Used 2002 Pontiac Aztek Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Great Car - Fun to Drive
I bought my Aztek almost 7 years ago and have never regretted it. It now has 98000 miles on it and has only ever needed minor repairs (brakes, etc). I love that nothing else on the road looks like it, this is not your cookie cutter car for your cookie cutter neighborhood. The ride is smooth, quiet and comfortable and the car handles well in my northern Illinois winters even with just FWD. My only complaints are that the back seats don't fold flat, but not many 2002 vehicles do. Also, the bottom of the back window is totally flat, which leaves it almost always dirty.
Love-d It!
Bought it new and liked its uniqueness. Yellow is easy to spot in the Wal-Mart parking lot! Very comfy for tall people and all seats recline for long trips. Interior is durable,everything in the right place. Most room for a mid-size SUV--I put several large trees and numerous plants in this thing! If they made them again, I'd buy one. Mine was 2WD and handled very well in snow/ice. The only reason I don't have one now is because a tornado destroyed it! had over 144K and ran great.
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,997209 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,9951,675 mi away
We call it the "crapteck"
Loved the car at first! Very comfortable and roomy--fits 4 and a dog very comfortably. Was very excited to get our first SUV and loved it for about a year. The air conditioner died at about 17k, the head gasket at 30K, the hatch never opens, anti theft system locked up for no reason & cost about $500 to replace. Head gasket again at 120K. I have a $50,000 car after all of the repairs that have been made on it--wise to quit producing this vehicle.
This Aztek won't scalp you!
No longer made..........Parts availability is diminishing for glass and body items, purchased new.. problems with rear lift gate from the get go.....never repaired properly at dealer. Now won.t open at all! Always been solid mechanically....paint durability is superior...paid for optional paint sealant, well worth extra fee. Still bright and shiny after 14+ years in Florida Sun. Typical GM interior issues, window switches, 4-Way seat switches,radio and steering wheel switches ;Top of Dash and steering wheel show sun exposure damage. This was an experiment by GM having produced car in Mexico. all my friends thought this car wouldn't last a couple of years, with due respect to the Mexican assembly plant this car was built well! When purchased I actually wasn't aware it was made in Mexico.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
Bad experience
Bought used with about 60k miles, at 63k all the problems began with the check engine light. GM said it was the ECM, electronic control module. It resembles a long cable (wrapped in black plastic) that is underneath the car and plugs into a socket like thing on the undercarriage. Very exposed to the road elements! GM wanted $1100 for the part & another $900 to install. I paid, and the engine light still stayed on. GM tried to say it was not the ECM after I paid $2,000! I took it back to the Dealer prior to any of this, that was a hoot. That is another story. I could not get the car inspected, so traded it recently, took a beating and learned a lesson, run away from Pontiac Cars!
LOVE my Aztek!
Any snide remarks end as soon as I take people for a ride. The ride is smooth, the seats are comfortable even on long rides, with plenty of room (inc. the back seat). The inside has wonderful layout - everything clear and in reach. All the gadgets are great in use. Cargo space is good (love the sliding tray), sound system is solid (extra controls on wheel a +)and handling is great. Fun to drive, easy to handle, reliable, and the best thing next to a pickup for hauling stuff (rear seats easy to fold or remove). Very versatile and all around solid vehicle on the highway or a dirt road. ...And it's easy to find in a parking lot ;)
VERY HAPPY, I'VE HAD 2
I actually have a 2001 FWD. The initial start has excellent power and speed, merging and passing is done with ease. Very smooth and comfortable on the highway and spunky throuhg the city.I test drove alot of other manufacturers and unless you double the price and still end up with lower gas mileage and less amenities then you start to get close to what the Atztec offers. And the plastic sides some of you don't like works well for accident protection. A station wagon side swiped the front end and left NO sratches or dent. I dont think paint could have handled it!
