View source for Pontiac Astre

{{See also|Chevrolet Vega}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Pontiac Astre (Series 2H)<ref name="Gunnell" />
| image = 1976 Pontiac Astre (14586382336).jpg
| caption = 1976 Pontiac Astre
| manufacturer = [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] ([[General Motors]])
| production = 1972–1977
| model_years = 1973–1977
| assembly = [[Lordstown, Ohio]], U.S. <br />([[Lordstown Assembly]])<br />[[South Gate, California]], U.S.<br /> ([[South Gate Assembly]])<br />[[Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec]], Canada ([[Sainte-Thérèse Assembly]])
| successor = [[Pontiac Sunbird]]
| class = [[Subcompact car|Subcompact]]
| body_style = 2-door [[notchback]] sedan<br> 2-door [[Hatchback#North America|hatchback]] coupe<br> 2-door [[station wagon#Two-door wagons|wagon]]<br> 2-door [[sedan delivery#1970s|panel delivery]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
| platform = [[GM H platform (RWD)]]<br>
| engine = 140&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in [[GM 2300 engine|(2.3 Liter)]] [[Overhead cam|OHC]] [[Inline-4 engine|I4]] (1973–77)<br>151&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in [[GM 2.5 Liter inline-4 engine (Iron Duke)|(2.5 liter)]] [[Overhead valve|OHV]] I4<br>(1977)
| transmission = 3-speed [[manual transmission|manual]]<br> 4-speed manual<br> 5-speed manual w/[[overdrive (mechanics)|overdrive]]<br>[[Turbo-Hydramatic|Turbo-Hydramatic 3-speed auto.]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|97.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|176.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}<br> (1974-on)
| width = {{convert|65.4|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|50.0|in|mm|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|2760|lb|abbr=on}}
| related = [[Chevrolet Vega]]
| designer = GM & Chevrolet Design staffs<br> Chief stylist, [[Bill Mitchell (designer)|Bill Mitchell]]
}}
The '''Pontiac Astre''' is a [[Subcompact car|subcompact]] automobile that was marketed by [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] as a [[badge engineering|rebadged]] variant of the [[Chevrolet Vega]]. Initially marketed in Canada for [[model year]]s 1973–1974, the Astre debuted in the U.S. for the 1975 model year, competing with other domestic and foreign subcompacts that included the [[Mercury Bobcat]], [[Volkswagen Golf Mk1|Volkswagen Rabbit]], and [[Toyota Corolla (E30)|Toyota Corolla]].

Built on the [[GM H platform (RWD)|H-body platform]], the car was available in [[hatchback]], [[notchback]], [[Station wagon|wagon]], and [[Sedan delivery|panel delivery]] [[body style]]s. The Astre shared the aluminum-block 2.3&nbsp;liter [[inline-four]] engine with the Vega through 1977, while the final 1977 models offered Pontiac's all-iron 2.5&nbsp;liter inline-four engine as an option. The Astre was cancelled with the Vega at the end of the 1977 model year, although the wagon continued for 1978 and 1979, rebadged as part of the [[Pontiac Sunbird]] line. The word ''"[[wikt:astre|astre]]"'' is [[Catalan language|Catalan]] for "star", a shared naming convention for the Vega.{{citation needed|date=November 2024}}

==Design==
In 1968 GM chairman [[James Roche (General Motors)|James Roche]] announced that General Motors would produce a new [[subcompact car|mini-car]] in the U.S. in two years. Pontiac's own small car program had been rejected. Not only did corporate management make the decision to enter the mini-car market, it also decided to develop the car itself. It was a corporate car, not a divisional one. [[Ed Cole]] formed a GM corporate design team exclusively for the Chevrolet Vega headed by William Munser, who had worked on the [[Chevrolet Camaro#First generation (1967–1969)|Camaro]]. The Pontiac Division was given its own version of the Vega for the [[Canada|Canadian]] market, named Astre for the 1973 model year. U.S. Pontiac dealers finally had a subcompact to sell when the Astre made its U.S. debut for the 1975 model year.

The Astre used the Vega [[GM 2300 engine|140&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in (2.3-liter)]] inline-four engine through 1977.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=The Old Car Manual Project Brochure Collection |url=https://oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Pontiac/1977%20Pontiac/1977%20Pontiac%20Full%20Line/slides/1977_Pontiac_Full_Line-22.html |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=oldcarbrochures.org}}</ref> The engine features an aluminum-alloy cylinder block and cast-iron cylinder head with a single overhead camshaft [[overhead camshaft|(OHC)]]. 1977 models also offered the option of Pontiac's [[GM 2.5 Liter inline-4 engine (Iron Duke)|151&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in (2.5-liter)]] inline-four engine with a cast-iron block and head with  overhead valves [[overhead valve|(OHV)]].<ref name=":0" /> Transmissions are the three- and four-speed [[manual transmission|manual]], five-speed manual with overdrive (1976–1977 option) and the three-speed [[automatic transmission|automatic]].

