In the early days there was the Trans Port.  That box-like plastic-sided piece of American dung that was passed off as a futuristic vehicle in cheesy ‘B’ rated movies.  Plagued with ugliness and unreliability, this van tried to evolve into its namesake trim level, Montana.

Any Pontiac dealer should be willing to give a great deal as they struggle to reduce their inventory of these unsightly hunks of junk.  Why they continued to make the 2001 Pontiac Montana, the 2002 Pontiac Montana, the 2003 Pontiac Montana, the 2004 or the 2005 Pontiac Montana is beyond comprehension.  It just de-evolved into a blob of steel and glass.  The most boring van of all the vans out there.

Don’t even begin to think that this is just another rant from a jaded ex-owner.  Just look at the bland, unexciting appearance of the Pontiac Montana.  People are still wondering how the hell it got off the concept designers Etch-A-Sketch’.  The commercials should have started out with word association.  The doctor says. ‘Pontiac Montana’ and the patients just sit there with a gaping mouth.  Just look at all of the Pontiac Montana problems.  Recalls, Faulty handbrakes, unsafe seating, wiper motors, Check Engine lights every 200-300 miles, flat batteries every other week, premature transmission and engine replacements just to name a few.  There are even cases of having to replace a 1998 Pontiac Montana fuel line, and 1999 Pontiac Montana headlights fail instigated a 546,000 vehicle recall! What a poorly designed piece of junk.  If I was the designer of this vehicle, I’d expect my company to come and whack me for embarrassing them.

Just read any of the Pontiac Montana reviews and you’ll see the van for the ugly piece of American junk that it is.  It wouldn’t surprise anyone if they hit the Pontiac Montana remote and the thing just collapsed into thousands of unrecognizable pieces.

So plentiful are the Pontiac Car parts that it would take years to search through all the sites from the internet.  In fact, that you can become easily confused with where to go or where the actual deal is.  On an average day there are millions of places to go for a single subject. Just look at any search-engine website any of the below categories and you’ll find a ton of hits. 

A search for Pontiac Grand Am parts returned an overwhelming 32,700,000 hits.  Wow!

A search for Pontiac Grand Am performance parts
returned a staggering 13,700,000 hits.  Craziness!

A search for Pontiac car parts
returned an ungodly 10,400,000 hits. Ridiculous!

A search for Pontiac performance parts
returned a mind-blowing 3,780,000 hits.  Unbelievable!

A search for Pontiac replacement parts returned a coma-inducing 2,220,000 hits.  Simply dumbfounding!

A search for Pontiac GTO parts returned an heart-stopping 1,680,000 hits.  That’s insane!

A search for Pontiac OEM parts
returned an head-bashing 1,630,000 hits.  Incredible!

A search for Pontiac Grand Prix parts
returned nose-turning 1,560,000 hits.  So silly!

A search for 1956 Pontiac car parts
returned age-increasing 817,000 hits.  Ludicrous!

A search for 69 Pontiac Firebird parts
returned menagerie of 339,000 hits.  Mind-numbing!

Notice how the spam in this article worked?  It is just the same with the search engines.  Too much useless information and fluff.  Whether you’re after ignition upgrade parts for Pontiac Torrent or body parts for a 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix, you will certainly be faced with spam.  Who knows if you’ll even find a vendor willing to make you a deal.  But just when you thought there was no way to navigate through the jungle that is your search result, a solution shines through.  All hail the search consolidator.

There are more than 8 billion Web sites out there.  The most popular search engines attempt to guess what the searcher is really looking for, but even that can yield an unfriendly number of hits.

Who the heck needs 8 billion pages when we can barely handle eight lines of text?  All a searcher wants is to be presented the information he or she really wants!

Most information recall systems must be precise and provide the right information.  Erroneous results or sometimes referred to as false positives will show up.  How is that so?  An opportunity to display entrepreneuristic talents has emerged.  There are companies that spend their time adding filler articles to search engines to maximize their customer hits.  Just like in your email box…it is Internet Search Engine Spam.  The kind that gives you five million hits when you want to make a spaghetti sauce recipe.

