For decades, affordable roadster segment consisted exclusively of vehicles from England or Japan. General Motors has changed that night with the Pontiac Solstice (and its twin Saturn Sky), which was built here in America. Solstice brought genuine excitement to Pontiac brand, with its great design and is available with turbo. He was briefly available as a Targa top coupe, too.


Pontiac Solstice began life as a concept car at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Once received rave reviews and a lot of public interest, Pontiac has decided to accelerate a production model. When the Solstice debuted at the 2006 model year, the design concept was almost intact, with big alloy wheels, fluid lines and sleek, retro-style front end, which gave the car a very distinctive look.


But GM's financial problems in 2009, requires the elimination of Pontiac, and the fact that the solstice of the past. It's a shame, because with another generation of refinement, Solstice can really be something. Use a mixed picture of the solstice, in equal parts seductive sheet metal, hit-or-miss dynamics and disappointing reliability and quality.


Recent Pontiac Solstice

Produced from 2006-'09, the Pontiac Solstice convertible is stuck with the classic roadster formula, showing the front of the four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension, near 50/50 front / rear weight balance and manually operated convertible soft top. Coupe, which was prepared in 2009 only, was identical except for its Targa roof - I think, T-tops with no bar in the middle.


Under the hood of the base model was a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. Although the engine featured aluminum block, dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing, he did not feel the same way as an engine sports car. Tall transmission gears and the lack of response due to the slow nature of the Rev, and the soundtrack near the red was far from glorious wail roadster fans expect.


The best choice, if resources permit, a Pontiac Solstice GXP (sold from 2007-'09). This version is much improved, provided the acceleration due to the powerful turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. GXP also sports suspension, stronger brakes and a high-performance tires.


In this review, we found that while both versions have been entertaining in terms of handling, they can not match up to the test Mazda Miata (or, for the GXP, Honda S2000). Inside, Pontiac has decided to go with a much cheaper materials, and ownership experience even more saddened by the three other unfortunate qualities: a bustling multi-step process for top convertibles (completed terrible rearward visibility for the coupe), the lack of internal space for storing things like cell phones and wallets, and small trunk, which was unusable in any of these models.


Pontiac Solstice has received several notable options during its run. In 2008, OnStar, acoustic headliner for the soft top and a trip computer became standard equipment for the base and GXP versions. In addition, for '08, Club Sport Package with firmer suspension tuning and silver-painted wheels became available. In addition, the arrival of the coupe in 2009 marked the advent of soft-top Solstice Street Edition, which includes updating of standard features and sports suspension. In addition, in '09, ABS, stability control and rear limited-slip differential were standard across the board, and the Bluetooth connection is available again.

Beaumont Drive featured Chevrolet-train and General Motors officials. They were the version of the Chevrolet Chevelle with a dashboard similar to the Pontiac GTO and sold to the Canadian market. Although they were sold through dealers Pontiac, little mention of Pontiac nameplate in the booklet manual or instructions.

In 1968, only 708 Beaumont SD hardtops have been created which is relatively rare and highly collectible. Equipped with 396-cubic-inch engine V8, a car produced between 325 and 350 horsepower.

To avoid the tariffs imposed by the Government of Canada, the GM made a few cars with Canadian content, which were distinctly Canadian. Big Pontiacs there looked like Pontiacs, but were built on the chassis of a Chevy and Chevy engines, the names were distinctly Canadian, such as the Laurentian, Parisienne, and the layered-Chief. Medium cars like Chevelles but Pontiac brands, how to divide the grid, they were called the Beaumonts. By 1970, the trade laws were relaxed, unique Beaumont became superfluous and was terminated.

Seller dealers Pontiac, since 1964, Beaumonts by their style, which was under the influence of the trademark split lattice Pontiac. SD (Sport Deluxe, NOT Super Duty) was high on-line version of Beaumont, which was launched in the high line Acadian. Sports Deluxes initially included the same engines as the American Chevelle, but since 1967, they were similar to Chevelle SS396, however, SD396 does not offer the 396/375, as well as its American counterpart.

This car has spent his life in Ottawa, Ontario before moving to Buffalo, New York area a few years ago, where he underwent a six-year restoration. Only 66 Beaumont SD396 convertibles were built in 1967, and none of them were sold new in the United States. This is Pontiac? This Chevelle? Ask a poncho or a Chevy fan and you can get a different answer!

