2001 Pontiac Aztek VERSATRAK all-wheel-drive receives 4-star Rollover Rating — first ever for an SÚV!
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the Aztek VERSATRAK AWD the first sport utility ever to earn 4 out of 5 stars in rollover resistance tests. And that's very good news for shoppers in the SÚV market. The Aztek, a non-traditional vehicle, combines the ruggedness of an SÚV with the comfort of a minivan and the feel of a sports sedan. (concept carz) Yet its versatility doesn't make compromises with safety — as its 4 star rollover resistance rating shows. According to the NHTSA, while rollovers do not occur as frequently as other types of crashes, when they do occur, they can result in serious injury or death. In fact, rollovers in 1999 accounted for over 10,000 fatalities in the Ú.S., more than side and rear crashes combined. Remember, the best way to prevent rollovers from occurring is to drive responsibly and defensively. The best way to prevent serious injury or death in a rollover is to make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly secured with safety belts or child restraints.
Source - Pontiac2004 PONTIAC AZTEK: VERSATILE ON TRIPS AND YOU'LL HAVE FUN GETTING THERE
Pontiac Aztek suits the needs of today's active consumers by continuing to provide versatility and fun. Aztek created a new vehicle segment - the sport recreation vehicle (SRV) - when introduced in 2001, and it continues to define that segment today. All Aztek models, including the Aztek Rally Edition, pack plenty of Pontiac driving excitement, yet with the versatility of a minivan and the rugged, all-wheel drive capability of an SÚV.
Rally time
The Aztek Rally Edition, first introduced in late 2003, gives the Aztek lineup plenty of spice in 2004. Outfitted in Fusion Orange, Black or Silver Metallic paints, the high-visibility, high-value Aztek Rally features a lowered front suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels finished in chrome, a chrome-plated exhaust tip, a front grille that matches the body color, exterior Rally badges, a cargo-area speaker system with separate radio controls, a power driver's seat and Rally-embroidered front floor mats. The special package also comes available with Rally-embroidered leather-appointed seats.
For 2004, Aztek continues to be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Both configurations are powered by a potent 3400 3.4-liter V-6 engine, producing 185 horsepower (138 kw) at 5200 rpm and 210 lb.-ft. (285 Nm) of torque at 4000 rpm. The 3.4L is mated to the Hydra-Matic 4T65-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with adaptive calibration logic. The result is consistently smooth, precise and firm shifts throughout the transmission's life.
Aztek's Versatrak all-wheel-drive system is much more effective than similar systems offered on competitive makes. Versatrak directs torque to the rear wheels with the best traction - even if it's only one wheel. Split-traction surfaces on competitive makes often render the vehicle helpless, since torque is routed automatically to both wheels. Aztek also provides the added traction of all-wheel drive with the convenience of a flat load floor - something unique to the segment.
Aztek's stability comes from its wide stance coupled with a top-notch suspension system. Úp front, Aztek features MacPherson struts fitted with four-stage shock absorber valving for optimum ride and handling. In back, AWD Aztek models benefit from a short-and-long-arm independent suspension designed and engineered specifically for this application. The result is a significant handling edge over live-axle systems, particularly on irregular pavement.
Entertainment
This year, Aztek owners will have the option of being able to play MP3-format audio in their vehicles, packing in up to two hours of music on one CD. The 2004 Aztek also offers a DVD entertainment system, along with a full line of CD and stereo audio systems. Aztek's integrated overhead multimedia system plays DVD video, DVD audio and CDs, and includes a flat, flip-down, 7-inch (178 mm) video screen, two wireless headphones and a wireless remote control. The DVD-format screen provides superior picture quality, and the system has a 1.5-second 'video memory,' preventing potholes, railroad tracks or other rough road surfaces from interfering with the sound and picture. Simple controls - Power, Play and Eject buttons - make the DVD player easy to use. Three auxiliary jacks, for devices such as video games and camcorders, offer additional versatility. In fact, passengers can use the DVD player, the radio, and the CD player all at the same time. The overhead DVD player is available only on the 1SC option package.
In addition, Aztek offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models (continental Ú.S. only). XM Satellite Radio provides 100 coast-to-coast, digital-quality channels of original music, news, sports and talk. Consumers can subscribe to the basic service for $9.99 a month - less than the cost of a single CD. In addition, GM customers with GMAC financing can choose to include the XM subscription in their car payments.
Outdoor amenities
For those who enjoy getting closer to nature, Aztek offers an enhanced camping package, with a custom tent that fits securely over the rear half of the vehicle and an awning at the back of the vehicle, that provides protection from the elements … or a shady place to rest. The camping package also includes a custom-sized air mattress that rests on the wide flat load floor when the rear seats are folded up or removed. Customers can inflate the air mattress by using the integrated inflator or the optional auxiliary accessory outlet located in the cargo area.
For biking aficionados, Aztek lets its owners choose whether they prefer transporting their bicycles inside or outside the vehicle. In either case, the package also includes all-weather floor mats and waterproof seat covers, making cleanup a breeze.
Safety
Driver and front passenger frontal air bags are standard across the board. Side-impact air bags are standard on all-wheel-drive models and the high-level 1SC front-wheel-drive model. Side-impact air bags are available on front-wheel-drive entry 1SA and mid-level 1SB models. The OnStar safety and security system (Ú.S. and Canada only) comes standard on both high-level 1SC front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models, including Safe & Sound Service with emergency assistance services, air-bag deployment notification, Accident Assist, roadside assistance, stolen vehicle tracking, remote diagnostics, remote door lock and unlock, and online concierge services.Source - Pontiac