 aztec and i love it.
i got a great deal and a 3 year, 36000 mile warranty, so who cares if the engine is hard to work on, not my problem. the car is cool looking and drives and handles great. i hope it lasts for years.

South Dakota likes them to!! Sister in Law has one and I an now in the market for either a 2003 Town and Country Limited Minivan or a Pontiac Aztec....yes....after riding in her car I fell in love!! Lot's of room in the back seat for my two teenager boys who are 6 feet..and when I out grow the car they will want to drive a Aztec over a Minivan...

The Aztek has been a mixed bag for me. I'm the original owner of a 2001 that just ticked over 150,000 miles. The transmission needed new gears at 65K, the gas guage is bad, the AC died the usual death, and the BCM is going out on me now, the hatch won't open (I rewired the key switch in the tailgate to work the liftgate solenoids). Oh, and it needs the intake manifold gaskets done but I've been putting it off after the 6 hour spark plug changing experience. OTOH, the paint and body look great, it still gets 25MPG in mixed city/highway (closer to 30 on the open road) it's still comfortable and it is still the best vehicle I've ever used on the job. I've never had to add oil between changes and it starts at -25F without being plugged in.
And best of all, I don't have to look at it while I'm driving, but you do. Take that bitchez!

I was at the Woodward dream cruise over the weekend in Michigan and saw an older VW beetle that had a moving wind-up crank on the back of it, like a little wind-up mouse! My husband and I busted out laughing and I said I wanted one of those for the back of my 2004 silver rally edition AZTEC!

Face it folks, you have to suspend your sense of reality, and have a sense of umor about yourself, and care more about how the car feels, handles and drives than what it looks like!!

I found mine used with 9800 miles on it in April, the original owner had it as a lease, and it even still smelled new. The very first time I sat in the car and drove it (several years ago I tested one)I felt SAFE and COMFORTABLE. I have two bad hip joints, cannot get out of cars that sit low to the ground any more, and this car is a blessing in a wind-up toy kind of way.

Who out there remembers the "thing"? Was that ahead of its time or what? Now everyone wants a hummer, it's really just an overgrown THING!

I don't care if you are Amish and drive a horse and buggy, don't knock what you have not tried, and don't impose YOUR ideas on me. That's a big problem with the world today, and as my Aunt Delores told me years before I met my husband, there's a lid for every pot, and for some of us, the lid that best fits the car is the Aztec.

I would like to see them come back in some form. Tell you something else, in the Detroit area on the used car lots, these cars don't sit long, they get purchased quickly by people who missed them the first time around or just want another one.

And the seat, well folks, when the car dies I am taking the seat with me, its the BEST engineered car seat I've ever had! This car is MINE and has even turned skeptics around!!!

My ten year old son pointed out an 03 Aztek on a used car lot locally. We were hating our 99 Kia Sephia with a passion at the time. He said, "Hey mom, that one looks COOL! So futuristic! You ought to drive it!" Heh.

I raised my eyebrow and smirked. I didn't want to tell my enthused kiddo that I thought the monstrosity looked like a VW Thing combined with an Airstream camper and then had a tree dropped on it.

Now, I've always bought cars for function rather than form. I'm all about trying new things and there was no reason not to indulge my kiddo with a test drive. What the heck, right?

A week later I joyfully bought a bright shiny silver 05 Aztek at Carmax based on that test drive. It was absolutely awesome; the most comfortable and useful car I have ever driven. I suspect poster 'Tom' above also got his Aztek at Carmax; since I also have that lovely 3 year 36K warranty!

My buying and driving experience with this car has been great. I absolutely love it, my family loves it, and we're looking forward to using it to its full potential.

I'm also thinking about having it decked out in vinyl to look like a badger. Heh heh.

the aztek is the freaking best car you will ever have in your life.
i dont care what they say -i love mine!!!!!

Aztek named one of the 50 Worst Cars of All Time

http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1658545_1658544_1658540,00.html

Eric Sohn:
"Hey, I love my Aztek!"

That's the first time I've ever heard that from anyone. Seriously, all the benefits you say you love about the Aztek are also true of the Honda Odyssey and the Odyssey doesn't look dorky and drives pretty damn well I might add.

I recently bought a 2004 aztek. Living in the mountains of Pa
I am wondering how it goes in snow. Do I need studded tires?
I have only had the suv for a month but so far love it and am
trying to get used to the bar in the window. (it does block out
headlights very nicely though!)
M.A. in Pa

Sorry folks, ugly is ugly is ugly.

I will give the aztek this, apparently they are good driving and comfortable vehicles. My buddy who worked at a Pontiac dealership attests to that. Its a shame GM screwed the pooch on the styling. I could not believe that GM even pushed that thing out the door, finding out it was designed by committee explains so much.

And no matter how nice a car drives, I DO have a sense of style, and of self-respect, so I would never drive such an ugly mechanical monstrosity. Every unloved car has a fan club, so I guess all 37 members have posted here.

I stumbled on the the white low mileage Aztec by accident. After I did my research, I still bought it! Without a doubt, it is a unique design, but so what! We are an extension of our cars and there are a lot of us out there who are unique. I actually feel like my car fits me. I agree with the person who said, at least I can find it in the parking lot. The last three cars I owned were the ones where there are a million on the road. I got tired of meeting myself all the time. Now, I actually look forward to seeing one like me. Another thing that I don't think anyone has mentioned, it's great for dogs. My two medium sized babies love to ride in the back. The low rear window is perfect for them to see out as we go down the highway. However, they are low enough in the back they can't get to the grandchildren sitting in the seats in front of them. It drives and rides great and didn't cost me an arm and a leg. I don't care about trade in value, anyway, because by the time I trade a car in it's worn out and has a million miles on it.

Hey, I just bought one too. I thought they were ugly at first, but after looking around, I think that they are great value. Plus, the polarizing style is like a finger in the eye of convention.

Mine is a bright yellow, one owner car. The stereo is great, it runs smoothly on the highway, and so far the gas mileage is better than my former car, a Honda Element. Plus, the Aztek cost half of what a used Element would cost.

I'll admit I'm one of those people that thought the Aztek was one of the ugliest cars that was ever made and questioned the mentallity of aztek owners. Then I sat in one. now I'm proud to say I own one and LOVE it. It is by far the most spacious comfortable car I've ever owned. I can't believe all the storage space for tents, chairs, sleeping bags, coolers, skies, grills or whatever your into. It's unique looks definately grew on me( looks to me like an urban assualt vehical.)Rides well It's all wheel drive FANTASTIC in the snow or moderate off roading. Great sound system and innovative interior design and function and good on gas for a four wheel drive. And best of all a 2003 with 60,000 miles a STEAL at 8,500. So haters hate on I'm laughing all the way to the bank.

I have a 2002 Aztek and have never had a problem with it. I keep it properly maintained and go wherever I want in it. I'm diabetic and must keep my insuling with me to take after meals while at work. The built-in, removeable cooler is great. I just fill it with ice each morning and the cooler stays cool the whole day, even in 100 degree Georgia heat. You naysayers don't know what you're talking about. If you've never owned or driven one you've missed the best driving experience of your life. The Aztek is THE MOST reliable car I've ever owned. Low maintenance, 22mpg in the city, economical- whatelse could you want? So what if you think it's not cute. Cute means nothing to your pocketbook.

Hey I just brought a 2003astek I like it so far. It looks a little different, but who wonts the same thing everyone eles has. I would not say it is ugly, just different.All cars need to be mantained. If you think the car is ugly then dont buy one but just because some dont think the same way as you do dont make them odd just more broad minded then most people. love to all astek owners who has the courage to me different.

