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2003 Pontiac Aztek Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2003 Pontiac Aztek Review:
2003 Pontiac Aztek Review
Antilock brakes and front side airbags are optional instead of standard for 2003 on front-wheel-drive versions of this crossover SUV. Addition of an optional DVD entertainment system rounds out the '03 changes. Aztek is based on Pontiac's Montana minivan. It has four conventional side doors and a combination rear liftgate/drop-down tailgate. The Buick Rendezvous also shares Aztek's underskin design, but has a longer body, different styling, and seating for seven vs. Aztek's five. A V6 with automatic transmission is the sole powertrain. Aztek offers front-wheel drive with optional traction control or GM's Versatrak all-wheel drive. Versatrak lacks low-range gearing and isn't designed for severe off-road use. AWD Azteks come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags. With 2WD, ABS and front side airbags now are included in the $3,225 1SC option group or in a $950 option combo. Also for '03, wheels--16- or 17-inch, depending on model and options--get a new look. XM satellite radio is a new option. Also new is rear-seat DVD video; it's available only with the 1SC package. That package also includes a tire-pressure monitor, OnStar assistance, upgraded interior trim, power driver seat, and slide-out rear cargo tray. Among other options are heated leather front seats, in-dash CD changer, sunroof, and a 3500-lb towing package. Available through dealers is a camping setup with clip-on tent and fitted air mattress.
Competition
New to the class this year, Honda Pilot has taken the lead as a Best Buy. It offers ample cargo space, seating for eight passengers, all-wheel drive with a locking rear differential for added traction, and above-average refinement. Toyota Highlander is our other Best Buy, chosen for its on-road competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: Ford Explorer, GMC Envoy, and Toyota 4Runner. For 2003, all now offer optional V8 engines and--with the exception of 4Runner--three rows of seats.
News
Aztek jumped a surprising 140 percent in year-to-year sales in calendar 2001, but was still well below Pontiac's original target. And demand was essentially flat in the first nine months of 2002. Critics blame Aztek's poor reception on oddball styling and pricing that's too high for the younger buyers Aztek was created for. Pontiac addressed appearance by removing questionable cosmetic fripperies for '02, and now tackles the price issue by making some standard features optional.
But is this enough? Not according to some industry-watchers, who say Aztek's future is uncertain after '03. Of course, they may be unduly pessimistic, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Aztek axed fairly soon, perhaps after one more season.
But is this enough? Not according to some industry-watchers, who say Aztek's future is uncertain after '03. Of course, they may be unduly pessimistic, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Aztek axed fairly soon, perhaps after one more season.
2003 Pontiac Aztek Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Interior materials |
| Interior storage space | Brake-pedal feel (2WD model) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Like its minivan parent, the front-drive Aztek has smooth acceleration and good midrange response, though no surplus of either. AWD version adds about 260 lb, feels somewhat slower in most conditions.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.9 |
Like its minivan parent, the front-drive Aztek has smooth acceleration and good midrange response, though no surplus of either. AWD version adds about 260 lb, feels somewhat slower in most conditions.
Fuel Economy
Test front-driver averaged 18.7 mpg versus 19.4 for our AWD over more highway miles. Aztek uses regular-grade fuel.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 3.7 |
Test front-driver averaged 18.7 mpg versus 19.4 for our AWD over more highway miles. Aztek uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Generally absorbent and well-controlled. Minivan roots yield better bump absorption than in most midsize SUVs. Some side-to-side body motion on uneven pavement. Heavier AWD model not quite as comfortable.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.4 |
Generally absorbent and well-controlled. Minivan roots yield better bump absorption than in most midsize SUVs. Some side-to-side body motion on uneven pavement. Heavier AWD model not quite as comfortable.
Steering/Handling/Braking
More minivan than typical SUV. Unstressed in routine driving. Good cornering grip, but fast turns induce pronounced body lean. Front-drive model too easily buffeted by strong crosswinds. Stopping power more than adequate with ABS, but 2WD test model had mushy brake-pedal feel. Have not tested Aztek sans ABS.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
More minivan than typical SUV. Unstressed in routine driving. Good cornering grip, but fast turns induce pronounced body lean. Front-drive model too easily buffeted by strong crosswinds. Stopping power more than adequate with ABS, but 2WD test model had mushy brake-pedal feel. Have not tested Aztek sans ABS.
Quietness
Relatively low noise levels from all sources. Few SUVs are this quiet.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Relatively low noise levels from all sources. Few SUVs are this quiet.
Controls
Dashboard afflicted with unnecessary bulges, coves, and odd shapes, but location and design of gauges and controls is sensible enough. Cabin materials mostly budget-grade plastics, a big letdown.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
Dashboard afflicted with unnecessary bulges, coves, and odd shapes, but location and design of gauges and controls is sensible enough. Cabin materials mostly budget-grade plastics, a big letdown.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable seats and positioning, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Thick roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder vision, and driver can't easily see front body corners. No rear wiper available, and the sloped hatchback glass is fast clouded by wintertime salt and slush. Minivan-low step-in eases entry/exit.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Comfortable seats and positioning, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward seat travel. Thick roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder vision, and driver can't easily see front body corners. No rear wiper available, and the sloped hatchback glass is fast clouded by wintertime salt and slush. Minivan-low step-in eases entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Enough knee, leg, and toe space for 6-footers. 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.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Enough knee, leg, and toe space for 6-footers. 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 Room
Cavernous and versatile. Console doubles as a cooler, doors have map pockets with twin bottle holders, rear bench easily removes in two sections, and the available rear storage tray is clever and useful. Aztek carries 4x8 plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered, but the gate doesn't lie completely flat and the large glass liftgate is heavy.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Cavernous and versatile. Console doubles as a cooler, doors have map pockets with twin bottle holders, rear bench easily removes in two sections, and the available rear storage tray is clever and useful. Aztek carries 4x8 plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered, but the gate doesn't lie completely flat and the large glass liftgate is heavy.
