2001 Pontiac Aztek

Let’s get something straight right off the bat here: Sleeping in a tent is not my idea of vacation. I love the great outdoors as much as the next guy, but I prefer my plumbing indoors, my bed well above the ground and breakfast delivered by room service if at all possible. So understand that I am not someone lured by one of the Pontiac Aztek’s four adventure packages, like the Hiking package with backpack included or the Camping package with tent that attaches over the rear. Like Rosie O’Donnell (who loves her Aztek), I might pitch the tent in the driveway for the kids to overnight in. I said “might.”
But this Aztek’s strange attraction is not lost on me. I have seen more than a few around town (they’re hard to miss) and have received several inquiries from readers. If nothing else, Pontiac has gotten our attention with the Aztek’s ground-breaking and arguably odd design. Whether or not that backfires (the startling originality, not the Aztek) remains to be seen.

The Good News
Before we debate merits here, let’s establish exactly what the Aztek is. Pontiac calls it an “SRV” for “sport recreation vehicle.” The “recreation” factor comes not only from the aforementioned packages (which include “Biking” and “Trailer Towing,” too), but also from an all-wheel-drive system called Versatrak. It’s an innovative setup that not only automatically transfers some normal front-wheel drive power to the rear wheels when slippage occurs, but can also adapt when one side has more grip than the other. Versatrak is optional, and mine was not thusly equipped.

Other than these adventurous characteristics, the Aztek better resembles a minivan than an SUV. It shares underpinnings with GM’s minivans – Chevrolet Venture, Olds Silhouette and Pontiac Montana – although its wheelbase is slightly shorter. The powertrain, GM’s 3400 V6 producing 185 horses and 210 foot pounds of torque, also comes from the minivans.

The Aztek does sport a little of Pontiac’s “Wide Track” heritage in that its back track is wider even than some mid-size sport utilities’. But with only 6.7 inches of ground clearance, this is definitely not your vehicle for the Camel Trophy run.

Because of the Aztek’s rather bizarre profile, the question I was most asked during my week’s test drive (besides “What is it?”) was, “How does it handle?”
My answer: “Not as awkwardly as it looks.” In fact, it drives much like the minivan it is: Nothing to go squealing around corners in, but nothing to complain about either.

Inside, it feels pretty much like a Pontiac (big squishy buttons everywhere), but with very funky seat covers. A little frightening, actually, if you’re not the free- spirited sort.

But freeing spirits is what this Aztek is all about, right? To that end, gear storage shines. The rear glass hatch opens upward like a minivan hatch, then a tailgate lowers exposing more than 90 cubic feet of cargo room with rear seats removed. That’s not quite as good as a minvan, but far better than comparable sport utilities.

That storage space can be subdivided with an optional cargo net system so stuff doesn’t slide around back there. Or you can buy a sliding tray that helps load/unload heavy gear, among other options. The cupholders molded into the tailgate for picnicking, however, are standard.

Perhaps my favorite feature is the console between the front seats, which is actually a small cooler that lifts out when you’re ready to go tromping off into the woods. Or whatever it is that you do out there.

The Bad News
Much of what I term “bad news” is really relative here. In other words, depending on your point of view, it may not be bad news at all.

Starting with the Aztek’s looks. It is either the ugliest vehicle on the road or the most distinctive and contemporary. Two things are clear, however: a) There are few lukewarm opinions about its interior and exterior styling; and b) It doesn’t go unnoticed. Regardless of how you feel about the Aztek’s, I applaud Pontiac for taking such a bold stab at originality.

Likewise, you might be disappointed that this sporty SRV is really not the offroad/backwoods companion you hoped, but basically a minivan in L.L. Bean. Or your idea of roughing it might be overnight at the local KOA, so you might be thrilled with the Aztek’s minivan ride, generous cargo space and tent package. Like I said, perspective is everything here.

Gas Mileage
EPA rated at 19 mpg city/26 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $24,445;
Price as tested, $25,435

Is it worth it?
Here again, perspective counts. On the one hand, the Aztek adds up as fairly costly transportation if you only occasionally use its cargo/adventure assets. I don’t find it as agile and friendly to scoot around town is as, say, a mid-size sport utility. But it is not unwieldy as everyday transportation, either, no moreso than a minivan. A decidedly untraditional minivan, but a minivan nonetheless.

I guess the big question is how much you embrace Pontiac’s originality here. Were you the first person on your block a decade ago to get one of the GM minivans that looked like Dustbusters, only to see it age like a bad leisure suit in a few years’ time? Will that be the Aztek’s fate? Or will it launch an exciting new generation of mixed-use vehicles (part minivan/part sport utility) everyone will be copying?

It’s too soon to tell. Meanwhile, I guess the more burning question for those contemplating buying an Aztek now is: Just how much can you tolerate being stared at?