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Junkyard Gem: 1980 Pontiac Phoenix LJ Hatchback


In the late 1970s, the automotive world rushed to front-wheel drive vehicles, eager to reap the weight-saving and space-enhancing benefits of front-wheel drive designs. common engine designed an innovative FWD platform instead of, replace shamelessly outdated Chevrolet Nova and its siblingsand that ended Chevrolet quote. Other US market GM auto parts (except Cadillac) has a part of X-Body action, and Pontiac version called Phoenix. This is one of them first year phoenixnot doing a good job rise from its snow-covered ashes in Colorado self-service yard.

Pontiac used the name Phoenix on a repetition of the Pontiac version of Chevy Nova during the 1977-1979 model years, and so it makes sense to apply that name to the Pontiac-ized Citation. Phoenix production continued until the 1984 model year (Cites managed to hang on until 1985). Just to confuse people, the name Nova was revived in 1985, on a Toyota Corolla made by NUMMI.

The LJ trim level is the best looking level for the 1980 Phoenix, and it includes a lot of trim upgrades and convenience features.

However, even Phoenix LJ buyers have to pay extra for a three-speed automatic instead of the base transmission. four-tier manual ($337, or about $1,291 in 2022 dollars). If you want air conditioning, that’s another $564 and you have to buy $164 power steering and $76 electric power assist brake with it (total cost in dollars in 2022: $3,080). Affordable cars weren’t affordable at the time, not when you started adding basic options.

Both generations of the Phoenix feature a -influenced grille Pontiacs of yesteryear.

The basic motive is powerful 2.5-liter Iron Duke four-cylinder engine, but a 2.8-liter V6 is optional. This car has a V6 engine that makes 115 horsepower instead of Duke’s miserable 90 horsepower. Price tag: $225, or $862 in 2022 adjusted for inflation.

The Phoenix is ​​only available as a two-door coupe and five-door hatchback. The MSRP on this car will start at $6,127, or around $23,469 now.

That would be a pretty good deal even after paying for options, given the Phoenix’s great mix of good interior space and solidity. energy saving… but Citation and its relatives (the Oldsmobile Omega and Buick Skylark as well as the Phoenix) suffered from seemingly endless, well-publicized things recall and quality problems. One of my college friends has a nearly new Phoenix ’84, and It’s just about the worst lemon I’ve ever had. What should have been an import carnage victory for The General ended up being a huge disappointment. Sales started off very strong, then fell off a cliff after a few years.

That’s hard to accept, because this is a true compact front-wheel drive sedan design American. It drives like Americans love to drive their sedans, carrying five adults in reasonable comfort and stretching your gas dollar. While, Chrysler Booming with a brand new product line Similar innovative K-Cars beginning in 1981, and Toyota start selling the American-centric market camry 1983.

The X-Body Phoenix is ​​almost extinct now, so I’m happy to find this sad but important American work. automotive history. That’s what makes it a scrapyard gemstone.

The first Pontiac with front-wheel drive!

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