Pontiac Aztek
Looking for something different? If your mind-set is clearly that of a 20-something, regardless of your chronological age, the Pontiac Aztek may be the vehicle for you.
To say the styling is outrageous is an understatement.
Squared-off wheel openings, a front end that appears to be the composite of at least two separate styling ideas and an angled rear hatch of mainly glass, the Pontiac Aztek's exterior is a love it or hate it proposition.
This oddball design effort is primarily the result of attempting to stretch Pontiac Aztek's sheet metal over the architecture of the Montana minivan in a shape disguising its heritage. Pontiac has certainly managed to do that. On the other hand, looks aren't everything. There are some who might say Ethel Merman wasn't a handsome woman, yet, she could really belt out a tune. Just listen to the Pontiac Aztek sing.
If the Pontiac Aztek were a blind date, when asked about its looks your friends would probably reply that it has a great personality and bakes one mean lasagna.
You have to dig deeper - beneath the skin - to get to the real Pontiac Aztek story. A vehicle for people on the go, it is both comfortable and highly functional. Two versions are offered. In its base form, Pontiac Aztek provides four-speed automatic transmission, front-side impact air bags, air conditioning, power windows/door locks and tilt steering wheel. Spending the extra three grand for the GT gains owners dual-zone climate control, traction control, remote keyless entry, roof rack and leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls, among other features.
Both editions are powered by the same 185-horsepower 3.4-liter V-6. A fairly peppy powertrain, it gets the Pontiac Aztek under way with sufficient enthusiasm.
The automatic transmission shifts precisely, making the most of the V-6's output. Reaching 60 miles per hour from a standing stop takes just over nine seconds. Fuel economy is about average. The front-wheel-drive Pontiac Aztek has an Environmental Protection Agency mpg rating of 19 in the city and 26 on the highway.
In terms of driveability, Pontiac Aztek mimics the minivan on which it is based. When trying to pigeonhole it, Pontiac Aztek is most like the new breed of hybrids including Toyota Highlander and Subaru Forester. So, don't expect a rough and tumble SUV, but rather a life-style people mover. Pontiac calls Pontiac Aztek an SRV, or sport recreational vehicle. And, that it is. The ride is pliant and the handling a tad soft.
For those who want a bit more recreational performance, Pontiac Aztek can be fitted with the innovative Versatrak all-wheel-drive system. Not really an off-road system, Versatrak is designed more for foul weather than veering off the asphalt. Engineered specifically for Pontiac Aztek, this all-wheel-drive system requires no driver input whatsoever. Devoid of most of the mechanicals typically part and parcel of all-wheel-drive systems, Versatrak uses twin georotor pumps connected to separate clutches on the rear wheels. When slippage occurs on the front wheels, this system intuitively transfers power to one or both rear wheels. Neat.
Inside, Pontiac Aztek is as versatile as it is comfortable. In general terms, the seats are supportive, the controls simple to operate and there is plenty of space. Upon closer scrutiny, however, it's how Pontiac Aztek's interior space can be personalized that makes this a terrific vehicle for active owners.
The two rows of removable rear seats also fold and tip, providing lots of configurations. The cargo floor is flat. There are all sorts of cubby holes, cargo anchors and nets back there for storage. An optional netting system or a sliding rear cargo tray capable of supporting up to 400 pounds can be ordered.
The center console can be fitted with a removable beverage cooler. Likewise, optional utility packs custom fitted to the front door panels can be removed to transport things such as cell phones and cameras. Dropping the tailgate reveals molded-in seating for tailgate parties. An upgraded audio system provides rear-aimed speakers and a separate set of controls located in the cargo area.
Additionally, Pontiac Aztek can be fitted with Lifestyle Accessory Packages for camping, biking and hiking. These include features like a tent custom-fitted to the open tailgate, backpacks, and interior or exterior-mounted bike racks. As with most GM vehicles today, the OnStar communications system is also available as an option.
Base price of the FWD Pontiac Aztek GT is $24,445. Piling on a number of extra features such as leather seating, power driver's seat, OnStar, upgraded audio system, trailer tow package and anti-theft security alarm added another $2,550 to the bottom line. The $550 delivery charge brought the total price of my Pontiac Aztek GT to $27,545.
The Washington Times August 31, 2001 Heaps, Russ
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