The Pontiac Aztek. Just the name itself can evoke strong reactions, often accompanied by a roll of the eyes or a shudder. For years, it has been the poster child for automotive design missteps, frequently topping lists of the “ugliest cars ever made,” alongside vehicles like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Fiat Multipla. Initially met with curiosity and even some fanfare, the Aztek quickly became a symbol of automotive failure, languishing in the “hideous and uncool” category for over a decade. However, as time passes and these once-maligned machines become rarer, a curious thing happens: they start to gain a cult following, a sort of ironic appreciation for their sheer audacity. But what if we strip away the layers of irony and collective design snobbery? What if we evaluate the Pontiac Aztek not as a punchline, but as a vehicle? Let’s take an unironic look at the Pontiac Aztek and see if there’s more to this misunderstood SUV than meets the eye.
It’s important to acknowledge that reviewing a car objectively is almost impossible. Emotional appeal plays a significant role in how we perceive vehicles. Cars like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150 Raptor, and even the Tesla Cybertruck, despite their compromises, garner fervent admiration. Understanding this emotional connection is crucial in any car review. Therefore, while this is an unironic review of the Pontiac Aztek, it’s not emotionless. We’re not here to declare the Aztek “good” simply because it’s now “cool to be uncool.” Instead, we aim to explore its merits and flaws without the baggage of its controversial reputation.
Alt text: A promotional video thumbnail showcasing the Pontiac Aztek, hinting at a positive reappraisal of the vehicle.
Let’s start by introducing the subject of our re-evaluation: the 2003 Pontiac Aztek. This particular model, finished in a rather unassuming beige, is the perfect example for our deep dive.
Despite a minor hiccup upon arrival – a drained battery that initially caused some electrical confusion – a quick charge brought this Aztek back to life. While it shows some signs of age, like missing trim and minor cosmetic imperfections, this Pontiac Aztek is surprisingly well-preserved, especially the interior. The air conditioning, a known weak point in Azteks, even blows cold. Acquired for a mere $3,604, this particular Aztek is far from the neglected “Breaking Bad” cliché; it’s a remarkably well-kept example.
The timing of its acquisition couldn’t have been better, coinciding with a move. While downsizing efforts were made, a significant amount of belongings still needed transportation. This is where the Pontiac Aztek began to shine, proving its practical capabilities beyond mere aesthetics.
Surprisingly Comfortable Ride in the Pontiac Aztek
The initial drive in the Pontiac Aztek immediately highlighted a key strength: comfort. The plan was to utilize the Aztek for transporting boxes and smaller items, with a rented pickup truck reserved for larger furniture. However, the Aztek quickly proved capable of handling more than initially anticipated.
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The Pontiac Aztek features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension with coil springs all around. While it exhibits some body roll in corners due to its top-heavy nature, the overall ride quality is remarkably smooth and comfortable. The comfortable camouflage bucket seats contribute to a pleasant, almost floating sensation, especially on long highway drives. The elevated seating position further enhances the experience, providing excellent visibility and a commanding view of the road, reminiscent of older minivans like the Chrysler Voyager.
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The sound system in the Pontiac Aztek is also surprisingly decent, featuring speakers in the A-pillars and doors, contributing to a well-rounded audio experience. The hydraulic power steering, while slightly heavier than modern electric systems, provides a smooth and comfortable steering feel. Overall, the Pontiac Aztek prioritizes comfort in nearly every aspect of its design and driving dynamics.
The 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 185 horsepower and powering the front wheels, provides adequate performance for the 3,800-pound vehicle. While not particularly sporty, the engine delivers sufficient power for everyday driving, achieving a 0-60 mph time in the 9-10 second range. The powertrain is unremarkable but reliable, blending into the background and fulfilling its purpose without complaint.
Alt text: Driver’s perspective from inside the Pontiac Aztek, emphasizing the excellent visibility and spacious interior.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is exceptional, again drawing comparisons to the spaciousness and visibility of older minivans. The driving experience is characterized by comfort and ease, making the Pontiac Aztek a pleasant vehicle to spend time in. Even passengers concur, noting the comfortable ride and spaciousness.
More Versatile Than You Think: The Pontiac Aztek as a Utility Vehicle
While it may seem outlandish to call a Pontiac Aztek a pickup truck alternative, consider the cargo capacity. Many modern “pickup trucks,” especially compact models like the Rivian R1T and Ford Maverick, feature relatively short beds around 4.5 feet. The Pontiac Aztek, surprisingly, offers comparable utility for hauling cargo. The photos clearly illustrate how much can be loaded into the Aztek.
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Despite expecting versatility, the Aztek exceeded expectations by swallowing the contents of a small apartment in just three trips. The most impressive feat was managing to transport an eight-foot-long couch in the back, secured only with ratchet straps to hold it in place and keep the rear glass closed.
The Pontiac Aztek’s utility stems from several design features: a wide 42-inch rear door opening, easily removable second-row seats, practical tie-down points in the cargo area, and a versatile tailgate. These elements combine to create a vehicle that offers much of the practicality of a pickup truck with the comfortable ride of a car – a combination strikingly similar to a minivan. This minivan-like feel is no coincidence, as the Pontiac Aztek is indeed built on GM’s U-Body minivan platform.
This realization might lead to the question: “If it’s essentially a five-seat minivan, why not just get a minivan?” This is where the intangible appeal of the Pontiac Aztek comes into play. Functionally, it shares many characteristics with a minivan. However, car purchases are rarely solely based on functionality. We seek vehicles that resonate with us on an emotional level, and the Aztek manages to inject a unique “soul” into its practical versatility.
Taking the Pontiac Aztek to a classic car show, even parking it outside the main show area, resulted in immediate attention and photo requests. People are drawn to the Aztek’s inherent quirkiness and charm. It’s a vehicle that’s fun and engaging, but also genuinely useful and well-rounded. It’s comfortable, versatile, offers good visibility, and possesses decent reliability. The Pontiac Aztek is, in essence, a legitimately enjoyable vehicle, a sentiment echoed by Motor Trend in their original review:
With 9K miles on the clock, the Aztek may not have produced any converts–but it has garnered the respect of naysayers. Not a small triumph
The Pontiac Aztek’s journey from automotive pariah to cult classic is a testament to shifting perceptions and the rediscovery of overlooked virtues. It was initially disliked, then ridiculed for over a decade, and now, it’s experiencing a resurgence in popularity. However, this isn’t just a cyclical trend of quirky-car appreciation. The Pontiac Aztek is genuinely a good vehicle. It always was. It’s time to look beyond the initial shock of its styling and recognize the Pontiac Aztek for what it truly is: a comfortable, versatile, and ultimately brilliant machine.
