“Why? an Aztec?"

PONTIAC AZTEK: GM's best built truck.

Set aside for a moment all of your opinions about how Pontiac's new Aztek looks. Difficult to do, I know, and I know that, like me, you probably think it the (f)ugliest thing on four wheels. But do it, and something else emerges: this is not only a thoughtfully-designed, versatile vehicle; it is also the best GM product on the market today.  

It's not the interior's plastic fumes that are getting to me, either, because (once again) all matters of taste aside, this is one of the best GM interiors ever. The seats are comfortable, upholstered in grippy, hard-wearing fabric--o what if the pattern induces your eyes to water? The dash plastics are of high quality; there's now hollowness evinced when you rap your knuckles against them. And once you've finished trying to figure out, visually, how everything is supposed to fit together (the number of different shapes and textures is a riot), you come to notice that things actually fit very well--build quality is excellent here, better than even the last DTS I drove. That there are about 25 different plastics and textures being matched just heightens Pontiac's achievements.

Ergonomically, this is a stellar place to be. Every switch and control is in the right place, and illuminated for your night-time convenience. The radio controls are big and legible; redundant controls reside on a thick, well-formed four-spoke steering wheel. And the traditional GM "SmartStalk," the set piece that normally elicits winces even at the thought of changing lanes in a Camaro, has been redesigned; it has curved contours and a deliciously silky motion--and is now a pleasure to use instead of a pain. 

That GM's done a thorough and competent job with Aztek's development is even more evident on the road. The same solid, quality feel of the interior is reflected in the drive: the structure is stiff, there are no squeaks or rattles, and there's a genuine sense of security and solidity that very few of the General's other products even hint at. The steering is well-weighted, and accurate for a tall, truckish brute like this. The brakes are progressive in their action, and stopping power feels above average. Even the biggest bumps are handled confidently: there are no secondary jostlings, and your cornering line isn't upset through any corner.

Aztek's goofy styling at least hides a welcome dose of versatility. Forget about the hatch tent and inflatable air mattress (amusing for a while, to be sure, but of more use to marketing people than to everyday users); it's the gaping-wide hatch and the cargo area it exposes that's a welcome surprise. Despite having been based on a shortened Pontiac Montana platform, there's seemingly as much space on offer here, and the rear seats flip/fold/yank-out with the manipulation of a few levers. Numerous thoughtful touches, such as a built-in air compressor, extra power outlets, and rubber floormats simply elevate this hauler's usability.

This car is so useful, in fact, that in a week of use, I almost learned to forget about its styling; I gave up prefacing my comments to passengers that "it's a lot better than it looks," simply because they realized it much faster than I did. And maybe, just maybe, Aztek's prominent schnoz is justified in being that big: why shouldn't it be proud of what it is, the most thoroughly thought-out, the most adventurous, and the best-made General Motors product ever?

You may not like how it looks, but Aztek doesn't seem like it cares: there's a refreshing boldness here, an adventurousness that we've come not to expect from the world's largest automaker. Aztek the concept is as impressive--or at least as aggressive--as Aztek the styling. And Aztek the car lives up to all
of the body's grandiose braggery; this really is a deeply impressive vehicle. One for which GM must be applauded.