[72projectbird]

Originally Posted by jhein

Obviously the 60s-early 70's Buick GS/GSX were good cars. But, I've never known anyone who had one. The Grand National was OK for it's time but that's not saying much. Other than that, I don't know. Pontiac has made many great cars over the years. That's the brand they should have saved. But they probably say the opposite on the Buick forums.

I've owned a few 86-87 Grand Nationals. They kick ass, and even by today's standards are pretty quick. Plus they're great looking!

I was pissed when GM was toying with the idea of bringing the GN nameplate back, but fortunately they haven't.

Originally Posted by The Champ

I think you need to check your numbers.

Pontiac sold 382,949 vehicles in the USA in 2008 down 21.2% from 2007.

Buick sold a mere 154,275, down 23.5% from 2007.

Pontiac was selling 60% more vehicles and in the midst of a recession didn't lose as much volume as Buick.

Buick's top seller was the Buick Enclave with nearly 1/3 of all Buick sales for 2008. Their actual car sales were terrible.

Pontiac had the G5, G6, G8, Grand Prix, Solstice, Torrent and Vibe. There was a G6 convertible, the Solstice 2 seater and the V8 powered G8.

Buick had an over priced Chevy Traverse as their best selling model. Nothing of value would have been lost if GM had axed Buick, but we lost a convertible model and a 2 seater as a result of the decision.

Buicks were/are a hot commodity outside the US. For as much crap we give GM, they're not stupid. To say they dropped the wrong brand because you liked one over the other is fine, but it's obvious GM picked Pontiac for a reason.

[mgarblik]

Buicks were/are a hot commodity outside the US. For as much crap we give GM, they're not stupid. To say they dropped the wrong brand because you liked one over the other is fine, but it's obvious GM picked Pontiac for a reason.[/QUOTE]

GM was TOLD which divisions would be shut down. The fabulous Automotive Czar and his cronies, {most of who didn't drive their own cars or even own a personal car) made the decisions for them. "If you want the government handouts, this is what your going to do" end of story. When you have zero automotive interest, no understanding of GM divisions, customer loyalty, the meaning of branding, marketing and products, this is how decisions are made. Pontiac brand wasn't in a good position in world sales. That's not my argument. What really bothers me is my Tax dollars were used to save GM who had been pissing on Pontiac for 40 years because China was buying more Buicks. I will NEVER buy a new GM product and I am quite sure GM couldn't car a less.