Google.com, Clusty.com, Previewsweek.com, and Answers.com all claim that they are better than the other one.  But are they?  Each offer a ‘new and improved’ smart search program that will magically deliver what you want to your screen.  You be the judge.  Go out there and use the search results above to compare which site can narrow it down the best for you.  Good luck. 

 The 1993 Pontiac Grand Am and the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am each had a sporty look, driver-side air bag and four-wheel anti-lock brakes that were all standard features. The most interesting styling feature on the Grand Am’s exterior was tough, plastic body side cladding that was painted to match the body metal in a monochromatic paint scheme. Near the middle of the door, at the top, the cladding had a rippled kind of design effect In it, which just added to the stylishness of this vehicle.  The 1994 Pontiac Grand Am GT was also available. The Pontiac Grand Am GT had a very responsive engine, the acceleration was excellent from both starting point and when passing. Shifting was provided by a four-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive top gear. The car maneuvered easily in city traffic also. The power racket and pinion steering was very responsive. The Pontiac Grand Am GT greeted you with a throaty roar from the engine upon acceleration. The 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT could also be purchased, as well as several other years the GT was in production.

For the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am and the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, the reviews all said it was pretty much a great car. It was fun to own and to drive. It had one of the most reliable power trains available out on the market. Its 2.4-liter V6 Twin Cam motor, paired with a dependable 4T4OE hydramatic transmission. It had a sporty, attractive styling and very cool looking headlights. The cockpit controls and instruments were positioned for quick and easy access. The instrument cluster lit up with a soothing red glow at night that gave you a futuristic feeling. Buyers of the 1996-1998 models can get Pontiac Grand Am parts aftermarket conveniently over the internet; they are becoming, steadily more available than before.

The 1999 Pontiac Grand Am was front wheel drive with a V6 engine and an automatic transmission. It still held up to the fun, sporty, feel of all the other models in previous years. This was a fun to cruise in vehicle.

Some interesting history regarding Pontiac is in 1909, General Motors purchased a half interest in Oakland Motor car Company, and this was on January 20, 1909. Edward Murphy, it’s founder passed away the following summer, his company came under the full control of General Motors. In 1932, the Oakland name is dropped from the vehicle line and Pontiac becomes the name of the division.

Other interesting historical tidbits are that in 1937, Pontiac introduced the industry’s first column-mounted gearshift. The Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac assembly division was organized and later became General Motors assembly division in 1965. In 1957, Pontiac’s first fuel injected engine is introduced in the Bonneville model. These are facts most people did not know until now.

If you are the proud owner of a Pontiac Grand Am and you want your Grand Am to be different and stand out from the rest, You need to add some Pontiac Grand Am performance parts to your ride. Some available options are the Pontiac wind deflectors front and rear, GT styling firebird wing, Pontiac vent visor, Pontiac turbo muffler, Pontiac tail-pipe kit, the Pontiac sports guard, GT styling Pontiac solar wing and you will also need a Pontiac Grand Am repair manual that can tell you how and when to carry out routine maintenance on your vehicle, information on restoration and servicing of your Pontiac Grand Am.

So, if you want a cost-friendly, fun, sporty, vehicle then the Pontiac Grand Am is the right car for you. To find a good used Grand Am call or search local dealerships in your area. 

A Solstice is described as a defining moment.  From its first showing in 2002 as a concept at the Detroit Auto Show, the Solstice from Pontiac has become an exciting defining moment for the Pontiac family.  A quick look at any Pontiac Solstice photos will show you a wide stance, tough looks and a get-out-of-my-way attitude.

As the year winds down, the last of the 2006 Pontiac Solstices are finding their homes and the 2007 Pontiac Solstice (carried over from the 2006 model) emerges onto the scene.  It provides great handling and performance and gives the other guys a warning not to under estimate what this little package brings to the asphalt.  