Hey I just brought a 2003 astek I like it so far. It looks a little different, but who wonts the same thing everyone eles has. I would not say it's ugly just different. All cars need to be mantained. If you think the car is ugly then don't buy one but just because some dont think the same way as you do don't make them odd just they have more of a broader mind then most people. Love to all astek owners who has the courage to be different. May God bless you in the choice that you made.

I bought a 2005 aztek. I was one that thought they were a very ugly car too. But I really loved mine. I do have to say that I did lose it. Someone drove threw a red light and hit my car. No one even got hurt, thank goodness. I think that it was a very safe car in that instance. I just hope I can find another to replace it. They are roomy, and they drive like a car. I put people back in their place when they make fun of the aztek.

Pontiac Aztek = Ford Edsel 45 years later.

Nuff said.

I live in a small city in Ohio, i can tell you that this thing can drive like a sports car when you have it wired. I have mine hocked up on premium gas and an octane booster, I out drove a mustang off the light and it had its engines roaring. HOWEVER, this car has stopped on me before in bad spots, and the back blindspot where the spoiler thingy is, is horrible. I own a bright yellow 2002 model and may very well be the most vivacious driver in my town. People know and fear my Aztek.

PS..does nobody mention the heads up display? Its so good not having to look at the damn mileage wheel when it just digitally displays it on the glass.

I want a HUD in my car, but I wanna plug my laptop into and tweak it A LOT.

I LOVE my AZTEK. Some say it looks like a baby ate carrots and shit on my spaceship. LOL. By this statement u no the color!! I LOVE my Aztek. I have a business and the room is great. Plus we have the camp package, trust me their is plenty of room. I love how the back seats recline. And with all the power adapters it's great for travel. We have a TV, PS2, and Laptop running all at the same time when we travel. I'm 33 and have owned all new cars Caprice Classic, Grand Marque, Explore, Grand Prix, Grand AM, SHO, Monte carlo SS. My Aztek is by far the greatest. We also have a new G6, but we drive the Aztek the most. I think the people who hate the Aztek's are jellious they do not have the balls to be different and purchas a not so common SUV. I own a 05 and i'm ready to trade in due to high millage, I was sad to find out they no longer are makeing them. I love the Escolade but far to pricy.

Matt- what are you talking about..." I DO have a sense of style, and of self-respect" You serioulsy need to get a life.....all of you who wrote horrible comments about the Aztek need to get a life because you wanna know something? Many people out there in the world like this vehicle and who cares if they do? what is the big deal? If you dont like something, keep your mouth shut because quite frankly we could care leff if you think they are the ugliest vehicles in the world. As long as we like them, than that's all that matters. I bet there's a bunch of things that people don't like about you negative people, but don't want to say them just because they have respect. All of you Aztec haters need to get a life because you seriously do not know what you are missing out on!!!!

2002 Pontiac Aztec owner for over 5yrs, 127K miles on it- loved the look from day one. Do not believe those opinion makers who buy and sell strictly by someone else's production statistics. Every interesting facet of car production that does not make it look exactly like everything else on the road is inevitably decried as something hideous- this is BS.

The Aztec rides well, excellent power, maneuvers like a champ in tight parking spots, and since I am one of the few consumers that doesn't buy a car strictly based on how much my neighbor may think of it, liked the off-beat design. It has plenty of space, rear hatch open up to reveal a nice tail-gating option with stereo controls in the back, add on the tent feature- and voila- instant campground.

Let those poor pathetic pale souls continue to drive bland, monotonous cars with no distinctive character- give me something so off-beat that it screams individuality, after-all, why would I care what JD Powers or some executive freakin thinks- give the consumer style and performance and value- period. We need a car industry more like technology- keep up the pace or move on.

Still lovin my Aztek And yes, I even REALLY LIKE the bold EXTERIOR looks! I agree with Anthony, It SCREAMS with ATTITUDE! And I like that! Don't like it TOUGH SHIATE!! Not to mention it's INTERIOR comfort compares to my cozy King Size bed! I do security as a part time job and can easily sit in this car for eight hours striaght with no problems. Hook up a little portable DVD, pack a nice little lunch and I'm set for the night! THIS CAR KICKS ASS!!!

I just got a Aztek for my 1st car... When I first saw it I couldn't see myself driving it but then I got inside and saw how much space there is and just how nice everything in the interior is and I never wanted another car. I love the way it looks now because I used to want a sports car but I'm too tall and I wanted an SUV but theyre horrible on gas. So the Aztek seems like a cross between a sports car and a SUV...I LOVE IT! and who cares what anyone else thinks or says its mine and it is great on gas and has loads of space theyre just mad theyre crammed up in their gas guzzler.

I purchased a 2004 Aztek Rally Edition,Burnt Orange. I LOVE THIS CAR !!I have 69000 miles on it and the only repair ive done is the tires,oil changes and regular maint., this car by far is the best car on my block all of my neighbors fell in love with it ! I took it to work,it was the only one in the parking lot now there is 5 ! NO Shit! The only thing i dont like is the blind spot i am 4 ft 10 in. so its hard 4 me anyway!Congrats to anyone who just recently made a purchase!!!

We just got an 04 Aztek Rally model and it is really a not-to-shabby vehicle. Rides nice. Handles fine. Comfortable as all get out. And the price was great. Seems people are put off by the looks.

Don't be fooled. These vehicles have lots to offer; room, features, utility. I really like the HUD. Thought it was a gimmick at first but it really is a nice feature. Sound system is excellent. Gas mileage is OK.

Hope I can drive this to 100 or even 200K miles.

Its an good idea to gather all the good points of view before you start to design something. But when you start designing, you have to choose what you are designing. For example you cannot get a car that is a small roadster _and_ Hummer. Aztek is some kind of combination from smaller and bigger car, but it looks like a big smaller car, not like a mature SUV. It looks like a big child.

That Pontiac Aztek looks really stupid and ugly car to me. But ugly can be ok, when its cool too. Like there are many people who would like Aztek design, but not implemented like in the Pontiac Aztek.

It would be good to go to a another poll round after the final design is ready. You got the initial design ideas and made your combination. Now you should ask, does everyone like the result.

I owned the first Aztek in 2000. I think maybe in Houston I was one of the first to own the car. I would have people pass me, give me thumbs up, one lady stop at my home and ask me what kind of car was this. I know I got at least 15 to 20 recognitions of my new 2000 Pontiac Aztek. Due to some unforeseen health problems I lost my Aztek and my home. I said, if I ever had the chance to own a new car again, it would be the Pontiac Aztek. You could live in this car. I LOVE IT. Prior to my misfortune I always owned a Pontiac every two years. I commuted 116 miles a day to work and my Pontiac's never gave Sme trouble. PONTIAC IS THE CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!INCERELY, THANK YOU, AND GOD IS IN CONTROL. SHARON

I got a 2003...silver...rims...limo tint all the way around...little chrome accents here and there...everyone loves it...and if they don't i take them for a ride and they feel the inside...or i let them hang out on the mattress in the back...and they're like...wow...that's an SUV...i want that...best car i've ever had...and i owned a 77 caddy ambulance :P

I have a 2003 Aztek that has only 83,000 km on it - i've owned it since new and really love it - it's versatile and every person who rides in it comments on how much space it has. I am disappointed in the quality of it though. 1 1/2 years ago GM replaced the manifold intake valve (under warranty) - now this year i had to replace the rocker gasket as my #4 cylinder didn't have any compression (that cost $800) now my #6 cylinder has no compression. So i don't know what to do - how is it that a car that is just 5 years old and doesn't have high kilometers has engine problems - and more than once. GM says they probably won't pay for it - they really need to stand behind their products. I'm really worried that I am going to have more engine problems in the future...anyone else experiencing this?