The brightest legend of the New World was "born" in 1964, and almost immediately won the lion's share of sports cars. His appearance Pontiac fiero gt obliged 39-year general manager Lee Yakoke, who at one time fully responsible American ideas about sports car. The birth of this development took place against the background of failures of concern Pontiac. The company had huge losses due to the failure model Edsel, making it clear that any forward-looking market research - business, if not rotten, then the loss-making for sure. But to correct the situation in some way was needed. Therefore, was soon assembled a team of designers, engineers, economists and marketers, which should have resolved the problem and build a "rescue" car. Initially developed a social address of the machine and its image. According to available information, the buyer wanted to see further development of ideas Thunderbird, but in a more democratic sector. As a starting point took the sport versions «Monya» economical "Chevrolet Corvair." Composition of the bulk of the body decided to borrow from the Lincoln Mark II, which had an extremely dynamic silhouette thanks to a very long hood and a shortened trunk. Aggressive note in the design of the car created a narrow, resembling a knife blade bumpers, predatory nose car "Maserati", as well as deep-set into a niche grille with a figure running the "Mustang". Incidentally, the title - as it turned out, during the development machine wore quite a different name - «Cougar» (Panther) and had the appropriate figure on the radiator: muscular cat in profile. And the name «fiero gt» was preferred only before starting the machine in the series. That's it.

Pontiac GTO left the assembly line in 1964 and cut a red ribbon which opened the era of Muscle Car. It was an experiment, which started the great John DeLorean, who was then working at Pontiac. He presented as an option for the GTO Car Pontiac Tempest, in fact an improved version with a more powerful motor. De Lorian proposed sport tires, sharp steering, dual output, and a powerful V8 engine capacity of more than six liters, borrowed from a fellow on the conveyor belt - Pontiac Bonneville, which developed 350 hp In 1965, Tempest GTO got updated bodywork - a massive and sharp-cut, the lights were replaced by the horizontal position to vertical. In 1965, the 66-ies of the sale reached the level of nearly 100,000 cars a year - it was a record among implemented Muscle Cars for all 10 years of existence of these cars.

Pick up in the 1967 updated body, GTO asked another fashion - contours of the wings in the likeness of the bottle Coca-Cola. This design solution immediately began to use competitors. In 1968 GTO grasped the global restyling, actually got a completely different machine, which has little in common with the versions of 65-67-second period. Fastback body, the option in the form of retractable headlamps in the style of Dodge Charger, and a truly "muscular" appearance. But the main thing that the new GTO again introduced an innovative solution and set the fashion in the absence of the classic bumper. In 1969, the peak of popularity came Pontiac GTO, mainly due to the fact that there was a very powerful version, dubbed «The Judge». For her proposed four modifications V8 engine from 265 to 370 horsepower.

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In 1970 GTO again changed his body, then the general restyling occurred very frequently. But mostly it was here that: there was a truly "muscular" motor, with a crazy amount of 7.4 liters. During this period many Muscle Cars have become much heavier, including the GTO, so the engines grew in power, though not for long - the fuel crisis was not far off. Then there was an interesting option - Pneumatically exhaust system, whose meaning is that the button on the console, the driver can weaken the resistance in the production and thereby increase the power, and with it the noise level.

Since 1971, the year the popularity of Muscle Cars slowed down and even the 7.4-liter engine, which was placed on the base model GTO, has not helped. Corporation had a hard time sell 10 000 cars. In 1972, the leadership of General Motors decided to discontinue GTO as a separate model. The next three years to complete disappearance of GTO back to basics - became optional on models of Pontiac Tempest Le Mans, Le Mans Sport and Ventura. Sales also fell in proportion to 1974-th year, Muscle Cars disappeared as a rare species.

The Pontiac Firebird underwent a major restyling for the 1969 model year. The front end was redone and the rear end and interior were changed slightly. The redesign did not do well with customers, and sales fell, despite the fact that production lasted for 17 months, well into 1970 due to production problems with the 1970 model. The Ram Air 400 was renamed the Ram Air IV and had a slight increase in power. The 400 HO option was known as either the Ram Air, Ram Air II, or simply HO. It too received a slight increase in power. In March of 1969, Pontiac released a little publicized option package, the Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package. Conceived to campaign in the SCCA's road racing series (with a special 303 cubic inch V8 which was never offered in production cars), Pontiac paid a $5 license fee to SCCA for each Trans Am sold to use the name. Offered as a $725 option, only 689 Firebird coupes and 8 convertibles (talk about a collectible) were built. Although not appearent at the time, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, along with the Chevrolet Corvette, would be the only American high performance cars that would remain in continuous production since their inception. The Trans Am came standard with the HO engine with Ram Air (also called the Ram Air III). The only engine option was the 400 Ram Air IV, ordered on just 55 coupes. All Trans Ams were Polar White with blue racing stripes, tail panel, and decals. The exclusive hood had functional air intakes which could be closed by the driver and functional fender scoops designed to vent the engine bay. A 60 inch rear foil (spoiler) was mounted on the trunk. Although the Trans Am was no faster than similarly equiped Firebirds, it represented the peak of Pontiac performance excitement.