At just around $22,000 the 2007 Pontiac Solstice tucks a 2.4 Liter Ecotec engine under its sleek lines.  A sleeper waiting quietly under the hood at lower speeds but as the accelerator sinks you dare not blink or you’re left wondering how many cars you actually just blew right by.  Four valves per cylinder allow plenty of breathing room for the 177 hp power plant.  The lower prices definitely don’t compromise its quality performance at all.  The Ecotec is married to an Aisin® 5 Five speed manual transmission (An optional 5-Speed Automatic transmission is also offered).  With effortless precision even the novice driver can maneuver like the best of them.  Four wheel independent suspension and four-wheel diagonally ventilated disc brakes coupled with 18-inch aluminum wheels provide a good solid feel as the car tears through twists and turns pouncing on the road like an agile cheetah.  The Solstice is completed with anti-theft PASS-Key Plus, AM/FM CD player, and Single port stainless steel exhaust.  All of these are standard on the base-level Pontiac Solstice roadster. 

There are also plenty of other Pontiac Solstice accessories available.  A convenience package adds Cruise Control, Driver Information Center (DIC), Fog Lamps and steering wheel controls for Cruise and DIC while the Preferred Package boasts Power Windows and Doors, Keyless Entry and power-adjustable outside body-color mirrors.  In addition, one can find a 6-disc Digital Audio System (with speed-sensitive volume and iPod/MP3 player port), Air Conditioning, floor mats, GM’s OnStar security, an upgraded headliner for better acoustics, a rear spoiler (to add that extra oomph!), polished/chromed aluminum wheels and even metal pedals are available to the Solstice as well.

Although the Solstice from Pontiac has great presentation, some still prefer more of a growl.  In order to give their beast a bit more bite, a few Pontiac Solstice performance parts have been added to a beefier car and will be sold as the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP.  The GXP adds a 2.0 L Turbocharged direct injection I-4.  With 260 HP at 5600 rpm, GM vows it to be the highest output Ecotec in their inventory.  Sport-tuned suspension, StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control, limited-slip differential, dual port stainless steel exhaust, and even a tire repair kit will come standard with the GXP priced at just under $27,000.

Pontiac Solstice pictures are just small glimpses of what this beautiful car has to offer.  Just take a long look at the style and power of this little firecracker.  You’ll know it is better experienced and feel the draw to get behind the wheel. 

Whether you want a drop-top with money leftover for a picnic lunch or a road-prowling tigress, the 2007 Solstice from Pontiac offers a car that promises an addicting grin-inducing drive on the wild side.

The 2007 Pontiac Soltice GXP is a luxury sports car convertible with lots of heart and soul. It has a 2 liter inline four cylinder engine with turbo charger. The Soltice GXP features GM’s all new Ecotec 2.0 liter turbo, the most powerful engine in the Ecotek family. This turbo with direct injection kicks a V-6’s worth of power out of a four-cylinder engine. Can you say more power?

The Pontiac Soltice Roadster is also a very classy ride. In 2006 GM announced production of the Pontiac Soltice Roadster. It has rear wheel drive, two passenger seating, spacious for a sport car and reversed hinged clam shell hood that opens to reveal a double overhead cam variable-valve four cylinder engine. The interior’s fresh design and controls that is intuitive to the driver.

If you’re looking to make your Pontiac Soltice custom with Pontiac Soltice accessories these are a few to try: Body kits, lowering springs, exhaust systems, cold air intakes, spoiler, flywheels, racing seats, shift knobs and steering wheels. You can buy these Pontiac Soltice kits at a specialized dealer or from your local Pontiac service department. Pontiac Soltice headers are also available from these same places.

A Pontiac Soltice Review shows that it has smooth handling, lots of storage compartments, easy to use convertible top and a elegant, yet futuristic design.

The Pontiac Soltice radio system has an Am/Fm stereo with CD player and six outrageously sounding speakers. The premium package gives you the optional MP3 capable radio with six disc in dash CD changer, Monsoon premium seven speaker sound system, OnStar and XM satellite radio. You can also go to an audio specialist or your Pontiac dealer and get   Pontiac Soltice radio mods.

All in all the Pontiac Soltice is a responsive, surprisingly spacious and well equipped sports car. Standard equipment includes three cup holders, rear window defogger, rake-adjustable steering wheel, racing inspired bucket seats, easy to operate cloth convertible top with glass rear window. Dual front airbags are also a standard.

