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  3. Pontiac Sunbird
  4. I (H-body)

Pontiac Sunbird I (H-body) gallery (1976–1980)

The first generation of compact Pontiac Sunbird cars was built on the H-body platform and offered in multiple body styles.

All photos 2 I (H-body) 2 1976–1980 II (J-body) 0 1982–1994
Pontiac Sunbird I (H-body) photo 84936 1024 x 768 32 Formula (1980)
Pontiac Sunbird I (H-body) photo 84935 1024 x 768 33 Coupe (1980)

The first-generation Pontiac Sunbird was launched for the 1976 model year as a rear-wheel-drive compact car developed on General Motors' H-body platform, serving as a direct replacement for the Pontiac Astre. Initially introduced as a two-door notchback coupe, the lineup expanded in 1977 with a three-door hatchback and in 1978 with a two-door station wagon variant. Powertrain choices over the years featured inline-four engines such as the 2.3-liter unit and the 2.5-liter Iron Duke, alongside larger Buick-sourced 3.8-liter V6 and Chevrolet 5.0-liter V8 engines for performance-oriented configurations. Transmission options consisted of four- and five-speed manual gearboxes alongside three-speed automatic units. The car targeted youthful buyers looking for sporty styling, handling packages like the Formula trim, and economy until production concluded at the end of the 1980 model year, bridging the gap before General Motors shifted its compact lineup to front-wheel-drive architectures.