It's funny, when that car came out I instantly remember the Simpson's episode where Homer designs a car and bankrupts his brother.

Personally, I'd never buy one of those, but it doesn't have anything to do with the car's appearance. It's because GM makes crappy cars that go through head gaskets like a normal car goes through tanks of gas. If they could take care of that little detail, I think their sales would go way up...

For those who really do like the looks of the Aztec, I might suggest a Pontiac Vibe. It looks kinda like an Aztec, somewhat smaller but still completely hideous. The good part is, it's actually a re-branded Toyota Matrix, so the engineering and build quality are about 100,000 times better than one would expect from something that says "Pontiac" on it.

So happy to see so many like the Aztek! Im buying one this week and couldnt be more excited. I cant believe people can be so narrow minded about how it looks. But that kind of suits me. Im not overly concerned with my personal appearance and if people want to judge me on that impression alone then thats not the kind of person I want to know. If you guys dont like it JUST because of what it looks like then defenitely shut your mouths. Im looking for more feedback on performance and maintenance than how aesthetically pleasing the vehicle is because the people reviewing this site obviously have no problem how "hideous" it looks.

There must be some "I love the Asstek" bots loose out there, judging by all the senile posts.

The designers themselves consider this to be a nasty car (due to last minute restrictions) and all these senile nitwits dare to show their faces drooling over its looks.

Some things are the standard by which aesthetics are judged by. The Asstek is the standard for ugliness. Admiring the Asstek's looks reveals much about the admirer's lack of developed taste, if not mental state.

Hey chris, you can kiss my Asstek!!

The Aztek is a truly unique vehicle. The ultimate truth of the matter is that it's not the vehicle's looks that killed it, but rather GM's insane pricing. They expected to make $15,000 profit PER VEHICLE. They priced it way out of their target audience's ballpark and when sales never reached the expected level they had to find an excuse. The bean counters couldn't bear to take the blame so they started a smear campaign against their own vehicle and convinced the parrots out in the general public that it's "ugly". It's human nature to look for something to make fun of, and you suddenly had a car maker saying "Go ahead and laugh, we know we made a mistake." Of course, everybody with voice jumped on the "ugly" bandwagon and now people believe the Aztek's looks are what killed it. You want to talk about ugly, take the Honda Element... Looks like some kid stuck 4 wheels on a refrigerator box and called it a car. And yet it's called "cutting edge" because people are actually buying that ugly thing. I'll take my Aztek over that any day. At least I won't look like every body else.

I think that Honda Element looks even worse, but I still don't like how the Pontiac Aztek looks like.

For example here is a car that doesn't look bad to me, Jaguar XKR:
http://www.sportscarcup.com/jaguar-xkr/

i love the white ones i want one so damn badly can't wait till i get my licesenes

I understand that a lot of people think the car is ugly, when I first purchased it I did too. However my intention with the car was to get something I didn't like to help improve my credit then get rid of it for something more "my style". Unfortunately, or fortunately I fell in love with the car. Ugly yes, but it has an endearing quality about it that made me glad I passed up an 05 grand prix gte for my 03 aztek. I have had no complaints with it except the poor design of the headlamp bezel that pissed me off and I made someone else replace the bulbs. For all the negativity people dish on the car when one does come available on a lot, I notice they don't last. They are usually purchased within a week or two. I have yet to drive an suv that felt like you were driving a car as much as this one does. I am a truck person by nature and although it irritates a little that I cant put larger loads in it, for the price and the pep I will buy a trailer for it.

the proud owner of a perfect mileage 2003 silver Aztek with the rear spoiler.

Here's to all the conformists, follow the crowd, the I'm with you bandwagon jumpers that hate the Aztek. We don't follow the crowd. We are renegade non-conformist not following the popular choice think for ourselves who love the Aztek.I wish I could afford one, maybe someday when they get older and come down in price. I just have the CD of the Aztek when they first introduced it and set it as my wallpaper.

um, somehow i think all this pro aztec talk looks like spam of some description. All the names are one word 'Sandy' or 'Beth', with no link to a website and they all say roughly the same stuff in a similar style. Maybe the car comes with a 'post comment spam that's pro aztec and you get $1000 off' or something. Or maybe their marketing division is trying to break into the internet market. It just seems odd so many aztec owners who love it, also read coding horror???

Our 2002 Aztek was appealing and we enjoyed it for the first 6 years of its life. Then it literally began falling apart. First it was the incredibly expensive wheel hub/bearing assemblies, then the exhaust intake manifold gasket not 10 days later that cost almost $800 to have replaced, then it was the fuel pump...it goes on and on...now I can honestly say I will NEVER try another GM and will go back to the style-less, but far more reliable and long-term affordable, Toyota.

I have an 04 Aztek Rally edition. I will admit that when I went to buy a car I was definatly not looking at this. I wanted to get a Ford Esacape but the wife saw this and said she always wanted the Aztek. At that time I thought it was the worst looking car I ever saw and honestly still do. But the ride is smooth, gas mileage is fair, and so far no major problems except for the wheel bearings that was fixed free by Pontiac. I have 80,000 miles on it so far. The only thinks I don't like is the difficulty in doing simple repairs like headlights and air filter changes to time consuming and not difficult but annoying to do.

To all those who "HATE" asteks and believe they're "UGLY" cars, I feel sorry for you, not only because you don't have a life and move on but also because what a shit opinion can you give about the vehicle if you never owed one? You are all a bunch of idiots, get a life and then get some good ideas of what you need to look in a car before going car shopping you retards!
Like the eminem songs says "if you have nothing nice to say then don't say nothing", specially when you never tried the vehicle and you don't know what the hell you're talking about!
I own a 2004 astek, I had it for over a year and i ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Is not only different, but it also fits my life style, drives smooth like a car but has the room of a truck with the passenger space of an suv, astek is a great vehicle, I never did any mechanical work to my astek at all, I simply change the oil change periodically and I just got some tires for my inspection last year, ASTEKS ROCK!!!!!!!

Probably one of the ugliest, out of this world car you can ever have.Some call it a spacecraft.But i love my 2001 Aztek.I've had some problems with it, but i still love it ,my wife and kids love it too. You see, you have to hate it to love it too, i did....

Gotta 04 Aztek. The wife's idea. My first thought when viewing it from behind was, "Looks like the back of a garbage truck!". Then we took it on a cross-country trip. Changed my opinion entirely! These vehicles were designed with campers, bikers & outdoorsmen in mind. With the back seats removed,the DVD player & the tent package it was like staying in a motel. Enough room for storage & we were on the road for 5 weeks. While driving, the "blind spot" in back also blocked out headlight glare in the rearview. The machine handled beautifully on any terrain (mountain, desert, etc) & the gas mileage was decent. Sure, it's a niche vehicle, designed for a certain market but it's a damn shame GM discontinued it. I'd buy another tomorrow.

We just brought a aztek 2002 burgurndy with only 88,000 miles on it
smooth ride.nice cd radio system pretty loud no need to buy another audio system.Hoping to go camping soon,Yes they say maybe some mechanical issue will be a factor.But purchased 4 year warranty on the car, got that cover.Hope to have as long as anybody with a 1995 car no matter what is the brand of the car.2002 verse 1995 not bad.There is hope for the aztek then. Amen thank you Lord

I've never seen so may comments with CAPS before. Do Aztek lovers have eye trouble? The irony is perfect.

