As GM Authority covered previously, the Pontiac brand is not making a comeback, despite a cryptic ad published in the back of a popular car magazine declaring otherwise. Unfortunately, the ad was just a joke, as confirmed by General Motors. However, if Pontiac did make a hypothetical comeback, we want to know – which Pontiac models do you think should be revived, dear reader?
For anyone who may have missed it, the ad in question appeared on the back page of Car and Driver, boldly proclaiming “Pontiac Is Back.” This sparked a flurry of excitement and speculation among car enthusiasts, but unfortunately, GM quickly clarified that the ad was a joke and not placed by anyone affiliated with GM.
Despite the humorous intent, the ad successfully reignited interest and nostalgia for the Pontiac brand. Following the ad, GM Authority ran a poll asking readers what kind of powertrain they would prefer if Pontiac were to make a comeback. The results revealed a clear preference for traditional internal combustion engines, with 63 percent of respondents favoring a V8 ICE. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) garnered 21 percent of the votes, turbocharged four-cylinder engines received 9 percent, and fully electric vehicles (EVs) came in last with 7 percent.
Now, given the hypothetical scenario of a Pontiac revival, which models would you prefer to see make a return?
GTO: The GTO is perhaps the most iconic model in the brand’s lineup. A muscle car legend in the ’60s and ’70s, a modern revival could capture the hearts of enthusiasts everywhere.
Firebird / Trans Am: The Firebird, in particular the Trans Am variant, is another symbol of American muscle. Featured prominently in pop culture, a modern version with cutting-edge technology and classic styling cues would likely be a hit.
Grand Prix: The Grand Prix combined performance and luxury. A new iteration could blend sporty dynamics with contemporary comfort and technology features.
Aztek: While controversial in its original release, the Aztek has garnered something of a cult following. A redesigned, modern version could capitalize on its quirky appeal, especially in the growing SUV market.
We’d love to hear which Pontiac models you think should be revived. Share your thoughts and preferences in the comments, and subscribe to GM Authority for more Pontiac news, GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
Why not make a new start. Why try to live up to an old name and just create a new one.
Look the use of an old name will always get compared to preconceived notions of what someone thinks that car should be like. Most times they are disappointed.
Start fresh and create a new model. Using old names on modern cars is just pure lazy.
We saw that on the last GTO. If it had been called something else it would never had issues trying to live up to a past rep.
You may have a point there. I was thinking about Pontiac having a ICE Stinger AWD activity crossover and a Rageous EV based on the Lyric Blazer platform. Both nameplates from non production concepts.
Todos os quatro, seriam excelentes os retornos, porém atualizados em seus design e motorizações.
Bring back Pontiacs. The GTO, Grand Prix, Caralina, and the Firebird as minimum! Lemans and Sunbirds would be second year!
You mist ingraine Pontiac stiff like the hood and trunk stripes the grill and some horsepower a a Catalina SUV and an Aztex pick up would be fine. My advice do not make them on an zChevy equinox frame!
bring none,,, it was decided to kill pontiac brand and cars… so keep the peace in peace.
do nice correct designs but new with new beautiful names. leave the past in past. –
of course miss the pontiac indian hood ornaments the chromes. but we are in the era of the ugly.
the ugly sells good. see BMW making € 100 billions a month…
like the most Packard because what remained are the beautiful Eight, all chromed elegant and Victoria too… Like Figoni Falaschi because was beauty 1930ies elegance … BUT sure if had Packard today or since 2000 2010, they would be very ugly for sure, that the disapontment will be real…
it is like rebring TITANIC…. please keep the past done, forget the past… why humans live the üast and not the future ? middle ages were terrible living time…. no linving in past was not better, had almost none comfort and people died with 30
Maybe they should’ve built a car that lived up to the REP.
…Instead of using a recycled HOLDEN MONARO that DIDN’T.
Better yet…go with the PROVEN WINNER….
The Car that lasted 35 YEARS, compared to the GTO’s TEN…
The FIREBIRD.
Pontiac BonnEVille?
GM doesn’t have the volume to support another brand. I just want to see a modern Chevelle or Monte Carlo and a 400hp V8 Regular cab truck
Go buy a Cadillac Blackwing. Better than any Chevelle of Monte Carlo ever made. The BWs are the modern muscle sedans. Put your money where your mouth is.
These Pontiac posts are a waste of bandwith. GM already said it isn’t happening so give it rest GMA.
Very nice cars (both the 4’s and 5’s), but pay attention to the problems they’ve had with the 6.2’s in the 5’s (and other models). It’s not good.
