MotorWeek | Retro Review: '01 Pontiac Aztek

[@anajay78]

Although it was ugly it did have a lot of cool features.

[@TommyboyGTP]

anajay78 The AWD system was very impressive. You have to spend alot of money today to get one that works as well as this one did.

[@MrMosinNagant1937]

+anajay78 I agree the features in this car are incredible, to bad it looks ugly because it had potential.

[@JeffDeWitt]

+anajay78 Agreed. These things show up on a lot of those stupid "worst cars" lists but the only thing really wrong with them was the looks. (well, and they were GM cars but that's another discussion).

[@nlpnt]

+anajay78 It was missing one important feature though, a tall-wagon this big should have third-row seating.

[@edrice2621]

+nlpnt And that's what it is; a wagon, I'd say. If it was only a little bit longer there might be room for a rear facing bench.

[@furiousgtz]

Walter White approves this mid-size crossover.

[@Mr.K_______]

Agreed indeed

[@Deadbass_]

Here's my output on the Aztek. The engineering in this vehicle was practically flawless (may have maintenance issues here and there but that's normal), carried out hundreds of awesome features in which NONE of the current crossover carries, and rode like it was on a cloud. I personally think the tent and removable console cooler was a HUGE step to the automotive industry. I do agree that the styling was bad, however, if you think about it, it could easily fit in today's market if they used LED lighting, had the plastic cladding as the body colour, and utilise modern technology (like backup cameras and touch screen radio). It easily looks like a modern day Prius and Nissan Juke. I could list a lot more cars to fit in this category like the BMW X6, X4, and possibly X2.

[@kingrex1931]

It's as good looking or better than most of the new SUVs, and you could get them with body color cladding.

[@skraegorn7317]

Agreed, although I still think the design was way too angular. The original concept looked much different and when GM execs demanded it be moved from the SUV platform to a longer, narrower, and taller minivan platform, that completely messed up the proportions. That being said, it sold extremely poorly because of that styling and GM execs ignored any and all evidence that this would happen. Really the problems were poor marketing and poor project management; the Aztek is useful as a case study nowadays.

[@adintijerina7596]

I disagree

[@AWDfreak]

As much as I give the Pontiac Aztek crap for having unconventional styling, I gotta admit it appears to be surprisingly functional.

[@TheUnknown-mg8fv]

Maybe during early 2000s

[@ras4782]

Why didn't they show the camping tent

[@timsharkey1993]

Check out Doug Demuro’s review of this car. It’s hilarious. He does the tent and everything.

[@Koexistence13]

The Regular Cars channel does a kind of ?entertaining? review as well

[@leifgiering]

I honestly think that car looks alright. At least it's symmetrical unlike the Nissan Cube.

[@vulekv93]

Nissan Cube is madterclass in design compared to this gimick on four wheels.

[@DIZAZZO]

R.I.P headphone users...

[@SchwarzeTulpe]

DIZAZZO lol +1 and you win the thread.

[@Foolskii]

lol yup

[@mrspeanutbuttercup91]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@grantmills4184]

Deep fried sound😎

[@DIZAZZO]

@@grantmills4184 I forgot about this video and watched again to remember.... Now I'm laughing my ass off. Lol

[@mr.motormaster9881]

i love that VHS sound quality

[@X-JAKA7]

Brings back nostalgic memories! :)

[@DIZAZZO]

@@X-JAKA7 Exactly.

[@Jdplayz-bq4ys]

2000's!!

[@SEATACFLUGHAFEN]

The styling was hideous, but the vehicle itself was very well engineered with lots of great features. There are still many of these on the road. And it is no uglier than a Nissan Juke which is a cheap POS.

