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Its developers call it the Pontiac Aztek. They should’ve called it the Gizmo.

It hauls neither dirt nor bricks. But it carries lots of booty, including a removable center console that can be used as a cooler, CD locker or general stowage bin.

The name “Aztek,” even with the artful “k,” bespeaks ruggedness, four-wheel-drive, off-road. Surely that is the message conveyed in Aztek TV commercials.

Truth is, as currently presented in front-wheel drive, the tested 2001 Pontiac Aztek GT is a minivan with attitude, largely adapted from the platform of the Pontiac Montana minivan, with a ride reminiscent of the Pontiac Grand Prix sedan’s.

Interior design is Grand Prix, too, as evidenced by various techno-loops and scoops on the dashboard, red background lighting, and aircraft-type gauges and controls.

But Pontiac is selling the Aztek as a great outdoors vehicle, what it calls a “Sport Recreation Vehicle.” In keeping with that theme, it has mixed in many genuine camping touches, such as notched, hard rubber door handles similar to those on hunters’ and campers’ knives.

Exterior styling? Ahhhh. Ohhhhh. Perhaps, even, “Ouch!” Pontiac’s publicists say the Aztek “probes the edge of style and technology” in a bid to be a crossover vehicle — the perfect combination of sports sedan, minivan, and sport-utility.

With its cat-eyed face and glass-covered, Hunchback of Notre Dame rear, it certainly looks like no other minivan, SUV or sedan on the road.

But in probing the edge, did Pontiac fall off the cliff?

Street opinion was strong. People who liked it — and there were many — raved. Typically, they congratulated Pontiac, the “excitement division” of General Motors Corp., for having the guts to try something this wild.

People who hated it — and there were many — laughed and cursed. Their most common description of the Aztek was summed up in two words: “Butt ugly!” Others simply settled for “Dumb.”

I’m somewhere on the outside of those opinion polls. I think it’s ugly, but exceptionally attractive in its ugliness, sort of like a favorite bulldog.

Then again, maybe I’m just happy to see a GM division come up with something that gets people talking, gets them looking, regardless of whether they like what they see. GM’s problem in the past has been product invisibility. You see it, but don’t see it, because it disappears in the crowd, lacks voice and presence.

People can’t say that about the Aztek, and that’s good, because they might be tempted to drive the thing.

Here’s a bet: At least half of the people who test-drive it seriously will consider buying the Aztek. Overall build quality is on target. The ride is what many American consumers now say they want in a “truck.” It’s shod with 16-inch, Uniroyal Tiger Paw (Touring SR), mud-plus-snow tires, which should relieve FWF (Firestone Worry Factor).

Just keep in mind that “touring ” means street and light gravel, not harsh off-road.

For people who must have four-wheel drive, Pontiac later this year will bring forth the Aztek with Versatrak, GM’s version of an all-wheel-drive system that automatically shifts power from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.

And, goodness, gadget freaks will love this one. There is, for example, the tailgate to beat all tailgates. It contains two “depressions” to hold two adult bottoms during tailgate parties. Optional rear speakers can be used to boost boogie. There are storage nooks, latches and slits everywhere. Through GM Accessories, the thing can be outfitted for overnight camping.

Engine power is good, though derived from GM’s aging, 3.4-liter 3400 SFI V-6, which develops 185 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 210 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Of course, there will be folks looking for a V-8. GM might do that, but probably not in the middle of the current global oil crisis.

All said, de spite its looks and V-6, Pontiac guessed right on this one. It’s going to sell.

Nuts & Bolts

2001 Pontiac Aztek GT Complaints: Perception. GM needs to make it clear that this is, indeed, a crossover vehicle, as opposed to a rock-climbing, stream-fording SUV. That’ll be the case, even with the Aztek Versatrak. Failure to properly deliver that message could lead consumers into putting the Aztek in places where it doesn’t belong.

Praise: The Aztek easily is one of the most imaginative, complete crossover vehicles available. Pontiac has upped the ante in this arena.

Head-turning quotient: “Butt ugly” and bulldog cuddly.

Ride, acceleration and handling: True truckers will hate it. Minivan escapees will love it. Nice, high driving position. More than adequate acceleration.

Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive in initial offering, with Versatrak edition coming later. Engine linked to electronically controlled, four-speed automatic transmission.

Brakes: Power front discs/rear drums with antilock standard.

Capacities: Seats five people. Depending on seating configuration chosen, it can carry up to 95 1/2 cubic feet of cargo. Can be equipped to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Carries 18.5 gallons of regular unleaded gasoline.

Mileage: About 17 miles per gallon in city/highway driving.

Pricing: Current base price for the 2001 Pontiac Aztek GT is $24,445. Current dealer invoice price on that model is $22,367. Price as tested is $27,920, including $2,965 in options and a $510 transportation charge.

Purse-strings note: Compare with Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV-4, Subaru Forester and Suzuki Grand Vitara.