Value within Class
Aztek is more comfortable than most truck-based SUVs and offers lots of nifty features for active types. But it can't venture far off-road. And it lacks the look or feel of quality. Pontiac's decision to charge 2WD buyers extra for the important safety tandem of front side airbags and ABS is unseemly. At least continuing slow sales mean ready discounts on Aztek.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 5 |
Aztek is more comfortable than most truck-based SUVs and offers lots of nifty features for active types. But it can't venture far off-road. And it lacks the look or feel of quality. Pontiac's decision to charge 2WD buyers extra for the important safety tandem of front side airbags and ABS is unseemly. At least continuing slow sales mean ready discounts on Aztek.
Total Score
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 54 | 52 | 51.2 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 35 | |
| Average Score | 51 | |
| High Score | 66 |
2003 Pontiac Aztek Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/12/2003
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| FWD Base 4-door hatchback | $20,870 | $19,096 | $600 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base 4-door hatchback | $23,820 | $21,795 | $600 |
Price note: FWD denote front-wheel drive. AWD denotes all-wheel drive.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, map lights, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, power decklid release, automatic headlights, front floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70R16 tires, wheel covers, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
1SB Option Group
|
||
|
FWD
|
$1,225
|
$1,090
|
|
AWD
|
$970
|
$863
|
|
Cruise control, remote keyless entry, removable storage console/cooler, cargo nets and tie-downs, rear privacy glass, alloy wheels (FWD).
|
||
|
1SC Option Group
|
||
|
FWD
|
$3,225
|
$2,870
|
|
AWD
|
$3,070
|
$2,732
|
|
Option Group 1SB plus traction control (FWD), front side airbags (FWD), antilock brakes (FWD), tire-pressure monitor, OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), upgraded upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, 2-way power passenger seat, front-seat lumbar adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, trip computer, compass, overhead console, driver information center, slide-out rear cargo tray, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, 235/55R17 tires.
|
||
|
Luxury Appointment Group
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,395
|
$1,242
|
|
Leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, head-up instrument display. Requires 1SC Option Group.
|
||
|
Rally Appearance Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$650
|
$579
|
|
Color-keyed grille, chrome exhaust tips, badging, lowered suspension, 235/55R17 tires, unique alloy wheels. Requires Option Group.
|
||
|
Enhanced Storage Group
|
||
|
Base
|
$95
|
$85
|
|
Cargo cover, front-door utility packs, rear floormats, roof rack.
|
||
|
Trailer Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$365
|
$325
|
|
Heavy-duty engine-oil cooler and alternator, load-leveling rear suspension, air-inflation kit. Requires Option Group.
|
||
|
|
||
Safety |
||
|
Antilock brakes
|
||
|
FWD
|
$950
|
$846
|
|
Includes front side airbags.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
w/1SB
|
$650
|
$579
|
|
w/1SC
|
$240
|
$214
|
|
Deletes OnStar System.
|
||
|
Dual-zone manual climate controls
|
||
|
Base
|
$195
|
$174
|
|
Includes rear climate controls and vents. Requires 1SC Option Group.
|
||
|
DVD Video Entertainment System
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,000
|
$890
|
|
Requires 1SC Option Group. NA w/power sunroof, satellite radio.
|
||
|
AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
w/1SB
|
$510
|
$454
|
|
w/1SC
|
$395
|
$352
|
|
Includes rear-seat radio controls. Requires Option Group.
|
||
|
Pioneer AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
w/1SB
|
$805
|
$716
|
|
w/1SC
|
$695
|
$619
|
|
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cargo-area radio controls. Requires Option Group.
|
||
|
Satellite radio
|
||
|
Base
|
$325
|
$289
|
|
Requires monthly fee, Option Group.
|
||
|
6-way power driver seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$500
|
$445
|
|
Includes sliding rear cargo tray. Requires 1SB Option Group.
|
||
|
Removable storage console/cooler
|
||
|
Base
|
$75
|
$67
|
|
Red accent upholstery
|
||
|
Base
|
$100
|
$89
|
|
Requires 1SC Option Group.
|
||
|
Smoker's Group
|
||
|
Base
|
$26
|
$23
|
|
Ash tray, lighter.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Engine-block heater
|
||
|
Base
|
$35
|
$31
|
|
Requires Option Group.
|
||
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
Trailer hitch
|
||
|
Base
|
$310
|
$276
|
|
Requires Option Group, Trailer Pkg.
|
||
|
5-spoke alloy wheels
|
||
|
Base
|
$295
|
$263
|
|
Includes 235/55R17 tires. Requires 1SB Option Group.
|
||
|
215/70R16 self-sealing white-letter tires
|
||
|
Base
|
$150
|
$134
|
|
Requires 1SB Option Group.
|
||
|
|
||
2003 Pontiac Aztek Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac Aztek 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.
Engines
| ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.4 /204 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 210 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 18/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac Aztek 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2003 Pontiac Aztek Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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