Optional packages are the power package which includes power locks, power windows and remote keyless entry. The convenience package has cruise control, driver information center and fog lamps. The premium package includes leather seating surface, leather wrapped steering wheel and radio controls on the steering wheel.

The Soltice proportions are accented with five spoke aluminum wheels with a low wide stance. The tail lamps are designed with special reflectors to eliminate the need for separate side marker lights. The pedals are placed for easy-to-use heel, toe driving and an instrument panel with cock pit styling that hugs the driver.

The Pontiac Soltice is a fun, flirty, and sporty car that you will enjoy on sunny days or colder days. A truly different sports car which everyone will take notice of due to the unique sleek designing. So, buy a Soltice now to start down the road to a fun, more enjoyable ride.     

If you’d like more information on the Soltice contact your local Pontiac dealer or log on to the Pontiac web site. You will get all the specs, details and options available along with the difference between the Pontiac Soltice GXP, Roadster and Standard Soltice. 

The 2005 Pontiac Vibe received a new front facia that really improved their appearance. It gave it a smoother, sleeker look.

The 2004 Pontiac Vibe came standard with a 130hp four cylinder engine; wind-up windows, manual door locks, 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, CD player, 115 volt power outlet, 2-12 volt power outlets, power mirrors and anti-lock brakes were optional.

You will find the 2003 Pontiac Vibe roomy and still sporty. It came with a three spoke steering wheel framing a set of red lit, chrome rimmed, deep dish gauges. One option available was the Moon and Tunes Package. This package combined a power moon roof with a 200 watt sound system (with 6 speakers, standard RDS and an in dash six disc CD changer). This was an $800 option.

The Pontiac Vibe GT was developed to attract the younger buyers into the Pontiac family. It is a great car for the buyer who has a busy, active and varied lifestyle. The cat eye headlamps, recessed fog lamps and rear cornering lamps really give it that sporty, edgy feel. There is an easy opening rear lift gate and lift glass. The 8 exterior colors are: Abyss (Black), Satellite (Silver), Shadow (Dk. Gray), Frosty (White), Lava (Red), Salsa (Dk. Red), Neptune (Blue) and Envy (Green). The GT engine has a 1.8 liter, 180hp four cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. A powerful combination of 100hp/ liter specific power output. It can go from 0-60mph in the low eight second stage.

The Pontiac Vibe review shows the Vibe has eye-catching styling and versatility. Roomy cargo holds are a plus. Acceleration is acceptable with moderate noise levels. Provides a stable, comfortable ride and enough handling capability to give you a fun-to-drive feeling.

Pontiac Vibe accessories that can be added to make your Vibe more distinctive include: seat back organizer panels, cargo net, rear bumper protector, air deflectors, body side graphics, exhaust tips, front facia extension, contour splash guards and roof mounted utility bars. If you dent or scratch your front bumper, the best deal is to look around for a used Pontiac Vibe front bumper and have it painted to match your cars color may cost less than buying a brand new bumper.

Pontiac Consumer Report said that the highs of the Vibe are fuel economy, interior flexibility and access. The lows were engine noise and driving positioning. There is a roomy rear seat, but engine noise was pronounced. The steering wheel complicated driver position by being too far forward. Even with these Pontiac Vibe problems the Vibe still comes out as a fun, comfortable, fuel economical vehicle.

The Pontiac Vibe depreciation 2004-2008 estimate is $12,066.

If you live in Canada and are interested in purchasing the Pontiac Vibe, Look up Pontiac Vibe Canada dealership’s in your area.

The Grand Am was reborn as the 2005 Pontiac G6.  Using some of its European division styling ideas, Pontiac attempted to reinvent the modern American car.  But with no significant styling changes, the G6 from Pontiac retains most of its characteristics from the 2006 Pontiac G6.  Some additional engine and transmission options greatly increase the versatility which will give more flexibility for the widening demographic.  Other options include side curtain airbags for the sedan and coupe, and a six-speed automatic transmission is available for the GT. Pontiac G6 sales are expected to increase as the G6 fever spreads.
 
