* Unattractive Styling: The Aztek's design was widely panned as awkward, boxy, and generally unattractive. Its unusual blend of SUV and minivan elements didn't appeal to many, and its styling cues were considered jarring and unrefined.
* Poor Build Quality: Reports suggested that the Aztek suffered from various build quality issues, including rattles, leaks, and problems with various components. This contributed to a perception of low reliability.
* Lackluster Performance: The Aztek's available engines were considered underpowered for its size and weight, leading to sluggish acceleration and unimpressive fuel economy.
* Uninspired Interior: The interior design was also criticized for being cheap-feeling, poorly laid out, and lacking in features compared to competitors. Ergonomics were often cited as a problem.
* Unusual Marketing: Pontiac's marketing for the Aztek was somewhat unconventional and didn't effectively counteract the negative perceptions of its styling and features. This further damaged its image.
In short, the Aztek's combination of unattractive aesthetics, questionable build quality, underwhelming performance, and a less-than-successful marketing campaign contributed to its reputation as one of the worst cars of its time. It became a symbol of automotive design missteps and a cautionary tale for manufacturers.
