2002 Pontiac Aztek from North America

Summary:

It's an under-rated, but top-notch vehicle

Faults:

Minor problem with rear hatchback.

General Comments:

Traded a harsh-riding 2001 Pontaic Grand Prix GT for a new '02 Aztek after a 15-minute demo ride. Paid surprisingly little for all the upscale options, like the 10-speaker Pioneer sound system, pull-out cargo tray and driver information system. It's a very, very well thought out vehicle. It has been absolutely reliable for 30,000 miles with excellent fuel economy to boot. Pontiac got this one right!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th September, 2005

2002 Pontiac Aztek from North America

Summary:

Love it, unique design makes it easy to find in a parking lot!

Faults:

Needed rear differential fluid replaced.

General Comments:

This is the frst SUV I have driven, but once I got used to slightly wider turning radius, than I was used to, with a car, love driving the Aztek. The roominess is a definite plus, can really appreciate the extra space. Mileage is excellent, a really big plus, with the rising gas prices. Rear spoiler was a bit of a surprise, but have found it very useful, when driving at night, no annoying glare, from vehicles behind me. Best of all can get out of the driveway, when it snows!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th August, 2005

2002 Pontiac Aztek 3.4 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

Great car, some minor flaws

Faults:

My A/C isn't blowing cold.

My door locks and rear hatch work intermittently with either remote or interior switches.

My "service engine soon" light is illuminated.

General Comments:

I'm a professional automotive technician at a reputable dealership in NJ. Our product is mainly Ford. But, my view is a car's a car. So I attempted to repair these issues myself in the shop, on my own time.

First thing I checked with the A/C was the clutch. Jumped the relay (pins 3+5) and verified that the circuit was working. OK. Still not blowing cold. Time to break out the A/C machine. Recovered about a half pound (system holds around 2 pounds), give or take, from the system. Vacuum tested for 15 minutes, and then let stand for another 10 under full vacuum (-30lbs.) Next, I fully charged the system and viola, everything is working. A/C is ice cold... for about a day. The next day, I go through the same procedure to find out why its blowing warm again. Same thing, low on refrigerant. Since the vehicle passed the vacuum test, I could only assume that the leak occurred during operating pressures. Further research has pinned the preverbial "tail" on the condenser. From what I've read, getting this covered under warranty is 50/50. Either they'll replace it free of charge, or give you the old "looks like impact damage from road debris" excuse. Which, at that point, it would be coming out of your pocket.

To not be totally defeated, I decided to replace my remote batteries. This didn't cure any of my door/hatch issues. So needless to say I had to walk away from this one, with the logic in mind to let the dealer handle this, being that the car is less than 3 years old and currently pushing 23000 miles.

My "service engine soon" light is on the display. I own a global O.B.D II scan tool, and so scanned my vehicle's ABS, and Engine Management modules, but failed to come up with diagnostic trouble codes for any of the three. At first thought it could potentially be from my scanner not being brand specific, but further investigation into these "common" Aztek problems leads me to believe the B.C.M (body control) could be faulty.

The Aztec is going into the dealership this week. (July 30, 2005) I should have an update soon. Hope I could help.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2005

3rd Feb 2006, 08:07

I have an 02 Aztec and my condenser has already gone out as well. I love the car for the looks and it really has been a good car, but now it is leaking water into the motor and my uncle, being a mechanic seems to think it needs an intake gasket. Overall great car, but like stated in previous comments does have minor problems.

28th Jul 2006, 23:20

I have the same problems with my 2002 aztek.

31st Jul 2006, 07:15

Check the Aztek owners group on Yahoo groups. There you will find lots of information. I own a 2001. A/C condensor is always covered under the warranty if normal warranty is in effect. No one on group, including me, has every had that well known defect turned down if they were in the warranty period. Same for the intake manifold gasket leak. In nearly all Azteks these 2 things go out, but are covered. Once these items are fixed, it's a great car. Can't beat if for the money.

16th Dec 2008, 17:36

I purchased a used 2002 Pontiac Aztek with 59000 miles, the vehicle performed great until I reached 69000 miles, the head gasket blew with no warning. Luckily I purchased a warranty a month before. It went out shortly after the warranty went into effect. I hope there won't be any other surprises, I truly love the vehicle, it drives good, everything works, and most of all it looks great.