The Pontiac Aztek, much like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Fiat Multipla, has experienced a rollercoaster of public opinion. Initially met with fascination, these quirky cars quickly became the subject of widespread ridicule. For years, the Aztek resided in the automotive hall of shame, often cited as one of the ugliest cars ever made. However, as time passes and Azteks become rarer, a curious phenomenon is occurring: people are starting to find them cool again. But beyond these shifting tides of design trends, what is the Pontiac Aztek actually like as a vehicle? Let’s set aside the irony and evaluate the Aztek car on its own merits.
It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t a purely “objective” review. Emotions play a significant role in our perception of cars. Vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150 Raptor, and Tesla Cybertruck, despite practical compromises, evoke strong positive feelings and are beloved by many. Ignoring this emotional element would be a disservice to a genuine car review. Therefore, while this is an unironic assessment of the Aztek car, it’s not devoid of feeling. We won’t declare the Aztek “good” simply because it’s now ironically trendy to appreciate “uncool” things. Instead, we’ll explore the genuine driving experience and how this unique vehicle makes us feel.
Let’s properly introduce our subject: a recently acquired 2003 Pontiac Aztek, a beige beauty, ready for a fresh appraisal.
Despite arriving with a dead battery and exhibiting some initial electrical quirks, a simple trickle charge revived the Aztek car to full functionality. While it shows minor signs of age, such as missing trim, a loose window switch, and some blemishes, this Aztek is remarkably well-preserved. The interior, in particular, has aged gracefully, and the air conditioning—reportedly a rarity in Azteks—blows ice-cold air. This isn’t a battered “Breaking Bad” prop; it’s a surprisingly clean example, acquired for an incredibly reasonable $3,604.
The timing of its Cars & Bids appearance couldn’t have been better. Facing a move and possessing a substantial amount of belongings accumulated over years, the Aztek car was poised to become an unexpected moving companion.
Supreme Comfort: The Aztek Driving Experience
The initial plan was straightforward: utilize the Aztek for smaller items and rent a pickup truck for larger furniture, like a couch. Setting off on the highway, the Aztek immediately revealed a key attribute: exceptional comfort.
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The Pontiac Aztek’s suspension setup, featuring MacPherson struts in the front and a torsion beam in the rear, combined with coil springs all around, delivers a surprisingly smooth ride. While the car is top-heavy and exhibits body roll in corners, the overall sensation is one of plush comfort. Settling into the camouflage bucket seat, the Aztek car felt akin to floating along the road, offering an elevated seating position. The ride quality evoked memories of a 1994 Chrysler Voyager minivan—a high perch and a gentle, almost buoyant ride.
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The audio system also exceeded expectations, boasting well-placed speakers near the A-pillars and in the doors. The hydraulic steering system, while slightly heavier than modern electric setups, offered a smooth, buttery feel. Comfort appears to have been a primary design consideration for the Aztek car.
The 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 185 horsepower, adequately motivates the 3,800-pound vehicle through front-wheel drive. While not a powerhouse, the powertrain is sufficient, achieving an estimated 0-60 mph time of around 9-10 seconds. The engine and transmission perform without fanfare, neither exceptional nor problematic, simply blending into the background.
Visibility from within the Aztek car is excellent, another similarity to the 1994 Chrysler minivan. The driving experience is far from sporty, but it prioritizes comfort, making it a genuinely pleasant environment. Even passengers, like the author’s girlfriend, noted the comfortable ride, spaciousness, and “retro vibes” of the Aztek.
The Pontiac Aztek: A Surprising Pickup Truck Alternative
The notion of an Aztek car as a pickup truck alternative might seem outlandish. However, consider this: many modern “pickup trucks” feature beds as short as 4.5 feet, like the Rivian R1T and Ford Maverick. In terms of practical cargo hauling, the Aztek is arguably just as capable as these trucks. The accompanying photos illustrate the impressive volume of items the Aztek car can accommodate.
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While versatility was expected, the Aztek exceeded expectations by transporting an entire apartment’s worth of belongings in merely three trips. The most remarkable feat was fitting an eight-foot-long couch inside, secured only with ratchet straps to hold it in place and keep the rear glass closed.
The Aztek car’s utility is further enhanced by its wide 42-inch rear door opening, easily removable second-row seats, convenient cargo tie-down points, and the practical tailgate. It offers much of the functionality of a pickup truck while maintaining the ride quality of a car. This blend of attributes strongly resembles a minivan, a connection reinforced by the driving experience, which felt surprisingly similar to a 1994 Chrysler minivan.
Unsurprisingly, the Aztek is built upon GM’s U-Body minivan platform.
This realization might lead to the question: if it offers minivan-like practicality, why not just choose a minivan?
This is where the Aztek car’s intangible appeal comes into play. Functionally, it shares similarities with a minivan, particularly a five-seater with a tailgate. However, car purchases are rarely solely based on functionality. We seek holistic appeal, and the Aztek manages to infuse its practicality with a unique character and “soul.”
Taking the Aztek car to a classic car show, the author experienced immediate positive attention. Even parked outside the show, it drew photo requests from onlookers.
The Aztek car possesses a quirky charm, a fun personality, and, crucially, genuine utility and competence. It’s versatile, comfortable, offers excellent visibility, and is reasonably reliable. It’s a legitimately enjoyable vehicle, a sentiment echoed by Motor Trend’s initial review in the early 2000s:
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 world’s initial aversion to the Aztek’s design has softened, and appreciation is growing. This isn’t merely a cyclical trend of quirky car appreciation; the Aztek car possesses inherent qualities that make it genuinely good. It always has been.
