| Model year | 1980 |
| Year of manufacture | 1980 |
| First year of ownership | 1980 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1988 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5L 4 cylinder. Manual |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
9.5 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 3 miles |
| Most recent distance | 128000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile 98 |
Summary:
Excellent vehicle, would buy again
Faults:
Blown head gasket at 125,000 miles.
General Comments:
Despite publicized problems with the X Body cars, this Pontiac Phoenix was an excellent family car. With the 4 speed manual transmission, we consistently got 30 miles per gallon overall on regular grade gasoline. That kind of fuel mileage for a roomy car is still hard to find 28 years later.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 29th January, 2009
| Model year | 1979 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 1988 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1990 |
| Engine and transmission | 5.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 5 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
7.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 89000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 112000 miles |
Summary:
A reliable, peppy car on the cheap
Faults:
The electrical system. It always gave me a problem with blown fuses or burned out wiring.
General Comments:
This car was peppy and handled OK. Not much body roll, although if pushed hard into the corners it plowed.
Although the trunk was huge and the cabin was fairly roomy.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th April, 2008
| Model year | 1980 |
| Year of manufacture | 1979 |
| First year of ownership | 1979 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1992 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Litre Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
6.3 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 90000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 102000 miles |
| Previous car | Pontiac Firebird |
Summary:
Nothing special, but I loved it
Faults:
Transmission was a major POS. It ate shift forks in no time flat. I gave up and just shifted 1st to 3rd.
The headliner flopped on my head.
door hinge wore out and made the door hard to close fully
General Comments:
My parents bought this car new in 1979 as a 1980 model. It was cool looking with a 2 tone black/silver paint and what were they thinking white vinyl interior. I think SJ models were quite rare for 1980.
It got handed over to me after I wrecked my first car.
It had the 4 banger with 4 speed which when the 2nd gear worked was fun to drive. Out of all the cars I have owned this one ranks in my top 3 favorite cars, I guess because it never left me stuck, no matter what it got me home.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 6th November, 2004
| Year of manufacture | 1980 |
| First year of ownership | 1980 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 1983 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 liter L4 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 10 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 10 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) |
10.0 / 10
|
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 0 miles |
Summary:
One Word: Superior!
Faults:
Nothing!
General Comments:
This car is also one of the GM X-Cars Chevrolet Citation, Pontiac Phoenix, Buick Skylark, and the Oldsmobile Omega.
This car was a two door with no hatchback. It was waxed every year and was a very good car, but it got into an accident with a slippery road and was smashed up. Pity... It was a good car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 31st January, 2003
Help my 1980 phoenix is over heating, well at least the light is coming on. I have replaced the thermostat and have made sure the radiator is full. I am pretty sure the radiator is not leaking. But I drive it until the car heats up (about two miles) and the indicator light goes on. What else can I say, Its not the water pump. Help!!!
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