The Pontiac Phoenix was a compact car that was sold from 1977 to 1984 by Pontiac. There were two generations of the Phoenix, both based on popular Chevrolet models, and both using the GM X platform designation. It was named for the mythological Phoenix, which would die in a self-inflicted fire and be reborn from the ashes. The Phoenix was replaced by the Grand Am in 1985.
The rear-wheel drive Phoenix was introduced for 1977[1] as an upscale version of the Pontiac Ventura, and replaced the Ventura entirely for 1978.[1] The Phoenix differed from the Ventura in only minor details such as the grille and its square headlights and yellow rear turn signals. The Phoenix was available as a 2-door coupe or a 4-door sedan, with a 3-door hatchback available beginning in 1978. There were two trim levels available, the base and LJ, with a performance-oriented SJ package as an option.
Available engines included Pontiac's then-new 151 cu in (2.5 L) Iron DukeI4, a 110 hp (82 kW) 231 cu in (3.8 L) BuickV6, a 140 hp (104 kW) 305 cu in (5.0 L) Chevrolet LG3 V8, and a 350 cu in (5.7 L) Chevrolet V8. Transmission choices included a 3-speed manual (available with either column or floor shift), 4-speed manual, or a 3-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic.
For 1980, the Phoenix was downsized and moved to the front-wheel driveX platform, and was available as a 2-door coupe or a 5-door hatchback. The base and LJ models were still available for this generation, as was the SJ trim package; the SJ package was made as a full trim level for 1982.[2] There was a minor exterior refresh and a new PJ model for 1983, followed by a name change for the LJ and SJ to LE and SE, respectively, for the 1984 model year.
Available engines were a 2.5 L Iron Duke4-cylinder, carried over from the previous Phoenix, and a new 2.8 L LE2 V6, both of which were mated to a standard 4-speed manual transmission or optional 3-speed automatic. The high-output 2.8 L LH7 V6 was standard on the Phoenix SJ/SE for 1982[2] and was available as an option for all other Phoenix models.