The very last Pontiacs were sold as 2010 models, though production of all Pontiac models had ceased by late 2009. The demise of General Motors’ “performance division” was certainly a sad affair, but truth be told, the brand had become largely unrecognizable to many marque enthusiasts. With a largely alphanumeric naming scheme and an intentionally toned-down design theme meant to attract Japanese-car intenders, the Pontiac of the 21st century bore little resemblance to the nameplate once known for Wide Track design and the GTO.
So, what if we looked back 20 years from Pontiac’s funeral? Sadly, it seems as if we could have predicted the end. Though the 1990 Pontiacs were arguably sporty looking, every vehicle in the lineup (save for the Bonneville) could be had as a Chevrolet for less money—if maybe with a little less style.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kecQ1g0R9uI]
Perhaps most distressing, the production vehicle that would bear the name Sunfire looked nothing like the swoopy concept car seen above.
What say you? Was the 1990 Pontiac lineup in step with the times, or a harbinger of harder days ahead? And, if you’ve ever owned one of these Nineties Ponchos, please tell us about it. The place for comments is below the Trans Sport.
Pontiac LeMans
Base Prices: Aerocoupe Value Leader 3-door hatchback ($6599), Aerocoupe LE 3-door hatchback ($7999), LE sedan ($8349), SE sedan ($9749), Aerocoupe GSE 3-door hatchback ($9499)
Base Engine: 74-horsepower 1.6-liter four
Base Engine (GSE): 96-horsepower 2.0-liter four
Automatic Transmission: $445
Antilock Brakes: N/A
Pontiac Sunbird
Base Prices: LE coupe ($8799), LE sedan ($8899), LE convertible ($13,934), SE coupe ($9204), GT coupe ($11,724)
Base Engine: 96-horsepower 2.0-liter four
Optional Engine (standard GT): 165 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four
Automatic Transmission: $465
Antilock Brakes: N/A
Daily Drive Quiz: Name That Hyundai!
Pontiac Grand Am
Base Prices: LE coupe ($10,544), LE sedan ($10,744), SE coupe ($14,894), SE sedan ($15,194)
Base Engine: 110-horsepower 2.5-liter four
Optional Engine: 160-horsepower 2.3-liter four
Optional Engine: 180-horsepower 2.3-liter four
Automatic Transmission: $540
Antilock Brakes: N/A
Pontiac 6000
Base Prices: LE sedan ($12,149), LE wagon ($15,309), S/E sedan ($16,909), S/E wagon ($18,509)
Base Engine: 110-horsepower 2.5-liter four
Optional Engine (standard S/E): 140-horsepower 3.1-liter V6
Automatic Transmission: $200 (plus $660 for required V6)
Antilock Brakes: N/A
Pontiac Grand Prix
Base Prices: LE coupe ($14,564), LE sedan ($14,564), SE coupe ($17,684)
Base Engine: 160-horsepower 2.3-liter four
Optional Engine: 140-horsepower 3.1-liter V6
Automatic Transmission: $200 (plus $640 for required V6)
Antilock Brakes: N/A
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Pontiac Bonneville
Base Prices: LE sedan ($15,774), SE sedan ($19,144), SSE sedan ($23,994)
Base Engine: 165-horsepower 3.8-liter V6
Automatic Transmission: Standard
Antilock Brakes (standard SSE): $925
Pontiac Firebird
Base Prices: Base coupe ($11,320), Formula coupe ($14,610), Trans Am coupe ($16,510), GTA coupe ($23,320)
Base Engine: 140-horsepower 3.1 V6
Base Engine (Formula): 170-horsepower 5.0-liter V8
Base Engine (Trans Am): 225-horsepower 5.0-liter V8
Base Engine (GTA): 235-horsepower 5.7-liter V8
Automatic Transmission: $515
Antilock Brakes: N/A
Pontiac Trans Sport
Base Prices: Base van ($14,995), SE van ($18,125)
Base Engine: 120-horsepower 3.1-liter V6
Automatic Transmission: Standard
Antilock Brakes: N/A
