Death of the Aztek?

[biggdogg173]

This is from the automotive guy from the Chicago Tribune. I posted the Aztek parts because you have to register with the site to get any stories. Delta spawn pushing Aztek to days gone by?Published March 24, 2003Aztek, hardly a candidate to win any beauty contests, will be dropped by Pontiac in December of 2004, according to Ward's Automotive Reports, a trade publication.Pontiac officials, however, insist no verdict has been made. They add that a new Rally version of the 2003 Aztek due this spring will be offered for '04 and that a minor cosmetic makeover planned for the '04 Aztek is on schedule.Ward's says dropping Aztek will free space at GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, where Aztek and the Buick Rendezvous are built, to produce derivatives from the Delta small-car platform used now for the Saturn Ion and for '05 on the larger successor to the Chevrolet Cavalier from GM's Lordstown, Ohio, assembly plant.Ward's says Delta derivatives being considered include a model styled after the 1949-'50 Chevy Suburban sport-utility to rival the Chrysler PT Cruiser for the '06 model year as well as production versions of the concept Pontiac Solstice roadster for '06 and the Saturn Sky convertible for '07.Demise by demise: Leave it to General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz to clear up the "anti-SUV hysteria" generated by those who favor the elimination of SUVs from this planet."I believe the anti-sport-utility faction is trying to create the demise of the SUV by reporting its demise when in fact no such demise is taking place," Lutz said.

[meathead333]

amen to to the death of the aztek, i hate that thing.

[cohocarl]

quote:GM's plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, where Aztek and the Buick Rendezvous are builtI understand the Chevy Avalanche and Cadillac Escalade also roll off an assembly line in Mexico. Since G.M. is supposedly saving so much $$ by having the cheaper Mexican laborers assemble these vehicles, I wonder why they are still so expensive. I'm sure they passed this cost savings to the Americans who purchase them......When I ordered the Vibe, I realized it was mostly a Toyota product, but at least it is assembled in California, USA by UAW members. Carl

[Vibe Rater]

Many manufacturers who move to Mexico, come back. They find out that the cheap labour is just that. They're lazy and don't wanna work. Labour costs are such a small protion of the cost of a vehicle that it is not worth the hassle.

[Frosty]

quote:amen to to the death of the aztek, i hate that thing.I am going on record here.....I have grow used to her face With the bigger wheels and monotone, it is just odd now. There is a black one in town, all tinted that looks almost cool. The shame is, it is a good machine, owners like them.My sister has a Buick Rendezvous (sp?) and it has been trouble free, until this one recall.Vehicle Recalls from http://www.canadiandriver.com/news/030327-3.htm .....The most serious of these involves approximately 4,500 Buick Rendezvous and Pontiac Aztek vehicles, model year 2003, which may have a steering columnshaft that is too small, resulting in possible loss of steering control.

[meathead333]

thats always fun to look forward to..

[cohocarl]

quote:I am going on record here.....I have grow used to her face With the bigger wheels and monotone, it is just odd now. There is a black one in town, all tinted that looks almost cool. The shame is, it is a good machine, owners like them. I have to admit also I had a copy of both the Aztek and Vibe brochures debating which one to get. If the boneheads at G.M. would have made a manual tranny available in the Aztek, I probably would have ordered one. The V6 and 3500lb towing package would be nice.If someone blindfolded you, drove you to a Pontiac dealer, and didn't take the blindfold off until you were inside the Aztek, I think many would have a different opinion of it. I think it is a pretty cool ride, but yes, still odd looking. Anyone have any info on the "Rally" package? I couldn't find any info on what this package may consist of.

[Frosty]

Lutz's reaction to the Aztek

[Zamboni Guy]

It was a good run for the Aztec...well, it wasn't a bad run for the Aztec...alright, it was just a run.

[red]

i read in one of the car mags' that the aztek will die when the buick rondy gets redone, in about 2 years.....i liked the aztek....it was a solid car with room and innovation...would have bought one if i didnt hear such bad news about servicing the suckers!

[Vibe Rater]

I think the Aztec drivetrain is just a Pontiac Montana, with available AWD.

[ColonelPanic]

quote:I think the Aztec drivetrain is just a Pontiac Montana, with available AWD.You're right... It's based on the same platform as the Montana, Venture, and Silhouette. I didn't really care for them, but they are pretty practical that's for sure. The Aztek is a great concept, just a little poorly executed. That's the same concept they got right with the Vibe. I have to give Pontiac credit for making a vehicle that's just plain odd (same goes for Honda with the Element.) Takes a lot of nerve to throw something on the public like that in this era of cookie-cutter, generic designs. Love it or hate it, the car is unique. I don't really want to see GM to kill the car, I'm sure there is a market for it out there. Clean up the design a little, make it less radical yet retain a touch of sportiness and sales will increase.A girl at work has one and she was asking me about my Vibe. She said "That's like a mini-Aztek right? Yeah, sure is.

[Frosty]

I get that "Oh is that the new aztek?" lots. Also there is an AWD Montana in SE and GT trim, at least in Canada. They seat up to 8 now and can set you back $41,000 (Can)