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2002
Pontiac Aztek

Starts at:
$20,295
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New 2002 Pontiac Aztek
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Not rated
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr All Purpose FWD
    Starts at
    $20,295
    19 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr All Purpose AWD
    Starts at
    $23,295
    18 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek 2002 Pontiac Aztek

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Expert 2002 Pontiac Aztek review

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

Poor Pontiac Aztek, the Quasimodo of automobiles. Disrespected, derided and called ugly right to its pointy face, Aztek trundles on in its second model year after a mild face lift.

Obviously, too mild. Nothing less than major reconstructive surgery was needed here.

Pontiac designers seemed genuinely surprised last year when Aztek was so roundly scorned, and when customers generally avoided it. Even me, the soul of empathy, found much to mock in Aztek when I tested one last year. I called it Mr. Ugly. Unkind but true.

After a few months of public flogging and lousy sales, Aztek received an unprecedented first-year restyling that was supposed to make it all better.

It didn’t. All the remake entailed was changing the thick plastic lower body cladding from gray to the same hue as the rest of the vehicle, adding a small spoiler to the towering rear section, and providing larger wheels and tires.

Improved? Not nearly enough. The changes do little to soften the basically ungainly appearance of this unfortunate character. So I’ll call this episode of the Aztek saga The Return of Mr. Ugly.

Aztek is still a head-turner, but those heads that were not turning away were staring in shocked amazement. Maybe I’m getting paranoid, but every time I drove Mr. Ugly, I swear people were smirking at me.

There is one change that could improve sales, and that’s a drop in price. Aztek now comes fully equipped with all the desirable power and convenience features for under $20,000, about $4,000 less than when I last drove one. That’s a lot of value if you believe “beauty’s only skin deep.”

The monochrome treatment does help a bit, though it makes Aztek seem even boxier and more slab-sided. In back, the awkward rear hatch is only marginally enhanced by the small spoiler. The spoiler also enhances an unpleasant blind spot right across the center of the rear vision.

Lest people think I’m being too shallow about Mr. Ugly, I will say the engine and transmission are very nice, the V-6 being GM’s venerable 3.4-liter, which has loads of acceleration strength and cruising power. The tranny is responsive, downshifting and upshifting smoothly and predictably.

Handling is not bad for a tall, boxy vehicle, and I would rate the Aztek’s driveability in the upper echelon of hybrid sport utility vehicles, which combine the virtues of cars and trucks. Aztek comes in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The interior of the Aztek is as clumsy and over the top as the exterior, with just about every stop pulled out for a sporty, adventurous look. It’s all just too much.

However, the interior is also roomy and pleasantly accommodating. It includes really nice and unique features, such as the center console that doubles as a removable insulated cooler and cargo nets in the doors. The seats are comfortable, and there’s lots of head, shoulder and legroom front and rear.

Aztek remains a flexible and versatile vehicle, and can be equipped for such things as lugging bicycles or transforming itself into a tent camper.

The rear compartment is very roomy, even with the rear seat deployed, although unloading such things as grocery bags can be challenging because of the deep recess and the rear-dropping tailgate that gets in the way.

The test Aztek came with an upgrade package of cargo nets, remote entry, window tinting, cruise control and adjustable roof rack for $985; power glass sunroof, $650; a 10-speaker stereo system that sounded fantastic and included controls in the rear-deck area for camping or tailgating, $510; and 16-inch puncture-resistant tires, $150. The total price was just over $22,000.

Antilock disc brakes and traction control are standard.

So the problem with Aztek remains: Here’s a nice-running, practical vehicle that is very accommodating and moderately priced but still hampered by basic questions of taste.

However, for those unbiased against ugliness, Aztek’s bottom line is a thing of beauty.

2002 Pontiac Aztek review: Our expert's take
By

Poor Pontiac Aztek, the Quasimodo of automobiles. Disrespected, derided and called ugly right to its pointy face, Aztek trundles on in its second model year after a mild face lift.

