Pontiac never made a hybrid car in the 85 years.
When it was discontinued in 2010, GM-owned automaker Pontiac had built just about every type of car there was. From the 1926 Pontiac Six, which could barely outpace a horse-drawn carriage, to the blazing fast Firebird, Pontiac had earned a reputation as a versatile and innovative manufacturer.
So, why didn’t the engineers at Pontiac ever make a hybrid? Jerry
, the super app for cheap car insurance
, is here with the answer. Plus, if you stick around, we’ll share some awesome hybrid alternatives to a Pontiac, walk through the brand’s most memorable models, and even show you how to find the best Pontiac car insurance
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Did Pontiac ever make a hybrid car?
No. Pontiac made sedans, compact cars, crossovers, minivans, sports cars, and more—but never a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain!
Though the first hybrid was technically invented in 1899 (by none other than Ferdinand Porsche
), hybrid technology wasn’t popularized until the late 2000s with the Toyota Prius
. Since Pontiac went defunct in 2010, it missed the sweet spot for hybrid technology. By the time hybrid tech was widely available, GM had already initiated plans to shut Pontiac down. Timing wasn’t the only thing holding Pontiac back from hybrid greatness, though. Above all else, Pontiac was well known for its sleek and speedy sports cars. If Pontiac had tried to break into the hybrid market, it would’ve risked alienating existing customers.
The Pontiac Vibe
was the most fuel-efficient Pontiac to hit the streets. Its 29 mpg combined fuel rating doesn’t compete with today’s top hybrids, but in 2010, it was a home-run hatchback. Best hybrid alternatives to a Pontiac
Thankfully, there are lots of stellar hybrid options in 2022. Even if you can’t have a Pontiac, you can get one of these efficient alternatives for a great price:
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars 4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the world of electric cars, the Tesla Model 3
is a fantastic place to start. It’s fast, stylish, and insanely fuel-efficient—what more could you want from an EV? MORE: How to choose an eco-friendly car
Pontiac’s most memorable cars
Between the late 1920s and 2010, Pontiac released nearly 100 vehicles—some domestic, some international, and even some concept cars!
Here are three of our favorite designs:
1. Pontiac Six: Where it all began. Assembled in Pontiac, Michigan
, the Pontiac Six was the first vehicle to bear the Pontiac name. When it was released in 1926, it carried a price tag of $825—a steal, even for those days! 2. Pontiac Firebird: Produced for 35 years, the Firebird was Pontiac’s flagship muscle car. The first generation of Firebirds, built between 1967 and 1969, shared their design with the Chevy Camaro
—another one of GM’s favorite projects. By 2002, the Firebird had maxed out at an impressive 335 horsepower and rocketed to 60 mph in less than five seconds. 3. Pontiac Vibe: Okay, maybe this wasn’t the coolest of Pontiac’s designs, but it was definitely one of the most efficient! Built between 2003 and 2010, this unique, 5-door hatchback got a superb 32 mpg on the highway.
How to save money on hybrid car insurance
Whether you own a used Pontiac or you’re looking to pick up a brand-new hybrid car, you’ll want to pair it with some world-class car insurance
—our specialty here at Jerry. Here’s how it works: download our super app, sign up (it only takes 45 seconds!), then sit back as Jerry
works its magic. Within minutes, you’ll have the best car insurance policies in America right at your fingertips. Tap your favorite, and you’re well on your way to savings. On average, Jerry drivers save over $800 on car insurance! That’s just one reason that more than 2 million people have trusted Jerry to get them the sweetest deal.
“I signed up for a new policy with Jerry’s
help. I ended up saving $236 a month after my switch. Thank you Jerry!” —Adelaide C.
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