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2001
Pontiac Aztek

Starts at:
$21,445
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New 2001 Pontiac Aztek
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr All Purpose FWD
    Starts at
    $21,445
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr All Purpose AWD
    Starts at
    $23,960
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr All Purpose FWD GT
    Starts at
    $24,445
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr All Purpose AWD GT
    Starts at
    $26,765
    18 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek 2001 Pontiac Aztek

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Expert 2001 Pontiac Aztek review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Mark Glover
Full article
our expert's take

This “ugly” thing has taken on a life of its own.

The new-for-2001 Pontiac Aztek has been labeled “ugly” by any number of auto reviewers, and now that label is stuck on the crossover vehicle like a Super Glue-soaked pigeon.

Funny how these things happen. A lot of the reviewers jumping on the “ugly” bandwagon are the same ones who toasted Pontiac for introducing such a daring, clever concept vehicle at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

But if you say something enough times … well, you know the drill.

Keep saying Elvis is alive, and next thing you know, 8,000 people are lined up at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas waiting for his comeback show. I’m absolutely convinced that in a word-association drill, most Americans would respond to “Aztek” with the word, “ugly.”

Keeping in mind that beauty is in the eye of beholder, I don’t think the Aztek is ugly at all. Pontiac’s “sport-recreation” vehicle is what I would call functional. You can stretch a purpose-built weatherproof tent over the back half of the vehicle, for crying out loud. Try doing that with your Corvette.

And the front end of the Aztek GT I tested looked positively stylish to me, although the bright-yellow paint job was a little over the top. Beyond that, there was plenty to like.

The 3.4-liter V-6 (185 horsepower) was enthusiastic, and the broad-shouldered vehicle handled nicely with the GT’s all-wheel drive feature.

Gas mileage was an entirely pleasing 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway — exactly in line with Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy figures and comparatively high numbers that you won’t find on a lot of sport-utility vehicles.

How does it measure up in the cargo category? You name it, the Aztek can haul it.

Aztek features include a roof rack, a configure-it-any-way-you-want-it cargo area (with sliding tray or nearly two dozen netting options) that can be reached with via liftgate or tailgate, a flat floor that can accommodate extra-bulky packages, a removable rear seat, a 3,500-pound towing capacity (with trailering package installed) and removable utility packs in the front doors.

Aztek can be equipped with four different sound systems (including a premium Pioneer system with 10 speakers). The center console can double as a carry-it-with-you cooler capable of carrying a dozen 12-ounce cans. The vehicle can be specially decked out for biking (with interior or exterior racks), hiking or camping.

What’s not to love here?

Well, for one thing, the price. The Aztek GT with all-wheel drive starts at a fairly hefty $26,765. Dress it up with the option package of the tested Aztek — including AM/FM stereo-cassette-CD player, power driver’s seat, head-up data display, sliding rear cargo tray, security alarm, OnStar communications system and leather seating surfaces — and the price balloons to $29,580, including a $550 destinatio n charge.

Granted, a base front-wheel drive version of the Aztek starts at $21,445, but why would one want to give up all the fun things that make Aztek appeal to on-the-go outdoors types?

General Motors officials have said that they priced Aztek too high in this initial model year. And there’s some confusion over whether the Aztek was meant to be marketed to young professionals who spend their weekends outdoors or midlife career people looking for an unconventional vehicle.

I can tell you this much: I would have crawled on broken glass for a vehicle like the Aztek when I was 25 years old, but I wouldn’t — or more accurately, couldn’t — have paid $30,000 for it. And if I want unconventional, I might be inclined to think economical first.

Perhaps this explains why GM insiders are saying the 2002 Aztek will have “some price modifications.”

Likewise, GM promises some styling changes in the fall. Did the automaker really have any choice here? They have to do something now that the whole world is convinced that the Aztek is an ugly duckling.

Len Brewster, a Detroit-based auto analyst, said the Aztek could have a completely new look for the 2003 model year.

“It’s somewhat comparable to what happened with the Ford Taurus, although the Taurus was a top-seller when it went through a radical design change a few years ago,” Brewster said. “People liked it (a more-aerodynamic Taurus) at first, and then they decided they didn’t like it.

“Ford had to go back to the drawing board and came up with today’s more-conservative Taurus. Everybody’s happy again. The Aztek is probably going to go through the same process. … Expect the next generation to look a little more like a traditional SUV, but it will still have some of the original Aztek’s unique features.”

2001 Pontiac Aztek review: Our expert's take
By Mark Glover

This “ugly” thing has taken on a life of its own.

