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Pontiac Aztek Review

April 2005
Filed under: PONTIAC Car News | PONTIAC Headlines

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Pontiac Aztek continues its quest to suit the needs of today's active consumers by raising the "fun" quotient for 2003. Billed as "quite possibly the most versatile vehicle on the planet," Aztek created a new vehicle segment - the sport recreation vehicle (SRV) - when introduced in 2001. It skillfully blends Pontiac sedan driving excitement with the versatility of a minivan and the rugged, all-wheel drive capability of an SUV.
Aztek owners love this vehicle, evidenced by its top category ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. For 2003, Pontiac gives Aztek owners more of what they love.

A new level of entertainment
Entertainment and technology are paramount to Aztek owners. The 2003 Aztek adds two new choices to the already impressive list of standard and optional sound systems: a DVD entertainment system and XM Satellite Radio.

A new, integrated overhead multimedia system plays DVD video, DVD audio and CDs, and includes a flat, flip-down, seven-inch video screen, two wireless headphones and a wireless remote control. The DVD-format screen provides superior picture quality, and the system has a 1.5-second "video memory," preventing potholes, railroad tracks, and other road surfaces from interfering with the sound and picture. Simple controls - power, play and eject buttons - make the DVD player easy to use. Three auxiliary jacks, for devices such as video games and camcorders, offer additional versatility. In fact, passengers can use the DVD player, the radio, and the CD player all at the same time. The overhead DVD player is available only on the Comfort & Security option package.

The 2003 Aztek also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free) from hip-hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the car, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. XM's next-generation sound quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.

New wheels, tires for FWD and AWD models
Aztek offers owners two new wheel choices. The Basic FWD model has a new 16-inch steel wheel/wheel cover. Aztek FWD Basic Plus and AWD Basic & Basic Plus models feature a new 16-inch, painted snowflake cast-aluminum wheel shod with P215/70R16 all-season blackwall radial tires. Aztek customers who choose the Comfort & Security package on FWD or AWD will enjoy the sporty looks of the 17-inch, 5-spoke flangeless cast-aluminum wheels equipped with P235/55R17 all-season blackwall tires. The 17-inch wheel and tire is available as an option on both the FWD & AWD Basic Plus equipment packages.

Tire inflation monitoring
New for 2003, Aztek models equipped with the Comfort & Security equipment package will feature a standard tire-inflation monitoring system. The system constantly monitors tire pressure and alerts the driver via a chime and a telltale light in the instrument panel if the pressure falls below the predetermined level, enhancing safety, security and peace of mind.

Popular options for the outdoor enthusiasts
Pontiac Aztek was conceived to be the most flexible and accommodating vehicle on the market. Its versatility and flexibility is accentuated by a number of lifestyle accessory packages designed specifically for this vehicle and intended to suit specific Aztek customer needs.

For those who enjoy getting closer to nature, Aztek offers an enhanced camping package, with a custom tent that fits securely over the rear half of the vehicle and an awning at the back of the vehicle, that provides protection from the elements … or a shady place to rest. The camping package also includes a custom-sized air mattress that rests on the wide flat load floor when the rear seats are folded up or removed. Customers can inflate the air mattress by using the optional auxiliary accessory outlet located in the cargo area.

For biking aficionados, Aztek lets its owners choose whether they prefer transporting their bikes inside or outside the vehicle. In either case, the package also includes all-weather floor mats and waterproof seat covers, making clean-up a breeze.

A complete package
In either configuration, Aztek will be powered by the potent 3400 3.4-liter V6 engine that produces 185 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 210 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 3.4L is mated to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with adaptive calibration logic. The result is consistently smooth, precise and firm shifts throughout the transmission's life.

For 2003, Aztek will continue to be offered in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the latter featuring Versatrak - an all-wheel-drive system engineered specifically for Aztek. Much more effective than AWD systems offered on competitive makes, Versatrak directs torque to the rear wheels with the best traction - even if it's only one wheel. Split-traction surfaces on competitive makes often render the vehicle helpless, since torque is routed automatically to both wheels. Also unlike competitive makes, Aztek provides the added traction of AWD and the convenience of a flat load floor.

Aztek's stability comes from its wide stance coupled with a top-notch suspension system. Up front, Aztek features MacPherson struts fitted with four-stage shock absorber valving for optimum ride and handling. In back, AWD Aztek models benefit from a short-and-long-arm independent (SLA) suspension that has been designed and engineered specifically for this application. The result is a significant handling edge over live-axle systems, particularly on irregular pavement.

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