2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Cargo room
- Interior storage space
Cons
- Interior materials
- Brake-pedal feel (2WD)
Vehicle Highlights
Aiming at young sport-minded buyers, Pontiac's new car/SUV crossover went on sale in summer 2000 in base and better-equipped GT form, with front-wheel drive. Aztek was loosely based on Pontiac's Montana minivan, with the same 3.4 liter V6 and mandatory automatic transmission, but with four conventional side doors and hatchback styling with a drop-down tailgate. Front side airbags and antilock brakes were standard. An all-wheel-drive version became available during the 2001 season, able to distribute power to the four wheels based upon available traction. Four-wheel disc brakes replaced the usual disc/drum setup on all-wheel-drive models, which were not intended for offroad use and did not include low-range gearing. Aztek's maximum towing capacity was 3500 pounds, the same as the Montana's. Ground clearance was 6.7 inches. Azteks were larger than the popular Lexus RX 300, another car-based crossover. Wheelbase was 5.5 inches longer and it measured 2 inches longer overall. An Aztek was slightly taller and wider, too, with 1.5 inches more rear leg room and 93.5 cubic feet of storage space when the rear seats were removed. Standard equipment included air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, and power windows/locks/mirrors. The GT added traction control, 16-inch tires in place of 15s, and a removable console bin that served as combination cooler and CD case. Options included a power sunroof and a slide-out cargo-floor section with storage bins and rollaway wheels. Exclusive GT options included heated leather front seats, two rear captain's chairs to replace the standard three-person bench, a head-up instrument display, and GM's OnStar assistance system. Recreational accessories available through dealers included washable seat covers and a camping package with clip-on tent and fitted air mattress. Charges of bizarre styling soon began to surface, which had a negative impact on Aztek sales. Competitors included the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, and Subaru Forester, but none of these models looked anything like the Aztek.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Aztek 2WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2005 Pontiac Aztek is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Aztek is as comfortable as any SUV, and packed with features designed for active folks, but cannot venture far off road. Assembly quality and budget-grade cabin materials won't please the discerning, however. Unorthodox styling has tended to keep new-car prices discounted and resale prices down a bit.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Aztek 2WD Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 7 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 8 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 53 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $530 |
| Alternator | $585 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,705 |
| Brakes | $415 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $610 |
| Exhaust System | $335 |
| Radiator | $355 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $810 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $210 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2005 | |||
| Aztek 2WD | $7,700-9,000 | $6,900-8,100 | $3,900-4,500 |
| Aztek 4WD | $8,500-9,800 | $7,700-8,800 | $4,400-5,100 |
| 2004 | |||
| Aztek 2WD | $6,200-7,300 | $5,400-6,400 | $2,700-3,100 |
| Aztek 4WD | $6,900-8,000 | $6,100-7,100 | $3,200-3,800 |
| 2003 | |||
| Aztek 2WD | $5,000-6,000 | $4,300-5,100 | $2,000-2,400 |
| Aztek 4WD | $5,700-6,700 | $4,900-5,800 | $2,300-2,700 |
| 2002 | |||
| Aztek 2WD | $4,000-4,800 | $3,300-3,900 | $1,300-1,500 |
| Aztek 4WD | $4,600-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,700-2,000 |
| 2001 | |||
| Aztek 2WD | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| Aztek 4WD | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door wagon | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.3 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.1 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.7 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4043 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 93.5 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.0 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.7 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 40.5 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 39.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.0 | |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohv V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 185 | 210 | 4-speed automatic: 19/26 | 4-speed automatic: -- |
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With all-wheel drive, the EPA rating is 18/24 mpg. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2001 Aztek |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