At around $18,500 the 2007 G6 sedan tucks a 2.4 Liter Ecotec engine under its sleek lines while the Pontiac G6 GTP boasts a whopping 252 hp.  A sleepy athlete waits quietly under the hood at lower speeds but as the accelerator drops your fun meter rises.  Four valves per cylinder allow plenty of airflow for the 169 hp motor.  The lower prices definitely don’t compromise its quality performance at all.  Several engines are offered.  There is the 169-hp, 2.4-liter I-4, 217-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, 224-hp, 3.5-liter V-6, 227-hp, 3.9-liter V-6, 240-hp, 3.9-liter V-6, and the 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6.  Some interesting transmission options are also offered.  The 4-speed automatic with Over Drive, 4-speed automatic with Over Drive and auto-manual, 6-speed automatic with Over Drive and auto-manual and 6-speed manual with Over Drive.

The 2007 Pontiac G6 coupe is a shapely ride.  The smoothed out wedge shape tries to be original but could be mistaken for a Honda Accord.  The coupe GT comes in around $22,600 and begs for a chance to show off the standard 224-hp, 3.5-liter V-6.  A beefier Coupe GTP sneaks in a 252-hp, 3.6-liter V-6.  Four wheel independent suspension and four-wheel diagonally ventilated disc brakes coupled with 18-inch aluminum wheels and full traction control provide a good solid feel as the car tears through the curves with instinctive tenacity.  

The Pontiac G6 convertible comes only as a GT for just over $29,000.00.  It offers a retractable hardtop that seats four with the 217-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 a willing contestant.

A Premium Package adds front bucket leather-trimmed seats (GT), front bucket two-tone leather-trimmed seats (GTP and GT with Sport Package), 6-way power driver seat adjuster (Standard on GTP), heated driver and front passenger seats, Remote vehicle starter system (automatic only), cargo nets, and front and rear carpeted floor mats.

A Sport Package offers 3.9L 3900 V6 SFI engine, exhaust outlets with dual chrome tips, StabiliTrak, 18″ painted aluminum 5-spoke wheels and a 6-speed manual transmission.

A Sun and Sound Package is also available which includes AM/FM stereo with 6-disc CD changer and power sunroof.

One Pontiac G6 accessory that seems out of place is the Pontiac G6 spoiler.  It looks like a toenail clipping or the thin mustache twirled by the villain that thought it would add pizzazz to the rear of the car.  Another gadget plunked down as an afterthought for people to spend hard earned money on  There are also a few Pontiac G6 problems consumers should be aware of. 

There are quite a few complaints that the car is not weather tight.  Among the top most common buyer complaints are Reports of leaky sunroofs and bugs finding their way inside.  This doesn’t mean that every car is this way.  You should always make sure to check the car out carefully and don’t be afraid to confront your dealer if you run into any issues.

Take one look at the style and power of the Pontiac G6 before us.  You’ll know it is better experienced and feel the draw to get behind the wheel. 

The 1977 Pontiac Trans Am was the year of the Bandit. A movie starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, Jerry Reed, Jackie Gleason and the newly re-styled 1977 Pontiac Trans Am. The movie called “Smokey and the Bandit”. The Trans Am truly took center stage in the movie. Now, everyone wanted a Trans Am, its popularity soared. You can still be the proud owner of one of these beauties today, just search the internet for a Pontiac Trans Am bandit for sale.

The 1979 Pontiac Trans Am changed by removing the traditional grill between the headlamps, it was replaced by mounted in the bumper pad extensions. The grills where in a matte black and contained the turn signals/parking lamp lenses in the upper outer corners.  The Pontiac crest still resided in the center of the front fascia. It had a deeper front spoiler that was made of flexible material instead of hard plastic of the ’77-‘78’s.

The most drastic and best-looking change was the rear tail lamp assemblies, the lamps now stretched corner to corner with a hinged fuel filler door in the center. The tail lamps had a cool blacked out effect to them, until the lights where turned on then they glowed a vibrant red.