[@jdmnsxr6820]

it seems alot cooler tho then a mustang.. lool

[@grantmills4184]

Yeah or the eclipse cross too, it was just 15 or so years ahead of it’s time lol

[@Bangabalunga]

Juke is not bad

[@punchy207]

@@Bangabalunga if youre blind

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

*Renault juke

[@trailrunnah8886]

Interesting review! I never realized these had so many clever features. And standard side airbags in '01...impressive! While I'm not a big fan of the nose, I think this car gets a little too much hate. I think the later ones with the body colored plastic look much better, almost good. I remember when I was a teenager I was in a Pontiac showroom with my parents...they were buying another car, but I was checking out the Aztec. Even then I wasn't big on the styling, but I remember thinking the interior looked nice. It looks a little dated inside now; definitely late 90's/early 2000's Pontiac, but it's really not bad. There are new cars today that look worse inside. Same thing with the exterior...I think the Element and Juke look worse, and the new Cherokee is not far behind. I bet if GM had launched this today (with different styling of course), it would be a success.

[@mr.c493]

where is Mr. White? This car will go down in history as an automobile icon thanks to Breaking Bad!!!

[@lukehoisington4236]

lol the grab handle pulls the whole dash

[@ExtremelyOCD]

That was there so you could handcuff your passenger to it to keep them from jumping out from embarrassment.

[@NAgeetee]

I wanted one just for the optional tent!

[@wontonmin6481]

its a meth dealer kind of car....

[@Toastmaster_5000]

+Peter Kinzio No, that would be the Toyota Tercel. The Aztek is a meth cook's kind of car. That and a Winnebago.

[@apathynoir]

+Peter Schmidt And that's that.

[@Phannty]

Ahem *breaking bad*

[@christopherthedino1893]

I think that was the joke...

[@deans-rewind2882]

Peter Kinzio the Aztec that was crashed in the show. Was sold at auction for like $7500

[@nappiral]

Walter White likes it.

[@DarkLinkAD]

So does Eyes Only :)

[@matthewlong3716]

True. Heisenberg drove it till I think the last season of BB ..until he sold it to his mechanic for $50 and got a fast luxury Chrysler.(and also leased a fast Dodge for his son LOL)

[@realazduffman]

He liked Skylar, too. Tells you something.

[@1mlb704]

No, the buying public was not ready for Aztek. This was a great vehicle in theory with a seriously impressive and innovative package of features, but it was ruined by the overdone plastic covered exterior styling and the gasket eating 3400 V6. Guaranteed if something like this came out today with a better engine and a less radical exterior it would sell. The styling on brand new cars like the Toyota Rav4, Jeep Cherokee, Chevy Equinox, Nissan Juke and Honda CRV remind me a lot of this one

[@christopherconard2831]

A neighbor bought one used around 2009. Mostly because it was practical for him and his family. Wife, two kids in jr high, and two dogs. Also dirt cheap for a low mileage vehicle. He wasn't a big fan of it's looks from the outside, but liked it from the driver's seat. He also pointed out that he'd never lose it in a parking lot. The engine held up fine from what I remember, but the transmission felt like it was slipping from day one. Though that was what it apparently was supposed to feel like. Kept it limping along until Cash for Clunkers happened just as it really did need a new transmission. (Something he wasn't going to pay for.) I believe he traded it for a Honda Civic. I have seen a few other complaints about the engine. Both reliability and just barely enough power to move it. I don't understand why they didn't offer a variant of the 3800, maybe detuned and set up for more torque.

[@goclunker]

This "thing" started the crossover trend most car enthusiasts LOATHE today

[@Slimecrazy234]

That was the Honda CRV and Toyota Rav4 that came before this.

[@MattsFans]

@@Slimecrazy234 mazda tribute

[@goclunker]

@@Slimecrazy234 those were NOT crossovers. Get a dictionary.

[@1985toyotacamry]

@@goclunker they are. The Rav4 is based on the Corolla platform. And that CRV is based on the Civic platform. What you talking about?

[@goclunker]

@@1985toyotacamry do you know what a crossover is? Looks like a suv, is a glorified fwd wagon. The rav4 and crv were pretty capable in their first generations, because the japanese took the term “suv” literally. The aztec is a Montana/venture/etc and has all the capability of its minivan platform, including ground clearance. Sit down

[@GOBbluthagain]

lol the loud techno music was hilarious... I couldn't focus on the review at all ...

[@mikebunero6147]

THAT REAR VISABILITY THO

[@evanporter8876]

people say its bad, think again

[@spencerguignet1210]

the bar in the rear window is perfect for blocking out annoying truck LED brodozer headlamps.

