Pontiac Phoenix (X-car). 1978–9 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 2- and 3-door coupé. F/R, 151 in³ (I4 OHC), 231 in³ (V6 OHV), 305, 350 in³ (V8 OHV). Renamed Ventura, as Pontiac bid farewell to its earlier compact nameplate. Took its name from an upscale Ventura introduced mid-1977. Yet another version of the Chevrolet Nova (1975–9), but considered slightly upscale from that; however, less reliable than Buick Skylark (1975–9) and Oldsmobile Omega (1975–9), and not as good a ride as either. Outmoded by 1978 it was quite large for a compact, and wheelbase longer than the intermediate Pontiac LeMans (1978–81).

Manufacturing locations: Tarrytown, New York, USA; Ypsilanti, Michigan, USA

Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac Phoenix | Predecessor: Pontiac Ventura (1975–7) | Successor: Pontiac Phoenix (1980–4)