My Aztec
I bought this used from a private seller. Within about 4 months the BCM quit while driving to a wedding 300 miles away. Luckily this only affected electronics and I was able to continue with little more than inconvenience. Had the BCM replaced by the dealer for about 500. I dont think the A/C ever worked but I hear its a 1000 dollar fix so I wont. Despite these problems I love the car. It can handle snow better than any car I have seen and I live in upstate NY so I see real snow. I get a lot of compliments and you cant beat the tent option with the cooler. Very Happy with the Aztec
My Aztek
So far the vehicle has proven to be both reliable and safe to drive, I live in Calgary Canada aaand my Aztek has proved it's self more than capable of handling all of the snow we receive here during day to day driving. Also during this period the heating system has been more than adequate even in - 30c temperatures, I am looking forward to driving it long distance during the summer!
Absolutely love this vehicle!
This is one of the best purchases I've ever made. The interior is exceptionally laid out and convenient. The ride is comfortable (my friends say it's like riding in a floating barcalounger!). Although I've had comments that it's ugly, I think it's fantastic and unusual (to each his own). I feel I got a great value for my money, and this is so much better than the SUV I traded in. I highly recommend it.
So Far so good!
I was searching for a family car just after our 2nd child, weighing heavily on utility. We were going to be making a lot of long distance trips because my wife's family is from all over the USA. Overall we have been delighted with the amount trunk space that is in this car. Very happy with the comfort level when traveling over 2k miles one-way. Love the leather with kids, and heated for mommy and I. Out west in states with higher speed limits we found the biggest weakness, not enough horsepower. It'll hold 70 to 75 with no problem, try 80 even on the flat, in and out of overdrive. So, we slowed down and maxed out the fuel milage 21 mpg could be better. Overall nice crossover!
Love This Truck
I cannot say enough good things about this vehicle. My wife normally doesn't care about a vehicle as long as it runs. She saw a used one at the dealership and loved it and she wouldn't look at anything else afterwards. Hard time finding them but we love it and wouldn't give it up. Gets better gas mileage then my 2003 Ford Taurus SES and both have a 6 cyclinder. Roomy and lots of comfort. Love the split seats and how easy the old up and / or come out completely. A lot easier then removing a bench seat from the mini van. Just can't say enough about this vehicle. Thought about getting a second one for me but don't want two of the same vehicle. Too bad Pontiac discountinued it.
LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP
I love my aztek for its practicality and verstility. There s tons of room for my kids, dog and gear. Unfortunatley its got reliability issues. All the wheel bearing have been replaced, computers have failed. Versatrak rear differential was replaced for $6000. Head gasket leaked. Whats next? I m torn because I like the car so much but I m scared of whats going to break next. My next car is definately not going to be a GM.
Pontaic 2002 Aztek
I love it. It has some "fun" styling which tends to scare most people from it. But after they got rid of the plastic cladding, this thing is a dream. I would recommend a 2002 Aztek to anyone who want a 4x4 to off-road.
I am constantly in love with Aztek
I truly love the Aztek. I cannot speak highly enough of it because of limited space. It deserves the highest accolades because it is the best looking vehicle. The design and shape is fabulous: modern, space ship-like! The interior is comfy and all leather, I enjoy it immensely, however I wouldn't have bought the Aztek just for that. Basically all new cars are comfy inside. THE STYLE SETS IT APART AND MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE!
Love This Thang
I don't know why everyone keeps bagging on this truck. It does everything I need, and more. It also goes everywhere I need to go. I camp, surf, mountain bike, snowboard, rollerblade, and work as a science teacher. I need to haul a lot of crap around to a lot of places. This truck gets me there with room and gas money to spare.
The Edsel Of The New Millenium
Upon receiving my Aztek as a company vehicle, I was somewhat skeptical of its practicality and driveability, not to mention its looks. But after a couple hundred miles behind the wheel, my trusty Aztek does shine over other SUV's. Having carrying a huge cargo load everyday, the Aztek still handles nimbly, rides well, and swallows its cargo with vigor. The seats are extremely comfortable. This vehicle is punished daily (250 hard miles), and like an old dog, keeps coming back faithfully and reliably. I've actually come to really enjoy the Aztek and will heavily consider buying it once the lease is over. I foresee great realiability.
AWESOME VEHICLE!
