The Pontiac Aztek, much like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Fiat Multipla, has experienced a cyclical journey in public opinion. Initially met with enthusiasm, these vehicles quickly became objects of widespread derision for their unconventional aesthetics. For a decade or more, they were relegated to the automotive world’s “ugly duckling” category. However, as time passes and these once-common cars become rarer, a curious phenomenon occurs: they begin to be seen as cool again. But what if we set aside these fickle trends in design perception and evaluate the Pontiac Aztek purely as a vehicle? Let’s take an unbiased look.
It’s important to preface this by stating that this isn’t intended to be a purely “objective” review. Emotional appeal is an undeniable factor in how we perceive cars. Vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford F-150 Raptor, and Tesla Cybertruck, if judged solely on practical merits, might fall short due to compromises made for features that aren’t strictly essential for everyone. Yet, these vehicles are passionately loved by many for reasons that go beyond mere functionality. Acknowledging and incorporating this emotional dimension is crucial in any comprehensive car review. Therefore, while this is an unironic exploration of the Aztek, it’s not devoid of emotion. I’m not here to declare the Pontiac Aztek “good” simply because it’s now considered ironically trendy. However, I won’t ignore the subjective experience of driving it.
With that understanding, let’s reintroduce my recently acquired 2003 Pontiac Aztek – a beige beauty, as you can see here:
Despite arriving from Arizona with a dead battery that initially caused some electrical system chaos, a quick trickle charge brought the Aztek back to life. It does have some minor cosmetic imperfections – a missing trim piece on the rear passenger door, a slightly loose window switch panel, and some expected scratches and rust spots. However, overall, this Pontiac Aztek is in remarkably good condition. The interior, in particular, has aged gracefully, and the air conditioning blows impressively cold, a feature reportedly uncommon in Azteks. This isn’t a worn-out example reminiscent of its “Breaking Bad” fame; it’s a surprisingly well-preserved vehicle. Acquiring it for just $3,604 felt like a steal.
The timing of its appearance on Cars & Bids couldn’t have been better. I was in the midst of relocating from Studio City to Santa Monica, and while I had decluttered a significant amount of possessions accumulated during my time in Michigan, I still had a considerable amount of belongings to move to California.
Surprisingly Comfortable Ride
My initial plan was to utilize the Pontiac Aztek for transporting boxes and smaller items, intending to rent a pickup truck later for larger furniture like my couch. So, I set off on the 405 freeway from Santa Monica to Studio City to gather my belongings.
Immediately, the exceptional ride quality of the Aztek became apparent.
The Pontiac Aztek features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension, complemented by coil springs on all four wheels. While it has a higher center of gravity and exhibits some body roll in corners, the suspension is tuned for softness, resulting in a remarkably smooth ride. Settling into the comfortable camouflage bucket seat, I felt as if I were gliding along the 405, elevated and relaxed. In fact, the ride sensation was reminiscent of my 1994 Chrysler Voyager minivan. The seating position is high, providing excellent visibility, and the overall ride quality is genuinely pleasant.
The audio system exceeded expectations, with speakers strategically placed near the A-pillars and in the doors, delivering surprisingly good sound. The hydraulic steering system, while slightly heavier than modern electric setups, is smooth and responsive. Overall, the Pontiac Aztek prioritizes comfort in nearly every aspect of its design.
The 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 185 horsepower, adequately powers the approximately 3,800-pound vehicle through the front wheels. While not exceptionally powerful, it provides sufficient performance for everyday driving, likely achieving 0-60 mph in around 9 to 10 seconds under full throttle. The powertrain is unremarkable in a negative or positive sense; it simply performs its function without drawing attention.
Visibility from within the Pontiac Aztek is excellent in all directions, again echoing the experience in my 1994 Chrysler minivan. In summary, the driving experience is not sporty, but it is exceptionally comfortable and overall, a pleasant way to travel. Even my girlfriend Elise was impressed, texting me, “I liked the Aztek! Very comfortable ride, spacious, retro vibes.”
More Versatile Than You Think: The Aztek as a Pickup Alternative
I understand the seemingly outrageous claim of calling a Pontiac Aztek a pickup truck alternative – it may sound absurd. However, consider this:
Many contemporary “pickup trucks,” such as the Rivian R1T and Ford Maverick, feature beds that are only about 4.5 feet long. I can confidently assert that the Pontiac Aztek is at least as practical as these trucks for hauling cargo. The photos above clearly demonstrate its impressive carrying capacity.
While I anticipated the Aztek to be versatile, I was genuinely surprised by its ability to accommodate the entire contents of my apartment in just three trips. Furthermore, I was astonished when I successfully transported an eight-foot-long couch in the back, securing it only with ratchet straps to hold it in place and keep the rear glass lowered.
The Aztek’s versatility is elevated by its wide 42-inch rear door opening, the ease of removing the second-row seats, the practical tie-down points in the cargo area, and particularly its tailgate. It offers much of the functionality of a pickup truck but with the ride comfort of a car. This combination is strikingly similar to a minivan. Driving the Aztek evoked a strong sense of déjà vu, reminding me of my 1994 Chrysler minivan.
It’s not surprising then that the Pontiac Aztek is built upon GM’s U-Body minivan platform.
This might lead you to think: “So, it rides comfortably and has ample cargo space. Isn’t it just a five-seat minivan? Why not just get a minivan?”
This is where the emotional aspect of the Pontiac Aztek comes into play. Yes, functionally, it is essentially a minivan with five seats and a tailgate – if there’s one key takeaway from this review, it’s this. In terms of pure practicality, it functions like a van. However, car purchasing decisions are not solely based on functionality; we are also drawn to the holistic appeal of a vehicle. The Aztek manages to infuse a certain “soul” into its inherent versatility.
I drove the Pontiac Aztek to Bob’s Big Boy, a renowned Friday night car show in Burbank, California. Not intending to showcase it within the event, I parked it on the street. Incredibly, as soon as I exited the car, someone approached me and asked to take photographs of it.
The Pontiac Aztek has a unique appeal. It’s quirky, charming, and fun, but it’s also more than just that – it’s genuinely a good and useful car. It is versatile, comfortable, offers excellent visibility, and is reasonably reliable. It’s a legitimately enjoyable vehicle, a sentiment echoed by Motor Trend back when the car was first released 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 didn’t initially despise the Pontiac Aztek when it was new; rather, it endured a period of disdain for roughly 15 years. Now, public perception has circled back, and it’s being re-evaluated. However, this isn’t solely due to the typical cycle of quirky-car appreciation. The Pontiac Aztek is genuinely good. It always has been.