The new-for-2001 Pontiac Aztek has been labeled “ugly” by any number of auto reviewers, and now that label is stuck on the crossover vehicle like a Super Glue-soaked pigeon.

Funny how these things happen. A lot of the reviewers jumping on the “ugly” bandwagon are the same ones who toasted Pontiac for introducing such a daring, clever concept vehicle at the 2000 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

But if you say something enough times … well, you know the drill.

Keep saying Elvis is alive, and next thing you know, 8,000 people are lined up at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas waiting for his comeback show. I’m absolutely convinced that in a word-association drill, most Americans would respond to “Aztek” with the word, “ugly.”

Keeping in mind that beauty is in the eye of beholder, I don’t think the Aztek is ugly at all. Pontiac’s “sport-recreation” vehicle is what I would call functional. You can stretch a purpose-built weatherproof tent over the back half of the vehicle, for crying out loud. Try doing that with your Corvette.

And the front end of the Aztek GT I tested looked positively stylish to me, although the bright-yellow paint job was a little over the top. Beyond that, there was plenty to like.

The 3.4-liter V-6 (185 horsepower) was enthusiastic, and the broad-shouldered vehicle handled nicely with the GT’s all-wheel drive feature.

Gas mileage was an entirely pleasing 18 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway — exactly in line with Environmental Protection Agency fuel-economy figures and comparatively high numbers that you won’t find on a lot of sport-utility vehicles.

How does it measure up in the cargo category? You name it, the Aztek can haul it.

Aztek features include a roof rack, a configure-it-any-way-you-want-it cargo area (with sliding tray or nearly two dozen netting options) that can be reached with via liftgate or tailgate, a flat floor that can accommodate extra-bulky packages, a removable rear seat, a 3,500-pound towing capacity (with trailering package installed) and removable utility packs in the front doors.

Aztek can be equipped with four different sound systems (including a premium Pioneer system with 10 speakers). The center console can double as a carry-it-with-you cooler capable of carrying a dozen 12-ounce cans. The vehicle can be specially decked out for biking (with interior or exterior racks), hiking or camping.

What’s not to love here?

Well, for one thing, the price. The Aztek GT with all-wheel drive starts at a fairly hefty $26,765. Dress it up with the option package of the tested Aztek — including AM/FM stereo-cassette-CD player, power driver’s seat, head-up data display, sliding rear cargo tray, security alarm, OnStar communications system and leather seating surfaces — and the price balloons to $29,580, including a $550 destinatio n charge.

Granted, a base front-wheel drive version of the Aztek starts at $21,445, but why would one want to give up all the fun things that make Aztek appeal to on-the-go outdoors types?

General Motors officials have said that they priced Aztek too high in this initial model year. And there’s some confusion over whether the Aztek was meant to be marketed to young professionals who spend their weekends outdoors or midlife career people looking for an unconventional vehicle.

I can tell you this much: I would have crawled on broken glass for a vehicle like the Aztek when I was 25 years old, but I wouldn’t — or more accurately, couldn’t — have paid $30,000 for it. And if I want unconventional, I might be inclined to think economical first.

Perhaps this explains why GM insiders are saying the 2002 Aztek will have “some price modifications.”

Likewise, GM promises some styling changes in the fall. Did the automaker really have any choice here? They have to do something now that the whole world is convinced that the Aztek is an ugly duckling.

Len Brewster, a Detroit-based auto analyst, said the Aztek could have a completely new look for the 2003 model year.

“It’s somewhat comparable to what happened with the Ford Taurus, although the Taurus was a top-seller when it went through a radical design change a few years ago,” Brewster said. “People liked it (a more-aerodynamic Taurus) at first, and then they decided they didn’t like it.

“Ford had to go back to the drawing board and came up with today’s more-conservative Taurus. Everybody’s happy again. The Aztek is probably going to go through the same process. … Expect the next generation to look a little more like a traditional SUV, but it will still have some of the original Aztek’s unique features.”

Safety review

Based on the 2001 Pontiac Aztek base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.2 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.1
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.0
Reliability 3.8

Most recent

  • Great vehicle

    I've owned two of these cars over the years. My first one my family bought new back in 2000. It lasted until January of 2023 when the head gasket blew at 273k miles. Our second one I purchased two years ago with 98k miles. These cars are incredibly comfortable to ride in. They are versatile, are good at moving people and things, and get pretty decent MPG for a 2001 V6. Since it is 2023, finding good ones is getting harder and harder to do, so keep in mind a few things when purchasing one. These vehicles are notorious for head gasket failures. Mine when up at 150k and 273k miles on my one Aztek. They also like to rust on the back half of the rocker panels near the wheel wells. Besides those issues these vehicles are pretty bullet proof with the proper maintenance and if you don't beat on them.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • very bad

    this vehicle is very ugly and has so much problems i can't even name all of them and mine was used so i was trash it would be a percent better if it was no but would still be trash. don't recomend buy anyone car if possible
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Ugly yes, but a good vehicle overall!

