GM has a plan to keep Pontiac buyers...
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,448
From: Irving, TX
And all the Pontiac lovers come back to bash on GM again in this thread.
Pontiac wasn't profitable.
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
Go get a G8 while you can. That should hold you over till you can get something that GM might make in the future.
Pontiac wasn't profitable.
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
Go get a G8 while you can. That should hold you over till you can get something that GM might make in the future.
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,808
From: FL/MI
And all the Pontiac lovers come back to bash on GM again in this thread.
Pontiac wasn't profitable.
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
Go get a G8 while you can. That should hold you over till you can get something that GM might make in the future.
Pontiac wasn't profitable.
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
Go get a G8 while you can. That should hold you over till you can get something that GM might make in the future.
Plague does make a cogent point in that most of the conversation centers around G8 or Solstice. Both of which are still around should one actually want one. At attractive prices as well.
GM has not abandoned performance fans. I see no actual evidence that GM intends to not offer performance capable vehicles for those that want them.
Camaro is doing well and I don't think any can say the intent is not to deliver an exciting styling and performance package.
Pontiac offered nice packages for the performance minded buyer.
GM will still deliver the goods. I wish could have an arrowhead on it, but please consider, Pontiac was never the "anti-Chevy", anti-Buick", or "anti-Cadillac".
Worthiness is still a car by car based thing.
Last edited by 1fastdog; Jul 10, 2009 at 03:07 PM.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,376
From: Sarasota FL
It is easy to equate that to today's lineup. However today's less focused lineup is the reason Pontiac is being cancelled. Go back 5-7 years ago, and Pontiac was VERY focused. You would not cross shop a Grand Am or Grand Prix with a Malibu or Impala. They appealed to different people..just like a pair fo Air Jordan's to a pair of Doc Martens.
Simply put, and well done.
Vibes weren't comparable to the HHR, IMO.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,698
From: USA
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
There are more women in the world...and they do have money? Also a women is more likely to spend for style vs. a man. If I were GM I would rather have buyers that are willing to pay extra for style vs. Chevy's more "value" oriented customers. Wasn't it in ACOR that it was said that Chevy was viewed in GM as being the brand for customers who have trouble making their car payments? Not trying to insult anyone..I just know that quote was in the book.
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
I am willing to bet if you did a study of how many Pontiac Grand Am/Grand Prix buyers have defected to cars like the Altima and Mazda6, you would be shocked.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,870
Honestly, the only old pontiac that appealed to me was the firebird but i do agree with what Branden is saying in that the brand was more distinct 6+ years ago. Much of that distinction was lost with the newer crop of pontiacs (except for the G8/solstice).
But pontiac's death doesn't have to equal the death of excitement, style, or performance within GM. With pontiac out of the picture, GM has to find a way to improve on the Chevy line by upping the excitement/style/performance factor throughout their lineup. Add a malibu coupe (with an available manual) and replace the current boring and dull impala/Cobalt/Aveo with sportier and better looking replacements. Camaro and corvette can be left alone. With those changes and some good marketing, i think they can retain and attract not only pontiac buyers but buyers of other domestic and foreign vehicles. It's easier said than done, but it is possible.
Imo, the biggest glaring hole is the one left by the G8. There's absolutely nothing in the current Chevy line that even comes close to filling that void which imo is reason enough to keep the G8 around in the N/A market as a chevy.
But pontiac's death doesn't have to equal the death of excitement, style, or performance within GM. With pontiac out of the picture, GM has to find a way to improve on the Chevy line by upping the excitement/style/performance factor throughout their lineup. Add a malibu coupe (with an available manual) and replace the current boring and dull impala/Cobalt/Aveo with sportier and better looking replacements. Camaro and corvette can be left alone. With those changes and some good marketing, i think they can retain and attract not only pontiac buyers but buyers of other domestic and foreign vehicles. It's easier said than done, but it is possible.
Imo, the biggest glaring hole is the one left by the G8. There's absolutely nothing in the current Chevy line that even comes close to filling that void which imo is reason enough to keep the G8 around in the N/A market as a chevy.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 917
From: Lexington, KY
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 374
Follow me here. GM kills F-bod in 2002. "no market for sporty 2 door coupe" "overlap blah blah blah"
Brings in Aztek. Brings in Solstice and Brings in GTO. All Bland cars. they wasted money on that **** is WHY Pontiac wasn't profitable. BECAUSE OF G.M. BEING INEPT. Thats why Pontiac fans are mad.
Get a ****ing clue. GM Squandered the money Pontiac made on stupid **** like above and Saturn.
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,724
From: Hebron, KY
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 632
From: NC
Lest we forget: Camry Solara.... Accord coupe... Altima coupe...
Malibu needs a coupe like last year, IMO. That would be a great way to TRY to appeal to 'a bulk' of Pontiac sales.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 178
And all the Pontiac lovers come back to bash on GM again in this thread.
Pontiac wasn't profitable.
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
Go get a G8 while you can. That should hold you over till you can get something that GM might make in the future.
Pontiac wasn't profitable.
There is too much overlap with other GM products, namely Chevy's. Maybe there wasn't several years ago. But, that isn't the situation they are in today and it would be too difficult to change it now with no $$$. Pontiac might come back later, but it is going to be a smaller volume brand with fewer models.
Most of Pontiac's volume was fleet.
Most of Pontiac's retail buyers were women (or the highest retail percentage of women when compared to other brands, I am not 100% clear on that fact).
It is so funny to see people talk about how nothing else at GM interest Pontiac buyers. Truth be told, you are talking about 2 current models that don't have replacements. The Solstice and the G8. Both haven't been available a long time. I don't know if GM will ever make another Solstice type of car, but I hope they do with the ever changing internet definition of Alpha. For the G8, GM might have something interesting later.
But, for everyone that says, I have a Comp G, Grand Prix, Grand Am or whatever and GM doesn't have anything for me to buy??? Is there anything in Pontiac's lineup that you want today (other than a G8)? One of the many problems with Pontiac lies right there. It has become Chevy. You have one Pontiac model for people to pick from who are real Pontiac fans.
Go get a G8 while you can. That should hold you over till you can get something that GM might make in the future.
Registered User
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,738
From: Charleston, SC
One more thing...if they REALLY want to keep Pontiac buyers around??? Chevy has to be bolder. It needs to offer a mid-sized coupe. A lot of '97-'02 GP coupe owners STILL HAVE THEIR CARS, and don't know what to replace them with, if you read clubgp.com. GM has NOTHING to offer them...and they were the coupe kings at one point!
Chevy needs to be more like Mazda and Nissan if they want to get Pontiac buyers...because those that haven't gone there already are heading there. I can easily see replacing the GP with, dare I say, an Altima or Maxima over a Malibu???? Have I lost my mind???
I won't buy foreign...but I can see why so many people do. The closest chance GM had to my new-car business was a G8...but we don't need to replace her Comp G at this point.
Chevy needs to be more like Mazda and Nissan if they want to get Pontiac buyers...because those that haven't gone there already are heading there. I can easily see replacing the GP with, dare I say, an Altima or Maxima over a Malibu???? Have I lost my mind???
I won't buy foreign...but I can see why so many people do. The closest chance GM had to my new-car business was a G8...but we don't need to replace her Comp G at this point.
Mazda 6, Altima/Maxima, Fusion, would be my pics for a replacement for my G6