2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2001 Pontiac Aztek
2005 Pontiac Aztek
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2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek ▼

  • Price Range:  $2,600 - $8,800
CG Rating

53

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Passenger and cargo room
  • Cargo room
  • Interior storage space

Cons

  • Interior materials
  • Brake-pedal feel (2WD)

Vehicle Highlights

Aiming at young sport-minded buyers, Pontiac's new car/SUV crossover went on sale in summer 2000 in base and better-equipped GT form, with front-wheel drive. Aztek was loosely based on Pontiac's Montana minivan, with the same 3.4 liter V6 and mandatory automatic transmission, but with four conventional side doors and hatchback styling with a drop-down tailgate. Front side airbags and antilock brakes were standard. An all-wheel-drive version became available during the 2001 season, able to distribute power to the four wheels based upon available traction. Four-wheel disc brakes replaced the usual disc/drum setup on all-wheel-drive models, which were not intended for offroad use and did not include low-range gearing. Aztek's maximum towing capacity was 3500 pounds, the same as the Montana's. Ground clearance was 6.7 inches. Azteks were larger than the popular Lexus RX 300, another car-based crossover. Wheelbase was 5.5 inches longer and it measured 2 inches longer overall. An Aztek was slightly taller and wider, too, with 1.5 inches more rear leg room and 93.5 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats were removed. Standard equipment included air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and power windows/locks/mirrors. The GT added traction control, 16-inch tires in place of 15s, and a removable console bin that served as combination cooler and CD case. Options included a power sunroof and a slide-out cargo-floor section with storage bins and rollaway wheels. Exclusive GT options included heated leather front seats, two rear captain's chairs to replace the standard three-person bench, a head-up instrument display, and GM's OnStar assistance system. Recreational accessories available through dealers included washable seat covers and a camping package with clip-on tent and fitted air mattress. Charges of bizarre styling soon began to surface, which had a negative impact on Aztek sales. Competitors included the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Subaru Forester, but none of these models looked anything like the Aztek.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Pontiac Aztek 2WD Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 53
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek.

Year to Year Changes


2002 Pontiac Aztek: Alterations to its controversial styling and more standard features highlighted the 2002 Aztek. The former GT trim level was dropped, leaving two base models, one with front-wheel drive and the other with GM's Versatrak all-wheel drive. The most notable appearance change was a revised paint scheme that substituted body-color trim for most of the previous gray lower-body cladding. Wheel designs also changed, including three-spoke alloy wheels for the 2WD model. An insulated front console cooler and CD player were now standard instead of optional. Traction control was optional with two-wheel drive. Other options included heated leather front seats, a slide-out cargo-floor with storage bins and rollaway wheels, and GM's OnStar system. Buick now offered a crossover vehicle similar to the Aztek, called the Rendezvous. Styling was less jarring and a Rendezvous could seat seven, versus the Aztek's five.
2003 Pontiac Aztek: Antilock braking and front side airbags were now optional, not standard, on front-drive models. A DVD-based video entertainment system joined the option list. Wheels were restyled, and an XM Satellite radio became available.
2004 Pontiac Aztek: New for 2004 is a Rally Edition appearance package. It includes unique interior and exterior trim, a lowered ride-height suspension, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Another new available option for '04 is a MP3 package upgrade, which includes steering wheel audio controls.
2005 Pontiac Aztek: Aztek received no changes in 2005.

