The Pontiacs of 1979

To perform a quick case study on how different the automotive world is today from what it was in 1979, consider the following:

1979 Pontiac Phoenix — Accounting for fewer than 25,000 Pontiac sales in 1979, the Phoenix was the brand’s slowest seller. The best-selling Firebird sold more than eight times better that year.

Of the 907,423 Pontiacs sold in ’79, approximately 650,000 were sporty coupes, personal-luxury coupes, and large sedans and coupes. All told, more than 70 percent of Pontiac sales that year came from market segments that virtually don’t exist anymore.

Sure, the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang are still selling reasonably well, but only as performance cars. The “secretary’s car” coupe that accounted for a substantial portion of Firebird sales back in the day is nonexistent today.

Of course, the 1979 Pontiac model roster didn’t include any minivans, SUVs, or crossovers, which makes comparing that lineup with contemporary-showroom product rather difficult.

Presented here is Consumer Guide’s 1979 coverage of the entire Pontiac lineup. We’re added sales data and prices to round out the presentation. If you remember spending time with any of the cars discussed here, please tell us about it. The place to leave comments is at the bottom of the page.

The Pontiacs of 1990

1979 Pontiac Reviews