Excellent question. Pontiac if it comes back would most likely be a sub brand, so it wont get a lot of nameplates. I am looking at a ICE Stinger activity crossover with standard AWD and a updated Rageous high performance EV. My problem with the classic nameplates returning is that they will be sharing engines and powerplants with Chevy and Buick. GM broke down because they forgot that brand differentiation isn’t just skin deep along with rudimentary suspension tweaks. If Pontiac models should return their upper level performance vehicles require powerplants unique to the brand, so a GTO with a supercharged Chevy 6.2L V8 just wont do it. Simply shoving GM corporate 6.2L V8s 2.7L 2.5L and 1.5L turbos alone into them as standard engines is just continuing failed a strategy from the early 80’s.
Yes I agree GM does not need a new division. They failed with too many brands and not enough money to run them as more than styling exercises.
If we get anything it would be a model sold at Buick GMC like a Hummer.
If anything happens it would likely be electric.
As for V8 coupes and standard cabs. There is just no money in them. Sorry I get it as I want them too but reality sucks some times.
indeed, chevrolet brand must be killed. Leave only “GM”— reduce it… it is few models now per brand…
see the strange… Lancia is only one car, Chrysler is only 1 van… kill them…
Not going to happen in the 2020’s Malaise era II decade so why are we even discussing this?
Thank you! This is like what, the 5th thread based on a stupid joke ad? Some people are so clueless.
If GM were to get serious about reviving Pontiac it should be the performance division. The product line should include the GTO, the Grand Prix, Bonneville and a high-performance SUV to compete Porsches and BMW’s
The GTO FLOPPED in 1974.
It FLOPPED AGAIN in 2004.
When will people get the MESSAGE that NOBODY WANTS THIS CAR ANYMORE.
People ALSO don’t get the FACT that, the REASON why the GTO FAILED in the
FIRST PLACE, was that PONTIAC fans preferred (and BOUGHT) the FIREBIRD.
The FIREBIRD STOLE SALES directly from the GTO.
That’s the reason why The FIREBIRD lasted 35 years…while the GTO only lasted 10 .
The GTO is DEAD. LEAVE IT LIE.
Bring back PONTIAC’S TRUE PERFORMANCE FLAGSHIP…
The FIREBIRD !!
Sunfire (Chevy trax with an actual 4 cylinder instead of a 3)
Bonneville (Acadia based)
Chieftain (Colorado based sport truck)
Solstice (the one unique model that is a platform that is Pontiac only. Use the old frame, interior/exterior update, 2.7 turbo
And of course the firebird.
For those saying GM doesn’t have the market share, that’s because they surrendered the market share. If they actually put effort into this, they would gain market share.
Beside some new items revive some of their previous vehicles. Those would include the Grand Prix, GTO, Torremt (SUV Crossover), Firebird/Trans Am in upgraded formats
I once bought a 66 GTO convertible in 1969 when I was in high school.
To me it’s the best body style muscle car GM ever produced, in it’s category.
They should bring back a 66/67 GTO retro styled body slightly shrunk down in size from the original, with a high tech modern suspension, twin turbo V-8, Cadillac black wing, or high revving Z06 engine, with options for either manual or paddle shifter trans.
I’m on my second fully loaded 3LT C-8 now (2020 & 2023) and have several deposits down for a Z-06 for over 3 years but not willing to pay over sticker for one. I’m waiting for one of my dealers to give me an ordering slot @ MSRP.
If GM produces the right GTO, I would definitely buy one and make it my daily driver, while still never giving up owning a C8 (or next gen C-9 whenever that happens) Corvette.
Like Forrest Gump said, “And that’s all I got to say about that!”
Ok grandpa.
Pontiac should make a come-back,,for various Sport type véhicule,,Trans Am,Fiero,Solstice,Sunfire but why,,,,to put back style to GM,so create a line fort plaesure and Sports look,,
sweet fraking jeebus. Pontiac is GONE. It is NOT coming back. Why does this site continue to pump this joke as news? Can’t find anything else to post, GMA? Then don’t post anything. The bad part is everyone that keeps posting what Pontiac should do. Every. Time. GMA. Posts. You guys do know that it was a bad joke on the part of a car magazine, right? You all caught that? I’m sure by now you’ve all at least heard it or read some posts here that reiterate that fact? Why keep posting as if it’s happening?
I loved every one of the 6 Pontiac’s that I owned and was heart broken when they shutdown. However, I do think we need a Grand Prix SJ type vehicle powered by an ICE V8. It coud be a Chevy, Buick, Cadillac or GMC with a new name but it would have to be a True Persoal Luxury/Sport vehicle and not some current vehicle with a different name slapped on it..
