Fans of Breaking Bad may have shed a tear when Walter White unloaded his Pontiac Aztek with the oft-broken windshield onto his mechanic for $50. Walt wasn’t fond of the proto-crossover’s misbegotten combination of SUV, minivan, and camping trailer. It didn’t help that his was blemished by a faded paint job and missing alloy wheel. Was Walt a typical owner of the Aztek, often voted one of the ugliest vehicles of all time, leading to its premature and unlamented death? Or are there fans out there who harbor contrary opinions and root for the underdog?
As often happens with idiosyncratic vehicles with short production runs, the Aztek has developed a cult following. A quick Google search turns up plenty of aficionados. GM didn’t sell many of the homely vans, but the people who bought them, love them. Throughout automotive history, there have been many autos that launched poorly only to get better late in their lives. Or they simply failed to match the national mood at the time but otherwise offered reliable transportation with a touch of style. Underappreciated during their day, they are deserving of notice now. Here are my nominees:
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