2003 Pontiac Aztek Review
Fuel Economy
18 - 20 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Although functional as a minivan/sport-utility crossover, the Aztek's ungainly handling and weak engine make it hard to recommend over more refined wagons and sport-utes.
Pros
Versatile interior, available all-wheel drive.
Cons
Cheap interior materials, poor visibility, styling that will never be considered beautiful.
What's New for 2003
For 2003, the Aztek offers a few new high-tech options like a DVD-based entertainment system and XM Satellite Radio. You'll also find additional wheel styles, a tire pressure-monitoring system and a new "luxury appointment group" for top-of-the-line models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Best choice yet!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Aztek Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
We HAD to replace a car. It had over 300,000 miles on it, so we get an Aztec. It has the a cd player and the basic 6 speaker sound system, and air conditioner, and ABS. Everything else is standard. I also just recently received my permit, I have had if for 5 months. It has been an awesome driver, I love it. It is pretty darn powerful for a V-6. I hit 95 passing a truck just plain flooring it. And the standard sound system is so amazing. I put it on full blast playing the song "My Michelle" by the Guns n' Roses and I could hear it during road construction 2 blocks away. We also just had to replace the oxygen sensor, and now it is a beast. It is way louder and way faster Recomend it
Favorite Features
Sound system, speed, comfort and usefulness. Also got 38 MPG on the highway on an 800 mile trip. Not with me driving, though. I get about 22 when I drive. Begginer.
Suggested Improvements
A little pricey for used, maybe a V-8 and some sort of package with bigger tires, a raised lift, and some stuff for mudding.
good early - poor midlife-okay now
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Aztek AWD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
bought aztek new 2003 was great till warranty ran out. common problems occured then. Wheel bearings, intake gasket, 2 ignition key switches. I kept the vehicle after all the repairs and it's been good. I like the features especially the awd.
Favorite Features
AWD and versatility.
Suggested Improvements
Beautiful, but flawed
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Aztek Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Beautiful SUV, classy and elegant in black. Bought @ under 7,000 mi. Had to replace passenger wheel baring @ 40k mi. Replace driver wheel baring @ 50k mi. Now must replace again 4 months later. Need to replace brakes too often. Leaks coolant. Doors don't always unlock. Locking doesn't always "beep". Rear hatch doesn't release without helping hand. Settings 1 & 2 on AC/heat don't work. At a stop it will "jump" forward for no reason nearly bumping car in front of me. Rolls forward after putting in park. Hard to find parts outside of dealership. All common problems according to other sites. I'm so sad b/c I love this car so much. I want to keep it forever, but may have to trade someday soon.
Favorite Features
Interior is very sophisticated and attractive. Love all the extras. Drives like a dream. Feeling of safety b/c of size and spaciousness inside.
Suggested Improvements
Overhaul on wheel baring systems, and cooling system. Simple repairs such as door locks and hatch should be done in a recall. Lots of little things could be fixed and would leave owners feeling more satisfied with vehicle and less upset about big repairs which will be needed with many Azteks.
Aztek
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Aztek Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Do not buy! I bought this vehicle a year ago and have had nothing but trouble with it. So far I've had to replace the intake gasket ($1000) head gasket ($1500), heater core ($500) and shifter ($500). I bought this vehicle at a reputable dealership thinking it would be OK, boy was I wrong. So far the tally has come to $3500 in repairs and of course the warranty covered nothing at all. Every review I read at the time said it was a great vehicle. It is anything but a great vehicle. Your better off getting something else
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
The whole engine
A lot bang for the buck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Pontiac Aztek Fwd 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I bought my Aztek new in 2003. I drive a lot of highway so I wanted a few more comfort options and I wanted a vehicle that would sit up higher and have more room without getting a truck or a minivan. The car has been great with 2 large dogs and our child. It rides comfy and even though I thought these cars were so ugly when they came out, I actually like the look now. The car has been very reliable. I have read that consumer reports says to avoid them yet I have had few problems. The oil changes were always on time, I replaced the front brakes and bearings and had the 100,000 mile flushes done. At 113,000 miles the car is still riding as good as when it was new.
Favorite Features
The heated seats! Definitely a must have in the winter. I also love my heads up display on the windshield and my premium sound system.
Suggested Improvements
Rear hatch does occasionally stick and it is heavy. It also took a very long time to get used to the bar in the middle of the rear window.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2005 Pontiac Aztek
- 2004 Pontiac Aztek
- 2003 Pontiac Aztek
- 2002 Pontiac Aztek
- 2001 Pontiac Aztek
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