Obviously, too mild. Nothing less than major reconstructive surgery was needed here.

Pontiac designers seemed genuinely surprised last year when Aztek was so roundly scorned, and when customers generally avoided it. Even me, the soul of empathy, found much to mock in Aztek when I tested one last year. I called it Mr. Ugly. Unkind but true.

After a few months of public flogging and lousy sales, Aztek received an unprecedented first-year restyling that was supposed to make it all better.

It didn’t. All the remake entailed was changing the thick plastic lower body cladding from gray to the same hue as the rest of the vehicle, adding a small spoiler to the towering rear section, and providing larger wheels and tires.

Improved? Not nearly enough. The changes do little to soften the basically ungainly appearance of this unfortunate character. So I’ll call this episode of the Aztek saga The Return of Mr. Ugly.

Aztek is still a head-turner, but those heads that were not turning away were staring in shocked amazement. Maybe I’m getting paranoid, but every time I drove Mr. Ugly, I swear people were smirking at me.

There is one change that could improve sales, and that’s a drop in price. Aztek now comes fully equipped with all the desirable power and convenience features for under $20,000, about $4,000 less than when I last drove one. That’s a lot of value if you believe “beauty’s only skin deep.”

The monochrome treatment does help a bit, though it makes Aztek seem even boxier and more slab-sided. In back, the awkward rear hatch is only marginally enhanced by the small spoiler. The spoiler also enhances an unpleasant blind spot right across the center of the rear vision.

Lest people think I’m being too shallow about Mr. Ugly, I will say the engine and transmission are very nice, the V-6 being GM’s venerable 3.4-liter, which has loads of acceleration strength and cruising power. The tranny is responsive, downshifting and upshifting smoothly and predictably.

Handling is not bad for a tall, boxy vehicle, and I would rate the Aztek’s driveability in the upper echelon of hybrid sport utility vehicles, which combine the virtues of cars and trucks. Aztek comes in either front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

The interior of the Aztek is as clumsy and over the top as the exterior, with just about every stop pulled out for a sporty, adventurous look. It’s all just too much.

However, the interior is also roomy and pleasantly accommodating. It includes really nice and unique features, such as the center console that doubles as a removable insulated cooler and cargo nets in the doors. The seats are comfortable, and there’s lots of head, shoulder and legroom front and rear.

Aztek remains a flexible and versatile vehicle, and can be equipped for such things as lugging bicycles or transforming itself into a tent camper.

The rear compartment is very roomy, even with the rear seat deployed, although unloading such things as grocery bags can be challenging because of the deep recess and the rear-dropping tailgate that gets in the way.

The test Aztek came with an upgrade package of cargo nets, remote entry, window tinting, cruise control and adjustable roof rack for $985; power glass sunroof, $650; a 10-speaker stereo system that sounded fantastic and included controls in the rear-deck area for camping or tailgating, $510; and 16-inch puncture-resistant tires, $150. The total price was just over $22,000.

Antilock disc brakes and traction control are standard.

So the problem with Aztek remains: Here’s a nice-running, practical vehicle that is very accommodating and moderately priced but still hampered by basic questions of taste.

However, for those unbiased against ugliness, Aztek’s bottom line is a thing of beauty.

Safety review

Based on the 2002 Pontiac Aztek base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Nhtsa rollover rating
3/5
Side driver
5/5
Side rear passenger
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

4.0 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.5
Performance 4.1
Value 3.7
Exterior 3.7
Reliability 2.9

Most recent

  • Moe's problem.

    I have had three Azteks and two of them needed head gaskets and also new heads at around 70K. Overheating on Moe's car sounds like that may be the problem. Cost around $2500 to fix. There is a test for this using the coolant . I would still buy another Aztek.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great SUV! I loved!

