GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

IMO let the brand die. What did the Pontiac brand really stand for anyways? What unique models did they have that weren't twins of other GM brands?

They say the brand was supposed to be the "Sporty GM division" but all of the cars were just different styled versions of Cavaliers (sunfire), Buick Rendevous (aztek) , Malibu (grand am / G6), Holden Commodore (G8/GTO), toyota corolla wagon (Vibe), etc etc.

I'd argue that NONE of the model offerings were even remotely sporty & had no identity at all. The only model I think of as sporty (and a mistake that they discontinued) is the Firebird/Trans Am. The only thing they could've done that made any sense is to switch some of their Chevy models over to Pontiac branding (and styling) and REMOVE them from the Chevy line up so that pontiac has its own "sporty" unique model line up while chevy keeps its main-stream line up. Cadillac the luxury line up & GMC the truck line up. Buick, on the other hand, i don't see its identity either...even now? Its sorta upscale but not luxury....i don't understand what they are trying to do with that brand either.

shaeet wrote:Buick, on the other hand, i don't see its identity either...

One or the other of Buick and Cadillac obviously needs to go and I think GM is just waiting to see which one wins out. Sales of both are pretty similar, with Buick just edging out. If they keep things as they are, I think Buick will eventually win because the newer Buicks have a more modern look. For the most part Cadillacs still look like something my grandparents coveted.

shaeet wrote: They say the brand was supposed to be the "Sporty GM division" but all of the cars were just different styled versions of Cavaliers (sunfire), Buick Rendevous (aztek) , Malibu (grand am / G6), Holden Commodore (G8/GTO), toyota corolla wagon (Vibe), etc etc.

That is true for he most part. If our Vibes were a completely independent vehicle with no shared parts from any other car, then we'd be paying $50k or more for it and it would not survive against the competition! One of the cars you mentioned I do not totally agree with. What US dealership ever sold the Commodore Holden or even offered it for sale to you & I? My point being is that the G8 is unique to us living in the northern hemisphere as it was alone in it's class for the price and an awesome ride (just ask my wife!)

shaeet wrote:The only model I think of as sporty (and a mistake that they discontinued) is the Firebird/Trans Am.

I still miss the '74 Firebird that I restored in my younger years.