2004 Pontiac Aztek Rally 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

The Eater Of The Wheel Bearings!

Faults:

Where to start? I haven't seen a vehicle that ate wheel bearings like the Pontiac Aztek. At least every year I had to replace 2 or 3 of the hub assemblies. By the time I recently traded it in, I was up to my 8th replacement in 3 years. Unreal! While it was a comfortable, quirky vehicle, it had a lot of mechanical hiccups:

Brakes had to be replaced every 8-12 months.

The original chrome rims corroded to the point where I had to replace them all, since the tires wouldn't properly seal to them.

New control arm bushings and rear knuckle bushings.

The rear end would constantly CLUNK while accelerating. Dealership told me if it went out, it would be $4000 to replace.

Radio display would cut out. You'd have to hit it to get it to come back on.

Power steering pump leaked constantly.

General Comments:

My first Pontiac, and my last Pontiac. Junk. I wouldn't ever own another one. As I said before, it was a comfortable vehicle, and reliable for the most part, but the premature failure with the wheel bearings drove me to the point where it was time to get rid of it and get something more reliable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 22nd February, 2015

6th Dec 2022, 15:47

Were these cars really that bad, looks aside?

7th Dec 2022, 01:31

If it was like the Grand Am of that era, then yes.

2004 Pontiac Aztek from North America

Summary:

Love it

Faults:

Right rear hub and rear-end had to be replaced at 17,000 miles (under warranty). No problems since then.

General Comments:

This is the best vehicle we have owned. I wish they still made them, and we would be first in line to buy a new one. It is equipped with OnStar (which I would not like to be without again, as I have had to use it in emergency situations). I love the looks both inside and out. I don't know why some think it's ugly; it was just before its time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2010

2004 Pontiac Aztek 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

The most versatile car I've ever owned

Faults:

Have replaced front hubs twice, once at 80,000 and once at 140,000.

Gas gauge very erratic.

Rear hatch won't open without pulling up on it.

Front brakes have been replaced 4 times, rear shoes still original, rear drums replaced at 100,000.

The air compressor for the level ride has rusted beyond repair, and so the inflator and the air shocks are no longer functioning.

Front struts replaced at 80,000.

Front seats are very worn, holes have appeared at the sides.

General Comments:

This car has been one of the best I've owned. The only real issue has been the brakes, and the front hubs. We have over 170k miles on it and still are on the original spark plugs. This car has never been tuned up and still runs like new. The paint has held up well and still has a great shine. If they still made this vehicle, I would not hesitate to buy another one. Looks aren't everything!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th October, 2009

2004 Pontiac Aztek from North America

Summary:

Not an aztec... more like need a tech!!

Faults:

This car was my first brand new car. I was so excited and then a major let down. The car would shut off when going around sharp turns.

The trunk was never operating correctly and had to be shut several times for the light to go off.

The window stopped working.

The material around the shifter would always bunch up and have to be fixed.

I had taken this to the dealer several times, and each time one thing would be repaired something new would happen. One of the employees at the dealership who saw me in the place several times jokingly suggested I received a "Friday made car". I think he was right!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th April, 2008

2004 Pontiac Aztek Versatrek V6 from North America

Summary:

Fantastic... Wish they still made em!

Faults:

Nothing, seriously!!! It's been great!

General Comments:

Wow, absolutely love it! Had for almost 3 years... No problems, and runs and drives like a dream. Good control in snow with the AWD. And personally, I don't mind the looks. Wish they still made em, I'd be another one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th November, 2007