    Solid, was a great vehicle. No major issues, never let me down as my daily driver. Got rid of it a few years ago and was a huge mistake. But i would not hesitate on purchasing one again.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I loved it, but it's time to let go......

    I bought this car when it was 2 years old. I had searched for one and drove 5 hours to test drive it, because this was all I was interested at the time (my previous vehicle was a Jeep Grand Cherokee that ate brakes and rode extremely rough). Test drive went well, the dealer and I agreed on a price below their asking price, and it was mine. The model I have has the split captain back seats, multi cd disc changer (5 or 6, I can't remember), sun roof, power seats, rear stereo and tailgate bench, console cooler, tent....I'm sure I'm leaving something out. The leather seats were some of the most comfortable seats in any car I ever owned. I currently own a Cadillac and I would say they are right up there with comfort comparison. When the kids were young, the rear outlets for their electronics were a lifesaver. Also the headphones where they could listen to whatever, and block out adult conversation made them enjoy it more. The rear fold out bench was perfect for tailgating and using the rear stereo system. We never used the tent or the cooler, other than for console storage. We have 5 vehicles now, and the Aztek hasn't been driven in a year, so we are selling. I had hoped to keep it, but with a husband that seems to collect sport cars, it's the least logical one to keep. It had a good run and the only thing I ever had to do to it was to get the brakes fixed (I guess new rotors??? I'm female, don't fault me for not knowing). I hated Pontiac went out of business because over the years, our family had a few Grand Prix's, a Firebird or two, and the Aztek, and never had any major problems with any of them. Goodbye old friend....you served us well. I hope a new family will enjoy you like we did.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Sad that the journey is over...

    I got this car used. It wasn't gently used either. I loved it immediately. It was over on the miles, but still looked awesome and drove great. I remember a boyfriend told me that it was on it's last legs 7 years ago. I have put another 80,000 miles on it since. It's been a great ride, but I think now 9/2019, our journey is almost over. Sigh....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very fun camping vehicle!

    This vehicle is a lot of fun to drive, Its great for camping and tailgating and has a very cool interior. The vehicle is very comfortable and easy to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great car for summer fun!

    I have found great use of the tailgate and tent feature, Its perfect for off roading and setting up camp where ever. I also enjoy the cooler feature as well as the air compressor built into the trunk.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Vehicle is better than I thought

    I looked at 32 different Aztek?s. It is the best one I found with no rust. The seller was extremely thorough in detail about any issues. Car arrived and was better than I expected
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Reliable for over 15 years

    This was one of my favorite vehicles ever. I wanted to buy another model when this one got older, only to find out that they stopped making them in 2005. This was great for taking the kids on family trips and driving around town and just everything. A lot of times in the evening when we were driving home they would be asleep in the backseat. The heated seats are great for cold winters and people with back issues. The sound system is a lot of fun. I will miss this vehicle.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Quick but don't get it

    This car had a lot of room in it, really quick, and a unique look, but the reliability was totally awful.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Car I have Ever Owned

    This is the most reliable and functional car I have owned. It is a true joy to drive. I remember when I bought my 2001 new. The salesman said take it for a whole day and drive it as much as you want. I did and I came back and bought it. Has has some problems like any other vehicle but they have been minor. I hope I will be able to keep this car for several more years as I absolutely love it. It has taken me from Canada all the way down to Florida. Been on many family vacations with this car and it has plenty of room for storage in the rear. I wish they still made them because when it does come time to replace it, I don't think anything will ever measure up.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Have not had any problems with this Aztek.

    This is the second 2001 Pontiac Aztek I have owned. Driving it is like a driving a luxury vehicle with the added convenience being able to haul and tow things like a truck with a towing capacity of 3500 pounds. It does tow very good too.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek?

The 2001 Pontiac Aztek is available in 2 trim levels:

  • (2 styles)
  • GT (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Pontiac Aztek?

The 2001 Pontiac Aztek offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2001 Pontiac Aztek reliable?

The 2001 Pontiac Aztek has an average reliability rating of 3.8 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Pontiac Aztek owners.

Is the 2001 Pontiac Aztek a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek. 81.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 21 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.0
  • Reliability: 3.8
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