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2002 Pontiac Aztek Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2002 Pontiac Aztek Review:
2002 Pontiac Aztek Review
Alterations to its controversial styling and more standard features mark the 2002 Aztek. This minivan/SUV crossover is based on Pontiac's Montana minivan. It has four conventional side doors and a glass rear liftgate in combination with a drop-down tailgate. Aztek offers front-wheel drive or General Motors' Versatrak all-wheel drive. The AWD system lacks low-range gearing and is not intended for off-road use. Front side airbags and ABS are standard; AWD versions add 4-wheel disc brakes. Aztek's unconventional styling contributed to slow sales in its 2001 debut year. The big appearance change for '02 is a revised paint scheme that substitutes body-color trim for gray lower-body cladding. Wheel designs also change and include 3-spoke alloys for the 2WD model. An insulated front-console cooler and CD player are now standard instead of optional. Traction control is optional with 2WD. Other options include heated leather front seats, a slide-out cargo-floor section with storage bins and rollaway wheels, and GM's OnStar assistance system. Available through dealers is a camping package with clip-on tent and fitted air mattress. Maximum towing capacity is 3500 lb. The Buick Rendezvous shares Aztek's underskin design, though it's longer and has three rows of seats.
Competition
This is by far the hottest market segment right now. Crowded with more than 20 vehicles, midsize SUVs vary in size and type but nearly all seat five adults and offer V6 or V8 engines. Our Best Buys are the Acura MDX and Toyota Highlander. Both offer competence, convenience, and attractive pricing and design. They lack serious off-road 4WD systems, however.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
Our Recommended choices feature more-traditional SUVs: the Dodge Durango, which offers optional third-row seating; the top-selling Ford Explorer; the utilitarian Nissan Xterra; and the refined GMC Envoy. If you don't venture off-road too far take a look at the car-based Lexus RX 300 as well.
News
Aztek has been selling at only about a third its projected annual volume. The reason, as most everyone knows, is styling, which is why Pontiac was so quick to modify it for the encore 2002 models. We feel the changes do help. Whether they're enough to turn sales around remains to be seen. One source says 2003 Azteks may get a wider stance and sit slightly lower, again to help the visuals. But there's only so much Pontiac can do to this basic design, which is apparently locked-in through model-year 2005--assuming, of course, that Aztek sells well enough to stay alive that long.
2002 Pontiac Aztek Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Interior materials |
| Interior storage space | Brake-pedal feel (2WD model) |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Like its minivan parent, the front-drive Aztek has smooth acceleration and good midrange response, though no surplus of either. The AWD version weighs about 264 lb more, and feels somewhat slower than the 2WD model in most conditions.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Like its minivan parent, the front-drive Aztek has smooth acceleration and good midrange response, though no surplus of either. The AWD version weighs about 264 lb more, and feels somewhat slower than the 2WD model in most conditions.
Fuel Economy
Test 2WD averaged 18.7 mpg. Test AWD version averaged 17 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, and 19.4 in mostly highway use. Aztek uses regular fuel.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 3.8 |
Test 2WD averaged 18.7 mpg. Test AWD version averaged 17 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, and 19.4 in mostly highway use. Aztek uses regular fuel.
Ride Quality
Generally absorbent and well-controlled, with the minivan roots yielding better bump absorption than in most midsize SUVs. Heavier AWD model doesn't ride as smoothly as 2WD version. Both suffer some side-to-side body motions on uneven pavement.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 4 | 4 |
Generally absorbent and well-controlled, with the minivan roots yielding better bump absorption than in most midsize SUVs. Heavier AWD model doesn't ride as smoothly as 2WD version. Both suffer some side-to-side body motions on uneven pavement.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Another minivanlike trait. Unstressed in routine driving, with good road grip. Fast turns generate pronounced body lean, though, and strong crosswinds can compromise stability. Stopping power seems more than adequate, despite mushy-feeling brake-pedal feel on 2WD test model.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3.5 |
Another minivanlike trait. Unstressed in routine driving, with good road grip. Fast turns generate pronounced body lean, though, and strong crosswinds can compromise stability. Stopping power seems more than adequate, despite mushy-feeling brake-pedal feel on 2WD test model.
Quietness
Relatively low noise levels from engine, wind, road. Few true SUVs are this quiet.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 4 |
Relatively low noise levels from engine, wind, road. Few true SUVs are this quiet.
Controls
Functional gauges and controls despite eccentric dashboard appearance. Thick side roof pillars interfere with visibility over the shoulder, and driver can't easily see front body corners. No rear wiper is available, and the hatchback glass coats quickly in a wintertime film of salt and slush. Cabin materials mostly budget-grade plastics.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 6 |
Functional gauges and controls despite eccentric dashboard appearance. Thick side roof pillars interfere with visibility over the shoulder, and driver can't easily see front body corners. No rear wiper is available, and the hatchback glass coats quickly in a wintertime film of salt and slush. Cabin materials mostly budget-grade plastics.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Comfortable seating, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward travel. Step-in is minivan-low, easing entry/exit.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Comfortable seating, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward travel. Step-in is minivan-low, easing entry/exit.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Enough knee, leg, foot space to suit 6-footers. Bench seat is more springy foam than supportive padding. Passengers must twist their feet to get in or out, and large doors are cumbersome in tight spaces.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Enough knee, leg, foot space to suit 6-footers. Bench seat is more springy foam than supportive padding. Passengers must twist their feet to get in or out, and large doors are cumbersome in tight spaces.
