['ol Pinion head]

Had zero use for a Pontiac Aztec or Buick's cleaned up entrance into wannabe SUV territory when they first came out, no different today. Installing larger diam low profile tires & wheels & slamming an Aztec down on the ground doesn't do anything other than polish a terd, still a horrendously ugly "SUV". The bi-plane front grille/headlamp design is beyond hideous. Same with the rear styling. Pontiac hiring the French stylist/designer & putting that thing into production was more than fitting for an automotive division on the decline for many years.

Mike G's comments on the reliability & build of the Aztec are spot on. The Aztec marked the epitome of thrown together corporate drivetrain junk & cheap plastic w a Pontiac logo on the header panel. Typical 80's- 90's-00's corporate Pontiac era Junk/ aka crusherbait.

Nothing trendsetting about the Aztec. The US auto industries groundbreaking mid sized SUV was the XJ Cherokee eventually powered by the 4.0 liter straight six. Chrysler/Jeep sold Millions of 4.0 Cherokees. From rockcrawlers to clean collectible mid suzed SUV's, still very popular today. As a vehicle that could perform multiple tasks including moderate towing, the 4.0 XJ was in its most trouble free era in '87-96 model years. I'd be the first to admit, the last few years of production, the latest FI system/distributorless ignition has its issues. Have had four 4.0 XJ's all with Command-Trac 4WD, with the first doubling as a young family vehicle, but pulling in during the same time span more collectible Pontiacs, projects, & partscars on an open trailer than all but a handful of PY'ers 3/4 tons & duallys. Getting sideswiped by a semi trailer on the interstate took that one out, but not after near 300k miles.