On the 1981 Pontiac Trans Am Turbo Bandit cars, these are the real bargains right now. The turbo 4.9-liter cars in great shape may be a sleeper investment waiting to happen. They were made I limited numbers and their survival rate is low. This year the largest changes for the Trans Am took place. The 301, offered in 1979 as an option, was the body shape was formed with the help of a wind tunnel.  It had 15” aluminum wheels with smooth caps and a functional spoiler. The 1982 Trans Am received a turbo bulge hood styled loosely off the earlier turbo Trans Am. The hood remained and was functional for the crossfire injected 305. Leather .The Pontiac Trans Am WS6  option was available on the SE’s and 4-wheel disc brakes, P215/65R15 Goodyear Eagle GT radials with 15” cast aluminum wheels, stiffer springs, thicker front and rear sway bars, a high ratio 12.7:1 steering box and a limited slip rear differential.

In 1986 Pontiac Trans Am all received center high, mounted stop lamps as required by Federal legislation, placed on top of the back window. Standard 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine was dropped and the multi-port furl injected 2.8 L V6 was introduced. This became the standard engine now. There was a new option of wrap-around rear spoiler made out of rubber/vinyl and only available in black. Middle year Pontiac introduced new lightweight cross lace wheels only available on the Trans Am. The L98 TPI 350 rated at 225 hp made an appearance on the Trans Am. (ASC) American Sunroof licensed by Chevrolet to build the 1987 Camaro convertible built the 1986 Trans Am Convertible as a design exercise.

The 1988 Pontiac Trans Am remained mostly unchanged. The 170hp LG4 carburetor 5.0L was dropped and a new 170hp LO3 throttle body injected 5.0L was added. All of the V8 has received a serpentine belt system and the A/C compressors were moved to the passenger’s side under the hood area, this helped de-clutter under the hood. The Trans Am was made available with body colored ground effects like the GTA and the convertible model is covered over.

The 2002 Pontiac Trans Am was the final year model, it offered a very distinctive 35th Anniversary edition that would pay homage to the 1969 Trans Am. The Trans Am was built in Sainte-Therese Quebec, This plant closed when the production of the last cars was finished.

You can find Pontiac Trans Am parts and accessories all over the internet and specialty shops. Items like a 1975 Pontiac Trans Am fender, stock radio, extra headlamps, spoilers etc. Just about anything, you will need for restoration purposes.

If you are in the market for a Pontiac Trans Am for sale check with local used car dealers and specialty muscle car dealers, even shop around on the internet. You could get lucky and find a great deal on one in pristine condition.

Now there is talk about the 2008 Pontiac Trans Am coming into production. I know I would love to see it and drive it. It is still in the developing and design stages as of this article.

As Pontiac prepared to Step out of the muscle car realm and into the sport compact line; 1995 was the opening year of the Pontiac Sunfire, which was the combination of the family oriented Sunbird merged with the sporty feel of the firebird, thus the name of “Sun-fire”.  Right off the bat the Sunfire enjoyed some success, but there was obviously something lacking… power!

The next year rolled around, and the biggest change for the 1996 Sunfire was the higher out-put 2.4 liter engine that put a little “fire” back into the “sun”.  The 1997 Sunfire waved goodbye to the manual shift convertible in exchange for the standard automatic version, and the convertible Sunfire became an easier vehicle for almost anyone to drive.

A weak starter relay for the 1998 Sunfire was the biggest complaints as far as Pontiac Sunfire repair goes.  Overall the Sunfire had very little design flaw over its relatively short amount of time in production.  The 1999 Pontiac Sunfire saw very little change, as Pontiac was preparing its customer base for the all new styling of the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire.  The 2000 Pontiac Firebird saw lower body side trim, a reworked nose, leather wrapped steering wheel, and monsoon audio system, and opened a line of Pontiac Sunfire aftermarket parts that seemed designed for the true enthusiast. 

Horsepower rose from 140 to 150 hp as the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire would be the best performer throughout its lifetime in production.  Unfortunately, the front fender for Pontiac Sunfire never received proper badging to differentiate the higher horsepower edition, which was sadly only overlooked by the general public, and would soon be dropped off its line of optional equipment.