[@bliglum]

Wow, looks like John Davis reviewed this one himself!

[@LC-qp7pr]

This car is great! You won't care if it gets damaged, they're inexpensive, and it'll never get stolen. Just try leaving your keys in it with the doors open. As safe as an unlocked Cadillac in Compton!

[@icemanroyal]

Gorgeous styling, sleek design, sporty powerful engine, telepathic steering and supreme comfort and quality. The Aztec was the bee's knee's, they need to bring it back pronto so I can not buy one!

[@castlewhore2007]

icemanroyal 😂

[@lizveta6643]

icemanroyal ya baybee

[@kmckenzie2461]

I always loved the Aztek. Such cool looks and unique shape. This type of styling is one of the main reasons I purchased my brand new 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL! Love it! It is true you either love or hate this type styling and I am a love it type!

[@MyGuyJustinH]

I have, too.

[@legostar55]

The Pontiac Aztek ended up being a huge success in the end. It didn't sell well but the design was completely revolutionary. Look at any modern crossover SUV, and what shape does it have. It's the same shape as the Aztek.

[@RetroKingOG]

Look at the nissan Juke, Honda Element! They never got put into worst looking vehicles, and if you look at 2019 mitsubishi eclipse cross, they actually stole pontiac's original aztek design

[@DBLA]

Annoyingly loud background music tends to ruin an excellent review. :(

[@PaulCuenin]

BDofNLA I felt like I was clubbing.

[@GT6SuzukaTimeTrials]

It was used in another review as well. I want to know the name of the song.

[@kz1000ps]

BDofNLA Agreed, it sounds like the audio's been compressed to hell and back. Ouch.

[@TJC450]

BDofNLA I like it! It's catchy! lol They've used it in other reviews.

[@DBLA]

TJC450 I like the music, too; just wish it was quieter and didn't dominate over Davis' voice.

[@snappy452]

Damn you, GM. Damn you for killing Pontiac like this.

[@Speedysnail9999]

Am I the only one that actually likes the looks of this car?

[@1SIK500]

Yes

[@Aikaramba12]

Yes

[@mcsteeley]

Thing is actually a cult car now. Some like it weird.

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen9802]

Yes

[@jacobreed47]

I like it too, only in the Forest Green color though, that color it's pretty Damn nice for any vehicle.

[@guywill7875]

Can you imagine what must have gone through Pontiac salesman when showing this to a potential buyer?

[@man_on_wheelz]

"...and this is the new Pontiac Aztek... perfect for... for... I can get you a good deal, just sit inside the car and play with some of the features while I get the paperwork together, just don't get out the car for any reason, I'll bring everything for you to sign right here in the car. You said you have a garage at home right? Always park it there... your... your neighbors will be far too jealous of you and start saying mean things... yeah... it's... it's that popular... hehe... I'll be right back!!!"

[@MWorsa]

You think you hate it now, wait ‘till you drive it 😃

[@josephthornton4206]

I was selling them back then. The Pontiac and Buick buyers that would actually get inside or even test drive one absolutely loved the interior room and the ride. Plus they set up a little bit higher and was easier to get in and out of Denna Grand Prix or LeSabre. But they still couldn’t get over the outside appearance and would choose a car instead. On the other hand once Buick came out with a rendezvous it did sell well because it had a more conservative styling. Older buyers were buying them like crazy

[@waynejohnstone3685]

MWorsa I got the reference lol

[@75aces97]

I can. "Oldsmobile and Plymouth are gone, and this will be next. I wonder if that Nissan dealership is hiring."

[@laweezemorton8884]

This vehicle is absolutely beautiful. The lines, those headlights, that C7 inspired 3.4 V6.. it's just too much vehicle for people these days

[@theyhatehimbecausehetoldth7576]

Laweeze Morton lel

[@RandomDuude]

+Laweeze Morton Are you wearing your own underwear as a hat? :O

[@laweezemorton8884]

no.. they are just some panties I found on the ground

[@BeverageGuzzler]

+Laweeze Morton You call this hideous concoction "beautiful" ? then I question your taste and understanding of aesthetics.

