Pontiac was an American automobile brand well-known by the natives for its classic sporty muscle cars. Pontiac sports cars will always be cherished by Americans.
“Pontiac is defunct, but it gave some of the best muscle cars to the people of the USA.”
Pontiac Cars
Pontiac brand was owned, built up, and commercialized by the famous General Motors. The brand was founded in 1925. Pontiac was launched by General Motors as a helper for its other popular brand at that time.
However, Pontiac overtook the popularity by 1933 and made it till 2010 when it was finally defunct by the parent company.
So today, we have a Pontiac sports car list for you in this article. We will be discussing the top models made by the company, followed by some frequently asked questions.
What is the name of the Pontiac cars?
There are several cars produced by Pontiac in its lifetime. It was hard to include every single one of them on this list. However, we still managed to find the nine best Pontiac cars like models for you.
Check them out and see if you think you want any of them.
- 2009 Pontiac Solstice
- 2008 Pontiac G8 GT
- 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP
- 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
- 2002 Pontiac Firebird
- 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT
- 1990 Pontiac Turbo Grand Prix
- 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
- 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III
Why Did General Motors Suspend Pontiac?
Pontiac sports cars enthusiasts were disheartened when in 2009, General Motors announced that the company was planning to suspend the brand by the end of 2010.
People of the US did not take the news well as they wanted an explanation why General Motors decided to kill a brand that has been in the market for around 83 years.
This was a shocker as Pontiac was all set to launch new Pontiac sports cars such as the G8 performance sedan and Solstice roadster.
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History of PONTIAC
- Founded: December 28, 1925; 95 years ago
- Headquarters: Detroit, Michigan, United States
- Defunct: October 31, 2010
- Founder/ParentCompany: General Motors
There are said to be two primary reasons that led General Motors to defunct this brand:
· Financial Problems
The foremost reason that made General Motors get to a conclusion to close the Pontiac car brand was that it was going through a money crisis.
Pontiac has been unprofitable for a long time before its existence was seized, and GM was dealing with severe financial losses.
So to cut the losses that were going to come with the bankruptcy, General Motors decided it was better to let go of the company.
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· Disguised Sales
As Pontiac was not doing well on its own, it was selling rebadged Chevrolet vehicles and sometimes even lower prices than the original.
This not only led Pontiac to earn a loss for itself but also to the Chevy. Trying to keep one alive was costing GM its another subsidiary.
Thus, the American automaker decided to let go of its decades-old brand.
Top 9 Pontiac Sports Car Models Over The Years
If you are someone who has been using Google to find the Pontiac sports car 2021, then let me stop you right there. You cannot find the brand new Pontiac for yourself as the brand is there no more.
However, you can check out the Pontiac sports car for sale near you. The company might be history, but there are still many models driving their ways in the streets of the United States.
Below we have listed some of the best Pontiac Sports Cars that you are more likely to find in the second-hand market.
1. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
Solstice is a two-door sports car that was produced by Pontiac in 2009, a year before it was let go. The vehicle came with an original price range of $24,275 – $30,375.
The vehicle comes with two optional four-cylinder engines paired up with 5 speed automatic and manual transmissions.
Turbocharged engines are powerful enough to roar up to 260 horsepower. One of the best features that makes buying this Pontiac sports car a good idea is its good fuel efficiency.
This 2009 model is available in convertible and coupe body styles.
Solstice Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $24,275
- Horsepower: 173 to 260 hp
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 28 highway
- Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder, 2.4 L 4-cylinder
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic, 5-speed manual
- Body Style: Convertible, Coupe
Is 2009 Pontiac Solstice a safe ride?
Yes, it is. The 2009 Pontiac Solstice holds a 4-star safety rating from both IIHS and NHTSA.
2. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT
The 2008 Pontiac G8 GT is a mid-size sports car that came with a powerful V8 engine. An engine that is strong enough to charge up to 361 horsepower can make you achieve a top speed of 140 miles per hour.
Furthermore, this ride can accelerate to 100 miles per hour in 12.3 seconds. Available with 6-speed automatic transmission, the base model of this Pontiac will cost you only $27,595.
The mediocre fuel economy might be a questionable trait, but all in all, this four-door ride can make a good first safe ride for your teenage kid.
