Pontiac Aztek
The Pontiac Aztek was a mid-size crossover sold by the Pontiac division of General Motors from 2001 to 2005. The vehicle was GM's first venture into the crossover market. It also had a twin the Buick Rendezvous. Both were built on the GM's minivan platform. The Aztek was a cross between a minivan and an SUV.[1]
With a front engine and four-wheel drive (available after January 2001),[1] the Aztek featured a four-speed automatic transmission and a V-6 engine.[2] Pontiac marketed it as a "sport recreational vehicle." It featuring 94 cubic feet of cargo room capable of carrying a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood with its rear seats removed. Other features included a rear center console that doubled as a removable cooler. It had rear stereo controls in the cargo area. The Aztek featured an available camping package with an attachable tent and inflatable mattress. The latter could be inflated by a built-in air compressor.[3]
The Aztek was a commercial failure. It was also called one of the worst vehicles ever made.[4] Criticized for its awkward styling it was called downright ugly.[5] The Aztek was phased out and replaced by the Pontiac Torrent. The Rendezvous continued to be sold until 2008 when it was replaced by the Enclave.
References
[change | change source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Larry Webster (October 2000). "Pontiac Aztek GT, A prime candidate for the official vehicle of Weight Watchers". Car and Driver. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ↑ "2005 Pontiac Aztek - Consumer Review". Edmunds.com, Inc. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ↑ Carscoops Staff (11 October 2014). "Bob Lutz Explains How The Pontiac Aztek Got Made". CARSCOOP & CARSCOOPS. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ↑ "Fifty Ugliest Cars of the Past 50 Years". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ↑ "2001 Pontiac Aztek". Time Inc. Retrieved 20 June 2015.