2001 Pontiac Aztek

Pontiac calls its 2001 Aztek the world's first "sport recreational vehicle." Catchy classification, perhaps, for an all-new vehicle that now joins nearly four dozen SUV models on the highways of America. Not a new idea, however, as a number of other automakers have tried to make a distinction for their new crossover offerings with category-straddling names such as "sport activity vehicle," "sport utility wagon" and "sport utility truck."

Camping Package (fitted tent and an air mattress) is just one of the special "active" option groups available for the new Aztek.

What is new, however, is that the Aztek has been designed with out-of-the-box thinking, and it truly possesses capabilities geared for drivers who want the handling of a sports sedan, the functionality of a minivan, and the ruggedness of an SUV. In addition, its transformer-car styling combined with active-lifetsyle practicality is a unique, new treadprint that General Motors hopes will change the image of this division that previously built cars for "driving excitement." It's likely to fit the bill, but, regardless of Aztek's success, this new cross-dresser will spawn at least three other GM variants from this platform in the near future.


The SRV's wide-track chassis (front track width of 62.7 inches with a rear track stance that is 1.1 inches wider that the front) is broader than the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee and designed to improve stability and handling.

Whether it's sports equipment, camping gear, or just a garden-variety load of groceries, the Aztek can be easily configured to handle almost any cargo.

Aztek comes with power-assist rack-and-pinion steering, along with electronically regulated 4-channel ABS. Front-wheel-drive versions feature a front disc/rear drum brake combination, while the all-wheel-drive Versatrak models come with 4-wheel disc brakes.


Under the hood is a 3.4-liter V-6 which delivers class-leading horsepower and torque (185-hp @ 5,200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. torque @ 4,000 rpm) mated to a smooth-shifting 4-speed electronically controlled automatice transmission. Despite its old-fashioned pushrod design, Aztek's powerplant features two valves per cylinder and hydraulic lifters, as well as cast aluminum cylinder heads.