Ultra-Functional Aztek Doesn't Appeal to the Majority of Buyers
When GM initially announced its Oldsmobile division was to be phased out there was a period of mourning among Cutlass 442 and Toronado fans. Even cries of remorse went out when the General dropped their Pontiac Fiero, Buick Reatta and Cadillac Allante models. So what will the reaction be to news of the Pontiac Aztek demise?
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| Cries of remorse often accompany the end of a vehicle's production, but the announcement of the end of the Aztec should be pretty silent. (Photo: General Motors) |
To many GM fans news that the butt of nearly every automotive joke since the ill-fated crossover SUV came to market in 2000 as a 2001 model is gone will be elating. Pontiac will continue the model relatively unchanged throughout the 2004 model year after which it will end its tenure, for good.
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| The Aztec will probably be replaced by an SUV based on Buick's next generation Rendezvous, which is said to be similar to the superb Centieme concept car seen at the Detroit Auto Show this year. (Photo: General Motors) |
But just because Aztek is going the way of the dodo doesn't mean the 'excitement' team will be forever out of an SUV. Expect Pontiac to receive a version of the next generation Buick Rendezvous replacement, reported to be similar in design to the graceful Centieme concept car that debuted in Detroit earlier this year.
Hopefully Pontiac will build in some of the ultra-functional Aztek features into their next SUV, such as the 6-pack sized cooler cum armrest that sits between the front bucket seats, the rear cargo area audio system controls for tailgate parties and superb line of accessories - the best of which is a custom fit tent that attaches to the rear of the vehicle when its hatch is opened.
Whatever the specialized features, be sure Pontiac won't repeat the same mistake again. Their next SUV will receive the face of a supermodel and the body of a, well, supermodel, restoring a little respect to the Pontiac nameplate.