Bought this car over the RAV4 (Boring, pricey) CR-V (what's up? No console! boring style). Always owned Toyotas until now. Probably the most versatile, option packed vehicle for the money. Don't knock it 'till you've spent some time with it. Ask any Aztek owner and they will tell you the same. Side airbags, V6, 4 wheel ABS, great stereo, cruise, full power for less than $22,000. Very happy with the car.
Simply the best
Did not like the looks at first in 2001. But now I love it. It's different! Great vechicle with a great sound system. Perfect for the family with a cottage and you need that extra space but don't want a van. Drives great! My friends at first said it was ugly, and then when they had there first drive, they liked it. I could not be happier with my purchase. I hope they don't stop making them because I think they are catching on. No problem at 60000.
I love my vehicle!
Buying this vehicle is the best purchase I've ever made. If you're uncertain about the looks, get behind the wheel
Versatile Aztek
Currently have 39,000 miles w no problems. A bit under powered, however, pulled a ski boats 300 miles w no probs. This is a comfortable vehicle for long trips. I carry my road bike and mountain bike inside the car all the time w ample room for other gear. Have used the camping package and love it. Once you drive it, you will be hooked. added a bike roof carrier bike rack w wind ferring to really enhance the look. You can haul anything in this car.
A car that makes me happy
My wife and I average one new car purchase a year. I have to say that of all the cars we have owned, the Aztek has quickly become my favorite. Because of poorly delivered marketing, it is possible to get great deals on one of the best bargains available today in the auto world.
A stand out among the ordinary
We purchased this vehicle for around $21,000. It stickered for $23,885. We looked at the Rendezvous but to get the same equipment we would have had to spend nearly $4,000.00 more! The 0% financing made it even more tempting. We turned in our 2001 olds Alero early and are still paying less to purchase this vehicle than to lease the Alero! The ride and handling are top notch and the functionality of the interior is wonderfull! My wife originally wanted a minivan but after I talked her into the Aztek (because it was $3,000 cheaper) we now fight over the keys to the Aztek
I love the rhino
I rent cars about 50 weeks a year. When I can I rent an Aztec. The car rental p=folks call it the 'Rhino' (for rhinocerous). I've rented the Rendezvous,all the Isuzus, Fords, Chevy's and GMCs but the Aztec is my favorite for comfort and spaciouness. My husband is 6'4" and also says it's very comfortable. I will buy one when I quit traveling for business
2002 Aztek
Great fun car to drive great in snow and ice.
Not worth your money
I first bought my AWD Sports Aztek because of 2 friends owning one. I took a ride in it and fell in love. 2 days later, I went and bought one. As ugly as it is, my Aztek is super sporty with a lot of features most don't have. However, I have had nothing but problems with it (My 2 friends sold theirs a year later and later found out it was documented a "lemon"). I have 72,000 miles on it right now. I have replaced both front rotors twice, brakes twice, windshield always leaks,gas mileage is horrible.I fill up every 4 to 5 days (I only drive about 30 miles every day). Rear latch always sticks, tires wear out easily, now the car is shaking and a bad grinding noise which is affecting driving
I will never buy a GM again
Well, I thought I had made a pretty good deal at the time of purchase but when you add up all I have spent in repairs (transmission, a/c (had only 48k miles at the time), traction system) I am driving a $30k PONTIAC. I hate cars.
total dismay
In 3 days after the purchase, it breaks down. The car would not start. The dealership did not respond quick enough. the 24hour assistance was just horrible. I was stranded on busy two - lane street (Ave of stars in Century city, L.A.). at 1 p.m. The service technician sent from the dealer arrived at the scene at 7:00 p.m. The guy did not even know where Century city was. To make it worse, he could not fix the problem. Then, I called the 24 hour road side assistance at 8;00 P.M. The towing truck driver arrived at 10:10 P.M. It has been the worst day of life and this is all because of one stupid, crappy car.
Tremendous Budget Buy
I licked my chops over the 2003 Vibe, but then I was showed this 2001 clearance model. Once inside, the versatility and features won me over. Great for hauling my musical gear, and everyone asks me about it. Smooth quiet ride, really sits and drives more luxuriously than its outdoorsy interior. I couldn't find anything else in an SUV or wagon with leather seats, much less heated, for 23,000. Enough said. Also, Consumer Guide gives the FWD version the higher score, for better acceleration and ride.