Production:
Hardtop Coupe: 76,059
Convertible: 11,649
Trans Am Hardtop Coupe: 689
Trans Am Convertible: 8

Comments: The Pontiac Firebird was released five months after the Chevrolet Camaro, and offered buyers choices of six and eight cylinder engines. Pontiac was able to use that additional time to create a unique identity for the Firebird, despite having to use the Camaro chassis and some body panels. Despite using the same front fenders, doors, and rear fenders as the Camaro, the Firebird's styled split front grille, beaked hood, and GTO-slitted taillights gave it a distinctly Pontiac apperance. But the key differentiator was under the hood, where the Firebird offered a range of Pontiac engines. Initially, five different Firebirds were available, named after their respective engine choices. At the bottom was the lowly 230 cubic inch OHC six cylinder engine with a single 1bbl carb, rated at a measily 165 bhp. Stepping up to the "Sprint" version got the buyer a 230 I6 with a 4bbl carb rated at 215bhp. Either six cylinder was linked to either a three or four speed manual or two-speed automatic transmission. Although the six cylinder engines were more powerful than Chevy's offerings, most buyers wisely opted for one of the available V8 engines. At the bottom was Pontiac's 326 V8 with a two barrel carb that was rated at 250 bhp. A special "H.O." (High Output) version of the 326 V8 fitted with a four barrel carb was rated at 285bhp. At the top was the 400 V8 borrowed from the GTO. This engine was rated at 325 bhp, and was available with or without Ram Air (which suspiciously didn't affect the engine rating). The Ram Air engine included a hotter cam, stronger valve springs, and made use of the otherwise decrorative hood scoops. With no publicized power increase and a hefty $600 price tag, the Ram Air option was rarely ordered. All V8s came with a standard heavy-duty three speed manual transmission; a four speed manual and two and three speed automatic transmissions were optional. Performance axle ratios up to 4.33:1 were available as well as front disk brakes. Firebird prices were roughly $200 more than comprable Camaros and the Camaro outsold it two to one. But Pontiac's pony car had arrived.

Pontiac GTO - Car developed by Pontiac, Department of General Motors, engaged in production of sports cars from 1964 to 1974, and by General Motors Holden in Australia from 2004 to 2006. GTO is often called the first Muscle karom. C 1964 to 1973 served as a base for the GTO Pontiac Tempest, with the 1974 model year GTO was built on the basis of Pontiac Ventura.

GTO's plan was an engineer Russell Gee (Russell Gee), was engaged in a Pontiac engine, and chief engineer John De Lorian (John De Lorean). The first idea of a GTO owned by Shane Weiser (Shane Wiser). In early 1963 the authorities General Motors has issued an order which prohibits their units involved in motor racing. Subsequently, the advertising and marketing approach was based on the Pontiac performance cars and racing was an integral part of this strategy.

Pontiac, high-spirited friend of American students, was originally conceived in GM as a cheap "appendage" to Oakland - one of the first stamps, amounting to General Motors. However, the Pontiac brand flashed back in 1893 in behalf of the company Pontiac Buggy, Edward Murphy, the post-carriages. The name was chosen by the name of the town Pontiac in Michigan, where the enterprise is located. In 1907 the company was renamed in Oakland, started producing cars.

Third January 1926 Pontiac Motor Division was allocated from Oakland, and the public with its affordable 6-cylinder model with a two-door and dors body. The emblem of the new brand was the leader of the tribe profile Huron-Ottawa Pontiac, in whose honor once, and was named the city.

They say this lovely Indian in the XVIII century took many scalps with rowdy British heads.

With the new model, and especially c its price at GM got to the point: already in 1928 sold 200 thousands "Pontiac". Alas, for the "parent" brand Oakland successes Pontiac had fatal consequences: in 1931 from the production of "Auckland» GM was forced to withdraw because of a raging depression customers consistently chose less expensive Pontiac.

