When I first laid my eyes on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek some months ago, my first reaction was that it appeared to be an uglier than usual minivan trying to impersonate a racy sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The over-the-top styling, especially that chunky slant-back rear end, totally missed the mark with me, and observing the folks all around me, I could see I wasn’t alone. Those that weren’t perplexed by this weird looking vehicle either loved or hated it — and there didn’t seem to be much middle ground.

Pontiac calls the 4-door Aztek, which is based on its Montana minivan, a “Sport Recreation Vehicle.” What it is, is another in what is beginning to look like a long line of hybrid — or “crossover” vehicles — vehicles that borrow attributes from both cars and trucks. In typical Pontiac fashion, the Aztek is on the leading-edge because of its function-driven styling and high versatility.

“What is it?” was the question of the day — asked mostly by younger drivers after pulling alongside the Aztek at a stoplight. That question is money in the bank to Pontiac because the Aztek is aimed directly at those younger folks — especially those with active lifestyles. The worst fate a new youth-oriented vehicle like this can have is to be ignored. That, it definitely wasn’t, although a more refined Buick version aimed at an older, more conservative crowd is slated for 2001.

Function eclipses style with the Aztek, although it does boast the typical Pontiac twin-port grille, hood slots and cat-eye headlights. It also has Pontiac’s trademark wide-track stance and overdone side body cladding.

The Aztek is available right now with only with front-wheel drive, but an innovative, compact all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is scheduled for late this year and an AWD-equipped Aztek was provided to the Northwest Automotive Press Association for its annual SUV competition, Mudfest (see accompanying story). The AWD system called Versatrak, doesn’t require driver involvement, but also doesn’t make it all that well-suited for serious off-roading either. However, the Aztek GT does have an all-speed traction control system, which is optional for the base model.

As stated, the Aztek is based upon the Montana, which is a sibling of GM’s Chevy Venture and Oldsmobile Silhouette. That platform gives it almost car-like handling and ride with the roominess of a minivan. Pontiac says the Aztek gives “the driving enjoyment of a sports sedan.” That’s overstating the case. This thing is a long way from Pontiac’s own Bonneville — one of the most underrated sports sedans on the market today. But at 182.1-inches long, the Aztek is very easy to maneuver and park.

The minivan platform does give the Aztek the high seating position coveted by SUV buyers along with low entry height, flat floor and a pretty spacious interior that utilizes bold pattern graphics on the seats and door trim materials along with aircraft-style oversized vents with twist-type shutoff valves.

In keeping with the active owner theme, other interior design features include door pulls that were seemingly inspired by the handle on a scuba diver’s knife and are easy to grasp. The gearshift lever is angled toward the driver but obstructs access to two big, deep console cupholders. The rear windows roll down all the way, but the thick rear roof pillars hinder driver visibility somewhat.

Two seating configurations are offered — bucket seats up front with a choice of dual captain’s chairs or a flip/fold 50/50 split bench seat in back. The captain chairs have fold-down seatbacks that recline and are removable while the split bench seats are light modular units that can be folded, flipped forward or taken out to create more cargo space.

There are removable utility packs in each front door trim panel that can be used for storage of cell phones, cameras and other stuff and cupholders are molded into the rear doors which can hold water bottles.

Instrumentation is large, analog and easily read with custom needles that look like something out of a vintage sports car. GM’s latest Head Up display offers information on the windshield, eliminating the need for a driver to take his or her eyes off the road.

Its sheer versatility is the Aztek’s major strong point. It can carry numerous combinations of people and cargo, and the cargo area itself is pretty impressive. The combination lift gate and tailgate provides easy access to the cargo hold. An optional sliding, pull-out rear cargo tray supports up to 40 pounds and an optional rear net system can restrain up to 200 pounds. The optional camping package offers a custom tent that fits over the rear half of the Aztek, while the hatch and tailgate remain open. Audio controls in the rear cargo area are available that eliminate the need to get to the dash while camping or at a tailgate party.

Under the hood, the Aztek could use more power than GM’s 3.4-liter , 185 horse pushrod V6 generates — especially if it’s going to be used to haul fairly heavy loads. The engine does respond nicely to the four-speed automatic transmission it’s coupled to however.

Whines: The bulky glass lift gate has no assist strap to help close it and no wiper-washer. The tailgate is designed in such a way it makes accessing the cargo area a little difficult for someone small in stature and the optional netting is a bit overdone.
Kudos: With a base price of $21,445, the Aztek is pretty well equipped, including such items such as air conditioning and power windows and door locks. The GT model, which offers bigger tires and more options, including dual-zone air conditioning and a removable console and 12-can cooler combination between the front bucket seats, stickers at $24,445.
Bottom Line: Very versatile, roomy, well equipped and value-priced with minivan ride and handling. This is an adventuresome, practical sport utility with love-it-or-hate-it styling. Right now, there’s nothing quite like the Aztek on the market — which is just how Pontiac wants it.