"Pontiac-Aztec": a crossover with the parameters of a minivan for families

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The original Pontiac-Aztec mid-size crossover (pictured on page) was first shown at the 2002 Detroit Auto Show. After minor cosmetic improvements, the car was put into production at the GM plant in the Mexican city of Ramos Arispa. The GM management did not consider it necessary to load the conveyor of the parent company, firstly, because the Pontiac Aztec, in its style, was literally asking for the Mexican market, where the car was a real success. And secondly, the cost of assembling an SUV in Ramos-Arispa was significantly lower compared to the rates of American branches.

There was only one danger in all these purely economic calculations. A sophisticated buyer, knowing that a crossover minivan was assembled in Mexico, will not buy a car if he has time to fly to Detroit and buy a new product there for the same money, but with confidence in the good quality of the assembly work. Many buyers did this until they were convinced that there was nothing to fear, assembly at the Ramos-Arispa plant was, in fact, flawless, nono complaints.

Pioneer in its class

"Pontiac-Aztec" became the first crossover company "General Motors", combining the parameters of an SUV and a minivan. The car was positioned on the market as a vehicle for outdoor activities for the whole family. 27,322 cars were produced in the first year.

"Pontiac-Aztec" was created on the platform of the minivan "Montana" T240. The five-door station wagon saloon accommodates five comfortable armchairs with a set of various adjustments. The load-bearing body with a reinforced base is made in modern design traditions, focused on active consumers who prefer relaxation in the bosom of nature.

Pontiac Aztec Specifications

Consider the weight and overall parameters:

• car length - 4625mm;
• height -1694mm;
• width -1872mm;
• ground clearance, clearance - 180 mm;
• wheelbase - 2751 mm;
• track - 1593/1621 mm;
• curb weight - 1834 kg;
• trunk volume - 1248/2648 l, depending on the unfolded modules;
• gas tank capacity - 96 liters.

Powerplant

The Pontiac Aztec is powered by a transverse petrol engine with the following specifications:

• cylinder displacement - 3.35 liters;
• power - 188 hp With. at 5200 rpm;
• torque - 284 Nm at 4000rpm;
• motor combined with a four-speed automatic 4T65-E with adaptive control function;
• The maximum speed of the car is 180 km/h.

Transmission

The car has permanent four-wheel or front-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive version is equipped with a full-time Versatrack transmission, which redistributes the specified torque between the axles using traction control. Suspensions are fully independent, spring, provide a high level of comfort and a good degree of flotation.

Brake system

Front ventilated disc brakes, rear - drum or also disc. Serviced by Brake Assist. In addition, active safety is provided by the ABS device.

The brakes work in a diagonal response pattern, on a dual circuit principle.

Modernization

In 2002, the Pontiac-Aztec, which was slowly becoming less well-reviewed, underwent a facelift to increase demand. The car received an MP3 player, a seven-inch LCD display, R17 titanium alloy wheels. The orange color of the body has become branded. All-wheel drive modification changed gear ratios. A special version of "Reilly" appeared, which added comfort to the interior of the car. These measures somewhat improved the situation, but the reputation of the car still decreased.

Salon

The dashboard was made in the style of cars from the early sixties and looks bulky. Althoughsome customers liked it.

In the interior of the "Pontiac-Aztec" for the first time was used a special upholstery made of easy-to-wash materials. Smooth plastic was easily washed with ordinary water after transporting any kind of cargo. Luggage, sports equipment, tents could be transported without additional packaging, leaving no traces in the cabin.

The speakers of the audio system were located in the farthest section of the luggage compartment, which made it possible to arrange discos at a h alt. The OnStar satellite system was included in the basic package.

Accessibility

The rear seat was improved, it was easily dismantled, moved back to the wall and a wide flat area appeared, on which up to six hundred kilograms of various cargo could be laid. The goods section was equipped with special holders that fix the loads.

Specially for fans of long-distance travel, a hanging container was offered, which was located on the inside of the tailgate. The location was calculated in such a way that its planes were exactly in the path of air flows from the air conditioner. This is how the makeshift refrigerator turned out.