2004 PONTIAC AZTEK NEW CAR BUYER'S GUIDE

What's New for the 2004 Pontiac Aztek?
Buyers of the 2004 Pontiac Aztek can opt for an MP3 player this year, and a new Rally Appearance package that includes a dark gray interior, a body-color grille, chrome exhaust tip, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a lowered suspension and special badges is also available. Otherwise, changes to the Pontiac Aztek are limited to new cloth interior upholstery and the addition of Fusion Orange Metallic paint to the palette.

Advantages of the 2004 Pontiac Aztek:

• Thoughtfully designed and useful interior
• Seating comfort front and rear
• Impressive utility, good ride quality
• Better fuel economy than many SUVs

Objections to the 2004 Pontiac Aztek:

• Expect rapid depreciation and a tough time selling it as a used vehicle
• Little capability as an off-roader
• Controversial styling
• Coarse engine

Editor's Advice:
The Pontiac Aztek is an example of a great idea suffering from poor execution. In practice, this crossover SUV works well. It offers lots of space and utility in a package that favors on-road performance over off-road capability. But the decidedly different styling did not win over the critics or consumers. Sales never really took off and despite continual improvements the Pontiac Aztek has basically flat-lined. Production will end after 2004. Good deals abound on this rig, but depreciation rates are horrifying and it's going to be tough to unload one of these years from now. Caveat emptor!