STEVE
You stated that the Pontaic Solstice as being Pontaic only, it wasn’t as Saturn had the same frame and body they name Skye except some changes in trim and and emblems.
The Solstice was Pontiac only, the Sky was Saturn, Daewoo and Opel. The bodies were NOT the same at all.
Sure the bodies had different body styling, but the Saturn Sky certainly shared the Kappa platform with the Pontiac Solstice. The Saturn Sky was available in some European markets as the Opel GT, and a rebadged version named the Daewoo G2X was sold in South Korea for a short time.
Solstice came first. It was for Pontiac.
If GM produces an iconic GTO with a modern styled version of the ‘67 GTO with current Z06 drivetrain I would buy one. I ordered a new ‘67 GTO from the factory and it was an awesome GOAT…!
Well then GM is going to save you some money because Pontiac is NOT coming back and neither is the GTO.
Thumbs down because it’s not happening or because I reminded everyone it’s not happening? Don’t blame the messenger….blame Car & Driver and the lack of reading comprehension skills prevalent on anti-social media and America in general.
I would like to see a Pontiac badged pickup truck based on the Montana that GM builds and sells in South America.
NO, GMB should go out of Brasil.
I’ll trade Mary Barra for an old Pontiac key chain.
Pontiac, Trans Am, GTO & Grand Prix with ICE V8 engines..
The Walter White Pontiac Aztec Breaking Bad Version.
GTO or firebird but they would probably be ev crossovers 🙁
None, let Pontiac rest in history.
Agreed. I don’t know why we’re still even talking about this since it was officially put to rest.
Aztek, so the Cybertruck will no longer be the ugliest vehicle in the world.
i disagree there are a lot of recent BMWs more ugly but much more worse designed than what they called Aztek or Fiat Multipla or Ford Edsel…
I have a 2008 Solstice GXP. The turbo 4 with DOHC, VVT, and direct fuel injection and a manual trans. For the folks who want a fun 2 seater affordable roadster convertible. The folks that Corvette left when they went after the F1 market
There’s a shop that sells custom Trans Ams for well over $150,000 and they’re still in business. There is definitely a market in bringing it back.
Scott Warmack. Trans Am Depot. Tallahassee. Superb fabricators Collectors, every build!!
Solstice…enough said!
NE thing that that has a coopetitor in other GMs. To a degree why Pontiac and Oldsmobile got lost. GM was their own competition.
They killed off Pontiac and kept Buick. I don’t know what they were thinking. Pontiac gave GM a line of Iconic cars that sold year after year. Buick sold luxury grandpa cars. GM should bring back a line of great name cars under gmc. That division could bring back all kinds of popular cars and trucks people loved . Starting with the GTO, k5blazer , trans am, bring them back with similar style and new technology. GM Have the rites to a lot of names that could come back to life.
They were thinking “China” when they kept Buick.
(Trans Am Z ).. Z for zero emissions and 770 HP electric motor. Styled like the iconic 1977 with fat regen rims. Email me for more details GM Pontiac 😉.
Pontiac is in a tough spot. They are the sporty division of GM, and most sports cars have gone the way of the dodo. In the age of SUVs, Pontiac would probably have to offer a practical and sporty SUV in order to justify its existence. Does that mean Transport? I don’t know. For me, personally I’d like to see both Firebird and Fiero revived. V8 for the Firebird, and the turbo 4 for the Fiero. Maybe the Fiero can borrow from the Vette? And a complete line of Firebirds from Sedans to SUVs and Convertibles.
Check social media sites such as Pontiac Motor Division, Pontiac Grand Prix’s 1969-1972. Pontiac Grand Prix’s 88-95! The demand and Pontiac Nation speaks! Notice the comments when a Pontiac shows up – all good! Buicks are boring and Cadillacs are not even as luxurious as the too of the line boring Buick! Bring Pontiacs with Pizazz back with Pontiac flare!
We want a Goat that eats mopars and Ford’s!
Firebird/Transam only based on the next camaro, but with ice or hybrid power available not just an EV. Sell it at BUICK/GMC dealerships. More models could be added at a later date.
GTO
Trans Am
Grand Prix
Solstice
Fiero
None
Please please bring back the Pontiac aztek!!!! I am desperately searching for one to buy now! I would prefer yellow but i have had 4 of them and they were great! Only traded in when kids came with needing space for all of them and sports gear they are grown I want an Aztek! And I have the money just can’t find what I want! Love the way the would ride and drive seat fit well lots of glass loved the roller pull out and the cooler built in and the tent! Please make them or someone sell one to me! 😄
Bring back the Grand AM as a turbo 4 Subaru WRX, Honda Civic competitor.