The following years at Pontiac diligently polished design. By the mid 30's the buyer could choose a complete set with a new six-or eight-engine (as, for example, the Economy Eight). There was independent suspension and hydraulic brakes, and on models such as the Standard Six and DeLuxe Six, buyers could choose the nine variants the body. It is tempting to lower prices for "Pontiac", wavering between $ 585 and $ 710, were appreciated by the grim thirties.

The success of the coupe Pontiac Silver Streak in 1935 gave us new impetus, and soon the pre-crisis peak of sales was strongly overcome. In 1941, Pontiac came to 282 thousand cars sold. At the same time permanently entrenched and style of "Indian" - the rapidity and predatory stress on the radiator.

All of the fifties Pontiac regularly contributed to the flow of cruise mastadontov. On models appeared automatic transmission, body hardtop, power steering. However, the global breakthroughs firm has not done until the head of the design department of Pontiac was not torn fresh blood in the person of John De Loreana (John DeLorean), had just left Packard. And then it started this mess.

America fifties clearly had saved a respectable glamor something spontaneous, and advanced head like De Loreana and Lee Iacocca understood. With the advent of the 60's author and cultivator winged Detroit "Baroque" chief designer of General motors Harley Earl left his post - in styling a new era. Wind of change required to give a massive car speed, selfishness and sweeping lines - on the way were "baby boomers", the children of soldiers of the Second World, ready to double the demand. They yearned for a new car:

pontovuyu, but cheap, sporty, but the daily, a European, but American. Cars for two, young, well-fed, nepuganyh that place of freedom and love.

The answer to the social order embodied in a whole tribe of "Indians»: Tempest, Firebird and spiritual head of the gang - Coupe Pontiac GTO 1967. By the late 60's Pontiac was one of the three most powerful brands on sale in the U.S., along with Chevrolet and Ford. And though the true connoisseurs, not without reason like to make fun of pop "sports» GTO, this car is the happiness of tens of thousands of road bullies from Fargo to Arizona.

The rapidity, rapacity, and orientation on the wrong guys, these Indians were branded feature deloreanovskogo generation Pontiac, that like Hollywood 70: One of the most exciting racing movies of that time was a dizzying rally under the overpass subway, made Jean Hekmenom detective in "The French Connection" on Pontiac LeMans. "Breathing in the tail" on the popularity of the legendary Mustang, and before hooked on the same wave of youth, GTO was no less loved. Passing on an inheritance to the next generation, he survived the years and miraculously shone crumpled sides in the company of any suspicious persons 90 - from the merchant's stupidity of the movie "The Faculty" to the bald-headed savior of the world "XXx» (Pontiac GTO Vin Diesel clearly took a lot of James Bond car).

Everything is logical: what kid has not dreamed at least once to remove the scalp with the school principal.

Of course, the style of "Pontiac" new wave imprint of donors of the De Loreana, forty Mota, a player, a rebel, a dreamer. He himself in 1973 with the scandal left GM and later launched its own sports car production at their own firm. One of them was converted into Spielberg in "time machine" from "Back to the Future".

Grasping to gasoline seventies slowed Pontiac, but not for long. Already in 1984, the office was a pleasant surprise Autoworld advanced rear-Pontiac Fiero sports car with polymer body panels. Since that time, Pontiac had not given any religious predator. Last year he died, John De Lorean, it seemed, under the pen sverhuspeh "Pontiac" will not heal, but then flared up Pontiac Solstice: novelty in a flash built in a queue of young, amazing imagination of their own spirit, and making part if not the scalp, then at least with purse. Indians settle down, but do not surrender.
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Pontiac History

In 1907, the Oakland Motor Car Co., predecessor to Pontiac Motor, is founded by Edward M. Murphy on August 28, 1907 in Pontiac, Michigan.

In 1909, General Motors purchases a half interest in Oakland Motor Car Co. on January 20, 1909. When its founder, Edward Murphy, passes away the following summer, his company comes 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.

In 1926, the first Pontiac car is introduced by Oakland. The 'Chief of the Sixes,' a 6-cylinder car, is launched at the 1926 New York Auto Show.

In 1932, Pontiac Motor Division is established, replacing Oakland.

B-O-P Sales Company is established, consolidating the wholesale sales forces of Buick, Oldsmobile, and Pontiac. It is disbanded the following year.

In 1937, Pontiac introduces the industry's first column-mounted gearshift.

Linden Division, Linden, NJ, is established to assemble Buicks, Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs closer to the points of sale in the eastern U.S.

In 1945, The Buick-Oldsmobile-Pontiac Assembly Division is organized. It later becomes General Motors Assembly Division (GMAD) in 1965.

In 1957, the Bonneville model, with Pontiac's first fuel injection engine, is introduced.

