2004 Pontiac Aztek in Elkhart, IN - $4,995

Car? Truck? SUV? One thing is for sure -- one cannot mistake the new Pontiac Aztek for anything else on the road. Love it or hate it, everyone will form an opinion about this vehicle, which is just fine with the folks at Pontiac. Thank you very much.

The wide-track crowd calls this vehicle a sports recreation vehicle (SRV) that is uniquely capable of exploring a "new dimension of driving excitement." No argument from me. Built by General Motors in their Ramos Arizpe Mexico assembly plant, the Aztek is currently available in a front-drive configuration in base and GT trim levels. An all-wheel drive variant of this vehicle is due in dealer showrooms later this model year.

The Pontiac Aztek is the nameplate's rendition of what could happen when the driving enjoyment of a sports sedan is fused with the rugged tractability of a sport utility vehicle and practicality of a van in one package. The basis of this "lifestyle support" vehicle is GM's minivan platform -- Pontiac Montana/Chevrolet Venture/Oldsmobile Silhouette.

Power is provided by the 3400 V6 mill and delivered to the ground through a Hydra-matic 4T65-E four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive.

On the road, Pontiac's SRV produces good midrange acceleration -- smooth and plentiful -- suggesting that the 3400 engine has begun to emerge from the shadow of the larger 3800 Series II V6 to make a name for itself.

The tall vehicle is surprisingly controllable in the twisties at speed. Standard rack and pinion steering, a wide 62.7 inch front track and 63.8 inch rear track reinforce the division theme that "wider is better." The result is better control and stability at speed.

The front suspension features MacPherson struts fitted with four-stage shock absorbers valving for optimum ride and handling. The twist beam rear axle equipped in front-drive Azteks have an integral anti-roll bar. All-wheel drive models are fitted with an all-new short and long arm independent rear suspension. The base model is shod with P215/70R15 tires while GT models come with P215/65R16 rubber.

Inside the cabin is the real story behind the Pontiac Aztek. Displays and controls are Pontiac's "in your face" variety with good outward visibility front and rear. The Aztek features both a low step in height and wide, flat loading floor while featuring a tall roof line. Combined with two different seating configurations -- front bucket seats and three passenger flip/fold, 50/50-split seats or dual captains chairs in back, consumers have a total of 93.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seat removed.

The rear opening is a hatch/tailgate combination. I could almost stand straight up in the rear of the vehicle with the hatch open! There is plenty of surprise and delight items that the automaker has built into this vehicle to maximize its versatility and flexibility.

By the numbers

Engine performance numbers for the Aztek are 185 hp at 5,200 rpm and 210 lb/ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. EPA fuel economy is 19 city/26 highway using regular unleaded gasoline. Underhood fluids are easily accessible and clearly marked. Properly equipped, the Aztek has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.

Standard safety/security equipment includes: dual front airbags, driver and front passenger side airbags, all-speed traction control, fog lamps, daytime running lights with automatic light control and Pass-Key III theft deterrent system. GT adds remote keyless entry.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek is $21,445 for the base model and $24,445 for the GT. Destination charge adds $550. Dealers report growing inventories of Pontiac's newest creation. There are no rebates on this model.

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