The Pontiac Aztek

The Pontiac Aztek

In July 2000 at the GM Assembly Plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, production began for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek! 

To be honest, the Pontiac Aztek launched to mixed reviews, most of which were negative - But to be fair, this had nothing to do with quality of the Aztek, but the style. 

The Aztek was one of the first "crossovers" to hit the market and was available in Front-Wheel-Drive and an All-Wheel-Drive version.  Powered by a 3.4L V6 engine, the Aztek used a shortened platform shared by the Pontiac Montana and other GM Minivans.

Fact: The Buick Rendezvous is the corporate cousin of the Pontiac Aztek.

The Aztek interior wasn't only comfortable, it was fun!  Earlier versions boasted fun fabrics and one of the best features had to be the picnic cooler arm rest!


With it's rear seats removed, you could carry a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood! It was also fitted with a sliding cargo floor with grocery compartments and an available camping package with an attachable tent and inflatable mattress.

It's been over 10 years since the last Pontiac Aztek rolled off the assembly line in 2005 making for a 4 year model run. 

Looking back, most will agree the Pontiac Aztek was simply ahead of it's time!