Chevrolet introduces the F-body Camaro as a 1967 model. The following January, Pontiac introduces the Firebird, its third line of cars, as a 1967 model.

In 1976, GM introduces its downsized Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac full-size and luxury cars in September.

In 1979, GM introduces newly designed front-wheel-drive compact cars, the Buick Skylark, Chevrolet Citation, Oldsmobile Omega and Pontiac Phoenix X-body models.

In 1984, a new organizational structure for GM's North American Passenger Car Operations is formed. Two integrated car groups, Chevrolet, Pontiac, GM of Canada (C-P-C) and Buick, Oldsmobile, Cadillac (B-O-C), each have complete responsibility for their respective products, including engineering, manufacturing, assembly and marketing.

In 1988, GM introduces its 'GM10' family of newly redesigned midsize cars -- the Buick Regal, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, and Pontiac Grand Prix.

In 1989, four-door sedan versions of the 'GM 10' Pontiac Grand Prix and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme are introduced.

The Pontiac Trans Sport and Oldsmobile Silhouette all-purpose vehicles debut. These models feature the largest plastic panels ever put on any vehicle.

In 1996, Pontiac and GMC marketing divisions are merged to form Pontiac-GMC Division.

In 2001, Pontiac celebrates its seventy-fifth anniversary.

General Motors announces that its Ste. Therese, Quebec plant, which builds the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, will close in September 2002 in conjunction with discontinuation of the Camaro and Firebird models.

In 2004, GM announces plans to produce the sporty Pontiac Solstice roadster, first shown to the world at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, at its Wilmington, Del., assembly plant. The Solstice is to go on sale as a 2006 model year car.

Started the company as such, with founded in 1893 by Edward M. Murphy in Pontiac firm "Pontiac Buggy". At first the company manufactured carriages.

In 1907 he published the first car company, and in November 1908, Edward Murphy, registers it as "Oakland Motor Car Company. In 1909, GM acquired the company. In 1926, "Oakland" and "Pontiac" are two different brands, and then the company becomes known as the "Pontiac Motor Division". In 1933, CEO Harry had Klinger, the company released updated models with 6-cylinder engine and equipped with independent suspension.

Issue 1935 coupe Pontiac Silver Streak («Pontiac Silver Streak", literally "Silver Flash") has surpassed all expectations and predictions proved so successful that it raised the question of expansion of the enterprise.

In 1953, first saw the light of models with a body "Hardtop". Auto companies from this time begin to be equipped with power steering. In 1958 he began pilot production of the engine with mechanical fuel injection system.

Construction Coupe Pontiac GTO in 1967 became a tradition for all cars of this type. These vehicles are very often emerged victorious during the Hollywood race. For the first time this coupe was released in 1967. In the same year began to be made sports model «Firebird», the same type with «Chevrolet Camaro».

In 1971 the company presented a compact model «Ventura».

After 2, the production model of «Grand Am». The new generation model was presented in Detroit in January 1998. Available in two variants of the body - four-door sedan and two-door coupe.

In 1978 - 1980, respectively, during the world energy crisis, the company General Motors decided to produce fuel-efficient vehicles with low fuel consumption. As a result, in 1984 left the assembly line model of the Pontiac Fiero, sports coupe ("Pontiac Fiero").

Pontiac Bonneville, a car with front-wheel drive, transverse engine layout, luxury. It was first presented in autumn 1986, a new generation - in February 1999.

Firebird, a sports car type, was first introduced in December 1992. Made with two different bodies - three-door coupe and two-door convertible.

In the early 1990's is a smooth transition to the production of new front-wheel models. In 1995, the debut of «Sunfire». In 1996 started production of the second generation OLA «Trans Sport».

In 2000 at an exhibition in Detroit was a model of Piranha Concept - a four-Front wheel drive coupe, sliding door hardware. Rear door leaned back, turning the Piranha in the sport pickup truck.

"Pontiac", having lost its administrative and legal autonomy, still played a special role in the Group General Motors: office "Pontiac" was positioned as "youth". The company within the group still continued to produce sports cars. Continued to be produced such famous models as the Sunfire, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Bonneville and Trans Sport. Embedded in production by 2000 Aztek was awarded the title "the Most ugly" car world according to British newspaper The Sun [1].

April 24, 2009 GM officially announced the discontinuation of the car «Pontiac» and the elimination of trade mark by the year 2010 [2] [3].

November 25, 2009 the assembly line in the village of Orion, Mich., went past a car with these nameplates - Pontiac G6 sedan