2005 Pontiac Aztek: Road Test
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2005 Pontiac Aztek ▼
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- MSRP: $21,530 -$24,445
- Invoice: $19,700 -$22,367
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Our road test for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Pontiac Aztek from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Pontiac Aztek help you decide if a 2005 Pontiac Aztek is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4.9 |
Like its minivan parent, the front-drive Aztek has smooth acceleration and good midrange response, but no surplus of either. AWD version is some 260 lb heavier and somewhat slower in most situations.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 3.9 |
Test front-driver averaged 18.7 mpg vs. 19.4 for our AWD over more highway miles. Pontiac recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 5.1 |
Generally absorbent and well-controlled. Minivan roots yield better bump absorption than in most true midsize SUVs, but uneven surfaces induce some side-to-side body motion. Heavier AWD model not quite as comfortable.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
More minivan than typical SUV. Unstressed in routine driving. Good cornering grip, but fast turns induce marked body lean. Front-drive models too easily buffeted by strong crosswinds. Stopping ability more than adequate with available ABS, but test 2WD had mushy brake-pedal feel. No opportunity yet to test a non-ABS Aztek.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.8 |
Relatively low noise levels from all sources. Few SUVs are this quiet.
CONTROLS
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6.3 |
Dashboard festooned with unnecessary bulges, coves, odd shapes, but gauges and controls are designed and located sensibly enough. Mostly budget-grade cabin materials a big letdown.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Comfortable seats and positioning, though taller drivers may wish for more rearward travel. Thick roof pillars impede over-the-shoulder vision, and driver can't easily see front body corners. No rear wiper available, and the sloped liftgate glass is fast clouded by wintertime salt and slush. Minivan-low step-in eases entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.2 |
Enough space for 6-footers. Bench seat is more springy foam than supportive padding. Passengers must twist feet to get in or out, and large doors are cumbersome in tight spaces.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
Cavernous and versatile. Console doubles as a drink cooler, door map pockets have twin bottle holders. Rear bench easily removes in two sections, and an available rear storage tray is clever and useful. Aztek carries 4x8 plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered, but the gate doesn't lie completely flat and the large glass liftgate is heavy.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Aztek scores comfort points over most truck-type SUVs and offers lots of nifty features for active folks, but it can't go far off-road even with AWD. Worse, it lacks a "quality" look and feel, and 2WD buyers must pay extra for the safety of ABS and front side airbags. Continued slow sales mean ready discounts. Aztec production is scheduled to end in 2005.
Total Score
| 2WD | AWD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 54 | 52 | 55.1 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
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