[@criznitty]

+BeverageGuzzler as I respect your right for retort, I ask of you 'how is this not the Picasso of the centennial cusp of automotive history'

[@RetroKingOG]

After the years go by, the vehicle honestly doesn’t look as bad as some newer vehicles. Especially when the bad plastic cladding was gone in 2003, the Aztek looks actually interesting when it’s fully coloured; not to forget the features Pontiac created were much ahead of their time! In the top trim Aztek you had a heads up display, in 2002!

[@pher8487]

The sales man told me if I push that button in the glove apartment it will turn into a Pontiac firebird but I think he lied.

[@dirkayala5812]

I own the '01 in Silver(ish). Tons of electrical Quirks, but it's a love it or hate it vehicle. I have the tent, etc. but I mostly keep her around because of the utility of space in back is awesome. Plus interior style suits me great but still wondering how long she'll last now...;}

[@ScaryGhost1]

"For the owner who is the danger, who does the knocking..." haha

[@MeadeJ67]

Full body color, modern lighting front & rear, & a new interior with a touchscreen & no one would bat an eye at this thing today. It genuinely looks like the crossovers of today.

[@kirbyswarp]

Now we have cars like the BMW X4 and X6 to carry on the ugliness!

[@M67v]

kirbyswarp Nah those cars look cool. I noticed that it's not so much the shape that's ugly, it's those alien headlights and those oversized windows.

[@maximilianoluera6679]

kirbyswarp no way in hell are they this ugly. they're useless and overpriced, but they don't look like an STD

[@kirbyswarp]

Maximiliano Luera They look worse. at least this thing was useful and was great for outdoosy people. The BMW's have no redeeming features.

[@maximilianoluera6679]

kirbyswarp they look like large 4 door coupes on stilts, this looks like someone took a sword to a minivan

[@kirbyswarp]

Maximiliano Luera They're both horrible. The BMW's look like fat, american, bloated 4 door "coupes".

[@landongendur]

How do you want your car interior? "Gimme that early 2000s GM plastic!" ;)

[@seiph80]

Plastic fantastic!

[@CEOkiller]

I want the Heisenberg Edition!

[@NotBen101]

Jon Davis really knows how to party with a diet coke and a pontiac Aztek

[@schxn]

People say it's ugly, but it's the first car in a series of cars. Most notably the BMW X6/X4, Honda Crosstour, Acura ZDX, and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.

[@aquariusceo]

They didn't even mention the rear tent addition!

[@housepianist]

I remember watching this review when the vehicle first came out and it's still a very polarizing design by today's standards. But John did present it in a way that almost makes you want to buy it. Almost. :-)

[@danielwoods404]

oh my god the music

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

D Woods Reminds me of the Need For Speed games of the era...

[@potatopotato8360]

Yeah early 2000s electric music was pretty tasteless...

[@W0RLDSSMALLESTVI0LIN]

@@JackBandicootsBunker that's exactly what I thought too

[@ndelliott138]

I began my mechanic career in 2004 for GM dealerships. The Aztec is a good concept but has all the weaknesses of the GM V6's and experimental transfer cases. It could have been a good vehicle but as per usual for GM in the 90's through the mid 2000's all they did was make a cool looking body and attach it to a chassis and drive train they had been using forever. It's basically a weird looking Buick or Oldsmobile with a few more seats.

[@ggroff73]

Wish I could find one in decent shape, I would love to have one. I remember when these came out.

[@dkt1976dt]

The whole styling of the Pontiac Aztek actually came from the public. At the time GM decided to go out and ask the public what they wanted in their next new car and GM actually asked people on the street and sent out surveys. Well anyway you have to remember that the average person doesnt know the first thing about new car styling or designs.The 1999 Aztek Concept showed what everybodys opinions were and what they wanted in their next new car and thats how the Pontiac Aztek came to be and it did start the whole new concept of the Crossover. Even though the Aztek was never really a big seller, i still see them now and then out on the streets and yes many owners had the azteks biggest problem and that was the head gaskets that failed and had to be replaced. But still many people who do own azteks do love them.

[@thearousedeunuch]

The concept, not the final product. The design changed due to cost-cutting.

