Which is cheaper to maintain, the Pontiac Phoenix or the Pontiac Phoenix?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Pontiac Phoenix is cheaper to maintain — about $0 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 2.5L I4 and the 2.8L V6?

Across 31 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Pontiac Phoenix or Pontiac Phoenix?

The Pontiac Phoenix has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Pontiac Phoenix has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1984 Pontiac Phoenix vs 1984 Pontiac Phoenix — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1984

Engine

2.5L I4

2.8L V6

Drivetrain

FWD

Transmission

manual

automatic

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

—hp

Torque

—lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

Quarter Mile

—

Top Speed

—

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

MPG · City

MPG · Highway

23.8

MPG · Combined

19.3

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$53,147

0.89 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$53,147

0.89 $/mi

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

8.0 hrs$14,880 / 5yr

Tire rotation

2.0 hrs$2,400 / 5yr

2.8L V6 Engine Oil Consumption and Bearing Wear

— hrs$2,373 / 5yr

Wiper blades

3.0 hrs$1,920 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

4.0 hrs$1,875 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

8.0 hrs$1,235 / 5yr

PCV valve

8.0 hrs$1,220 / 5yr

THM-125 Automatic Transmission Failure

— hrs$1,170 / 5yr

Iron Duke 2.5L Crankshaft and Main Bearing Failure

— hrs$1,050 / 5yr

Fuel filter

2.5 hrs$810 / 5yr

Front brake pads

2.0 hrs$760 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

2.0 hrs$740 / 5yr

Differential fluid

2.0 hrs$680 / 5yr

Engine air filter

2.0 hrs$660 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

2.0 hrs$630 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

8.0 hrs$504 / 5yr

Coolant flush

3.0 hrs$500 / 5yr

12V battery

2.0 hrs$500 / 5yr

Power steering flush

2.5 hrs$395 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

8.0 hrs$387 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

8.0 hrs$313 / 5yr

Spark plugs

1.5 hrs$305 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

3.0 hrs$285 / 5yr

Water pump

3.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Thermostat

3.0 hrs$172 / 5yr

Alternator

2.0 hrs$150 / 5yr

Transmission Mount Deterioration

— hrs$146 / 5yr

Ignition coil

1.5 hrs$122 / 5yr

Fuel System Varnish and Filter Clogging

— hrs$122 / 5yr

Starter motor

2.0 hrs$100 / 5yr

Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion

— hrs$93 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.