GM to phase out Pontiac

**Ryan F** · #1 05-01-2009, 01:13 AM

So, I was reading the news the other day and came across an article stating that GM is going to get rid of it's Pontiac Brand by 2010. You can read one article here.

To me, getting rid of Pontiac is a pretty dumb move. I know they need to restructure, but they have other brands that they can get rid of before Pontiac. They could have phased out Buick or Cadillac instead, as both brands are luxury cars that I rarely see on the road anymore. If I do see either of those brands on the road, it's a luxury SUV that most people can't afford during a recession. Pontiac at least offered some affordable cars and vans, along with nicer sports models.

What do you think?

**Brian F** · #2 05-01-2009, 02:32 AM

it sucks, but other than a rare model here or there, it's been decades since Pontiac has made anything distinctive. More than anything else, it sucks because it will probably put people out of work.

**Leo C** · #3 05-01-2009, 07:52 AM

I was still waiting for a Pontiac to return that could add a little fear when you look at it. The GTO and G8 were borrowed from the Australian Holden side of GM. Those cars look alright. The Torrent, small SUV, looked pretty cool with all disc brakes. Vibe I liked. I read Buick is really big in China. Buick was cleaning up its game.

coasterman1234 · #4 05-01-2009, 03:17 PM

I don't really care that Pontiac is going to "die", its GM's own fault for making low quality cars for so long. On top of that, they don't even look attractive (interior or exterior) compared to the Japanese cars. My dad wholesales cars, and one of the 2005 GM models I seriously thought was a 1995 because of its horribly cheap interior look. All in all, I think the American car companies will continue to slowly die, unless drastic changes are made. This includes the unions being greatly reprimanded for their ridiculous greed that has almost single handedly run the companies into the ground. Perhaps even abolishing them. After the horrors of our few American cars we've had (Ford F-350, and two Expeditions) I will never buy an American car. Since we've bought imports now, they're never broken down.

Jerry S · #5 05-01-2009, 03:38 PM

The G8 looks awesome, but as long as another company is still making it I won't complain. I think they should kick Buick before Pontiac. They should make Chevy a line for big cars and trucks, and Pontiac a line for compacts and crossovers.

But they aren't smart enough to think of that I guess. Somehow Saturn outlived Pontiac.

Kyle L · #6 05-01-2009, 10:43 PM

My friend had a Pontiac GTO...that thing hauled ass.

Eh, not sad to see them go, but it sucks people will be out of jobs. I think they should've kicked Buick before Pontiac. And who said to kick Cadillac? You obviously haven't heard of this car called the CTS.

**Leo C** · #7 05-01-2009, 10:47 PM

The CTS with this 2009 model year made my jaw drop. It looks sweet.

**Andrew P** · #8 05-01-2009, 11:29 PM

GM should have never domesticated the Hummers.

Quote:

After the horrors of our few American cars we've had (Ford F-350, and two Expeditions) I will never buy an American car. Since we've bought imports now, they're never broken down.

So you've owned Fords and are thus basing all domestic vehicles off of the Fords your family has owned...wow. That's like drinking Pepsi and upon learning you don't like it, swearing off all Pepsi products.

I'm hoping Saturn gets picked up by someone. I like my Saturn (made by GM, never given me major trouble, hmmm) and I'd like an opportunity to buy another one if the company is still around. If not, I could consider Chrysler/Fiat or Toyota as Hondas are overrated.

**Leo C** · #9 05-01-2009, 11:33 PM

Being on the Honda end I think Toyotas are more snoozers.

coasterman1234 · #10 05-02-2009, 12:47 AM

Quote:

So you've owned Fords and are thus basing all domestic vehicles off of the Fords your family has owned...wow. That's like drinking Pepsi and upon learning you don't like it, swearing off all Pepsi products.

As I noted before, my dad wholesales cars, and sees the non-existent "quality" of American cars every week. He routinely gets them with under 20,000 miles that are already experiencing multiple problems, rather it be Ford, GM, Chrysler or their subsidiaries. With over 80,000 miles, they can barely sell. If you don't believe me, pick up a "black-book" that is used to as a guide to price wholesale cars. The F-350 and two Expeditions were just the three individual domestic cars we have owned for an extended period of time.

Kyle L · #11 05-02-2009, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leo C

Toyotas are more snoozers.

Don't tell that to my friends old FJ Land Cruiser. 600,000 Miles and counting.

**Brian F** · #12 05-02-2009, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coasterman1234

After the horrors of our few American cars we've had (Ford F-350, and two Expeditions) I will never buy an American car. Since we've bought imports now, they're never broken down.

Yep, you're exactly right. That's why if you look at the top ten recalled vehicles of 2007 you'll have to drop to #3 before you find the first American vehicle (and the only American vehicle in the top 5) A full 3 of the top 10 are American cars.

But the foreign stuff is better. Sure. And if a foreign manufacturer can make a full size 4X4 pickup that can touch my 13 year old F150 for fuel economy and dependability, I'll buy it.

Once upon a time, the foreign stuff WAS better. Since then, the American cars have gotten better, and the playing field is pretty even, now. People who still believe that foreign is better are just not looking at facts. There's really good and really mediocre stuff on both sides.

**Ryan F** · #13 05-02-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle L

My friend had a Pontiac GTO...that thing hauled ass.

Eh, not sad to see them go, but it sucks people will be out of jobs. I think they should've kicked Buick before Pontiac. And who said to kick Cadillac? You obviously haven't heard of this car called the CTS.

Ok, so maybe saying Cadillac was a little extreme, but I stand by my Buick statement. Whenever I'm out anywhere, the number of Pontiac cars I see on the road greatly outnumbers that of both Buick and Cadillac.

With any brand getting phased out, the job losses will really suck; dealers, manufacturers, and anyone in between. With one of GM's biggest plants right in my backyard, the layoffs are really going to show.

**Leo C** · #14 05-02-2009, 07:48 PM

I already saw the effects of the dealers consolidating to create the 3 brand GMC-Buick-Pontiac dealerships, some closing, others picking up a brand or two. Looks like the sign will change again. I hope there is a Chevy Vibe at least. Will GM's Korea produced Chevy Aveo really make it out as Pontiac G3? The G6 convertible coupe looked pretty cool. The G6 regular coupe with the huge wing I was still deciding if I liked it or not.

No Firebird

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