The Astre has a {{convert|97.0|in|mm|sing=on}} [[wheelbase]] and a {{convert|65.4|in|mm|sing=on}} width.
The front suspension is short and long control arms with [[coil springs]]; the rear suspension is a four-link design with coil springs. A torque-arm design rear suspension replaced the four-link design starting with the 1976 models. The Astre is a [[rear wheel drive]] vehicle with a [[live axle|live rear axle]]. Steering is of a [[recirculating ball]] type with a power assist option. The brake system features front [[disc brakes]] with solid rotors, and rear [[drum brakes]]. Power assist was optional starting in the 1975 model year.

==Models and changes==
[[File:73 Astre.jpg|thumb|left|1973 Pontiac Astre Coupe]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:1974 Astre Coupe and Wagon.jpg|thumb|left|1974 Astre GT Hatchback &<br> Astre GT Safari Wagon]] -->

The Astre features Pontiac's [[Brand|trademark]] split grill, emblems and steering wheel with an upgraded interior trim to help differentiate itself from the Chevrolet Vega. Other styling differences compared to the Vega include &mdash; 1973 model Astres have a black-finish grill and clear parking lamp lenses on ''all'' models, and chrome headlight bezels on non-GTs. Taillight lenses (same as the Vega) have a chrome trim piece surround. The 1974–1977 models have first generation Firebird-styled taillights (also shared with the 1973–1974 Ventura) on the notchback and hatchback.<ref>1973–1977 Pontiac Astre sales brochures.</ref>

The [[Hatchback#North America|hatchback]] coupe features a lower roofline and a fold-down rear seat. The [[Notchback#North America|notchback]] sedan had the lowest price and is the only Vega model with an enclosed trunk.<ref>1975 Pontiac Astre brochure specifications</ref> The Safari [[Station wagon#Two-door wagons|wagon]] has fixed rear-side glass and a swing-up liftgate.<ref>Motor Trend-August 1970</ref> A [[sedan delivery#1970s|panel delivery]] based on the wagon was sold through the 1975 model year. It has steel panels in place of the rear-side glass, and an additional enclosed storage area. An auxiliary front passenger seat was optional.

The SJ hatchback and SJ Safari wagon models feature soft [[nylon]] upholstery, cut pile carpeting, padded and cloth covered door panels, and a fabric headliner, plus rally instruments, the higher-output two barrel engine, four-speed or automatic (over a three-speed manual) gearbox and [[radial tires]]. A GT package option for the hatchback and Safari wagon combined the lower-line interior with the SJ's performance and handling features.

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:1974 Pontiac Astre.jpg|thumb|1974 Pontiac Astre hatchback]] -->

The 1974 model year brought the only major body [[automotive design|design]] changes, due to revised front and rear {{convert|5|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} bumper standards-A slanted header panel with a new split grill and recessed headlamp bezels complement the larger, front 5&nbsp;mph aluminum bumper. Front and rear license plate brackets were relocated and a larger rear 5&nbsp;mph aluminum bumper was used increasing the overall length three inches compared to the 1973 models.
A revised rear panel on notchback and hatchback models had new Firebird-styled taillights and ventilation extractor grills were eliminated on trunk and hatch lids.<ref>1974 Pontiac brochure.</ref>

The 1975 Astre, introduced in the United States September 1974, gave U.S. Pontiac dealers a needed fuel efficient subcompact. A budget "S" series was added during 1975. More than 267 changes were made including new High-energy [[electronic ignition]] system and a [[catalytic converter]]. Power brakes and a tilt steering wheel were new options.<ref>1975 Pontiac Astre sales brochure.</ref> The Astre panel delivery was discontinued the end of the model year.

[[File:Pontiac Astre Lil Wide Track.jpg|thumb|left|1975 Astre Li'l Wide Track]]

A unique Astre package was offered in 1975. Dubbed the 'Lil Wide Track, it was the creation of Jerry Juska of Dymar to help with lackluster Astre sales. Juska took his ideas to Dave Landrith of Motortown Corporation specializing in custom auto work. The package includes a front air dam, [[rear spoiler]], appliance wire mag rims, window louvers, a chrome exhaust tip, and bright stripe decals for the hood, body sides, rear spoiler, door handles, and wheel centers. They assembled a couple of cars in Jan. and Feb. 1975 and took pictures to local [[Detroit]] dealers where the package gained acceptance. It added a little over $400 to the price of the Astre but dealers felt the difference in looks was worth the price. Production was later switched from an old warehouse in suburban Detroit to a factory beside the [[Lordstown Assembly]] Vega/Astre plant. An estimated 3,000 Lil Wide Track Astres were ordered by dealerships. The package components were later offered as a dealer installed kit.<ref>1975 Pontiac Astre "Lil Wide Track" folder/mailer</ref>