Yes I understand that Pontiac is not returning.
The hypothetical question was what models would we like to see IF Pontiac returned.
Mine would be Firebird/Trans Am, GTO, Grand Prix, and Catalina. All with V8 engines including turbo options.
Trans Am and GTO for the muscle cars. The Bonneville and Catalina for luxury cars.
An Aztec???you have heard of the Pontiac Solstice??..
That would be my fun car and the aztek my daily driver! I am actually looking for both now and the solstice is rather expensive even now.
As a Pontiac fan, I’d love to see the brand make a return and the following lineup is what I’d like to see if only in fantasy land;
Grand Star Chief (full-size suv)
Star Chief (full-size suv)
Aztek (midsize suv)
Torrent (compact suv)
LeMans (small suv)
Trans Am (full size 4 door to challenge the Charger)
GTO (2 door challenger to 2 door Charger)
Tempest (midsize sedan)
Ventura (compact sedan)
Phoenix (small sedan)
Banshee (super car/halo)
J2000! J2000! And if we’re lucky a T-1000!
Making noise: Pontiac needs to return as an antithesis to the trends of crossovers, EVs, and oversaturatuon of interior tech, and be the rogue enthusiast brand GM long claimed it to be. With no sport coupe in any division, GM can reintroduce the Firebird on a continuation of the Camaro’s platform, but without the Camaro’s confused styling, becoming the marque’s image vehicle, especially in TA trim. The Corvette platform might be heavily decontented, given L4 and V6 powertrain options, resulting in the new Fiero (with top line models having Banshee badging) that offers a value alternative to cars like the Cayman. The CT5 can be the basis for a new Grand Prix with available GTO trim. If the brass is insistent of the Pontiac division offering a CUV, make it a rebirth of the Aztek–time has been very kind to it, and the obvious cultural tie-in will make the marketing launch a snap (everyone will understand a commercial that starts with a pizza on a roof). As an enthusiast, I find there is almost nothing appealing in today’s mainstream market. Yeah, GM has the Corvette, which is hardly mainstream, but I already have two older ones, and I wouldn’t drop $75-100K on it unless it has a manual. At Ford, the current Mustang looks retarded (I have a beautiful 2016). The market’s current sedans are becoming devoid of character. I can afford any of GMs current mainstream vehicles, but not a single one calls to me. I dare GM to make people like me Pontiac customers. Yes, coupes and even sedans are shrinking markets, but eventually crossovers are going to fall out of favor. Will GM be ready?
Herb Adams is to Pontiac Trans Am like Zora was to Corvette. Herb created CONTESSA. HERB ADAMS VSE Passion Motors.
A 2 seater with a very forward thinking chassis that works! Terrific Styling. Could CONTESSA be the [next] T/A?
A well thought out stylish, handling, lightweight [Lambo Killer]. Has tooling and if nothing else it could be a candidate
for a low production high end [but not horribly priced] street car and a weekend warrior. A serious sleeper! CONTESSA!
I would like the Pontiac Parisienne 2 + 2 re-produced. This was the best & most reliable car I have ever owned.
Whole bunch of non-Pontiac people making comments.
Perhaps this question should be left to true Pontiac aficionados.
Pontiac G8, GTO, Firebird
I have owned a 51,52,58,65,72,72, 74, 78, and 93 z Pontiacs and will never purchase a new car again till Pontiac has been reinstated ! A lot of us feel the samee way and we want some muscle with Pontiac style and flare! By the way still driving my 93 SE Coupe!
The rebirth of Pontiac would bring so many of us back into the GM fold, but Mary doesn’t believe in legacy and heritage, so there’s no way it’s going happen.
Even if it happened, they’d dilute it with SUVs, crossovers and electric.
Not sure Mary & company have any clue on how to even remotely revive a brand of that caliber.
We are getting [across the Autom landscape] vehicle choices diminishing to a point that WE are having
to choose from what someone ‘else’ wants us to drive
should NEVER sold my ’66 Big Block Corvette with noisy side pipes thank you much,. but I’ll choose what
I wanna drive Hey car makers! better listen to your audience meanwhile, readers of this script
no matter where you live pull up EV’s for sale in your area analyze what you see!
I would like to see the grand am ,the GTO, the grand Prix and the firebird all 2 door models with a really nice engine about 500 horse would be perfect
Bring back the Vibe! I’ve been driving my 5-speed for over 21 years and I love it! I would buy another one if they made them again!