Well, Tim Oxley, maybe the reason that so many Aztek owners love them is because they have, in fact, fallen in love with their cars. Maybe we are having too much fun driving our Azteks to spend time building forbidden websites in which to link in blog comment sections. And maybe we are smart internet users and like to remain somewhat anonymous, so we don't include our last names.

I'm with Grump. I've grown quite fond of that "blind spot" across the back window, especially on the Interstate when the gashole (probably Mr. Oxley) behind me drives with his bright lights on.

I just test drove an '07 Saturn VUE hybrid (boring), and found a new love for my Aztek! And while we're talking about ugly cars, how about those boxy monstrosities on the roads these days that look like someone put a cardboard box on wheels and painted it. Gross. And, it's not nearly as ugly as the Vibe, which looks like a station wagon that's been holding in it's farts.

The only thing I can't get used to is spelling Aztec with a K.

JUST BOUGHT A USED ONE TODAY AND I LOVE IT. I WAS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT NOT SOMETHING YOU SEE ALL OVER THE ROAD. ITS ROOMY IT DRIVES GREAT LOVE THE 10 SPEAKER STEREO SYSTEM. I HAVE 3 KIDS AND IT FITS THEM COMFORTABLY IN THE BACK. VERY HAPPY WITH IT.

Marty Thompson is a fucking asshole. I hope he dies by the time this gets posted.

Marty Thompson probably drives one of those hideous PT Cruisers. He is a shithead and a pig fucker and I would like to see him die with a considerable amount of pain. Better yet, I hope he gets stuck behind my Aztek in traffic and can't see around my car's glorious rear end. The stupid fuck.

Those previous two comments should be applied to TRUTH, not Marty Thompson. Sorry, Marty, I hope you live a long and healthy life. It's TRUTH I hope dies. TRUTH is a shitbag who can't write, and I hope he fucking croaks. Sorry for the mixup.

I am so happy I found this site. When I began looking for a vehicle, my original intent was to look for a mini SUV-type vehicle where I could safely put my daughter, and her car seat, in the back, middle seat. I looked at the following vehicles:
Ford Escape
Nissan X-terra
Honda CRV
Toyota Rav4
Suzuki (Sidekick? I can't remember).

ALL of them were too expensive and didn't even come close to the features that I needed. One of the best features, and one that I do not see mentioned here, is the glove box. It is enormous. I love my Aztek. I wasn't looking to make a fashion statement with my vehicle - and get sucked into buying something out of my price range - I was looking for safety, comfort, space and price. Nothing comes close to the Aztek. On different occassions, I have fit a fully assembled treadmill in the back, a fully assembled queen size futon (including the matress!)and two chairs from IKEA - still in their boxes! I don't need to judge a book by the cover to figure out what is inside. I also don't get my kicks by being cowed by others and what they think. I can think for myself - and the Aztek is the best vehicle for the price and comfort. Every vehicle will have some repairs. I have a 2001 Aztek GT and it is still going strong with over 100k on it. I do not know what I will ever do without it. I'm thinking of saving it for my daughter when she gets older! Way to go all you Aztek lovers! Stay strong!

Have had my aztek for 5 years now - got new rims upon purchase - the factory rims suck - plus i up graded to 16 inch - i have replaced tires - a few light bulbs and the cd player just broke - so have to replace that now - and aside from replacing the head gasket - i have had no major problems - a minor glitch in the computer calibration but an easy fix if you know anything about it. every vehicles performance is based in the person driving it and how they maintain it. if you buy a porsche and never change the transmission fluid - for example - my properly maintained aztek will last longer than your now "lemonized" porsche - and i agree - different is good - think for yourself - question authority

We have an 05 Aztec with 60'000 miles on it.
Pro's-
Its a very nice highway/trip machine....lots of room, excellent ride/mileage, and very peppy for a little v-6, and my wife loves it for around town...higher, feels safer for her, and better visibility. And not bad off-road either..plenty of ground clearance. Nice little all round suv to drive.
The looks are growing on me but thought it was butt ugly at first (wife wanted it).
Cons-
Its THE WORST designed vehicle to work on I've ever experienced. Everything that needs regular maintainence (which I have to do) is a MAJOR pain to get to/work with/take off. You have to pull half the car apart to change the air filter....gotta remove the front brace and a bunch of other stuff to reach the battery ect. Plus I think the overall quality and design is typical GM, poor fitting parts/panels, cheap plastics, sunroof and seal is one piece..when the cheap sunroof seal rots after a couple years you gotta buy a whole new sunroof for 650 bucks....what a SCAM!!!, glitchy electronics/motor controls ect (has a habit of dying for no reason), power steering makes noise, bad shimmy under braking (always had it), strange grinding noises from rear end, found strips of sealing rubber laying inside on floor when brand new, not very comforting.....very iffy overall quality at best in my opinion. If I ever meet anyone involved in the design of the Aztec I'll give them a grade-A beating. And no I'll never own or be part of owning another one....and would not recommend it to anybody.
Foreign rigs from here on out for us lol

Why did they stop making them. I have one now but when I retire it I want to buy a brand new one.

The Aztek was criminally underrated from day one. They're funky on the outside, but all peaches and cream on the inside, and they're still better looking than those goddamn Scions.

Love the Aztek! Ugly? So what! It's functional and stands out. Can't beat the room and features for the price - not what the dealers tried to sell them for, but what you can find them for on the secondary market. Try finding a 2-3 year old SUV with all-wheel drive for under $15k. (How about a 2005 with 27k for under $13k!?!) More useable room than any Explorer-type SUV.

Have one or need some info? Join us at http://www.aztekfanclub.com - we love the Aztek!

I have just had my Aztek in for a $600 repair, intake manifolds are defective and GM wont do anything about it, all v6 with 3.1/3.4 liter engines are experiencing these problems, plus the shift boot is defective, $300 there, my LCD on my radio is black, front wheel bearings ...

My last GM car, Toyota here I come

Ok.. It's one thing to say the Aztek is ugly.. (this coming from many ignorant people) It's another to be an owner... I purchased my 2001 Pontiac Aztek AWD in 2001 as my first vehicle.. (At age 23 - I lived in Philly - cheaper to take the bus...) I use it for my decorative painting company.. my ladders and materials fit perfectly.. I go camping in it 3-4 times a year... I moved my entire 2 bedroom apartment including large furniture with it... from Philly to 1500 miles away... in only 3 trips... I transport my 3 Siberian Huskeys - 2 Children still in car seats - Myself and my Husband... at the same time... quite comfortably/often... I still get compliments on how roomy and how fuel efficiant it is for an SUV... It gets 20-26mpg ... Now... I've also as a second job driven many other makes/models.. and let me tell you from experience the Honda Element and the PT Cruiser are the Fugliest most uncomfortable and most inefficient vehicles I've ever had the sad chance to drive.. but all I've heard of them are good things.. I just don't think the average consumer knows their head from their........ It's sad the Aztek just didn't have a chance when it came out... Now I think it's actually becoming cool to drive.. (husband's a teacher) according to High School kids... they love them!!!! And you know the "children are our future"!!!! I've also noticed that a lot of other vehicle makes are begining to look like the Aztek.. HMMMMMMM........ I love my Aztek so much I've named it... Onyx... (it's black...)

