2003 Pontiac Aztek

“Why is everyone staring at us?” my 12-year-old son asked as we made our way home through afternoon traffic. Understand that stares in traffic are nothing new to us. Driving as many fresh and flashy vehicles as we do, it’s a fairly common occurrence. But here we sat in what, from the inside at least, seemed like just another run-of-the-mill sport utility/minivan thingy, not the kind of ride to draw huge attention. Yet people were gawking like we were piloting the alien mothership. Which, come to think of it, is not altogether inaccurate. “It’s this Pontiac Aztek,” I replied. “Remember. It’s very odd on the outside.” “Oh, yeah” he said undisturbed, “but inside it’s loaded with cool stuff.” And that, in a nutshell, is the 2003 Aztek: Odd looking outside, cool stuff inside.

The Good News
The Aztek was introduced in 2001 as an “SRV” for “Sport/Recreation Vehicle.” It comes with either front-wheel drive or Versatrak all-wheel drive, low ground clearance, a cushy ride and lots of inside room. In other words, it is far more minivan than sport utility. In fact, its platform is the same as GM’s minivans (Pontiac Montana, Chevy Venture), as is its engine. It uses GM’s 3.4 liter V6 with 185 horses and 210 foot pounds of torque mated to an electronic four-speed automatic transmission. Everything about the Aztek, from handling to acceleration to ride, feels like a nice, easygoing minivan.

But for those who find the traditional minivan image too stodgy, this Aztek certainly offers a stunning departure visually. Larger wheels and tires for ‘03 do help balance things somewhat, but it remains among the more unorthodox shapes on the road. It’s not eccentric just for the sake of eccentricity, however. The quirky styling also affords extraordinary cargo advantages. Open the gaping rear hatch and discover 45 cubic feet of cargo room, or 93 with rear seat removed. With special packages, those measurement accommodate a bike inside (you can also carry one outside) or a custom tent that fits over the rear. Strange but true.

Despite these outdoorsy touches, my sense is the Aztek’s appeal runs more towards soccer moms than extreme types (although it does have a rather extreme look). That would explain why this year, the Aztek includes among its options a DVD player for travel entertainment and XM Satellite Radio, the system that delivers 100 clear, digital stations coast-to-coast for a monthly fee, everything from classical to hip hop, CNN news to full-time rude comedy.

Also under “cool stuff inside” is a center console that doubles as a portable cooler and a picnic-ready tailgate/cargo area. There are even sound system controls and cupholders at the rear so you can party with all the amenities handy.

The Bad News
The Aztek is in many ways a minivan, except for one big one: It only seats five. As for the flip-down DVD screen to entertain those backseat passengers, it blocks the driver’s view in the rearview mirror. This remarkable flaw isn’t unique to the Aztek. Most such systems I’ve seen are equally guilty.

Then there is the Aztek’s looks. Although it doesn’t frighten me as much as it did initially, it isn’t one of those designs that has exactly grown on me either. It still looks like an escapee from one of those Robot Wars shows. But let’s applaud Pontiac for going out on a limb when so few do.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 19 mpg city/26 highway

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $23,870;
Price as tested, $24,445

Is it worth it?
The Pontiac Aztek impresses me as a vehicle your friends would make fun of when you drove it home, but when it came time to road trip or party, they would all want you to drive.

In terms of ride, handling, amenities, fuel economy, highway comfort and errand-friendliness, it’s fine. Talk about versatility and cargo, and it’s equally on target. I guess it all boils down to how much you can stand being stared at, knowing all those long glances aren’t necessarily admiring ones.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville’s daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.