Pontiac even introduced 2-door coupe trim under the model, but it was soon canceled.
Pontiac G8 GT Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $27,595
- Horsepower: 361 hp
- MPG: 15 city / 24 highway
- Engine: 6.0 L V8
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Body Style: Sedan, Coupe (Cancelled)
Is the 2008 Pontiac G8 GT a safe ride?
The 2008 Pontiac G8 GT has no record of safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.
3. 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP
2006 G6 GTP is among the best Pontiac sports cars that come with a robust 3.9-liter V6 engine.
The engine is capable of producing 227 to 240 horsepower with the assistance of 4 speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission choices.
The original MSRP for the mid-size ride was $27,595. G6 originally came in a four-door sedan body style. However, for 2006 the company added two-door coupe and convertible body styles to the lineup.
Also, the vehicle holds good fuel economy for the class.
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Pontiac G6 GTP Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $27,595
- Horsepower: 227 to 240 hp
- MPG: Up to 18 city / 29 highway
- Engine: 3.9 L V6
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 6-speed manual
- Body Style: Sedan, Coupe, Convertible
Is the 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP a safe ride?
The 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP owns 5-star safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.
4. 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
If a Pontiac sports car is what you crave, then the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP can be ideal.
Firstly, this midsize ride comes with an astonishing 5.3-liter V8 engine that is capable of taking you to 303 horsepower.
Secondly, you get a four-speed automatic transmission on your ride that directly controls your front wheels.
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The excellent fuel economy and the front wheel drivetrain make it a good choice for a second-hand ride in 2021.
Grand Prix GXP Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $29,335
- Horsepower: 303 hp
- MPG: 18 city / 27 highway
- Engine: 5.3 L V8
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Body Style: Sedan
Is the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP a safe ride?
The 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP is not rated by the NHTSA. However, it holds a 3.5-star safety rating from IIHS.
5. 2002 Pontiac Firebird
One of the most stylish & luxurious Pontiac sports cars to ever exist is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird. This sports car comes with two powerful V6 and V8 engines that are capable of charging up to 335 horsepower.
With Firebird, Pontiac offered three different automatic and manual transmissions. The two engines can produce up to 335 horsepower and can attain a top speed of 165 miles per hour.
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Furthermore, Firebird can achieve an acceleration of sixty miles per hour in just 5.2 seconds. The stylish exterior, two-door body style, and impressive fuel economy speak for themselves.
You can even call it Pontiac 2 seater sports car.
Pontiac Firebird Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $26,965
- Horsepower: 200 to 335 hp
- MPG: Up to 19 city / 31 highway
- Engine: 3.8 L V6, 5.7 L V8
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic, 5 & 6-speed manual
- Body Style: Coupe, Convertible
Is the 2002 Pontiac Firebird a safe ride?
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird has a 5-star safety rating by the NHTSA and IIHS.
6. 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT
The Pontiac Grand Am GT is another mid-size sporty car that made its way into the automotive market in the year 1999. It costs about $19,590 for its base model, but now you can buy the second-hand version for around $189-$1,451.
Grand Am GT came with a 3.4-liter six-cylinder engine capable of producing 175 horsepower. With a 4 speed automatic transmission, you have direct control of the rear wheels.
It has a top speed of 127 miles per hour. Furthermore, GT can reach an acceleration of 60 miles per house in 8.7 seconds.
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Grand Am GT Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $19,590
- Horsepower: 175 hp
- MPG: 20 city / 28 highway
- Engine: 3.4 L V6
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Body Style: Coupe, Sedan
Is the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT a safe ride?
The 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT holds poor safety ratings. It has a 3-star safety rating by the NHTSA and IIHS.
7. 1990 Pontiac Turbo Grand Prix
1990 Pontiac Turbo Grand Prix is a coupe that came with a McLaren engine. The vehicle holds a turbocharged 3.1-liter V6 engine that can shoot up to 205 horsepower.
The four-speed automatic transmission sends all the power to the front wheels giving you more speed and power during your drive.
1990 Grand Prix is only available in the coupe body style with two doors only. The vehicle is capable of attaining acceleration of 60 miles per hour in 9.2 seconds, which might be quite slow compared to the current latest releases.
