X

Pontiac Aztek: Such versatility, much ugly

The Pontiac Aztek is one of the ugliest vehicles ever built, but the fundamental ideas behind it are sound and should be resurrected today.

Craig Cole
Craig brought 15 years of automotive journalism experience to the Cars team. A lifelong resident of Michigan, he's as happy with a wrench or welding gun in hand as he is in front of the camera or behind a keyboard. When not hosting videos or cranking out features and reviews, he's probably out in the garage working on one of his project cars. He's fully restored a 1936 Ford V8 sedan and then turned to resurrecting another flathead-powered relic, a '51 Ford Crestliner. Craig has been a proud member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and the Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
Craig Cole
Pontiac Aztek
1 of 10 Pontiac

The Pontiac Aztek is one of the ugliest vehicles ever made. 

Pontiac Aztek
2 of 10 Pontiac

From all angles this crossover is an assault on the eyes.

Pontiac Aztek
3 of 10 Pontiac

In later model years Pontiac smoothed out some of the Aztek's rough edges. 

Pontiac Aztek
4 of 10 Pontiac

The mild restyling did little to improve this vehicle's overall appearance, though.

Pontiac Aztek
5 of 10 Pontiac
Pontiac Aztek
6 of 10 Pontiac

The interior wasn't quite as heinous, but it's hardly worthy of any awards, either.

Pontiac Aztek
7 of 10 Pontiac

The original Aztek Concept showed promise

Pontiac Aztek
8 of 10 Pontiac

Somehow this design study wasn't as hideous as the production version. 

Pontiac Aztek
9 of 10 Pontiac

You can definitely see where the production model got its profile from. 

Pontiac Aztek
10 of 10 Pontiac

Its engine was shared with GM's minivan lineup.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos