Pontiac Astre
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| {{{Image}}} | |
| Pontiac Astre | |
|---|---|
| Pontiac | |
| Production | 1975-1977 |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body Style | 2-Door Coupe, 3-Door Hatchback, 3-Door Wagon |
| Length | |
| Width | |
| Height | |
| Wheelbase | 97" |
| Weight | 2500-2800 lbs |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Manual, RWD 4-Speed Manual, RWD 3-Speed Automatic, RWD |
| Engine | 2.3L (140 cid) I4 (1975-1977) 2.5L (151 cid) I4 (1977) |
| Power | 72-90 hp |
| Similar | Chevrolet Vega |
| Platform | H |
The Pontiac Astre was a short-lived corporate twin to the Chevrolet Vega produced between 1975-1977. The biggest difference between the Astre and the Vega was that in 1977 the Astre didn't share the Vega's trouble-prone aluminum-block 2.3L I4 engine - instead it had a Pontiac-built 2.5L I4, which became known as "Iron Duke", to separate itself from the disastrous reputation that plagued the Vega's 2.3 engine. The Astre would be replaced by the Pontiac Sunbird after 1977.
A special and very rare version of the 1977 Astre included the Formula option. This provided unique lower body stripes, flame decal for the hood, rear spoiler, and Formula stripes on the rear of the car. Matched with the four speed and the iron duke engine, the lightweight Formula was a relatively strong competitor on the street.
See the Chevrolet Vega entry for further comments about the Pontiac Astre.
See Also