OH >> Forgot to mention I've never had a mechanical problem.. I've only had tire changes and new brakes... Since 2001!!!!!!! (I realize I may have just jinxed myself ... But whatever) my intake manifold is FINE!!No shiftboot problem either... Father's a mechanic... Checks it 3x's a year... No rust.. no paint issues.. NO PROBLEMS!!!

First off your mom is a codeing horror. Second off, if you own or drive an Aztek you will quickly wonder why you once thought that it was an ugly vehicle. With the back seats removed you can fit a double size mattress, or 2 bikes standing up. It has enough pep under the hood. I squeal the tires all the time. It is fun as crap to drive through snow banks with it. And how bloodly cool is it to have a cooler in the front or cup holders on the tail gate.

It does have a unique shape to it that not everyone digs. But remeber we can't all drive JImmys or Trail Blazers. Something should be said for originality.

I have an Aztek and I'm going to pass it on to my son when he gets to driving age. These may be ugly to some, but I like to call them unique. And safe. Three months after I bought my first one, we got t-boned, the sucker flipped twice and after the car settled, we all walked away from that accident with a totaled Aztek and a fractured thumb. Even the cop said if we were any other vehicle the outcome would have been a lot worse. After the GAP insurance paid it off, we went out and bought another one. I affectionally call it my Aztank.

Bucephalus, Alexander the Great's horse, was ugly as hell according to historians, but was a fine animal. Unless you've actually ridden, driven, or owned an Aztek, or worked on one as a mechanic, you really don't have the right of way in telling others the vehicle is horrible. Sure, there are cases where someone might buy a lemon, but that doesn't mean all of them are lemons.

All this "fuck you" and "fuck you" between people who like and hate the vehicle is really childish, as is siding behind the vehicle as if it was some life-altering decision.

Personally, I like the look of the Aztek. I also like Scions and Elements but they just don't have the features the Aztek does, thats why I bought one. I own a 2001 Black Aztek that I paid $2400 for (hows that for a bargain!!!). I've driven lots of vehicles:hondas, mazdas, cadillacs, suzukis, jeeps, fords, the list goes on and on and I must say that my aztek is probably the most comfortable ride I've ever experienced. I love all the space and options that it came with. all in all a great vehicle. Oh and to all of you wondering how they do when the milage gets high, mine has 143,686 miles on it and it runs like a champ.

I just bought a 2005 Aztec, and it's by far the most practical vehicle I've owned in the past 25 years. GM nailed the balance of comfort, performance, economy and cargo space right on the head. How many SUV's do you know of that can get over 20mpg and have a respectable passing gear, all whilst towing 3,000 lbs and carrying 5 people in absolute comfort? All the people I know that groaned when I told them I bought an Aztec ("how could you buy something that ugly?") fell in love with it once they rode around with me a few times. The fact that Americans don't buy it simply because "it's ugly" speaks volumes of just how shallow and frivolous our judgment is, how often we make decisions based on what "others might think of us", instead of getting things done effectively and comfortably.

TO ALL,

The very top of this web page makes the most sense! GM was way ahead of the curve with this one. Trying to knock Proctor & Gamble strategy just makes you look ignorant. As if P&G is some small company on the verge of extinction?! I couldnt believe they put these vehicles on the road in 2000, I thought they were the ugliest things I had ever seen, and frankly they still could be. With that said, go drive one for a week and try to climb back into whatever superior machine it is that you drive. For me, I couldnt do it. I found this website as I search endlessly through the few(allow me to repeat VERY FEW)for sale on the internet, so that i can buy a 2nd AZTEC. (and dont post some BS like "there was only 100,000 made" bc even so there are less than a 100 for sale in the country at any given time) You probably drive a quaint little honda and sleep well at night knowing that you are in the majority. Meanwhile the people who were brave enough to test drive the "ugliest car of 2000" sit back and laugh at what the "majority" is missing out on. Be brave, be different.

I bought the Aztek for my wife and drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee (horrible on gas mileage). My wife didn't like the Aztek because of the size (she's 5'2"). So, we bought her a Cobalt, I got rid of the Jeep and took the Aztek. I never realized just how much space the Aztek provided until I had to drive my wife's Cobalt for a week. A police officer was providing a routine check of vehicles in our area and was amazed at the Aztek's storage space for tools and equipment. An individual in our area saw our Aztek and bought one the next day...2 years after the automobile was discontinued. The design, flawed or not, draws several impressive comments from people. My own sister had nothing but negative comments about the Aztek until she actually saw our's and rode in it. She was impressed with the size, design, and the way it rode. Wasn't Delorean's automobile considered a mistake in production? Last I heard, Delorean had even began design on another vehicle prior to his death (years after being acquitted for the whole cocaine thing). Just because somebody likes something, doesn't mean they are stupid or ignorant. It doesn't mean they are wrong. I would suggest anyone who does not like the Aztek sit in it, ride in it, drive it (in cognito if need be), you may still not like the Aztek...but, at least you will understand why someone else may like the vehicle.

got 2005 rally black....anyone want to buy

I never liked the aztek until after I got in one and drove it. It has so much room and a nice smooth ride...I put a in dash DVD/nav player in it and I LOVE it now...The looks have grown on me...comparded to some of the other cars they have been coming out with these days it's looking better every year

I hate my aztec, it is by far the worst car I have ever owned. I've had more problems than I can count and the problems are repetitive. I know of 6 other people that have had all the same problems. I've also read many posts of people having the same problems. Do not buy one. I noticed a lot of people using the words "peppy" and "zippy", which leadsd me to beleive that we are dealing with mostly yuppy cityslickers here who, when buying a car, listen to the radio and look at the appearance, and maybe get excited about a sunroof or something. So, I take these reveiws with a grain of salt. If you work on your own car or don't have an unlimited supply of cash to buy parts all the time, DO NOT BUY AN AZTEK. GM won't know what to do with it either, so your screwed there. I'm a GM guy, especially Chevy's, but this is a nightmare.

have had the 2002 aztek for a couple years now. collect early corvettes and camaros and wanted a different suv vehicle to drive. it's not a great looking suv for sure but is becoming, like the volkswagon campers, a desired ride to own. have 70k on it and just changed the battery with no other problems. i understand other owners have had some major problems and hope i can avoid those. on the inside the car is everything i want and need. actually pretty cool for camping and going to the ocean with the family. it amazes me that when toyota, honda or some other foreign car company produces a butt ugly car or suv it's acceptable, when it's american it's ugly. what's up with that?

I have a 2004 Aztek and love it. Recently our family has outgrown the seating capacity. Has anyone added a 3rd row seat? Littleseats.com has them available but I would like to seat how it fits in. I hate to trade because like the others once you own one there is nothing else that compares.

Guys!!1 guess what. I'm very young and owned a 1996 Saturn in 2004, it's still running but we all know about Saturn's they run like an 1977 truck. "just horrible". So I'm on a budget, and found this sweet deal for an Aztek 2002, but with 164,000 miles. My Saturn already has 174,330 miles. It's just the Aztek is in good condition it's just the A/C and brakes. Help?? in Michigan

Just my 2 cents but I really liked my Aztek allwheel drive. The problem: it was a lemon. To anyone that wants to get a used one don't bother if it has high miles. All you will do is put more money than it's worth in it. If you are lucky and can get one with low miles and it's in good shape than i wish you luck. while i had to replace all of the bearings, some more than once, i will say that when it was working good it handled very well. i drive an equinox now and that is ok but i miss the room i had in my old aztek.

These horrible looking machines remind me of my sister: flaring nostrils & a flat ass. Obviously, the back end was pre-crash tested with a county snowplow. I did by a junked one though. It sits in my back field & makes a great target. I also have a question for QMAN. Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?

