Despite looking like the illegitimate love child of a VW Beetle and a dump-truck, the short-lived Pontiac Aztek is a machine that benefited from exceptional customer satisfaction ratings and a wide range of fans. From busy families to active couples, Aztek owners mostly had the same goal when they chose their ride: a versatile machine that stood out.
After all, there was then (and continues to be now) a large selection of versatile and hefty 'crossovers' which could muster up the space to meet any job. Few if any were as memorable looking-regardless of the reason why.
Looks aside, Aztek had a lot to offer. Traction control was available, as was OnStar, a heads-up display, sixteen-inch wheels and heated leather seating- depending on the model chosen. The interior was further diversified with a slew of clever storage spaces and removable bins which doubled as coolers. Adventurous customers could even head to their dealership and opt for washable seat covers or a clip-on tent.
Get over the Aztek's nauseating looks, and you'll find that for an adventurous and busy lifestyle, it hit the nail on the head. All wheel drive (VersaTrak, in Pontiac speak) was even available, and though it was never intended for off-road use, many an owner say Aztek AWD is very much unstoppable in winter driving conditions.
Trouble is, for all its good, it was almost doomed to serve too small a market from the start. Safety and features aside, it took a special sort of person to own one. Many of these individuals bought a Honda CRV or a Chrysler PT Cruiser instead- if not the Buick Rendesvous which was a virtual Aztek twin with less shocking styling.
Should you be looking, you'll find the Aztek is similar to a minivan- but without the sliding doors and sterile looks. In fact, it shares many of its components with the Pontiac Montana - most notably the 3.4 litre V6 and automatic transmission. Thing is, whereas a minivan is designed to blend in and not attract attention, the Aztek always causes a stir.
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After all, there was then (and continues to be now) a large selection of versatile and hefty 'crossovers' which could muster up the space to meet any job. Few if any were as memorable looking-regardless of the reason why.
Looks aside, Aztek had a lot to offer. Traction control was available, as was OnStar, a heads-up display, sixteen-inch wheels and heated leather seating- depending on the model chosen. The interior was further diversified with a slew of clever storage spaces and removable bins which doubled as coolers. Adventurous customers could even head to their dealership and opt for washable seat covers or a clip-on tent.
Get over the Aztek's nauseating looks, and you'll find that for an adventurous and busy lifestyle, it hit the nail on the head. All wheel drive (VersaTrak, in Pontiac speak) was even available, and though it was never intended for off-road use, many an owner say Aztek AWD is very much unstoppable in winter driving conditions.
Trouble is, for all its good, it was almost doomed to serve too small a market from the start. Safety and features aside, it took a special sort of person to own one. Many of these individuals bought a Honda CRV or a Chrysler PT Cruiser instead- if not the Buick Rendesvous which was a virtual Aztek twin with less shocking styling.
Should you be looking, you'll find the Aztek is similar to a minivan- but without the sliding doors and sterile looks. In fact, it shares many of its components with the Pontiac Montana - most notably the 3.4 litre V6 and automatic transmission. Thing is, whereas a minivan is designed to blend in and not attract attention, the Aztek always causes a stir.
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