Pontiac Aztek Interior Review
Understanding the interior is the key to appreciating the Aztek. With front bucket seats divided by a floor console, second-row bench split in half and a cargo compartment in the rear, the layout may be the only conventional aspect of the Aztek's interior plan. All of the interior elements themselves relate to functional use for recreation and the storage of lifestyle and sports equipment.
Bold graphic designs spread across the cloth seat fabrics and door panels. Soft-to-touch molded composite polymers are used to line dashboard, doors and rear panels. Grab handles appear everywhere, on doors, dash and pillars. Four power outlets are provided, at the instrument panel (one), rear of the floor console (two), and rear quarter panel (one).
In the cockpit, dashboard bumps house a recessed instrument cluster containing large analog gauges as well as four round air vents that have center joystick-style shutoff controls. Below the pair of center vents is a stack of audio and climate controls that features large easy-to-grip rotary dials.
Front bucket seats feel firm and have side bolsters with reclining backs and rear storage pockets. The standard second-row bench may be removed and the seatback, divided into two equal segments, folds down flat to expand cargo space in back. Two removable captain's chairs may be substituted for the rear bench with GT trim.
Storage compartments dot the cabin, from a front glove box and side door pockets to concealed spaces in rear quarter panels and back sill plate plus center front consoles for the floor and ceiling. The GT package adds a thermal container that locks into position in the front floor console and functions as a console storage bin when in the vehicle or a twin six-pack cooler when removed. Also, flexible zippered bags stuff into front door pockets to house cameras, phones, CD players and other portable gear. Optional storage systems are available for specific sports equipment, such as an interior bike rack for the cargo bay, a cargo net system with 22 different configurations, and a slide-out rear cargo tray that supports 400 pounds worth of gear. There's even a specially designed tent that fits over the rear with tailgate and liftgate open, and a broad air mattress to fill the floor of the cargo bay.
Pontiac Aztek Road Test
We drove a front-wheel-drive Aztek GT around Lake Tahoe, around California's snow-covered Sierras, and across the high deserts of Nevada to test its spirit, sample the ride quality and experience the built-in comforts. What we found was a sturdy machine that charged up mountain grades and handled twisty curve sets with sure-footed confidence while also maneuvering easily through traffic on urban streets in Carson City and zipping along in a stable state on freeways through Reno.
Power flows readily from the 3.4-liter V6 engine, as translated through the automatic transaxle. It musters up to 185 horsepower and, despite its hefty weight of almost two tons, propels the Aztek to speed quickly, thanks to strong low-end torque. In thin air at higher elevations in the Sierras the transmission tended to jump between top gears as it struggled to find the ideal equation for mastering steep grades, but that should not be expected at more modest altitudes.
Our Aztek GT also packed an all-speed traction control system, which checks slippage from the front wheels during aggressive acceleration or on slippery pavement through computer-controlled interaction between brakes and powertrain. It's a handy safety tool for moving with confidence over wet or snow-coated roads, and it appears as part of the standard equipment with the GT package but is available on the base Aztek.
Both Aztek editions contain a number of active and passive safety systems that extend to frontal and side-impact airbags and brakes with four-wheel anti-lock controls. Standard issue brakes combine front discs with rear drums, but discs for all four wheels are offered as an option.
The vehicle's long wheelbase and wide wheel track create a broad stance that keeps it rooted to the road. With all engine torque directed to the front wheels it feels more like a conventional easy-to-drive sedan or minivan than a truck-based sport-utility wagon. Smooth but firm suspension settings add to the car-like ride quality, with independent struts up front and a rear twist beam axle.
When the optional all-wheel-drive version emerges late in the model-year, expect it to vary suspension elements with an independent short-and-long arm arrangement in the rear. The new all-wheel-drive system, dubbed Versatrak at GM, eliminates the usual center differential in favor of a compact clutch pack for each rear wheel. The intelligent system detects tire rotational differences between front and rear wheels during low-traction conditions, then directs power to either or both rear wheels momentarily before actual slippage occurs at the front wheels, all to maintain steady forward movement.
Pontiac Aztek Lineup
A 3.4-liter V6 engine provides 185 horsepower to the front wheels through an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transaxle. In January 2001, the Aztek will be available with all-wheel drive; the AWD version uses GM's new Versatrak system, which has met favorable reviews.
Two models are available, Aztek and Aztek GT. The base Aztek at $21,445 packs an extensive list of standard equipment including frontal and side-impact airbags and anti-lock brakes. Air conditioning, power windows, power door locks and power mirrors are also standard. A GT package, beginning at $24,445, brings dual-zone heating and air conditioning, cruise control, traction control, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, a removable console cooler and a rooftop rack for mounting recreational equipment.