Pontiac: The Rise and Fall of America's Performance Car Pioneer

The cost of Pontiac cars varied widely throughout the brand's history, reflecting its diverse range of models and its evolution from a mid-priced brand to a performance-oriented marque. To provide a meaningful comparison, we'll adjust historical prices to their approximate equivalent in today's euros.

In its early years as a mid-priced brand in the 1930s and 1940s, a typical Pontiac might have cost the equivalent of €15,000 to €25,000 in today's money. By the 1960s, at the height of the muscle car era, prices ranged more widely:

• A base model Catalina might start around €20,000 in today's euros.
• The iconic GTO, depending on options, could range from €25,000 to €35,000.
• High-end models like the Bonneville could reach €40,000 or more.

In its later years, before discontinuation in 2009, Pontiac's pricing was competitive with other mid-range American brands:

• The compact G5 started around €12,000.
• The popular G6 mid-size sedan ranged from €18,000 to €25,000.
• Performance models like the Solstice roadster or the revived GTO could reach €30,000 to €35,000.

It's worth noting that these prices could vary significantly based on options, dealer pricing, and regional differences. Additionally, limited edition or high-performance variants often commanded premium prices above these ranges.

In its final years, the most affordable Pontiac model was typically the G3, a subcompact car introduced for the 2009 model year. The base price for a G3 was approximately €12,000 in today's euros. However, the final price could vary based on several factors:

• Transmission: The base model came with a manual transmission. Opting for an automatic transmission could add about €1,000 to the price.
• Trim level: Higher trim levels with additional features could increase the price by €2,000 to €3,000.
• Optional packages: Various option packages for convenience, aesthetics, or performance could each add €500 to €1,500 to the base price.
• Individual options: Items like a sunroof, upgraded audio system, or alloy wheels could each add €300 to €800.
• Exterior color: While most colors were included in the base price, premium or metallic paint options might add €200 to €400.

Prior to the G3, the Pontiac G5 (known as the Pursuit in Canada) held the position of the brand's entry-level model, with a starting price of around €13,000 to €14,000 in today's currency. The pricing strategy for these models aimed to attract younger buyers and compete with other brands' compact offerings.

It's important to note that even as the cheapest models, these cars still came with features that were considered desirable at the time, such as air conditioning, power windows, and CD players in their base configurations. This reflected Pontiac's attempt to maintain a certain level of feature content even in its most affordable offerings.

The most expensive Pontiac models varied throughout the brand's history, but in its later years, the GTO and the Solstice GXP were among the priciest offerings. The 2006 GTO, the last year it was produced, had a base price of approximately €31,000 in today's euros, while a fully loaded model could reach around €35,000 to €37,000. The price could increase based on several factors:

• Engine option: The GTO came standard with a 6.0L V8, but some dealers offered aftermarket supercharger kits that could add €5,000 to €7,000 to the price.
• Transmission: The 6-speed manual was standard, but the optional 4-speed automatic could add about €1,000.
• Interior upgrades: Premium leather seating or a enhanced audio system could add €1,000 to €2,000.
• Exterior options: Special paint colors or a rear spoiler could increase the price by €500 to €1,000.
• Performance upgrades: Sport suspension or high-performance brakes might add €1,500 to €2,500.

The Solstice GXP, a high-performance variant of Pontiac's roadster, was also among the most expensive models in the final years. Its price could reach around €30,000 to €33,000 when fully equipped. Factors influencing its price included:

• Hardtop option: The removable hardtop could add about €2,000 to the price.
• Premium packages: Packages including leather seats, upgraded audio, and additional gauges could add €2,000 to €3,000.
• Wheel options: Larger or premium design wheels could increase the price by €1,000 to €1,500.
• Appearance packages: Special edition appearance packages could add €1,500 to €2,500.

It's worth noting that limited edition models or those with historical significance could command even higher prices. For example, the 1969 GTO Judge or a 1977 Trans Am (similar to the one featured in 'Smokey and the Bandit') in excellent condition could sell for over €100,000 in today's collector car market. However, these prices reflect their collectible status rather than their original retail prices.