[@booksyn]

I want to see retro reviews on the following early new millennium vehicles: Hyundai Santa Fe, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Xterra, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sequoia, Mitsubishi Montero, Mazda Tribute/Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sorento, Lexus RX300, Acura MDX, Infinti QX4, BMW X5, Mercedes Benz ML Class, Nissan Murano, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee.

[@mrmaturitydelinquent]

This car singlehandedly killed the whole Pontiac legacy!

[@SpikeRazzor]

In the grand scheme of things Pontiac was an unnecessary brand, it was bound to die.

[@tbok75]

No, it was bound to die anyways just like Oldsmobile. Besides... Pontiac lived until 2006. These ran 01-05. Over-branding across the entire GM line is what killed Pontiac. I'm surprised Buick is still around.

[@SpikeRazzor]

VaperBok75 Yeah not exactly sure why Buick still exists, but the lineup leads me to believe thier a step up from Chevy but not as pricy or performance orientated as Caddy.

[@TommyboyGTP]

mrmaturitydelinquent What hurt GM and killed off names like Olds, Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer was decades of union greed and abuse controlled by Democrats. Do a little research on the history of Detroit's demise and you'll see for yourself.

[@M67v]

mrmaturitydelinquent The only great Pontiacs are the GTOs, Trans Ams, and G8s.

[@ZacksRides]

We owned one of these with awd for almost 10 years. It was a very good vehicle and I liked it better than the terrain awd we bought to replace it. We only kept that for 4 years.

[@BFKAnthony817]

Yo, that Trance track was on fire. Takes me back to my late teens in the early 00's. Motorweek, you guys don't have the track name do you?

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Sometimes the US automakers have the right ideas but the execution is so bad... This car is an example. Others are the AMC Pacer and Pontiac Fiero. I would love to look at the decision making within the design team of the Aztek. I wonder, if the quality of this car was good? For sure, I like it a lot, although I do not like the looks. In Europe we had a similar car, the Fiat Multipla. Very ugly, but very practical.

[@billwilmington8284]

My mom wanted this car when it was new and my dad said no. I'm glad he said that.

[@omarkhanlilcurry]

Your father saved your childhood from embarrassment. Bless him :)

[@42luke93]

Jordan Little Were you at least able to have a third generation taurus?

[@samone_231]

I wouldn't drive it, but I absolutely love all of the cool features it has!

[@heydude76]

a designer had a wet nightmare while doing copious amounts of cocaine and came up with this piece of shit

[@frankmagana1408]

Then he went and designed the C7

[@StrontiumJaguar]

+Frank Magana I am glad he didn't become discouraged.

[@frankmagana1408]

+StrontiumJaguar it goes to show that you should never give up

[@ronaldderooij1774]

+Frank Magana Hmmm maybe the opposite is true. This shows you when you should give up.

[@brandoncarlson340]

That's it my life is complete I found motor weeks review of the Pontiac Aztek😂

[@godfatherNYC]

Motorweek never met a rolling American shitbox they didn't love.

[@hakeemsd70m]

godfatherNYC What makes this car a shitbox? Be discriptive if you're gonna insult things.

[@1sttigertiger426]

This was a commercial - not a critical review.

[@drg5352]

Motor Week pays the bills with advertisements. They're not going to rock the boat and lose GM's ads.

[@nikemac84]

This car came into production after the concept version had a very positive response from the public. They loved the DESIGN!!!

[@MrThunderMonky]

I didnt think the list of features was ever going to stop! Jebus! Too bad it was so ugly, could have been really cool!

[@tillscheller]

From the Eurodance clubs of back then right into MotorWeek. What a throwback.

[@DIYDanCars]

The Walter White mobile from Breaking Bad! What a Shhhhhhhiiiiittttt BOX!

[@zacharyf.568]

it actually doesn't look that bad compare to modern crossovers. Modern crossovers actually take a lot of cues from the aztek. its crazy how much influence this vehicle had despite its major failure then. its seems like everything is a funky crossover noways.

[@johnvanl357]

Ugly car but I like it, I lost my virginity in the back of one when I used to do alot of camping In my High school days hahahaha. Ugly, but still a good car and thanks to the Aztek we now have crossover vehicles all over the roads in the US lol.

