The Pontiac Phoenix is a compact car manufactured and marketed by Pontiac, a division of General Motors, from 1977 to 1984. The first and second generations of the Phoenix were both GM X platform vehicles based on well-known Chevrolet models. It was named after the mythical Phoenix, who would burn himself to death before rising from the ashes.
History of the Pontiac Phoenix
First Generation Pontiac Phoenix (1977–1979)
The rear-wheel-drive Pontiac Phoenix debuted in 1977 as a premium alternative to the compact Ventura and eventually superseded the Ventura in 1978. The Phoenix's grille, headlights, and rear turn signals were all slightly different from the Ventura's, as were the Phoenix's paint job. A 3-door hatchback version of the Phoenix was introduced in 1978, joining the 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan. There were two primary trim levels to choose from (the "base" model and the "LJ"), with the "SJ" package adding on extra performance features. A variety of engines and transmissions are readily available, including the brand-new 151 cubic inch (2.5 L) Iron Duke I4 from Pontiac, the 110 horsepower (82 kW) 231 cubic inch (3.8 L) Buick V6, the 140 horsepower (104 kW) 305 cubic inch (5.0 L) Chevrolet LG3 V8, and the Chevrolet 350 cubic inch (5.7 L) V8. Three different transmissions were available: a 3-speed manual (with a column or floor shift), a 4-speed manual, or a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic.
Engines:
- 151 cu in (2.5 L) Iron Duke I4
- 231 cu in (3.8 L) Buick V6
- 305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet LG3 V8
- 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet 350 V8
Second Generation Pontiac Phoenix (1980–1984)
The 1980 Phoenix came as a two-door coupe or a five-door hatchback, and now rides on the front-wheel-drive X platform. In addition to the standard and LJ models, this generation also had the SJ package, which they expanded into a separate trim for 1982. In 1983, we saw a mild exterior redesign and the introduction of the PJ model, while in 1984, we saw the rebranding of the LJ and SJ as the LE and SE, respectively. The 2.5 L Iron Duke 4-cylinder (from the previous Phoenix) and the newer 2.8 L LE2 V6 (both paired to the base 4-speed manual or an optional 3-speed automatic) were used as engines. In 1982, the Phoenix SJ/SE came standard with the high-output 2.8 L LH7 V6, and every other Phoenix model could get it as an option. Poor quality control, two recalls in 1981, and a dangerous tendency to lock the back wheels when braking hurt the Phoenix's reputation, just as they had for its Chevrolet Citation, Buick Skylark, and Oldsmobile Omega siblings. In 1985, the front-wheel-drive Grand Am was resurrected on GM's N-body chassis and replaced the Phoenix.
Engines:
- 2.5L Iron Duke I4
- 2.8L LE2 V6
- 2.8L LH7 V6
Price
In 1984, Pontiac retailed the Pontiac Phoenix with an original manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $7,415, which is around $21,182 in 2022. On the other hand, a used Pontiac Phoenix ranges from $700 to $2,050, depending on the condition and mileage.
Specs and Performance of the Pontiac Phoenix
Engines:
- 2.5L Iron Duke I4
- 2.8L LE2 V6
- 2.8L LH7 V6
The Pontiac Phoenix's 2.8L engine delivers 130 hp (97 kW) at 5,400 rpm and 145 lb-ft (197 Nm) at 2,400 rpm of torque. Pontiac marketed the Phoenix as a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, and it was available with a 3-speed automatic GM Turbo Hydramatic THM-125 transmission. The Pontiac Phoenix accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 11.2 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph (180 kph). Dimension-wise, the Pontiac Phoenix measures 4,648 mm (183 in) long, 1,755 mm (69.1 in) wide, and 1,364 mm (53.7 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 2,664 mm (104.9 in) and has a curb weight of 2,654 lbs (1,204 kg).
Release Date
General Motors released the Pontiac Phoenix between 1977 and 1984 for its Pontiac division. The Grand Am took the place of the Phoenix in 1985.