Utility Player

Pontiac's new Aztek is a versatile virtuoso that can get almost any job done.

February 1, 2001

"Looks aren't everything," is one of those sayings that's supposed to be comforting but actually just reinforces the fact that you're dog-ugly and everybody, including you, knows it. But in the case of Pontiac's funky new Aztek, looks really aren't everything. In fact, they're probably the least important thing.

What's much more important is how well the Aztek performs. Equipped with a sturdy 3.4L, 3400 SFI V6 engine, the Aztek produces 185 hp and 210 ft-lbs of torque, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (when equipped with the $365 trailer tow package that includes heavy-duty engine cooling, a high-output alternator and automatic load-leveling rear suspension). The 4-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, even under stress. Pontiac makes an all-speed traction control that has the powertrain and braking working in tandem to reduce wheel spin at any speed. It's a standard feature on the GT model and an option on the base Aztek.

The "wide-track" chassis, with a 62.7-inch front track and a 63.8-inch rear track (wider than the Jeep Grand Cherokee), the rack-and-pinion steering and the suspension system combine to give the Aztek much-better-than-average handling characteristics, seemingly far less likely to roll over during emergency cornering.

The seating is comfortable up front, and while the rear head and leg room is about average for vehicles of this size, a 6-footer won't be too excited about making a three-hour road trip in the Aztek's rear seat. Put that 6-footer up front, though, and he'll be plenty comfortable whether he's driving or riding shotgun. The dual-zone A/C lets both driver and passenger get comfortable. For maximum interior comfort, the 1SC option package ($2,415) is highly recommended, giving the front bucket seats leather upholstery, adding power-adjust to the driver's seat, installing puncture-sealant (run-flat) tires that will let you limp to a repair station in an emergency, a radio/cassette/CD player, and best of all, an OnStar
1-year safety and security package.

The Aztek does a great job of getting you and your boat to and from the launch ramp. Unlike most trucks, however, the Aztek does an even better job of getting you and your boat to a launch ramp in another state and letting you stay there for a weekend or longer. The rear 50/50 bench seat in the test vehicle comes out easily, giving us 93.5 cubic feet of storage, and with the rear gate open there is more than enough room for two adults to stretch out in the cargo area.

The cargo area has probably the lowest floor of any SUV on the market, giving the Aztek a sort of "sunken living room" feel. Although it feels a little odd at first, it's hugely popular with the official Boating World test dogs, Mali and Curtis, who have room to either stretch out and nap or stand and walk around.

One option that isn't installed on the test vehicle, but is highly recommended, is the Versatrak All-Wheel-Drive system. The Versatrak system uses twin gerotor pumps in a rear drive module to compare and contrast the rotational speeds of the front and rear tires in low-traction situations, such as trying to pull a boat out of the water on a slippery launch ramp. In normal driving conditions, the Aztek remains in front-wheel drive, but as soon as slippage is detected, the Versatrak system engages multi-plate clutches to provide drive to one or both rear wheels. When traction is restored, the Versatrak reverts to front-wheel drive. According to Pontiac, the system works especially well in split-traction situations, where you have one side on dry pavement and the other in mud, for example, and can function while using a space-saver rear tire.

Even without the Versatrak system, the Aztek can handle towing chores, and when you're not pulling something the vehicle delivers surprisingly good fuel economy. It's EPA-rated at 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. The digital odometer even tells you how well your current or overall average economy matches up with the EPA estimates.

When it's all said and done, looks really aren't everything, at least with tow vehicles. What you really care about - or at least what you really should care about - is how well the vehicle performs. Does it get you and your boat where you want to go? Is it comfortable? Are you thinking about trading it in a month after taking delivery? After a week-long test, it's clear that the Aztek's versatility and performance put it into the top tier of the current class of SUVs.