I have a 2005 Azteck. I've had no problems with it mechanically. I think many miss the point here.GM, in their arrogance, truly think they are fooling the public by manufacturing cars from several different lines, and believing that anyone actually thinks these vehicles are different. Perhaps, Caddillac aside, the Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, and GMC are all basically the same vehicle, with the exceeption of how the sheet metal is configured. If you don't like an Aztec, then you don't like the way it looks. But if you say you don't like the Aztek, but you like the Chevy equinox or Buick Rendevous, then you are deluding yourself. They are the SAME vehicle. That is why GM lost 1.5 Billion this fiscal quarter. The Three Stooges are running the company, and pity the poor shareholders!

">Wow. I think we have amassed the compendium of people who actually like the Aztek. All 18 of them."

That, or more even likely, GM's PR machine hard at work.

what a bunch of pompous asses the critics are. They think their personal taste is Vangel!
Get a life! I am a fine artist, painter and sculptor, plus I design furnitures and I am very succesful and praised.
I like the Aztec. Then I should consider get a different job?

I am the owner of a 2004 Aztec and to be honest, I had many problems with it.With under 20,000 It had to be towed in with a busted fuel pump, the steering column also broke when I only had 12,000 miles on it, among a host of other problems. I had to get a "lemon Law" lawyer who got GMC to settle with the sum of $6,500. And the warranty sucks. 3 years and no powertrain. This Aztec will definately be the last GMC vehicle for me. Even my father drives a Nissan Armada, and he's a retired GMC employee of 30 years....does that tell you something??

I love my Aztek!!!! It drives Great and its way better then my old mommy van!!!! I just love it no complaints here!!!!

My friend has an Aztek and I've been riding around in it quite a bit recently. It's a great vehicle. The transparent rear end is great, because you can see a lot more just by turning around. It has a ton of features that can be turned on and off, including the unfortunately all-too-common daytime running lights. I'd probably consider getting one if I were looking for a new car.

I'd rather a car be ugly looking than simply boring. At least an ugly car is distinctive - and anyway, how much time do you spend standing around outside your vehicle looking at it? Just shut up and drive!

we had to put one of our cars in the shop,the dealer gave us a pontiac aztek to drive until the service was complete..hey,guess what,with in a year we were buying one..they are ugly but,they are good cars and ride good also...

I bought my Aztec in 2004. It is silver and I think it is a great car. I drove across country, twice, loaded with suitcases, some pet cages and 3 dogs. It is comfortable, roomy and drives like a dream. It can turn on a dime too. I've hauled bales of hay, large sheets of plywood, you name it. The backseats come out or just fold down. I added luggage racks to the top (which were costly) and they were also very useful. I've had lots of compliments on my Aztec. It is kind of "British" in appearance. Anyway, you can say all the nasty comments you want about it, but I'll bet that those of us who actually drive one, will agree, that it is a very nice car. I will say that the blind spot in the back window, is sometimes a pain, as I am a 5'5" woman, but the rest of it, I love! People made fun of my Big Bad Orange Gremlin that I bought, in 1970, but that was a great car too. In 1987, when my ex-husband dumped it, the color was still the same as the day I drove it off the lot. I don't buy things to please other people and I don't color within the lines. I am a free thinker and not a follower. That's what makes the world go around.

well, well, well.....someone Else loved mine enough to break in and STEAL the darn cooler!!!! $102 to replace. It IS ugly, but jeez, when you buy one used they are a GREAT deal. They have NO resale value. My interior still looks brand new with 85K on it. I bought it to replace a totalled CRV and have no regrets. I did have to replace the intake manifold gasket, but for the price I paid for the car , the repair was still cheap. GM execs are MORONs, but even morons can load a car with all the right amenities! LOVE the air mattress.

We bought our new 2001 Aztec, everyone told us how ugly it was. Actually they have not quit telling us how ugly it is. Ever since then, other manufacturers, US and abroad are trying to build a car that looks like ours. We are not alone now, ugly, but they still couldn't build it like our Aztec. We love our Aztec and will keep it for many years. December, 2008, and 156,000 happy miles.

Can't spell it right, still love it.

These positive posts are all posts by GM companies. I read a lot of blogs and suspect a lot of the gramatically correct, very simple sentences and all with the phrase 'I love my Aztec'. Auto companies have demonstrated what fools we are by the products they produce, and now confirm it with remedial propaganda tactics.

If u dont like azteks thats fine cuz we're all entitled to an opinion but GM and the people that didn't like the aztek can kiss my ass. I rolled my aztek and I still think to this day that the thing saved my life. I did end up breaking my neck, spine, and right knee but I believe if it had been any other vehicle, I would have died. It had great frontal visibility and plenty of room for me and my daughter plus it was great for moving, when I took out the backseats I was able to get my whole couch in there. So screw u if the car was no good for u-i still plan on getting another used aztek when i get enough money saved

i absolutely love the aztek, since the first time that i saw one on the street, and then i just started seeing more and more, i think they are really cool, most of my friends dont like them, they say that they are horrible........ and i have a friend who owns one im thinkin about gettin one soon :)

I bought a 2001 Aztek GT fully loaded, leather, heads up display, sliding cargo tray (what a great feature ... never saw it on any other car ever again) and pneumatically controlled rear leveling system with trailer package (extra oil cooling capacity, better tranny, etc)
I have 135k miles as of 1/2009 and my only dissapointment is they stopped making it.
LOOK PEOPLE it depends on what YOU USE YOUR CAR FOR!! In my case I have two scouts in the family - and at least once EVERY MONTH for YEARS I have volunteer drive either of my kids into a campsite. It's not exactly off roading, so I don't need a suburban ... and a Lexus, BMW, Murano, Mercedes would look goofy going into some of the scout camp sites (not to mention get scratched up). The Aztec turned out to be the PERFECT COMBINATIOn. Even though it is AWD it has a FLAT REAR FLOOR with NO HUMP! THE ONLY GOOF IS GM DIDN"T STAY ON THIs AND KEEP IMPROVING ON IT! The Acadia is what I'm supposed to buy now. No Way.

LISTEN UP GM - When Coca Cola canceled its long selling formula everyone went nuts! They had to return the old formula as "COKE CLASSIC" and it sold like hot cakes. The threat of "OLD COKE" was enough to cause a buying frenzy. IF GM HAD ANY GUTS IT WOULD BRING B
ACK the AZTEK!! BRING BACK .... BRING BACK ... oh Bring back my Aztek to ME ... TO MEEE!!!

The Pioneer sound system is the best I"ve had.

The first time I ever saw a Pontiac Aztek, I was on a divided highway, and had to go a mile to turn around. I just HAD to see who could have possibly designed such a hideous vehicle! It remains the worst looking piece of crap ever to come out of Detroit. No wonder The big 3 US auto makers are going down the drain!

I hope all of you "happy Aztek owners" realize that the rest of us wonder what's wrong with you. We see your ugly car on the road or in the company parking lot and scratch our heads. What would cause someone to make such a poor decision on such an expensive item like a car? IT DOESN'T MATTER THAT YOU LIKE IT. That only makes you even more defective as a human being. Seriously, your friends may tell you they like it but THEY ARE ALL LAUGHING BENING YOUR BACK when you're not around. Do yourself a favor and use a little bit taste when you buy your next car. If you have no taste find someone who else who has some to help you out. Don't trust your own judgement to choose this helper. YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NONE. Ask around.