Beauty's Only Skin Deep
Don't judge a book by it's cover. I thought it was one of the ugliest vehicle I'd ever seen, when I first saw it, but now more than 2 years later I bought one. I took a look at the sticker, and on a dare, I test drove the Aztek. I loved the way it drove, and all the features it included. I couldn't pass up one of the best bargains on the market. I'm still not crazy about the style, (everyone else in my family loves it), but it is growing on me, and I really like the way it handles/drives. One problem --- everyone in my family wants to borrow it.
We love it!!
I bought the Aztek after a lot of research that I based on people who actually owned them...and now I know I definitely did the right thing. Oh and I don't care if other don't like it,,,,,they're not the one who drives it...and as long as I'm satisfied that's all that really counts!! My 4 grandchildren who age from 2 to 11 just love to ride in it..and everyone who has ever ridden with me are pleasantly surprised....
The Best small SUV the AZTEK
This is the best car i have ever own, it is fun to drive, I am tottaly in love with it. All the gadgets are great Cargo space is good, sound system is solid and handling is great. Fun to drive, easy to handle.
Give it a chance
For a couple of years we looked for a vehicle that can carry large, bulky items, gets good gas mileage (25+ highway), is front wheel drive, and is comfortable for long trips (over 12 hours/day). These criteria eliminated the great majority of SUV's out there until the Aztek came along. Against the advice of friends, we had a test drive and were more than pleasantly surprised by the ride, comfort and easy handling. We bought one in Feb. and it keeps getting better the longer we own it. Give one a chance!
It´s just a dream...
This it´s the best vehicle that I´ve had. Functional, powerful, electronic high tech equipment, a touch of luxury inside, all whell drive, hud, excellent system sound, leather, sunroof...
It makes difference
I have Aztek AWD already 8 months. So far its been a pleasure driving it and injoing it. My wife did not like it in the begining but now She is the Aztek's biggest fan. First snow and drive through a messy Pittsburgh streets was a real test. Vehicle is well designed and built for a harsh winter conditions and so far we made several long trips to Savana (GA), N. Orleans (LA), Toronto (CA) not having any problems. Considering the pricee that we paid,(19600) (with 17' wheels) this car is realy best buy for its class. I strongly recmmend it for people that wnat to make a diference.
Mixed Bag
I was singing its praises for the first few months of ownership, but now- 2,000 miles into ownership, on its first road trip-major problem. A boot on the drive shaft broke and left me stranded for more than a week while the part had to be shipped from Detroit. GM has no trip interrupt policy so they paid some but I was out $500 in expenses-plus the inconvenience. The dealer said if the drive shaft would have dropped on the pavement at highway speed-we'd be dead! A few other minor complaints- the rear hatch struts are too weak for the heavy trunk. The radio is possessed-stations will change, tracks will change, and the mode AM/FM/CD will change.
A total surprise inside and out
We had driven and looked at dozens of cars and SUV's. Nothing seemed to fit what we needed. Having driven a Buick Park Avenue Ultra I was more than a little bit spoiled by the power and options I had become used to. I had walked past the Aztek twice and never gave it a second look, but my husband stopped and looked inside. He called me over and we went for a test drive and immediately knew that this was exactly what we needed at a price that we could afford! It had all of the options that my Buick had, plus the fun sporty drive that is classic Pontiac.
Awesome Car
I bought my Aztek a year ago this month, and I absolutely made the right decision. Considering the alternative cars, such as the Nissan Xterra, with a lower base price, but no comfort features to speak of, the Aztek is worth it, the most basic ones come with CD, power locks and windows, AC and heat, and so much more. They are great for traveling, and having tailgate parties, and you wouldn't believe the room in the back!
The Tank
I purchased this vehicle as a leftover 2001 while I was looking for a 2003 Vibe. I was able to get $3,000 in rebates and $3,160 off the list price. I took a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida last month and the comfort was excellent with an abundance of room for everything. As the owner of a Trans Am, I say it could use about 35 more horsepower but the mileage would suffer. The trip average was 22.1 mpg overall with a high of 25.2 on one tank with the speed kept below 65 mph. Start looking at 75 mph and that figure will drop to the high 22's. Again, if you can get someone in one the features will win them over.
