2004 Pontiac Aztek

After a lukewarm reception last season, the Pontiac Aztek is back with a revised look and a new model lineup. Even with its latest, better-integrated, monochromatic styling treatment, however, Aztek is still one radical looking beast, and folks who don't instantly love it tend to passionately hate it. But if you fit in the former category, you just might find the Aztek offers some interesting virtues. It's fully accessorized for active lifestyles. Conceptually, it's a minivan dressed up in North Face gear and flaunting a snowboarder's attitude. Or think of it as a buzz-cut sport-utility with near-minivan utility. (All-wheel-drive is available). It's how Laura Croft would collect the kids from soccer practice. It's how . . . well, either you get it, or you don't.