Wow, the Pontiac Ass-tek possible the ugliest car ever made. The term fugly doesn't even come close to describing it. You know GM used to make good cars, then came the late 90's and their cars started to get uglier and uglier. Even Toyota, with their boring and run-of-the-mill designs, look better than this junk. I drive a 1994 Olds Cutlass Cruiser station wagon and I can't tell you how many people have complimented it and miss the old wagons that we're cool and stylish while filling the niche now served by those godforsaken crossovers. Why is it automakers can't understand that if it ain't broke don't fix it.?

Wow...i dont get it, if you dont like the vehicle why spend so much time and energy on complaining about it..like get a life holy shit maybe deep down you really like the Aztek or something who knows. I dont even own one but Ive driven one and also considered buying one all i hear is good things about them yeah they may be ugly but whatever get over it. I wonder whats wrong with all the negative people out there who spend all there time on things they dont like lol god everyone has there own taste in vehicles why would we want to drive around in the same thing.

looking to buy a car, when I saw an aztec in a dealership, never heard of this car, but I like the way it looks. That being said, after reading review and review, my biggest concern is the vehicle has 155,000 kilometres, the dealer is going to repair the intake manifold, and I can buy the car for $5,500.00 canadian, the car itself is in great condition, and it includes the camping kit, whoever owned this vehicle before and kept it clean! But since so little of these cars were produced, and I have spoken to two mechanics who have never worked on them ever! (Both mechanics work in car sales), how does anyone get parts for these vehicles, do you have to go back to a dealership? Can your local garage order parts? Now that I am aware of these vehicles, I can't find a single one in a parking lots, on the road. Does any one have any suggestions or help on this? Thanks

I have had 2 Aztek's and love(d) both of them. I am sorry that they have been discontinued. I would buy another one right now if I could. What is surprising to me is all the cars that have copied the design. Everywhere you look, now,you can see small cars with the same basic shape as the Aztek. For a car that is so ugly, it sure set of a new wave of copies.

The Aztek's sold poorly not only because of the design, but the absolute atrocity called the 3.4L GM power train. Everyone I knew that had one needed a new a/c compressor by 80k miles, needed a new trans by as early as 50k and as late as 120k. I haven't found one person with an original in theres yet. That said. It is loaded with problems, but I still love it. I rebuilt mine at 112k miles. A/C, suspension, engine, trans, replaced some misc. stuff such as airbags, latches, wiring harnesses, computer modules. $3000 to me $9000 to people that would require to pay someone. These are not the best used cars. If you want an Aztek, be prepared to rebuild it if it is nearing 100k. I did have fun doing it. So much in fact, I am going to buy another Aztek already with major problems (so I can get it dirt cheap and not lose $3000 in depreciation when it breaks) and rebuild it. They are great cars with lots of features, they just need to be overhaul'd every 100k miles or so, which really is a shame. These types of power train designs is what killed GM. BTW for all those people that don't know, this is a minivan with the same power train as the Pontiac Montana, and a slightly upgraded power train to all the other 3.4L minivans GM/Olds/Pontiac have pumped out over the years. I owned a 97 silhouette it was lemoned out and then I owned a 98 silhouette and it's engine needed to be replaced because of a cracked block at 40k. GM never improved the design when they decided to throw it into the Aztek. UGH.

Hey,
I have a chance to buy a 02 aztec with a 101k miles. The guy said he used synthetic oil and changed it every whatever thousand of miles. The only thing is the sevice engine soon light is on, and he said that he has had it checked and they can't find anything wrong with it. Is this possible ? He said he would take $5300 for it. Should I buy this ??

I bought a used 2003 last year with 85,000 miles on it. I drive 116 miles round trip a day to and from work. Regular oil changes and the recommended transmission fluid changes have kept it running well. I have had no problems with it and am now about to turn 147,000 miles. It might not be a beauty but I feel it's very dependable. I have seen newer cars on the side of the road and have been blessed it's not me. I haven't seen a Pontiac Aztec on the side of the road yet.

OMG I had no idea so many dumb people exist. SWEET. More tax payers to fuel the globalist elites thirst for cranking out bad quality cars, esp if they know that people will buy them. It's like encouraging your dog to pee inside.

What a joy reading this page. My ex talked me into getting an Aztek, and I still remember the thoughts going through my head when she asked if I wanted the Aztek or the Camry when we got divorced. Needless to say, much effort was used holding back the hysterical laughter. Needless to say, the Aztek through a piston during the divorce. I think the words I used when she asked if we could get one was, "Dear God Why?".

Thank you Aztek for making Pontiac go into oblivion!

The 2001 Aztek I own is the worst car I have ever had, and at 59 yrs old I have had a few cars. If I knew then what I know now about this vehicle I never would have bought it. Waaaay too many gremlins possess this vehicle....I have experienced them all. I have just learned to live with them and deal with the idiosyncracies which I have had to communicate to my family members who have had to drive it. My wife hates it and sticks to our 2002 Kia Sedona (which is another story altogether. I must be a real glutton for punishment to buy two first year vehicles back to back). From the looks of the posts here it appears that alot of people have been fortunate and haven't experienced the problems that are common to this vehicle, but to see the amount of complaints it is obvious that this SRV has been poorly designed in a lot of ways. All I can say is it is too bad President Obama doesn't bail out all of the unfortunate consumers who have been stuck with this inferior product. GM (Gross Mismanagement) should be embarrassed.

Anyone who buys an Aztek should get a voucher for the optician.

There is nothing good about this piece of garbage and Pontiac has finally paid the price for its sin

Why does it seem that the only people here who have bad comments about the Aztek are people who have never used one. I love mine, and sure there were a few things that have needed to be fixed, but they were minor, and it is 8 years old now. I think that anyone who hasn't actually used one shouldn't comment on something that they don't know.

I have owned my Aztek since 2004. I bought a 2001 with 61,000kms on it. I have kept up with regular maintanance and used the most expensive parts you can get for anything that gets replaced, as a result,I have never been stranded in this vehicle. I travelled from Terrace BC, Canada, to Las Vegas, Nevada, USA in this vehicle and I would do it again. With the same vehicle. If I could buy another one I would. However I still use the one I have and I don't intend to get rid of it anytime soon. So far it is still in good running condition. What hooks you about the vehicle is the drive and the ride. It is an awesome feeling to drive the Aztek, I would recommend to people who haven't tried it, don't know it till you've tried it. Travel wise, it is awesome, lots of leg room and space, even if you travel with a full load and 5 passengers. Did this from Saskatchewan to British Columbia. Most people I know think it is built like a grizly bear. It is too Kewl. I love my Aztek and it really doesn't matter what anybody else thinks about the vehicle,it fits me!! I don't think it's ugly either. Mine looks pretty damn snazzy with me in it.

My parents bought a 2003 Aztek back when it was new, and we've never had a problem with it. No it's not pretty, but function is more important than fashion. I learned how to drive in it, the seats are comfortable, it has plenty of room,the suunroof is a great addition, the tent that attaches to the back is awesome,and it doesn't consume gas quickly like Hummers do. Today I'm seventeen,and the Aztek is now mine! I can actually afford to pay gas for the Aztec, and even the guys at school love having a ride in it. I hope it will benifit me for a long time.