Only a year later, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire dropped the 2.4 liter 150 hp versions, and did not change anything else on the basic line up.  The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire once again stayed much the same for the next year, even though it would appear by its popularity that the Pontiac Sunfire was in the need of something different to bring back its weaning interest.

The 2005 Pontiac Sunfire was the last year of production; but it went out in style with a new exterior sport package, 16” wheels, chrome exhaust tips, and firmer suspension package.  If Pontiac had tried to bring about more changes such as these awhile back along with decent horsepower numbers to live up to its name; perhaps the Pontiac Sunfire might have had a longer shelf life.  It is a very fine line to combine the unique needs of a performance sports car with that of a family economy cruiser.  Generally the two should never be set side to side as their base customer expectations will never be completely met; and this is exactly what Pontiac found out while toying with the Sunfire concept.

It is highly doubtful that the Sunfire will ever be back in the line up in the years to come, but it is still not a bad purchase with its simple mechanical concept and readily available parts.  The Pontiac Sunfire also has impressive fuel economy that is still well within today’s standards, and at least enough horsepower to cruise the highways with relative ease and passing ability.  A Sunfire is without a doubt a reasonable vehicle, at a reasonable price, and would be a reasonable decision for almost anyone.

The firebird has always been a midline affordable sports car with aggressive and breathtaking styling that would eventually make this car a legend in its time. Having ceased production in 2002, we can now only await what could possible be a comeback; that is if the all new retro Camaro, GTO, and Cuda achieve the success they are being hyped to.

Speaking of the GTO; this is one sweet ride if you don’t mind me saying. The overall looks are lacking somewhat as far as the retro styling of the original; but if raw, untamed horsepower offers bonus points in your book, then I think you just might be able to over look the styling for the fun you will be having behind the wheel.

Next on our list is Firebirds little brother, the Pontiac Sunfire. The Sunfire was Pontiac’s attempt to combine a family based compact with performance enthusiast styling. Unfortunately the Sunfire never successfully took off in the market and is now also gone with no chance of a revival in the future.

In its place we now have the Pontiac Solstice which is obviously a whole new beast (literally), but on the other hand it’s actually a rather practical cruiser with enough clever design and features that appeal to families and singles alike; exactly what the Sunfire was supposed to do. The Solstice offers plenty get-up-and-go and aftermarket following to play with, but is also economical and affordable enough for any working family.

Looking back in Pontiac’s history, we can’t ignore the infamous Pontiac Fiero that was a beautiful vehicle whose budget constraints killed it before it was even able to get off of the assembly line. Fortunately for you owners out there; there is quite a multitude of Pontiac parts for the Fiero to not only boost performance, but reliability as well. Pushing back a little farther in time we will find the Pontiac Grand Am and the Pontiac Grand Prix.

The Grand Am and Grand Prix are both quite similar luxury sport sedans/coupes, but the Grand Prix has always been considered the more luxurious model with all the bells and whistles; and by whistles I am referring to the whine of the supercharger that the Grand Prix boasted in the late 90’s. Today these vehicles are being phased out for the Pontiac G6 and G8; the G8 however will not be found on the lots until 2008.

The Pontiac G6 is quite a sharp looking sport sedan/coupe, and has been designed to not only show off in the parking lot; but also toot its horn when you are out on a deserted mountain road with its 201 horsepower V6. Complete with stylish alloy wheels and a chrome exhaust tip, Pontiac is going all out on this one, and it is looking to pay off in the long run. Okay, now just as we can’t all have fashion magazine cover models for our spouses, neither can Pontiac just have sports cars for their customers.

This is where we drop off from the performance line-up and introduce the Pontiac Vibe which is yet another crossover SUV, that is fighting among all the other manufacturers to win over the hearts of every soccer mom across the US and Canada. With its five star safety rating, the Pontiac Vibe is definitely a good value for its asking $17,000 price tag.

And as if one is not enough, you soccer moms will also have the choice of the Pontiac Torrent. The Torrent is a slight step up from the Vibe and has a little more traditional SUV feel. Complete with an available OnStar package and a price tag of just under $22,000 I would say that it really does not matter which one you choose; as long as you have an extra $5,000 to burn!