What Happened to Pontiac Cars?
Pontiac was one of General Motors’ prized divisions for nearly a century before the brand was shuttered in 2010. Just as it dealt with Oldsmobile, GM stopped making Pontiac cars on the heels of financial instability, bringing one of Detroit’s beloved badges to an inglorious end in January 2010.
Why did Pontiac stop making cars, and what’s left of the brand’s legacy? Let’s dive in.
The End of Pontiac
Five years after GM ended production of Oldsmobile, Pontiac found itself on the chopping block alongside Saturn and Hummer. The Great Recession’s full global economic impact was in full force, pushing GM and other manufacturers to seek Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The move was part of a desperate plan to win a $25 billion loan from the US government, which had recently passed TARP funding legislation to help dozens of Fortune 100 companies weather the financial crisis.
In December 2009, GM officially put Pontiac and Saturn on the list of brands it would either eliminate or sell to meet the requirements of Congress. Less than six months later, GM’s announcement that it would trim the Pontiac line-up was rumored to be a delaying tactic, with several leaks suggesting the brand would be scrapped within days.
Finally, on April 23, GM confirmed that it would dissolve Pontiac and focus on GMC, Chevy and Buick. Winding down Pontiac and Saturn ensured that GM would meet the loan requirements and the associated deadline of June 1, 2009.
Fly Like a G6: Pontiac’s Last Car
Pontiac’s final car rolled off the Orion Township Assembly Line in January of 2010. A white 4-door sedan G6, it was a fitting end to a brand that had defined performance for GM over a 9-decade span.
The G6 replaced the best-selling Grand Prix in 1997 and was a market success story. As the fledgling SUV and crossover category gained popularity into the 2000s, the G6 was one of the best sedans of that decade, filling a gap left by both the Grand Prix, Grand Am and Bonneville, all of which ceased production by 2005.
Read more: Dealer vs. Mechanic: Who Should Work On Your Car?
The World’s Ugliest Car
While Pontiac’s Trans Am, Grand Am and G8 were lauded over the years for their performance and competitive pricing, Pontiac released its fair share of duds as well. Most notably, the Pontiac Aztek has been called one of the top 50 worst cars of all-time by automotive writing Dan Neil.
The Pontiac Aztek was the brand’s first real attempt at building a competent mid-sized SUV. Officially unveiled in 1999, the vehicle was well received by the industry before popular opinion turned on the model once it hit the road.
Could Pontiac Comeback?
GM still holds the rights and licensing to the Pontiac brand, but it is unlikely we’ll ever see another Trans Am hit the road. In 2009, just days after GM announced it would eliminate the brand, a Davison, Michigan Pontiac dealer offered to buy Pontiac’s branding and finance the acquisition of several manufacturing facilities. GM declined the sale, saying Pontiac wasn’t for sale – Saab, Saturn and Hummer, however, were on the block.
Servicing All the Cars You Love
More than a decade later, you’ll still find plenty of Pontiac G6 sedans on the roads of Northern Michigan. No matter what you drive, Garfield Automotive Service Center is here to keep you rolling. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, we’re here to help. Schedule your appointment today!