Detroit … GM lifted its embargo on 2002 Pontiac Aztek product information Monday, October 1st. In response to slow sales, and widespread criticism of the SUV's styling, the 2002 Aztek has been revised with smoother, more monochrome styling consistent with the original 1999 Aztek and later Aztek Salsa concepts.

In addition to changes in external appearance are changes in model lineup and equipment levels. The Aztek GT has been dropped and Pontiac now offers the Aztek in FWD and AWD (Vesatrak) models with four option packages.

2002 equipment changes:

• Option Packages: 1SA Aztek; 1SB Aztek Basic Plus; 1SC Aztek Comfort & Security; and 1SD Aztek Deluxe
• New exterior color: Champagne Beige
• Console/cooler now standard
• AM/FM stereo radio with CD now standard
• Optional hanglide premium cloth in Red Accent on five-passenger seats
• Three-spoke 16-inch cast aluminum wheel now standard
• New 17-inch cast aluminum wheels and tires (requires AWD)
• Heated seats now standard on optional leather seating
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls now standard on dual-play radio and in-dash six-disc CDX receiver
• Expanded availability of OnStar (not available with sunroof), theft deterrent alarm system, 16-inch Three-on-Three cast aluminum wheels and 16-inch puncture sealant tires

Detroit … GM also lifted its embargo on the Envoy XL. With the Envoy XL GM answers criticism that the standard Envoy lacked the seating capacity of Ford's Explorer, its strongest competitor. With a sixteen inch extension in the wheelbase is not only bigger than any other mid-size SUV, but is significantly longer than the fullsize GMC Yukon. Envoy XL's flip-fold second- and third-row seats fold down to provide a flat load floor for extra loading flexibility. Envoy XL provides an astounding 100.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space — 18.9 cubic feet more than a seven-passenger Explorer, 12.2 cubic feet more than Dodge Durango and just 4.4 cubic feet less than the Yukon (see Comparison Chart). Envoy XL also features a versatile rear cargo shelf with adjustable height levels. It can be used to extend the flat load floor in the rear when the seats are folded, raised up for privacy in concealing items stored beneath it or simply stowed or removed to maximize cargo space.

Detroit … GM has now released preliminary details and photos of the 2003 Trailblazer EXT, including the partially folded rear seat and the adjustable rear cargo shelf. Some dimensions listed in the Comparison Chart are sure to be corrected . Main features are similar to those for the Envoy. The first Trailblazer EXTs will join the Envoy XL at the Oklahoma City plant this winter. Initially all the Envoys and Trailblazers will feature the Vortec 4200 I6, but from next summer production begins at the Moraine, OH plant alongside regular models, and Oklahoma City will begin producing vehicles with the Vortec 5300 V8, boosting towing capacity from 6000 to 7200 lbs.