Buick Rendezvous
The Pontiac Aztek, introduced late in the 2001 model year, was a multi-purpose vehicle produced by the General Motors marque Pontiac the vehicle tried to offer something for everyone. It wasn't much more capable than a minivan off road and suffered from the poor driver visibility typical of SUVs The vehicle is most noteworthy for its extremely negative public reception (due to it's awkward styling) and for the tent and inflatable mattress which are part of its standard kit.
This car was only on the market for two years, the shortest period for any American vehicle ever made; it will be discontinued after the 2005 model year. Aztek suffered from poor sales; so many sat on dealer lots that Pontiac executives were forced to drive them.
Aztek is considered by its detractors to be one of the ugliest designs in the history of American automobiles. The Aztek's overall shape is described by some as a "deformed Honda CRX"; the Aztek's nose section is often particularly mocked by transportation design teachers at the Art Center College of Design. Nonetheless, it is noteworthy that Aztek is one of the first automobiles to ever be designed entirely using computerized rapid-prototyping/rapid-visualization tools.
Although Aztek is considered an embarrassment to General Motors, some of its design concepts have since appeared in such vehicles as the Honda Element. Aztek shares its basic platform with the Buick Rendezvous.
Aztek is underpowered for its size, with 0-60 mph speeds comparable to smaller cars which cost far less than Aztek's USD24 000 average price. The car comes standard with an electronically fuel injected, 3.4 liter, 185 bhp V6 motor and optional all wheel drive system. Gas mileage and performance are unremarkable for 2004, with figures between 18 and 25 mpg.