GM’s made a lot of blunders since the 70’s. The past is the past. Leave it lay. There’s no going back. Instead of continuing to lead the automotive world, GM chose to allow their hubris and over-conservative bean counters to nearly drive them to oblivion. Cherish the memories of this once-greatest car company and just move on.
Why the Aztek? I love my Vibe! A basic utitilitarian crossover that’s practical and fun. It needed a bit more pep on the low end and a 6-speed auto which are minor tweaks and probably de riguer nowadays. Co-brand with Toyota again and it would be a winner!
Definitely the GTO and FIREBIRD should return
Hey 👋 , just Joe from Cicero , Firebird Formula and Trans Am… Fiero twin turbo , GTO , and Grand Prix 💪🫶🏎
I hope they bring back the G8! It would so cool to have a fresh model! <3
I worked for shows and events dept in canada,
The death of Pontiac was sad,
Montana name plate, not on a mini van but a actual suv, or truck.
Aztek had its loyal following the idea was solid. There is a market now for a comeback of that type of crossover
Firebird,trans am, goes without saying.
The judge well no need for gm to ruin it like ford did with mustang. Leave it be.
Plenty of names but it’s a cuv suv market. Sunfire could be used as a cuv electric with solar assist charging.
Grand Prix performance sedan. Gives another option to SUV and cute yute flooded market.
GTO, Firebird/Trans Am, Bonneville, Grand Prix, Catalina, Phoenix, Sunbird/Fire, Fiero
Easy answer…..the Trans Am and the G8 GXP. I have a GXP, one of 1829 built with the LS3 V8, 6 speed Tremec. It’s an amazing drive built by Holden is AUS. Pontiac was just getting on to something when it was shuttered.
About time GM quit listening to the government and started listening to the marketplace and taking care of customers! Build a good reliable Pontiac and the customers will come! Beat the Camry for qualit and reliability and the Audi for style! Call them Pontiiac names and go get off your flat asses and make it happen!
Definitely bring Pontiac back. I grew up with Pontiacs, my father owned several…a “66” Catalina, a “71” Catalina and a “77” Gran Prix. I myself had several…a “77” firebird (a “Rockford Files” clone), a “79” Trans Am, and a “87” GTA with the TPI 350 (that was a fun car to drive). I was sorry to see Pontiac go and would dearly love to see it come back with updated models of the “TA”, the mid-engine “Fiero” and the 2 seater “Solstice”. Both of the last two were just getting interesting (performance wise) when Pontiac stopped their production. Label me a true Pontiac fan!
The Pontiac Solstice of course since it was successful. Exciting and too short lived.
I think they should bring back the Aztek and the Fiero!
They could use the Corvette platform for the Fiero and the Blazer platform for the Aztek.
IF Pontiac came back…they should have a FOUR VEHICLE LINEUP…PERIOD.
Their lineup should consist of FOUR (and only FOUR )/Vehicles :
1) BONNEVILLE:
No other American Manufacturer has a FULL-SIZED, REAR-DRIVE CAR.
a Pontiac BONNEVILLE would have the market all to ITSELF. It should come in THREE BODY STYLES:
HARDTOP COUPE (yes, I said HARDTOP, NOT PILLARED , 4 DOOR SEDAN, and CONVERTIBLE
Ford’s defunct MERCURY DIVISION planned a FULL SIZED MARAUDER CONVERTIBLE , But CANCELLED IT at the Last Minute. A performance SEDAN would be great for FLEET SALES as well.
2) FIREBIRD: this car had long REPLACED the GTO as Pontiac’s performance FLAGSHIP.
The GTO only lasted 10 years. The FIREBIRD lasted 35. So, which car does Pontiac bring back ?
The One that wasn’t SELLING. The GTO FLOPPED in 1974, and FLOPPED in 2004. Thats ENOUGH!!
Let it DIE, Already !! Bring back the FIREBIRD, Coupe and Convertible… in Standard, Formula, and
Trans Am models.
3) GRAND PRIX: Nobody else currently Builds a “Personal Luxury Coupe and Sedan. Pontiac just might PULL IT OFF…Especially in light of the growing SUV RÉSISTANCE movement going on…
4) An as-yet-Unnamed Sports Performance SUV to compete against the DODGE DURANGO.
It worked for Dodge…it might for PONTIAC !! You never know.
The aztek was one of the worst made pontiaca out there leave that thing where it belongs it’d ugly af only meth cooks use those cars. Bring back the vibe! They’re making a come back. And in these days fuel economy and room is what we need I can go from Texas to Washington cheap af. While holding all my friends and our stuff.