Astres were confined to a single series for 1976, but they were refined with extensive engine, chassis, and body integrity improvements. A modest facelift included a revised grill. The 2.3&nbsp;L engine, named Dura-built 140, received improved cooling and durability refinements, and a five years/60,000 mile [[warranty]]. The chassis received the new [[Pontiac Sunbird#1976–198|Pontiac Sunbird's]] upgraded components including the box-section front cross-member, larger rear brakes and torque-arm rear suspension, replacing the four-link design, and effectively eliminating wheel-hop on rough roads. The body received extensive anti-rust improvements.

The final year 1977 models continued to offer the 2.3&nbsp;L Dura-built 140 engine as standard equipment with Pontiac's new 151&nbsp;cu&nbsp;in "[[Iron Duke engine|Iron Duke]]" inline-four engine as an option. Both the cylinder block and cylinder head are cast-iron. Standard in the Astre and Sunbird, they were the first [[General Motors|GM]] vehicles to utilize the engine which was widely used into the 1990s. 1977 Astre models also featured a new vertical design grill and aluminum wheels (13-inch) were a new option. The "Formula" option was also introduced for the Astre's final year, which included the handling package, chrome valve cover, three-piece spoiler, Formula T/A steering wheel and special decals.<ref>1977 Pontiac full line catalog</ref>

The 1978–1979 Pontiac Sunbird wagon was a rebranded continuation of the Astre wagon, continuing with a modified 1977 Astre grille rather than taking on the Sunbird coupe's square headlights and flat hood.

{{clear}}

==Reviews==

''[[Car and Driver]]'' in a 1975 Astre road test, said, "For $180 over the price of a Vega (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|180|1975}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}), the Astre features upgraded interior trim-primarily the items for which Chevrolet charges $134 in their custom interior (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|134|1975}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}). You also have the opportunity to go one big step up in luxury if you choose the SJ line which is available in hatchback and wagon body styles."<ref>Car and Driver-July 1975</ref>

''Car and Driver'' in a 1977 Astre road test, said, "The Astre ''is'' the Vega-polished and refined and significantly improved, but still a Vega in perhaps its ultimate state of development. It remained for Pontiac to do what Chevrolet probably should have done in the first place: the substitution of the marvelous old Chevy II cast-iron four-cylinder econo-motor for the much-troubled aluminum-block Vega engine. Sliding in and starting the engine was a revelation because its so quiet and smooth compared to the Vega." Also the Astre's interior trim was judged more plush than Vega's.

''Car and Driver'' in its 35th anniversary issue in 1990, amusingly recalled the Astre U.S. debut: "Detroit Fights Back - The Pontiac Astre is introduced. It's a Vega with better decals."<ref>Car and Driver-July 1990. 35th Anniversary 1970-1979.</ref>

==Production==
[[File:Pontiac Astre emblem.jpg|thumb|"Astre" is Catalan for "Star"]]
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| Year
| Notchback
| Hatchback
| Safari Wagon
! '''Total'''<ref name=Gunnell>{{cite book | editor-last = Gunnell | editor-first = John |  title = The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1946-1975 | publisher = Krause Publications | year = 1987 | isbn = 0-87341-096-3}}</ref>

|-
| 1975
!  '''8,330'''
! '''40,809'''
! '''15,322'''
! '''64,601'''
|-
| 1976
! '''18,143'''
! '''19,116'''
! '''13,125'''
! '''50,384'''
|-
| 1977
! '''2,327'''
! '''12,120'''
! '''10,341'''
! '''32,788'''
|-
|
|
|
|
!'''147,773'''
|}

*1973–1974 (GM of Canada) N/A
*1975 Panel Delivery - 131 (included in 1975 Total)
*1977 Astre Formula - 67 (20 notchbacks and 47 hatchbacks)

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
* [http://www.oldcarmanualproject.com/brochures/Pontiac/1973/Astre/index.htm 1973 Canadian Pontiac Astre sales brochure] on  oldcarmanualproject.com 

{{Commons category}}
{{Pontiac Early Timeline}}
{{Pontiac}}

[[Category:Pontiac vehicles|Astre]]
[[Category:Rear-wheel-drive vehicles]]
[[Category:Subcompact cars]]
[[Category:Coupés]]
[[Category:Station wagons]]
[[Category:Cars introduced in 1974]]
[[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in the United States]]
[[Category:Motor vehicles manufactured in Canada]]