Our road test for the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

If you aren't put off by Aztek's appearance, you can get a solid utility vehicle for a fair price. Like its minivan parent, the front-drive Aztek offers smooth acceleration and good midrange response--though no surplus of either. The AWD version weighs about 264 pounds more and feels somewhat slower than the 2WD model, in most conditions. Fuel economy is so-so. A test 2WD model averaged 18.7 mpg, while a 4WD Aztek that covered more highway miles averaged 19.4 mpg. Azteks use regular fuel. An Aztek's suspension is generally absorbent and well-controlled, with its minivan roots yielding better bump absorption than most midsize SUVs manage. Heavier AWD models do not ride quite as smoothly. Some side-to-side body motions on uneven pavement have been evident in both. Steering/handling also is minivanlike. Unstressed in routine driving, the Aztek delivers good cornering grip. Fast turns generate pronounced body lean, though, and strong crosswinds compromise the front-drive version's stability. Stopping power with ABS seems more than adequate, despite a mushy-feeling brake pedal on 2WD test models. Relatively low noise levels are evident from the engine, wind, and road. Few true SUVs are this quiet. Gauges and controls are functional, despite the dashboard's eccentric appearance, with unnecessary bulges and coves. Thick side roof pillars interfere with visibility over the shoulder, and the driver cannot easily see front body corners. A rear wiper has not been available, and the sloped hatchback glass is quickly coated in a wintertime film of salt and slush. Cabin materials are mostly budget-grade plastics. Front seating is comfortable, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward travel. Step-in height is minivan-low, easing entry/exit. Knee, leg and foot space in the rear should suit six-footers. The rear bench seat is more springy foam than supportive padding. Passengers must twist their feet to get in or out, and large doors are cumbersome in tight spaces. Cargo space is cavernous and versatile. The console doubles as a cooler, and doors have map pockets with twin bottle holders. The rear bench easily removes in two sections, and the available sliding rear storage tray is clever and useful. An Aztek can carry 4x8-foot plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered, but the large glass liftgate is heavy and that tailgate does not open flat.
Value for the Money
Aztek is as comfortable as any SUV, and packed with features designed for active folks, but cannot venture far off road. Assembly quality and budget-grade cabin materials won't please the discerning, however. Unorthodox styling has tended to keep new-car prices discounted and resale prices down a bit.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Pontiac Aztek 2WD Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 4
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 8
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 53

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Aztek includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Aztek .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Electrical problem: There was a recall (nonsafety related) to repair the global positioning system for the On-Star system. (2001)

Fuel gauge: Water leaking onto the electrical connector below the driver's seat causes corrosion resulting in starting failures, stalling and/or malfunctioning fuel gauge. (2001-02)

Poor transmission shift: If beverages spill into the console, the shift-indicator slide gets damaged making it difficult or impossible to shift out of park. There is an improved replacement part to fix this. (2001-02)

Water leak: The air conditioner evaporator case may not drain properly causing water to leak into the passenger-side foot well. (2001)

Wipers: The wiper blades strike one another near the bottom of the windshield. The right (passenger) side blade should be replaced with a shorter one. (2001)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $530
Alternator $585
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $1,705
Brakes $415
Constant Velocity Joints $610
Exhaust System $335
Radiator $355
Shocks and/or Struts $810
Timing Chain or Belt $210
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Aztek details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2005
Aztek 2WD $7,700-9,000 $6,900-8,100 $3,900-4,500
Aztek 4WD $8,500-9,800 $7,700-8,800 $4,400-5,100
2004
Aztek 2WD $6,200-7,300 $5,400-6,400 $2,700-3,100
Aztek 4WD $6,900-8,000 $6,100-7,100 $3,200-3,800
2003
Aztek 2WD $5,000-6,000 $4,300-5,100 $2,000-2,400
Aztek 4WD $5,700-6,700 $4,900-5,800 $2,300-2,700
2002
Aztek 2WD $4,000-4,800 $3,300-3,900 $1,300-1,500
Aztek 4WD $4,600-5,400 $3,900-4,500 $1,700-2,000
2001
Aztek 2WD $3,300-4,000 $2,600-3,200 $800-1,000
Aztek 4WD $3,800-4,500 $3,100-3,700 $1,200-1,400
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Aztek include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 108.3
Overall Length, in. 182.1
Overall Width, in. 73.7
Overall Height, in. 66.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 4043
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 93.5
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.0
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head Room, in. 39.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 40.5
Rear Head Room, in. 39.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

All Azteks had the same powertrain: a 3.4-liter V6 engine that developed 185 horsepower, driving a four-speed automatic transmission. Both front-drive and all-wheel drive versions have been available.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
ohv V6 3.4 / 207 185 210 4-speed automatic: 19/26 4-speed automatic: --

With all-wheel drive, the EPA rating is 18/24 mpg.

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Mexico
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Aztek include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2001 Aztek
Front Impact, Driver 3
Front Impact, Passenger 4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2001: Seat-latch anchor-wire diameter may be greater than 6.1 mm standard. Dealers will inspect and repair the latch anchor wires.
2001-02: Owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the lower universal-anchorage system. Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual.
2001-04: Exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to the fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve. A fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and leak. Dealers will replace the fuel tank.
2003: Steering column-intermediate shaft could be too small, allowing the intermediate shaft to spin inside the steering column coupling, resulting in loss of steering control of the vehicle. Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the steering-column intermediate shaft.
2004: Certain vehicles may have a faulty fuel-tank and will notice an odor of gasoline. This might result in fuel leakage. Dealer will inspect the serial number on the fuel tank to see if its on the list of affected tanks.
2004: Contamination on ignition relay contacts can cause high resistance, which could result in intermittent stalling; vehicle cannot then be restarted immediately.

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