    We have our aztek about 9 years now, is very good in snow, my wife loved, a lot of room very comfortable for long trips. good in mpg avg. 22 . Unique desing, I only change one set of tires in 9 years. you will loved too!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great everyday driver

    We have had our Aztek for 8 1/2 years now and must say we wll miss it when we buy another vehicle in te near future. Fantastic ride and Lots and Lot of room for a smaller suv.. Not the most reliable suv but pontiac took care of any issues. Love the fact that it is different looking than most suvs. Great on trips as well. Just a darn good vehicle .
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • love the car but it is not that reliable

    I would like to know if anyone has had a problem with their Aztec that is similar to mine. It gets overheated Or(something) it acts like a vapor-lock and I know that that is not possible with the engine. I have to wait 15 to 30 minutes and it starts right up. Out side of this inconvenience and unreliable engine problem, I have been very happy with my used 2002 Aztec. The dealer where I purchased my car does my check-ups and keeps things going but has not been able to help with the awful problem
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Excellent Car

    This is a great crossover. Has the comfort and gas mileage of a car with the room and power of an SUV. We love it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • 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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  • ONE OF THE BEST CARS I'VE OWNED

    THE HANDLING ON THIS VEHICLE IS PERFECT YOU CAN CORNER IN THIS VEHICLE BETTER THAN MOST SUV'S. THE PICK UP OF THE ENGINE IS PERFECT FOR GETTING INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC.THE VISABILITY IN THIS VEHICLE IS UNBELEIVABLE IT HAS GREAT CARGO SPACE AND IT COMES FROM THE FACTORY WITH A GREAT SOUND SYSTEM. i WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE TO A FRIEND
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • they suck

    i had my gently used 2002 pontiac aztex for only 3 years i have put more money into it then what i have payed for it and i got it from a dealer! the radiators well everything thats connected to them suck!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good buy for the money

    My wife and I have owned our car for 4 years now after purchasing the Aztek used. We have only had a few issues the worst was the replacement of the AC unit, luckly it was under extended warranty. Runs well, very few problems, unique car, still turns heads daily. Plenty of room, smooth ride for such a large car, better than average fuel economy for the size of the SUV / crossover.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Practicle relioable and Versatile

    Bought my 2002 Aztek New Got the Tent Package Air matress and Installed a trailer hitch ... this has been Near perfect giving me 22+mpg and completely trouble free. Proper maintenence changing oil rotating tires and brake replacement due to wear are all i have ever needed on the Aztek.. Looking for practicality without the Minivan this is for you Awesome tailgate vehicle with Tent option.. I upgraded 16" wheels to 18" with 50 series tires Handles Awesome it just is a little rougher in the bumps and potholes.. 17" 60 series would probably been a better option..
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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  • Its okay

    The interior was comfortable. Not the best in world but it was great for trips that I had because of the amount of bags I had with my family. LOTS of problems with the a/c. When the battery was low and the car didn't say anything when it needed to.Other than that no biggy with the engine.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 2.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Graphic Designer

    It may not be much to look at, but it sure can haul stuff. For me, that's been perhaps its best feature. However, there are a few design features that I haven't been able to get past - namely the trunk. There is a bar that cuts across the back windshield, right in the line of vision, making it difficult to reverse. Also, when you fold down the lower half of the trunk it makes two seats - great for tailgating - bad for reaching in to get your groceries. All in all I've made good use of its roomy interior, but if you're concerned about being mistaken for a Soccer Mom and aren't great at parallel parking then this is not the best city car for you.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?

The 2002 Pontiac Aztek is available in 1 trim level:

  • (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Pontiac Aztek?

The 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Aztek reliable?

The 2002 Pontiac Aztek has an average reliability rating of 2.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Pontiac Aztek owners.

Is the 2002 Pontiac Aztek a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Pontiac Aztek. 81.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.0 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.5
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 3.7
  • Exterior: 3.7
  • Reliability: 2.9
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