Segment:
Unconventional crossover SUV, often marketed as a versatile utility vehicle or 'concept-car-for-the-road'.
Target Audience:
Active individuals and families seeking a flexible vehicle with SUV-like utility and a unique aesthetic.
Key Competitors:
Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda Tribute, Subaru Outback
Design Philosophy:
Bold, distinctive, and highly functional design emphasizing modularity and utility. Often characterized by its plastic body cladding and unique 'molded in color' body panels.
Practicality:
Spacious interior, versatile cargo configurations, available modular accessories (e.g., custom roof rack systems, side-storage bins).
Safety Systems:
Seat Belts, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbags, Child Protection (LATCH/ISOFIX, Child Seat Anchors)
Driver Controls:
Instruments, Gauges, Information Display, Dashboard Layout, Steering Column Controls
Comfort Convenience:
Climate Control System, Audio System, Steering Wheel Controls, Security System, Cruise Control System
Powertrain Operation:
Engine Operation, Transmission Operation (Automatic)
Maintenance Care:
Vehicle Minder System, Fluid Level Checks, Minor Service Procedures, Vehicle Storage Procedures
Emergency Procedures:
Flat Tire Changing, Jump Starting (Dead Battery), Overheating Symptoms and Actions, Fuse Identification and Replacement
Technical Information:
Vehicle Specifications, Tire Information, Emissions Control Systems
Warranty Customer:
Warranty Information, Customer Relations Contact Information
Driving Operation:
Proper engine and transmission use, break-in procedures, cargo loading recommendations
Maintenance Tasks:
Routine fluid checks (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, basic cleaning recommendations
Troubleshooting Minor:
Understanding warning lights and indicators, basic steps for common issues like overheating or a dead battery
Safety Operation:
Correct use of seat belts, child seat installation guidelines, understanding airbag system functionality
Depth:
Consumer-level information focused on operation, basic maintenance, and safety. Does not cover in-depth mechanical repairs or diagnostics.
Print Quality:
Standard for 2002 owner's manuals, typically black and white text with some diagrams.
Binding Type:
Typically staple-bound or perfect-bound for owner's manuals.
Paper Type:
Standard matte finish paper, durable for glovebox storage.
Engine Type:
3.4L V6 (LA1)
Configuration:
V6 (90-degree bank angle)
Bore X Stroke:
94.0 mm x 82.0 mm
Valvetrain:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder (12 valves total)
Horsepower:
185 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
210 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 11.2 quarts (10.6 Liters) with heater
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 Liters) with filter (5W-30 synthetic blend recommended)
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Overdrive
Transmission Model:
GM 4T65-E
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard; All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios not detailed in owner's manual, but typical for GM 4T65-E
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 4.7 quarts (4.4 Liters) for dry fill; approx. 7.8 quarts (7.4 Liters) total capacity
Length:
181.5 inches (4610 mm)
Width:
73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
65.0 inches (1651 mm)
Wheelbase:
106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Front Track:
62.6 inches (1590 mm)
Rear Track:
62.0 inches (1575 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3786 lbs (1717 kg) for FWD; Approx. 3925 lbs (1780 kg) for AWD
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 4850 lbs (2200 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2000 lbs (907 kg) with optional towing package
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 30.3 cu ft (858 Liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
Approx. 67.0 cu ft (1897 Liters)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
Four stars (1999-2007 models)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
Four stars (1999-2007 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Driver:
Five stars (1999-2007 models)
NHTSA Side Impact Rating Front Passenger:
Five stars (1999-2007 models)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front Test:
Good (for models tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags optional.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts for all occupants, front seat pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Audio System:
AM/FM stereo with cassette and CD player. Optional premium audio systems available.
Display:
Central dashboard display for climate control, radio information, and vehicle status indicators.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional electronic cruise control, operated via steering wheel buttons.
Auxiliary Input:
Not a standard feature on 2002 models. Aftermarket solutions might be available.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control with air conditioning.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic blend oil and filter).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed.
Coolant Flush:
First flush at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Platinum-tipped spark plugs: 100,000 miles (160,000 km).
Engine Oil Grade:
SAE 5W-30 (Synthetic Blend Recommended)
Coolant Type:
GM Goodwrench 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent orange silicate-free, for extended life)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron-III (or equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Mixture of water and approved washer fluid concentrate
Common Wear Items:
Front suspension components (struts, ball joints), brake pads and rotors, exhaust system components due to age.
Interior Components:
Some reports of HVAC blower motor failures and interior trim piece wear.
Powertrain Reliability:
Generally reliable V6 engine, but routine maintenance is crucial. Transmission can be sensitive to fluid condition.
Electrical Systems:
Potential for minor electrical gremlins as the vehicle ages, such as window regulators or accessory failures.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was a performance-oriented division of General Motors, known for sporty styling and a wide range of vehicles from sedans to muscle cars.
Aztek Concept:
The Pontiac Aztek was based on the 1999 Pontiac Aztek concept vehicle, showcasing a radical design with a focus on utility and personalization.
Introduction Year:
Introduced for the 2001 model year.
Production Period:
2001-2005
Platform:
GM U platform (shared with Chevrolet Venture, Uplander, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans).
Manufacturing Location:
General Motors' CAMI Automotive plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada.
