Pontiac Aztek

2001 Pontiac Aztek GT AWD

Introduced for the 2001 model year, the Pontiac Aztek was a car-based SUV utilizing many drivetrain components as the General Motors minivans, the Chevrolet Venture, Oldsmobile Silhouette, and Pontiac Montana. The wheelbase was shortened four inches, and an automatic all-wheel-drive system was added. As described in the July 2000 issue of Car and Driver magazine, "a pair of gerotor pumps and multiple clutch packs on the rear axle put either or both rear wheels to work whenever there is slippage at the front axle. The twin gerotor setup acts like a limited-slip rear differential, so it can also handle split-mu traction situations-better adhesion on one side of the vehicle than on the other-and Pontiac claims it can keep the Aztek moving even when only one rear wheel has grip." The Aztek is a mechanical twin of the Buick Rendezvous, although it was marketed to appeal to the "active lifestyle." Slow sales due to its polarizing appearance lead to the cancellation of the Aztek for the 2005 model year. It has been replaced by the Pontiac Torrent car-based SUV.

Recent Changes

2005- Discontinued
2004- No Changes
2003- Optional DVD entertainment system added along with larger wheels. Tire-inflation monitor standard on all but Base model.
2002- Lowered MSRP and body-colored lower cladding

Styles and Major Options

The Aztek was available only as a 5-door wagon, with front- or four-wheel-drive and in two trims, Base and GT. All Azteks were equipped with GM's 3.4-liter iron-block V-6 engine, producing 185 hp (137.9 kW) and 210 lb-ft of (284.7 N-m) torque, mated to a four speed automatic transmission. The front suspension is a slightly modified minivan setup, and front-wheel drivers use the same beam axle rear suspension. Four-wheel-drive models use a cast aluminum multilink arrangement that stretches the rear track to 63.8 inches.

The options and accessories list for the Aztek are fitting for this vehicle's "active lifestyle" portrayal. The cargo area is plastic lined, and the hatch opens in a clamshell fashion. The tailgate is molded with cup and seat indents, and audio controls in the rear quarter panel are intended for tailgating. An optional sliding cargo floor adds versatility. The front center console is a removable cooler, large enough for 12 cans.

Optional Packages

• Biking Package- interior and exterior bicycle mounts, rubber floor mats, washable seat covers
• Hiking Package- matching backpacks, washable seat covers, rubber floor mats
• Trailer Towing Package- 3500-lb (1587.5 kg) maximum capacity, automatic load leveling, integrated air compressor
• Camping Package- cabana tent, air mattress

Pricing

MSRP for the 2001 model.

Trims
Base 2WD	GT 2WD	Base 4WD	GT 4WD
MSRP
$21,995	$24,995	$23,995	$26,495

Safety

Standard Safety Features:

• Daytime Running Lights
• 4-wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
• Front and Side airbags
• Seatbelt Pretensioners
• Tire Pressure Monitor

Optional Safety Features:

• Traction Control

The NHTSA tested the Aztek for frontal and side impact collisions:

Rating (Stars)
Front		Side		Rollover
Driver	Passenger	Front Seat	Rear Seat	2WD	4WD
3	4	5	3	3	4

Gas Mileage

EPA estimates for the 2001-2005 Aztek are as follows:

2WD	4WD
19/26	18/25

Photos

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  The clamshell rear hatch is suited for tailgating.

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  The cargo area is versatile and adaptable.

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  This removable cooler resides in the front center console.

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  The 2002- and up Azteks feature body-color cladding.

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Colors

Colors
Year	Exterior	Interior
2001	Arctic White, Black, Citrus Green, Pewter, Aztek Yellow, Bright Red, Maple Red, Steel Blue	Dark Gray, Dark Taupe
2002	Arctic White, Black, Champagne Beige, Pewter, Aztek Yellow, Bright Red, Maple Red, Steel Blue	Dark Gray, Dark Taupe
2003	Aztek Yellow, Black, Champagne Beige, Electric Blue, Liquid Gray, Maple Red, Summit White, Victory Red	Dark Gray, Dark Taupe, Dark Gray w/Red Accents
2004	Black, Champagne Beige, Electric Blue, Fusion Orange, Liquid Gray, Maple Red, Summit White, Victory Red	Dark Gray, Dark Taupe
2005	Black, Electric Blue, Fusion Orange, Liquid Silver, Sedona Beige, Sport Red, Summit White, Victory Red	Dark Gray, Dark Taupe

Main Competitors

• Ford Explorer
• Honda CR-V
• Subaru Forester
• Nissan Xterra

Hybrid Models

No Hybrid or Alternative Fuel models of this vehicle were produced.