2001 Pontiac Aztek SRV - Controversial? Maybe. Functional? Without a doubt!
I never thought it would happen, but I don't think I have a grasp for what is in style anymore. Although I sincerely believe that I'm endowed with a keen sense for 'classic' lines, I find it best to leave clothes shopping to my stylish wife, who just happens to be eleven years younger than I. What's worse, I am starting to become concerned that I've become similarly passé in my acceptance of new automotive trends - an uncomfortable thought in my line of work.
That said, it was with an open-minded attitude that I approached the new Pontiac Aztek. Having read an overview of its target market and realizing that I was on its outermost edges in age and lifestyle, I decided to conduct a random poll of young adults on my own. Driving though town, I leaned out the window to ask fashion conscious youth, "What do you think?" The result of my poll was what Pontiac already knew. The edgy Aztek received a solid thumbs up from the young and stylish more often than not.
However controversial the styling, its functionality can't be denied. With the space of a minivan, the utility of an SUV and more accessories than a Swiss Army knife, the Aztek is positioned to become a favorite among the active outdoor set. How many vehicles have a center armrest that doubles as a cooler or a CD rack - depending on your needs? Exactly. Everywhere you look, the Aztek highlights function alongside form. Removable door utility packs can be found up front and a detachable sliding cargo tray (that keeps cargo in place in pop-up compartments) is at the rear. A tailgate that incorporates form fitted plastic seats and cupholders is a must for beach parties while two of the 10 speakers in the optional 190 watt Pioneer audio system face rearward, improving sound quality outside the vehicle. The system incorporates a 6-disc in-dash CD player to allow for about 3 hours of non-stop outdoor dancing (or drive-in theatre viewing if you can still find one in your neighborhood).
I never thought it would happen, but I don't think I have a grasp for what is in style anymore. Although I sincerely believe that I'm endowed with a keen sense for 'classic' lines, I find it best to leave clothes shopping to my stylish wife, who just happens to be eleven years younger than I. What's worse, I am starting to become concerned that I've become similarly passé in my acceptance of new automotive trends - an uncomfortable thought in my line of work.
That said, it was with an open-minded attitude that I approached the new Pontiac Aztek. Having read an overview of its target market and realizing that I was on its outermost edges in age and lifestyle, I decided to conduct a random poll of young adults on my own. Driving though town, I leaned out the window to ask fashion conscious youth, "What do you think?" The result of my poll was what Pontiac already knew. The edgy Aztek received a solid thumbs up from the young and stylish more often than not.
However controversial the styling, its functionality can't be denied. With the space of a minivan, the utility of an SUV and more accessories than a Swiss Army knife, the Aztek is positioned to become a favorite among the active outdoor set. How many vehicles have a center armrest that doubles as a cooler or a CD rack - depending on your needs? Exactly. Everywhere you look, the Aztek highlights function alongside form. Removable door utility packs can be found up front and a detachable sliding cargo tray (that keeps cargo in place in pop-up compartments) is at the rear. A tailgate that incorporates form fitted plastic seats and cupholders is a must for beach parties while two of the 10 speakers in the optional 190 watt Pioneer audio system face rearward, improving sound quality outside the vehicle. The system incorporates a 6-disc in-dash CD player to allow for about 3 hours of non-stop outdoor dancing (or drive-in theatre viewing if you can still find one in your neighborhood).