[@roddydykes7053]

John Van L I lost my virginity in the back of a Celica in the school parking lot, so at least you had some room to maneuver lol

[@chriscornelius2518]

If this Aztec is rocking don't go a knocking.

[@UnrealOG137]

@@roddydykes7053 was it scotty's 94 celica?

[@roddydykes7053]

UnrealOG ‘92 lol Scotty would want nothing to do with something with pop-up headlight motors that could break

[@EvilTwinRC51]

John Van L hope your ass has healed up.

[@galil_6863]

The problem with GM is that they either give you good engineering or good styling, but never both. When the engineers succeed, the designers screw up and vice versa. Like in the 90s when the designers nailed the styling of the Allante, Eldorado and STS but the engineers screwed up the Northstar engine.

[@janikakis]

I miss the 80s/90s intro theme music in these videos...

[@weezystamford7763]

those were the good old days

[@zzoinks]

I think this should be a really cool car to have! It's got so many cool features. Like that pullouts grocery bag tray. I'm just not sure how safe it is. Wish it had curtain airbag. I think that the 3100 engine was pretty decent! Edit: Aztek has 3400,I stand corrected. Not sure how good these cars transmissions are.

[@WitchyWhale]

The early 2000's, I still remember it like it was yesterday.

[@gxdjoeybaby07]

Here it is. The blueprint for what most manufacturers have in their lineups in 2015. Thanks, Pontiac!

[@1972Ventura455ho]

exactly. I've been saying that for years.

[@BobNarz]

Unfortunately, the Aztek is the poster child for why major car companies do not take big styling risks and therefore they were giving us the same boring looking vehicles with only small elements of styling changes. AA (that is, after After Aztek), they seem to be willing to take more styling risks as evidenced by the Honda Accord Crosstour, Element, Insight, and Ridgeline; Kia Soul; BMW X6 and Z3 Coupe; Nissan Juke and Cube; Scion xB; Toyota FJ Cruiser and Prius, and Smart FourTwo. I think the Insight came out before the Aztek and was equally 'unique'. I also recall the 92-98 Buick Skylark which had a look only a rental car company could love. When I see a clean Aztek on the road today, I do not think it looks out of place. Pontiac was GM's edgy styling division (as well as performance division) and I think they succeeded in getting people to talk about the Aztek's styling. Note that as of today, July 6, 2015, there are 108 comments posted within hours of MotorWeek's posting the Aztek Retro Review. The 92 Audi S4 has 54 comments and it was posted April 16, 2015. Congratulations Pontiac for creating a styling dialog and may you rest in peace you edgy friend.

[@dustbunnyjku8305]

*WELL HELLO AND WELCOME AGAIN TO MOHTERWHEEK, WE'RE GLAD TO HAVE YOU WITH US*

[@iSatyajeet]

Now you know why Walter White had this!

[@Thejordanenthusiast]

Using early '00s techno Music to hype you up to buy this car. 😂😂😂

[@Y10Q]

I remember when they came out they were fucking ugly 15 years ago. But now, they look at home. Most people would mistake it for a 2015 model. And I have been looking to buy one for months. There is none for sale in my area. I would have to drive cross country to buy one.

[@garygroff2359]

These are going for a good penny right now, I would love to get my hands on one.

[@zythr9999]

Mostly due to Breaking Bad

[@kevinvelazquez9319]

My dream car ... one day : )

[@doogals]

I don't know why they didn't sell. It seems like the perfect combination to me!

[@motorman426]

Think Edsel!

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen9802]

The Aztek is why Pontiac died.

[@ecymbura31]

The Aztek wasn't even being made anymore when Pontiac went under pretty sure GMs bankruptcy had alittle sometime to do with it one car doesn't kill an entire brand the only bad thing people have to say about this car is it's ugly nothing else I can bet everyone who hates this car has never driven or owned one

[@BryanWJanak]

Pontiac died for several reasons. GM did not improve the vehicles enough, they just did good enough(and even then they were subject to a lot of recalls and problems). Then there were the names. Oh the names. Grand Am, Grand Prix, Firebird. All disappeared. No one knew what a G5 was. People did seem to like the G6, but again, reliability was an issue. The Firebird had been long gone and GM's short sightedness did not bring a new one along with a new Camaro. Then there was the horrific crash test results of the Pontiac Montana Minivan. It was one thing after another, and during bankruptcy, GM was not allowed to keep any brand that did not make a profit. Pontiac, Hummer, Saturn disappeared.

[@gregchristensen9195]

Bryan W. Janak and saab

[@matthewlongtin4148]

PocketSand that's where the 2018 Toyota Camry takes the award.

[@kurtpatterson509]

Bender Rodriquez Yeah. way ahead of its time for sure. The first Bmw X6 really.

[@danthechevymanc6]

This crossover was ahead of its time. When this car came out, everyone wanted a rugged looking SUV. Even if they had no intention of ever using it as one or even if it really was just rugged looking instead of actually being used as an SUV , that's what people bought back then. Today everyone wants sleek aerodynamic crossovers. If this was made today without the plastic cladding, a new up to date interior, and led lights, this would be the best looking and one of the best selling crossovers on the market. A lot of people are starting to admit that it looks better than any new crossover. Now that this look is in style, people are actually starting to like this car. But no one wants to admit because of the bad stigma that seems to come with it. It's a great crossover to buy, because they have low resale value, so you can get a good one really cheap. Some people blame it as the car that began the slow death of Pontiac, but it really wasn't. It was ahead of its time. GM took a chance and back then, the rarely did. It was just ahead of its time. This was not the worst Pontiac ever made. The Toyota built Vibe was. That car was so bad, it hurt GM's quality rating and that played a big part in why GM broke their alliance with Toyota. So, if you want a good crossover that looks better and probably runs better than most new crossovers for a low price, get an Aztek. You might be at the end of a few jokes, but very few people look at cars as anything more than transportation these days, which is why sporty brands like Pontiac can't survive in today's markets. People sadly prefer generic, boring, appliances from Japan.

[@marcusdamberger]

The one thing it had going for it versus today's crossover SUV's is the rear window has good visibility. Today's crossovers have terrible rear views.. More reliable then today's SUV? Did you not read previous comments about drive train, head gaskets and electrical faults? It didn't even have the more reliable 3800 engine..

[@wildone106]

Heisenberg brought me here

[@selerim]

These cars ain't that bad. Yea the style is ugly but it's engine and transmission is durability. My sister had 04 Aztek was selling it and told her give it to me to sell it at my job. That Aztek AWD can take a beating in my job site where the roads are bumps, crack, dirt, and hoes. I actually thought it would beak down but never did. It surprise me that I decided to keep it for a while. And thats with 248,500 miles! After 2 years it finally started to break down that I sold it in auction for 2500.

[@ivan.gryazin]

This looks like a 2015 Nissan Juke. But it was earlier. Wait, hold on. OH SHI~

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

Walter White must be watching this now and sitting quite proud.

[@sdry]

This had to be the 2nd most horrific thing happened in american soil 2001

[@roddydykes7053]

sdry lmao love it

[@kingjlinza]

sdry What was number 1?

[@daniellowell2157]

@@kingjlinza 9/11

[@MaxPower-11]

That huge dash handle sure comes in handy when driving through the New Mexico desert on the way to the ice factory 😂

[@philarob80]

I had to find a Pontiac dealer ( wasn't easy) I gave him 400$ he gave me a Pontiac Aztec

[@das11270110]

Stan Smith

[@sales8026]

philarob80 I did not understand that. Can you please clarify 🤔

[@turdgoblin6113]

I love my 2002 aztek! I'd take another one in a heartbeat!!

[@alexcheetah79]

RIP the Xterra 0:54

[@thewiseguy3529]

Now these are going to be collectibles 🙂 Good job whoever still has one, keep it nice!

[@Turbosaunderground]

Uh, the pulling video vs AWD CR-V, wow, V6 vs 4 cylinders.

[@sales8026]

CarNews what does this mean 🤔

[@billgateskilledmyuncle23]

Weight and traction are what matter, not power. They were both on ice.

[@MissV...]

I'm still trying to figure out why there was a handle on the dash

[@rars0n]

The only thing worse than the car is the audio in this video.

