Redemption at Last? 2001 Pontiac Aztek on BaTBring a TrailerAfter two decades, maybe the Aztek is so uncool it's cool?Perhaps not to most people, but its transparent notoriety could make it collectible.This example is in excellent shape, and it comes with the accessory tent and pop-out cooler.A familiar saying of unknown origin is "Tragedy plus time equals comedy." It probably wasn't terribly funny to you when you fell in the fountain at a cousin's wedding, but 10 years later, you can always crack up the kids' table at a family get-together by telling the story. The same thing is true in the automotive world, where a major goof-up can eventually turn into something fun.Bring a TrailerThis 2001 Pontiac Aztek has turned up on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos). It requires a sense of humor from its next owner, but it's got buckets of quirky character. And a removable cooler! And a tent!AdvertisementAdvertisementLaunched in 2001, the Aztek was extremely forward-looking—so much so that nobody at the time wanted one. But two decades later, you can see that the idea at least was right.Based on GM's minivan platform, the Aztek took what was essentially a passenger-car platform (rather than a body-on-frame truck chassis) and turned it into an "active lifestyle" vehicle.Bring a TrailerJust think of how much fun it could be to drive this thing around town and park it next to any Lamborghini Urus you might see. Or pop out the tent at any car show and have the comfiest shady setup in the lot. Throw a couple of sodas in the pop-out cooler, and you'd be all set for the summer show season.Bring a TrailerThis example has just 78K miles on the odometer, and the 3.4-liter V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission are pretty reliable. If it gives you trouble, parts are cheap since it was found in much of the GM range at the time. It's good for an unexciting yet competent 185 horsepower.Bring a TrailerFittingly, this one's located in New Mexico, where the TV smash hit Breaking Bad was filmed. Walter's Aztek was a more faded green, but you could lean into things by getting yourself a black fedora and sunglasses. Or at least getting the little die-cast Aztek that Hot Wheels released recently. (Look closely if you do; there's a little Easter egg on the back shelf of the model.)AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's not quite a collectible, not particularly thrilling to drive, and still wonky to look at. However, as much of a disaster as the Aztek was when new, the passing of the years has somewhat redeemed it—that is, if you have a sense of humor. Or an alter-ego named Heisenberg.The auction ends on July 1.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029