Doors that bend.
Major design flaws with front doors--as seen in numerous investigative reports. Door that open too hard will not close again. No fixes from Pontiac offered. Completely happy with it if my passenger door would shut. Apparently the hinges mount to sheetmetal rather than body frame. Find one on a lot more than a couple of months old, and it will have a eskewed door. Do I hear class-action lawsuit?
Weird looking but cool to drive.
I was impressed by the interior the most. Very roomy, & confortablle, especcially in the back seat. I like alot of space when I drive and even when I have my seat to where I want it there is still a bunch of room for the passenger in the back.
Great......with qualifications
Seating comfort is great, especially for someone with lumbar problems. Overall flexibility of this vehicle is phenomenol. It's a real shame that GM didn't do a rear-end styling change (smooth it out, improve visibility and overall attractiveness) early-on. I decided on buying a "nearly-new" '02 instead of a '03 due to price/option considerations. Guess I'll be considering a Rendevous in the future ?!!
Love our Aztek
It's easy to maneuver in parking lots, handles well and is surprisingly peppy. The rear audio controls and slide out storage bin are extremely useful. The stereo is great (get the 180W 10-speaker system). With the rear tie downs and tailgate/hatch setup I am constantly amazed at what I can haul with it (very versatile). This has been a great replacement for our minivan and has been servicing our family (2 adults and 3 kids) very well for the last year. This is the vehicle that brought me back to domestic vehicles after years of buying imports. It has been reliable and fun to drive, definitely a keeper.
don't waste your money on this one
since i bought this i had problem with it every day. try looking for some other japanese suv. try the suzuki xL-7 the aztek is so ugly. don't spend money on this american junk. it took me almost 6 months to sell this thing. even the gm Dealer gave a very low tarding value. only $6000.00 for it with 10000 miles on it
Makes life Fun
I bought my Aztek used and got a Great deal on it. I am the Mother of three boys 14,8,6. When it came time to get a new Vehicle my husband wanted me to get a car but with three boys a Van to a car NOWAY. At first I thought the Aztek was a bit strange looking but once I test drove it I KNEW it was for me. Makes me feel young again and still gives me the space I need. My boys think its the coolist Thing and thier friends all like it so I earned bonus points. hahaha
Very competent not so cute AWD
I purchased this car used with under 40K miles from a Ford dealer on e-bay. My trip home averaged 27 mpg. I often drive the car to Northern Vermont, a six hour trip feeling refreshed and confident that the AWD will perform in snow as expected. With side airbags, ABS, fog lights, truly comfortable heated seats and an average mpg consistently in the low to mid twenties and a price below $12,000, this car offers good value. It is easy to find in parking lots bcause of its size and rarity. If the car had a more appealing exterior, I would probably own TWO.
Highly recommended!
I absolutely LOVE this vehicle! It feels & drives like a much more expensive SUV. It's very roomy and comfortable and the passengers in the back have plenty of leg room.
White Aztec
Replaced rear hatch shocks, brake safety switch, front passenger side wheel axle, thermostat, rear defrost doesn't work and hatch is hard to close. Fixing things costs a lot of money because you have to go to a dealer. I was better off trading it.
FunDrive
This vehicle has a fantastic ride and it just feels good to sit in and drive. A glance over your right sholder while driving gives one a great view all around. The engine/horsepower feels more than adaquit for this vehicle as well.
Never thought it could be me buying it
I still say after buying the vehicle, that I know it is non appealing, but I said its like getting that pearl inside that shell. I love that the seats come out, my dogs (2 wiems) love all the room in it. I can't count how many times I could have used the tent in the past. The features are great, the ride is wonderful. I would have to say though the I would rather take this over a minivan anyday. because we have almost the same room. If you want a luxury SUV the Aztek is not for you. If you want a SUV to go skiing, hicking, camping, canoing, road trips, party/tailgatting vehicle.... get the aztek