The previous model year Pontiac Aztek covered its oddly proportioned exterior with side cladding. In the 2002 model year, the gray cladding is gone. But Aztek still needs improvements. For one thing, the rearview is partially obstructed by a cross panel, and the under 5-foot-5 crowd will notice impaired over-the-hood visibility resulting from hood-hump sculpting and a sub-standard seat height range. On the handling side, Aztek commonly reacts with lean and sway during drives in strong winds, but is fairly competent in normal driving conditions. The 2002 model year brings a new exterior color (champagne beige), new rear spoiler as well as putting previous option items – including AM/FM stereo radio with CD, a removable cooler that doubles as a center floor console, and 3-spoke 16-inch cast aluminum wheels – as standard equipment. Aztek is versatile – rear seats can be removed to create up to 93.5 cubic feet of open space – but steeped in tackiness, ranging from flimsy sunvisors to the plastic snap-hinged panel covers in the cargo bay. The first and lasting impression given by Aztek is a mismatched package. Suggested base price of front wheel drive Aztek (all-wheel drive is optional) powered by a 185 horsepower V6 engine is $19,995.