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April 3, 2008 http://www.thecarconnection.com/fullreview/pontiac_aztek_2001

  Eric Peters
EditorEric Peters

There was a time, not so very long ago, when only rich people could make statements with the cars they drove.

These days, it's possible to draw attention to yourself for less than $25,000, brand-spanking new — the jaw-dropping, chin-scratching, what-the-heck-is-that Pontiac Aztek being exhibit A.

Your neighbors will wonder. Other drivers will stare. Questions will come your way. The ultimate question, though, is whether all of this controversy is a good thing or a bad thing.

The $21,445-$26,915 Aztek, which is basically a minivan with a pokey V-6 and available all-wheel-drive, reminds one of either a prop from a mid-1980s sci-fi movie starring Sly Stallone (Judge Dredd comes to mind) or a dumpster with wheels. A lesson in Euclidian geometry run amok, there are lines and angles all over the place. Think of the Pentagon in 3-D, then imagine a giant hand o' God grabbing three or four such objects, crumpling them in his mighty hand and then rolling the result down the highway. Presto! The Pontiac Aztek.

The Aztek's camper top also doubles as half a car cover.

The underlying idea — creating a highly versatile, minivan-like vehicle that doesn't suffer from the dirty diaper taint of obvious minivans — is excellent. The Aztek, like the VW Westphalia campers of the 1970s, is perfect for self-contained adventure trips. It doesn't have a pop-up camper top, but it does have an optionally available tent extension for the rear gate. An air mattress fits easily with the rear seats removed. With the tailgate down, you can load up four sheets of 3/4-inch plywood, too. And there's a built-in secondary audio system back there as well for tailgate parties.

There was a time, not so very long ago, when only rich people could make statements with the cars they drove. These days, it's possible to draw attention to yourself for less than $25,000, brand-spanking new — the jaw-dropping, chin-scratching, what-the-heck-is-that Pontiac Aztek being exhibit A. Your neighbors will wonder. Other drivers will stare. Questions will come your way. The ultimate question, though, is whether all of this controversy is a good thing or a bad thing. The $21,445-$26,915 Aztek, which is basically a minivan with a pokey V-6 and available all-wheel-drive, reminds one of either a prop from a mid-1980s sci-fi movie starring Sly Stallone (Judge Dredd comes to mind) or a dumpster with wheels. A lesson in Euclidian geometry run amok, there are lines and angles all over the place. Think of the Pentagon in 3-D, then imagine a giant hand o' God grabbing three or four such objects, crumpling them in his mighty hand and then rolling the result down the highway. Presto! The Pontiac Aztek. 2001 Pontiac Aztek camperEnlarge PhotoThe Aztek's camper top also doubles as half a car cover. The underlying idea — creating a highly versatile, minivan-like vehicle that doesn't suffer from the dirty diaper taint of obvious minivans — is excellent. The Aztek, like the VW Westphalia campers of the 1970s, is perfect for self-contained adventure trips. It doesn't have a pop-up camper top, but it does have an optionally available tent extension for the rear gate. An air mattress fits easily with the rear seats removed. With the tailgate down, you can load up four sheets of 3/4-inch plywood, too. And there's a built-in secondary audio system back there as well for tailgate parties. There was a time, not so very long ago, when only rich people could make statements with the cars they drove. These days, it's possible to draw attention to yourself for less than $25,000, brand-spanking new — the jaw-dropping, chin-scratching, what-the-heck-is-that Pontiac Aztek ...