[@rars0n]

...and the music.

[@marcusdamberger]

Why is the audio so blown out? Plus the video is dark, blacks crushed.. Even archive video tape of the 2000's wasn't this bad. Is this not from the original "Master" tape? PBS stations would never accept that kind of quality, even then.

[@fernandochaves9665]

Respect for the vehicle' innovations... Really ahead of its time.

[@elopez412]

Careers at Pontiac must have been lost after this car hit the market. Pontiac was an open wound, the Ass-tek was the salt. The 2001 Chevy Malibu was also an "Insult To Injury".

[@DD-dj4jr]

Eddie Lopez I worked there at the time - the Aztec Brand Manager was Marc Reuss. Son of former GM President Lloyd Reuss and now GM’s current President. FUMU.

[@teresapflaumer5717]

I cant believe that I have actually seen TWO different Azteks in one week (in South Jersey)

[@man_on_wheelz]

There's been some ugly cars to hit the streets, this one I'd flat out be embarrassed to own. I see other people pointing out the Nissan Juke which is agreed one ugly sonuvabitch. But if you've ever been in one you'll notice the better quality and solidity of the Juke. Feels like a more durable car. This Aztek is just a cheap pile of plastic Batmobile/Minivan love-childness. This is probably one of the reasons Pontiac died.

[@ecymbura31]

The Aztek did not kill Pontiac it wasn't even being made anymore when they went under I'm pretty sure GMs bankruptcy had alittle more something to do with it everyone thinks the Aztek was such a shitty car just cause it's "ugly" nobody has anything else to say about it

[@man_on_wheelz]

Eric Cymbura No, I've driven the Aztek, and I've driven other Pontiacs of this era. Not good quality cars. Really none of the GM vehicles from this time were built very well. I hear the Aztek is really good off road, and that's all fine and dandy, but if that and being a tent is all it's good at, I could buy something else from that period. The Aztek just feels like a Lego box on wheels.

[@xzbane]

The juke looks decent imo.

[@skunkhollow1]

+xBane lolol your taste in car design is an interesting one

[@deans-rewind2882]

MAN_ON_WHEELZ The Pontiac Aztec was too ahead of its time based on looks, because if you notice that nowadays cross over SUV's look a lot like it. Also ask any owner of one, and they will tell you it's a great car. They last forever, like 250k to 350k or more miles on them. And the maintenance costs are very low.

[@djayt1215]

i actually kind of like the styling, it stood out, and wasn't a giant jelly bean. this vehicle had a shit ton of utility though. would love to see a hatch like that now a days with a heavy duty tray.

[@carlosmalave540]

The Buick version of the same platform was better engineered and easy on the eyes. The 3400 v6 was prone to have its lower intake manifold gasket fail and contaminate the engine oil with coolant. The transmission was solid but some owners with this engine and trans. ;had their share of problems.

[@juelzm149]

You're absolutely right! Terrible engines smh

[@TJC450]

Julius McDow Right! They should've used the 3800

[@juelzm149]

Yess! And let's not forget the supercharged 3800! That could've been a nice sleeper

[@TJC450]

Yes! All that power to the front wheels lol!

[@juelzm149]

Unless you opted for the Versatrak system but otherwise Yess LOL

[@koantarn5754]

This was a very kind review of the Aztek. For such a hideous car there were some thoughtful features like the molded seats on the rear hatch and rear audio controls, which are great for tailgating. Motorweek please upload the retro review of the Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix

[@letsgonow5641]

THe Platypus of cars..

[@risingembersgaming7740]

Well looking at the boring SUVs of today, this car starts to look good... in a unique sorta way... only 15 years later they're not seen much

[@Courtney1992]

let's just face it this car is ugly but way ahead for its time possibly a concept accidently released

[@27Zangle]

I noticed a few come up for sale back in 2018 and almost bought one a suicidal moose demolished our 2016 Escape that year and we needed something ASAP. I found a few with lower miles and in excellent shape for $3500, but we bought something else instead. Fastforward and Azteks are becoming cult classics and increasing in value. There was one for sale recently with around 85k miles and in phenomenal one owner shape, they wanted $11k for the darn thing.