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Turbo Grand Prix Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $19,590
- Horsepower: 175 hp
- MPG: 20 city / 28 highway
- Engine: 3.4 L V6
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Body Style: Coupe
Is the 1990 Pontiac Turbo Grand Prix a safe ride?
For the 1990 Pontiac Turbo Grand Prix, the safety ratings by NHTSA and IIHS are not available.
8. 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
The 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA screams everything a sports car of old times has. A preppy engine, easy handling, astonishing body style, and high-end comfort.
This Luxurious model of Pontiac came with a 165-bhp four-barrel 5.0-liter V-8 engine which could roar up to 210 horsepower. With four different optional transmissions available, you can select anyone you prefer based on the offered trim levels.
At the time of its launch, the vehicle costs about $1,070 for its base model, which means you will have to pay a lot less than $1000 for its second-hand version.
Firebird Trans Am GTA Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $1,070
- Horsepower: 210 hp
- MPG: 15 city / 23 highway
- Engine: 165-bhp four-barrel 5.0-liter V-8
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic & manual, 5-speed manual
- Body Style: 3 door lift back, 2 door convertible
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Is the 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA a safe ride?
The 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA, has 5-star safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. Being a Firebird is enough to ensure its quality.
9. 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III
We are at the end of our list of Pontiac sports cars with the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge. The vehicle comes with a V8 engine capable of withdrawing 366 horsepower.
The rear-wheel drivetrain focuses all the power on the rear tires, plus you also get a 4-speed manual transmission.
With the 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III, you can attain the top speed of 125 miles per hour and accelerates to sixty miles per in only 6 seconds.
GTO Judge Ram Air III Key Specs:
- OriginalMSRP: From $3,313
- Horsepower: 366 hp
- MPG: 15 combined
- Engine: Ram Air III 400
- Transmission: 3-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic & manual, 5-speed manual
- Body Style: Coupe, Hardtop, Convertible
Is the 1969 Pontiac GTO a safe ride?
The safety ratings for the 1969 Pontiac GTO by NHTSA and IIHS are not available.
Top Pontiac Models List That Left A Mark In The Automobile Industry
Apart from the above-mentioned Pontiac sports cars, the company built several models including Pontiac 2 seater sports over its decades of automating.
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Below we have listed some of the best models by the company that left a mark in the American automobile industry.
- 2002 Pontiac Firebird
- 2006 Pontiac GTO
- 2010 Pontiac G6
- 2009 Pontiac G8
- 2009 Pontiac Solstice
- 2010 Pontiac Vibe
- 2005 Pontiac Aztek
- 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
- 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
- 1993 Pontiac LeMans
- 2009 Pontiac Torrent
- 2005 Pontiac Montana
- 2010 Pontiac G3
- 1994 Pontiac Sunbird
- 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
- 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
- 1998 Pontiac SSE
Top FAQ Related Pontiac Cars
Did Pontiac make a sports car?
Yes. One of the best sports car models by Pontiac is Solstice.
Can I buy Pontiac sports cars?
If you are lucky enough to find the used version, then you definitely can.
How much does a Pontiac Solstice cost?
The original price for a brand new Pontiac Solstice begins from $24,275. However, you can find a second-hand version for a much cheaper price.
Why did Pontiac fail?
Pontiac was under financial problems for a long time and was unprofitable. It went bankrupt in 2009 and was finally defunct by General Motors in 2010.
Is Pontiac coming back in 2021?
There are rumors in the market that an upcoming Pontiac is going to hit the American auto market by the end of 2021.
General Motors might be reviving the models, but there is no way the company is making a comeback.
What does GTO stand for?
GTO stands for “Gran TurismoOmologato” which is taken from the Italian language and means “recognized for competition”.
How fast is the Pontiac Solstice?
The Pontiac Solstice can attain a top speed of 142 miles per hour and can accelerate to 100 miles per hour in 13.1 seconds.
How much will a Pontiac cost in 2021?
No new Pontiac is available in the market. So any model you will find will be a used one. Thus you will find a Pontiac much cheaper than a brand new one.
Conclusion
Pontiac is always going to live in the hearts of American natives as one of the best muscle car makers.
The brand does not have many exact sports cars but made many that hold the level of one. We have mentioned all such vehicles in our list above for you to explore better.
So which Pontiac sports cars are you going to buy?
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