I have an 2005 Kentucy Blue Aztec, and I Love, love, love it.It's roomy, rides great, easy to spot in a crowded parking lot. Dont knock it till you ride in it. Best car I've ever owned. I'll keep it forever. Nancy

i own a 2002 pontiac Aztek,i have nothing but praise for the vehicle, mine is as loaded as they came back then,leather/heated seats,10 speaker stereo, driver and passanger air controls, heads-up display,its the only suv crossover that if packed right can handle luggage for five (5) people going on a cruise or trip of 1,500 miles or more and everyone is in comfort,i get 23.9- 24.5 mpg on the highway, oh did i saw that it'S ALL WHEEL DRIVE VERSATRAK IT'S NEVER LET ME DOWN.its not perfect but i love what it does for me, so all you haters keep hating it's not Gm it's you for wanting to be main stream DARE TO BE DIFFERENT YOU MIGHT LIKE IT.OH AT 165.000 MILES still quiet and peppy and if i could find an 05 with the same equipment i would buy it.it will stay with me awhile.ERROL

I'd like to buy one, set it up at the state fair, and charge people $1 to throw tomatoes at it. I think I'd be able to retire after the first time I did it.

I cant believe a great article like this has devolved into a masturbatory circle-jerk about one of the ugliest cars in decades (since mid-80's!).

Please people stop...your P.O.S. box-on-wheels deserved to die a quick death instead of a slow painful one. I'm glad the parent company has finally died so there is no more ridiculous business/design decisions coming from Pontiac. Good riddance.

The people who hate the Aztek are the same putz yuppies that think a ford escort is sports car, and a boring ass honda civic is creative body styling.

I don't own an Aztec, but I think this is a classic case of people who look for substance or style. The Aztec haters are the people who only care about style.

The fourth reference of Steve McConnell is on the 24th page of the book. I also prefer function over style, but some nice design doesn't hurt though.

I rolled my aztek off the lot for $15,999. and 7 miles on it. I,ve kept it up on oil, fluids and such, and it has given me great milage 28-30mpg, and it has 135,000 on it. I,ve run it from San Francisco to Oklahoma city 9 times and the camping package works great. I added the tow option and moon roof after market, a great thing. My only problem now is the cop-out of G.M. not to support the model after 2010.
My only gripes are the God Awful wind noise, and the price of plastic replacement parts! Looks like I'll have to buy a couple wrecks for spare parts...Lucky I live in Oklahoma, there's one around every corner, in every color. I love my aztek!

I love my Aztek. I like to joke that it's "Quite possibly, the ugliest vehicle on the planet." But that's actually not true. The Mercedes G-Class, Toyota Scion, and (looking to the past) AMC Gremlin are all a lot uglier. If you don't think so, you're probably reading this in braille.

If you think it's ugly, all the better. I like to think of it's unique styling as a built-in theft deterrent system.

But I didn't buy my Aztek because it was beautiful, I bought it because it does everything I need a vehicle to do and it does it really well. For something it's size it gets great gas milage. The interior is comfortable, and well designed. It's got good acceleration, and handles well. For something minivan sized, it drives more like a car.

I've used my Tek to haul amazing amounts of stuff. I've taken it camping (the camping package is awesome). I've taken long trips with it. It's never let me down.

I think the Aztek was a case of the right design at the wrong time. I applaud Pontiac for creating something new. The world doesn't need another Honda Civic or Toyota Camry clone.

I am so glad the aztek is dead along with every other pontiac!!!

the aztek is the biggest piece of crap ever made!!!! they have continual wheel bearing problems, intake and head gasket problems, and caliper problems... the calipers have plastic pistons!!! JUNK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my sister and brother in law have a 2002. it was a nice car until 65,000 miles. then everything went!!!!
and i know your saying was it taken care of? ofcourse ..oil changes every 3k. lube, tune ups, u name it!!! and so far the wheel bearings have been replaced 3 times, the calipers twice, the intake gasket 3 times, the heads , and now the trans!!! it also has had electrical problems , dash lights, oil senser light, fuel gauge, lighter..... what a piece of CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you have one, get rid of it!!! if you want to get one, dont!!!!!! trust me!!!

"I haven't seen a Pontiac Aztec on the side of the road yet."
-- sheri on April 20, 2009 11:49 AM

Maybe that's because they go right to the crusher.

Azteks have all the styling flair of a trash truck!
Aztek and Edsel: The comparisons begin with bad 5-letter names.

C'mon...if "they" said it was a good looking vehicle, then we'd think so too! There are some ugly cars out there...and apparently they were marketed better..so our view of them is different...fact of the matter is folks...they are all just cars! I'd rather purchase "the ugliest car ever" and know that it's bad rap is only based on its looks and not something that compromises safety! So far it seems to have everything...room, good mpg, comfort, excellent safety rating and major versatility! And if you buy used you're getting an excellent deal. They're priced low because people think their ugly! People want to spend more money on a nicer car with more mileage! Not me! Who cares if the Aztek has an ugly butt...what's up with all the clown cars on the road today????

Hmmm. Based on the above comments, maybe Don Norman and Steve McConnell should abandon the software coding business. Looks like the functional design overrides the opinions of a few disgruntled design junkies.

If you're suggesting that "ugly" equals worthless, then why stop with the Aztek. Here's some more "ugly" things that should have been eliminated right away, ambulances, fire trucks, Abe Lincoln, the statue of liberty, open heart surgery, Winston Churchill, capitalism, the dollar bill, hiking boots, the flounder, Johnny Cash, Einstien, the loom, and the printing press.
As we all know, "super" models cured polio, invented the lightbulb, and brought down the Berlin wall. Thanks goodness for them. I'm now going to rush out and pay over a thousand dollars to sit near the front at a football game. Look at me.

The design of the Aztek is more of an indoctment of "Design modification by accountants" than one of "design by committee". Basically, the specifications were developed by marketing, and the concept prototype was noticably sleeker, anr rounded of than the production model. But what really killed the product was the cost cutting modifications used to lower the production costs.

The original design was an expensive one, and the targeted market wasn't to pay the price need for a no-compromised version. The cost reducing design changes, however, resulted in a shift from an exotic cutting edge utility vehicle to a funky, boxy appearance that I like to describe as the "Evil offspring of a mating between a Hummer and a Honda CRX".

I own one (with over 150,000 miles on it and no major problems) and obviously I didn't buy it for it's looks, but for the practial versatility it provides. And while it doesn't sport the sleek sexy lines of a Hummer, a Jeep or a Land Rover, it combines many of the advantages of an SUB with those of a minivan and a station wagon.

But to the point of the original post.
The open source methodology is not "Design by Committee". It could better be described as "Development though competition". Most open sours software begins with a single person who designs and develops a prototypical application to address a specific problem. and makes the source available so that anyone who has the skills and inclination to improve, enhance or extened the original code. To be officially included in an update version of the application, however, the changes must be approved by the maintainer of the application(usually the originall designer). As a result, the maintainer may get many suggestions and actual courcew patches that address the same feature and must choose the one that best fits the overall vision of the designed. The is quite unlike most proprietary development models where the coder m ay compete for a position, but the code itself is not part of the contest.
The OSS methodology competes for quality, not for money or to meet a deadline. In proprietary software, often a bit of code will be incorporated to meet a production deadline, when a better, more efficient and robust design will be dropped because it might not be do-able by the deadline.
Open source has another advantage. As any coder will tell you, each of us (I've been programming for many years) likes to stick with what we know. We develop a "mental toolbox" of algorithms the each of us favor. When a programmer is assigned a task that doesn't match his skill set, He will either try to learn as he goes, or try to apply what he is comfortable with to a problem that could be better addressed with a different algorithm. In the case of open source, the programmers can pick and choose the tasks that they are most comfortable and competent at.
This is not to say that all open source software is well designed. In particular, When formerly proprietary software source is opened, it has already been mangled by the innefficiency of the proprietary development methods.