Cargo Room
Cavernous and versatile. Console doubles as a cooler and doors have map pockets with twin bottle holders. Rear bench seat easily removes in two sections, and the available sliding rear storage tray is clever and useful. Aztek carries 4x8 plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered. But the large glass liftgate is heavy and cumbersome. And the tailgate, which doesn't open to a horizontal position, prevents an easy reach into the cargo hold.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 7.7 |
Cavernous and versatile. Console doubles as a cooler and doors have map pockets with twin bottle holders. Rear bench seat easily removes in two sections, and the available sliding rear storage tray is clever and useful. Aztek carries 4x8 plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered. But the large glass liftgate is heavy and cumbersome. And the tailgate, which doesn't open to a horizontal position, prevents an easy reach into the cargo hold.
Value within Class
Aztek is as comfortable as any SUV and is packed with features designed for active types. Its assembly quality and budget-grade cabin materials won't please the discerning, however. And with the unorthodox styling continuing to adversely affects sales, look for continued discounts.
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4.5 |
Aztek is as comfortable as any SUV and is packed with features designed for active types. Its assembly quality and budget-grade cabin materials won't please the discerning, however. And with the unorthodox styling continuing to adversely affects sales, look for continued discounts.
Total Score
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
| 54 | 51 | 49.5 |
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 49 | |
| High Score | 65 |
2002 Pontiac Aztek Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 05/17/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| 2WD Base 4-door hatchback | $20,295 | $18,570 | $575 |
|
|
|||
| AWD Base 4-door hatchback | $23,295 | $21,315 | $575 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
3.4-liter V6 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock brakes, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console w/cooler and storage, cupholders, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors, power decklid release, automatic headlights, cargo cover, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear quarter and liftgate privacy glass, fog lights.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
215/70R16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, 4-wheel disc brakes.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
1SB Basic Plus Group 1
|
||
|
Base
|
$985
|
$877
|
|
Remote keyless entry, cruise control, cargo nets, rear-door privacy glass, roof rack.
|
||
|
1SC Comfort and Security Group
|
||
|
2WD
|
$3,150
|
$2,804
|
|
AWD
|
$3,080
|
$2,741
|
|
Option Group 1SB plus traction control (2WD), OnStar System w/one-year service (roadside assistance, emergency services; other services available), dual-zone manual climate controls, interior air filter, upgraded upholstery, 6-way power driver seat, front-seat lumbar adjustment, 4-way adjustable head rests, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, illuminated visor mirrors, front door utility packs, overhead console, driver information center, sliding rear cargo tray, theft-deterrent system w/alarm, 235/55R17 tires (AWD).
|
||
|
1SD Deluxe Group
|
||
|
2WD
|
$5,125
|
$4,561
|
|
AWD
|
$5,055
|
$4,499
|
|
Comfort and Security Group plus leather upholstery, heated front seats, 6-way power passenger seat, Pioneer AM/FM/cassette/CD player, rear-seat and cargo-area radio controls, head-up instrument display.
|
||
|
Trailer Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$365
|
$325
|
|
Heavy-duty engine-oil cooler and alternator, load-leveling rear suspension, air-inflation kit.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Power sunroof
|
||
|
w/1SB
|
$650
|
$579
|
|
w/1SC
|
$240
|
$214
|
|
w/1SD
|
$140
|
$125
|
|
Deletes OnStar System, rear-seat radio controls.
|
||
|
Pioneer AM/FM/cassette/CD player
|
||
|
w/1SB
|
$510
|
$454
|
|
w/1SC
|
$425
|
$378
|
|
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cargo-area radio controls. Includes rear-seat radio controls w/1SC Comfort and Security Group.
|
||
|
Pioneer AM/FM w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
|
||
|
w/1SB
|
$805
|
$716
|
|
w/1SC
|
$720
|
$641
|
|
w/1SD
|
$295
|
$263
|
|
Includes leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cargo-area radio controls, speed-compensated volume. Includes rear-seat radio controls w/1SC Comfort and Security Group.
|
||
|
6-way power driver seat
|
||
|
Base
|
$500
|
$445
|
|
Includes sliding rear cargo tray. Requires 1SB Basic Plus Group.
|
||
|
Red accent upholstery
|
||
|
Base
|
$100
|
$89
|
|
Requires 1SC Comfort and Security Group.
|
||
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Engine block heater
|
||
|
Base
|
$35
|
$31
|
|
|
||
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
||
|
17-inch alloy wheels
|
||
|
AWD
|
$200
|
$178
|
|
Includes 235/55R17 tires.
|
||
|
215/70R16 self-sealing white-letter tires
|
||
|
Base
|
$150
|
$134
|
|
NA AWD w/1SC or 1SD Group.
|
||
|
|
||
2002 Pontiac Aztek Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Pontiac Aztek 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 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| ohv V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.4 /204 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 185 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 210 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 4-speed automatic | 18/24 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Pontiac Aztek 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/100,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Mexico
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 Pontiac Aztek Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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