Pontiac Cars We Will Miss

Pontiac cars that were the pride of American motorists will soon cease to be in production by the end of 2010. 83 glorious years have seen some of the best muscle cars come out of Pontiac's stable. Among the latest models that will be remembered for a long time is the 2009 Pontiac Solstice, Pontiac G8 GXP, Pontiac G6, Pontiac Vibe, and 2006 Pontiac GTO.

Let's begin with the 2006 Pontiac GTO that may have looked ordinary and boring to some, but had enough power to trample its competition. Revving from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds , this mean machine could do a quarter mile in 13 seconds flat. The GTO handled well and the 6 liter LS2 engine with 400 horsepower packed a punch in the last year of its production. Changes that were brought about in the 2006 GTO included revised blacked-out tail lamps, interior power door lock switch, and illuminated steering wheel radio controls. The last GTO came off the assembly line at the Australian plant in June 2006.

The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is another solid, comfortable modern sports sedan. The new racy look of the G8 is matched with its 6.2 liter LS3 V8 engine. 19-inch wheels, front fascia with fog lamps, and a rear diffuser were all added to the 2009 G8. Many called it the poor man's BMW, but it certainly is the company's most athletic and modern sports sedan, and the most powerful Pontiac ever. This is evident from its ability to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds flat. The GXP is the only model with six-speed manual transmission as an option. The steering is nicely weighted to position the car in the right direction, while the suspension has 20 per cent firmer shock and spring settings for extra comfort. The G8 gives 14 miles to the gallon on city roads and 20 mpg on the highway. With all these features the G8 even outperforms many of the hot European performance sedans.

One of the best looking Pontiacs to hit the roads is the 2009 Pontiac Solstice. Packed with a 173 horsepower 2.4 liter engine, the entry level Pontiac Solstice made way for the Solstice GXP with a 260 horsepower 2.0 liter Ecotec. The GXP could go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.5 seconds. The main features are a limited-slip differential, anti-lock braking system, Stabilitrak traction control, and 18-inch wheels. Removable roof panels, dual-port grille, fog lamps, projector-beam headlamps housed in crystal-clear lenses, make the GXP a one-of-a-kind coupe.

The 2009 Pontiac G6 hasn't been done justice with sales lower than it should have been. The G6 was built along the lines of the Chevrolet Malibus. The top of the line model features a 3.6 liter V6 engine with 252 horsepower. The G6 was also available with a 2.4 liter 4-cylinder V6 and a 219 horsepower 3.5 liter V6 engine. The three trims of the sedan and coupe were regular, GT, and GXP. Convertibles were available in the GT trim. Those looking for good dynamics, great power, and four wheel drive, the 2009 Pontiac G6 has all the answers.

With the end of production drawing near, Pontiacs are set to leave their mark in this history of automobiles.