2002 Pontiac Aztek: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

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.