show Dark Angel in 2000–02. Walter White, the lead character of the 2008 crime TV show Breaking Bad, drove an Aztek. Jalopnik called it "one of the perfect examples of car casting in TV" and noted that the show had White's Aztek repainted in a unique "gray-beige-green tone" to match White's character's original job as a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher. In 2015, Edmunds ranked the Aztek sixth among U.S. used car buyers aged 18 to 34, crediting the "Breaking Bad Effect" for making the car cool. The Aztek's "Design by Committee" was criticized in Steve McConnell's software design book, Code Complete 2. Year to year changes 2001 All new model available as base model and GT both in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, the latter boasting an independent rear suspension. In February 2001, a red Aztek served as the pace car for the Daytona 500. 2002 Cladding smoothed and changed to body colored, front marker light/indicators changed from amber to clear, spoiler added to rear glass gate. GT model discontinued. 2003 Aztek "Rally Edition" introduced, which was an option package which featured a lowered front suspension, a larger rear spoiler, body colored grille and 17-inch chrome wheels. Though some regarded it as a model of its own, since it would resurface the Rally name to GM since the discontinuation of the GMC Rally. DVD entertainment system, XM satellite radio and a tire pressure monitoring system added to the options list. 2004 A CD/MP3 player became an available option. A Limited Edition model was available, with standard leather trimmed seats, a higher grade stereo system, a rear spoiler, aluminum interior trim, standard heads-up display, and an adjustable 6-way driver's seat. 2005 In its final model year, the Aztek gained hands-free operation of its On-Star system. Exterior color offerings also changed. The Aztek was discontinued after the 2005 model year, and was replaced by the Theta platform Pontiac Torrent. The Aztek's production line in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, was retooled to build the Chevrolet HHR, although Buick Rendezvous production continued for another two years. The last Pontiac Aztek finally rolled off the assembly line on August 31, 2005. References External links Bob Lutz tells the inside story Aztek Aztek Cars introduced in 2000 Crossover sport utility vehicles Mid-size sport utility vehicles Front-wheel-drive vehicles All-wheel-drive vehicles