Driving off into the sunset

I was saddened this week to read that General Motors is phasing out two of its auto brands: Pontiac and Saturn.  I've had one of each (J and I have owned 3 Saturns, actually) -- and it's hard to believe that those cars are going the way of the dinosaur.  But I'll always have my memories... 

When I was in college, my parents had two Pontiacs: a dark brown Grand Am and a medium blue Sunbird.  They offered to give me one of the two when I entered my senior year.  Although I preferred the pretty color of the Sunbird, the Grand Am had power windows and doors, rendering it more practical for hauling college friends.  I didn't instantly love the metallic bronze color and wide bumpers, but over time I came to like its unusual look -- and I could easily pick it out in a sea of more nondescript vehicles in the dorm parking lot!

Those power windows and doors got their fair share of use, as did the Grand Am itself.  During my senior year at Delaware I used it extensively for beer and grocery store runs, as well as for special occasions: spontaneous road trips to the beach, trips to celebrate 21st birthdays, and one very excellent spring break trip to Asheville, NC. 

 

(Stylin' in the Grand Am.  Circa 1991.)

That car served me well past graduation, into graduate school (making many a trip back and forth between central NY and Chapel Hill), and when I started working for the federal government.  In fact, I believe it was in that very same car that J first hinted that we should go out on a date sometime.  Unfortunately, soon after J put the bug in my ear about us dating, my beloved Grand Am started acting up -- and rather than put lots of money into a long-term fix for that old car, I decided to get a new one.

Three days after I traded in the Grand Am for a lease on a new Toyota (and with a bit of buyers' remorse at letting my parents talk me into leasing a car rather than purchasing one), I spotted my old car in the mall parking lot near my apartment.  The telltale scratches and rust mark on the back bumper were like a child's birthmarks that a mom would instantly recognize.  Apparently someone else had snatched it up quickly, and they'd already spiffed it up inside with new seat covers.  I hope they ended up having as many great times in that car as I did.

Saturns are special to me too -- and to J.  When J got his permanent federal government job, he celebrated by purchasing his very first car, a Saturn.  We were impressed by this fledgling new company and their unusual approach to car sales: no haggling over prices, no games from the salespeople.  So when my Toyota lease was up, I got a Saturn of my own:

(some of you longtime and eagle-eyed Mom, Ma'am, Me readers will instantly recognize the infamous sweater vest.)

Saturn even helped to make our wedding a success: when our local dealership in southeastern VA had their one year anniversary, they hosted a customer open house.  The catering company that day had beautiful (and tasty) spreads of fresh fruits, crudites, and other heavy hors d'oeuvres.  As it turns out, the caterers were trying to establish clientele for their fledgling business, and we ended up using them at our wedding reception. 

Despite an accident or two (I rear-ended someone in the Outer Banks when I was watching a giant chicken dance on the side of the road.  And then there was the birthday curse...), the silver Saturn still lives and now belongs to my brother-in-law.   

And we still have a Saturn in the family today.  When I was pregnant with Mimi, we bought our first family car -- a dark green Saturn station wagon.  Although it's beginning to show its age, I can hardly stand the thought of parting with the car that transported both my baby girls home from the hospital, and that's carried us to vacations, workplaces, and doctor's appointments.  (And I really don't look forward to having a car payment again!)

Anyway, thanks for listening to my trip down Vehicular Memory Lane.  Happy trails to you, Pontiac and Saturn.

Comments

[Julie]

Aw, me too. First car was a Pontiac Sunbird, and we've had two Saturns. I really wish they'd ditch Buick instead of Saturn.

[Suebob]

I think Saturn was the best part of GM, and I am sad that they won't be producing their cute new cars like the Aura anymore.

[Kimberly]

We had a Saturn too. Right when they came out. Felt very cutting edge :)

[mayberry]

I feel so lame. I've never owned my own car! (Only shared with my parents or husband, or lived someplace where cars were totally impractical.)

[CJ]

Oh, what next? Cheerios? They're getting rid of everything! Gah!

[roo]

I used to love that old Pontiac ad:

WE build ex-CITE-ment for YOU! PON-TI-AC!
PONTIAC!

Seven-year-old me was VERY excited about Pontiac.