The Pontiac Aztek
* The Aztek was mostly noteworthy for its exterior styling, for which it has been voted the ugliest car in the world by a British newspaper.
* In lieu of four-wheel drive, the Aztek offered Versatrak, a full-time, fully-automatic all-wheel drive system which provided sure-footed traction in the snow or rain and could handle moderately rough off-road surfaces, but was not meant for serious boulder-climbing, Rubicon Trail-type activities.
* The Aztek was one of the first automobiles to be designed entirely using computerized rapid-prototyping/rapid-visualization tools.
* The dashboard was designed by NASA contractor Johnson Controls, and featured Pontiac's trademark red lighting scheme along with an optional heads-up display.
* The Aztek was able to carry within its interior the standard 4 feet (1.2 m) by 8 feet (2.4 m) sheet of plywood, a common and useful task most of its SUV competitors were unable to perform. (note: Aztek carries 4x8 plywood sheets with the tailgate lowered, but the gate doesn't lie completely flat and the large glass liftgate is heavy. )
* In support of the Aztek's intended role as an accoutrement for a youthful, active lifestyle it offered a number of novel options/accessories, such as a center console that doubled as a removable cooler, a tent/inflatable mattress package that along with a built-in air compressor allowed the Aztek to double as a camper. Extending this image was a seatback mounted backpack, and a number of specialty racks for bicycles, canoes, snowboards and other such objects.
* An optional 10 speaker Pioneer stereo system provided a set of controls located within the rear quarters of the vehicle for tail-gate parties as well as an unusual 2-piece tailgate with built-in cupholders and contoured seating area for added comfort. The Aztek was available in a Limited Edition model in 2004. It featured standard leather trimmed seats, a higher grade stereo system, a rear spoiler, aluminum interior trim, standard heads up display, and an adjustable 6 way driver's seat. The model only lasted for two months.
* The Aztek was also available with two rear cargo area options, a pull-out cargo tray that held up to 400 pounds (180 kg) that rolled on built-in wheels when removed from the vehicle, or a versatile cargo net system that held up to 200 pounds (91 kg) and could be configured a claimed 22 different ways.