A quick reference to passenger vehicles beginning with the letter P

If you're shopping for a car, researching vehicle types, or straightforward curious about what's available, knowing which brands and models start with P can help you narrow your search or fill in gaps in your knowledge. The letter P covers everything from affordable compact cars to luxury sedans and high-performance sports vehicles. This guide walks through the major car brands that start with P, the models each one produces, and what category each vehicle typically falls into.

Key Takeaways

  • Porsche is a German luxury sports car brand known for high-performance vehicles, while Peugeot is a French manufacturer that builds sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers for the mass market.
  • Pontiac was a General Motors division that produced American muscle cars and family sedans until it shut down in 2010, so used Pontiacs are available but no new models are made.
  • Plymouth was another discontinued American brand, but its vehicles remain common in the used car market, particularly the Barracuda and Road Runner models.
  • Pagani is an Italian hypercar manufacturer that builds extremely limited-production, ultra-high-performance vehicles for collectors.
  • Proton is a Malaysian automaker that produces affordable sedans and crossovers primarily for Asian markets, though some models have been sold in other regions.

Porsche: German luxury and performance

Porsche is a German automaker owned by Volkswagen Group and specializes in high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles. The brand is known for engineering precision and powerful engines. Current Porsche models include the 911 (their flagship sports car available in multiple body styles), the Taycan (an all-electric sedan), the Panamera (a four-door luxury sedan), the Cayenne (a luxury SUV), and the Macan (a compact luxury crossover). Porsche also produces the Boxster and Cayman, which are mid-engine sports cars positioned below the 911 in price and performance.

Porsche vehicles are premium-priced and typically aimed at buyers seeking performance, brand heritage, and luxury features. Maintenance and repair costs are significantly higher than mainstream brands. If you're considering a used Porsche, have it inspected by a Porsche-certified mechanic before purchase, as repair bills can be substantial.

Peugeot: French mainstream and crossover vehicles

Peugeot is a French automaker that builds sedans, hatchbacks, crossovers, and vans for the general market. The brand is part of the Stellantis group and has a long history in Europe. Common Peugeot models include the 208 (a compact hatchback), the 308 (a mid-size hatchback), the 3008 (a compact crossover), the 5008 (a three-row crossover), and the 2008 (a subcompact crossover). Peugeot also makes commercial vehicles and vans.

Peugeot vehicles are widely available in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, but availability in North America is limited. In the United States, Peugeot has not sold new vehicles since 1991, though used imports can be found. If you're shopping for a Peugeot in North America, expect to work with specialty importers or used car dealers who handle European vehicles. Parts and service may be harder to find than for mainstream American or Japanese brands.

Pontiac: Discontinued American muscle and family cars

Pontiac was a division of General Motors that produced American cars from 1926 until 2010, when GM discontinued the brand as part of its restructuring. Pontiac was known for muscle cars, performance vehicles, and family sedans. Notable Pontiac models include the GTO (a muscle car), the Firebird (a sports car that competed with the Chevrolet Camaro), the Grand Am (a compact sedan), the Grand Prix (a mid-size sedan), and the Aztek (a crossover). The Pontiac Bonneville and Catalina were full-size luxury sedans produced for decades.

Because Pontiac stopped production in 2010, no new Pontiacs are manufactured. However, used Pontiacs from the 1960s through 2000s remain common in the used car market. Parts availability depends on the model year and engine type — older muscle cars may have strong aftermarket support from collectors, while 2000s-era family sedans may be harder to find parts for. If you own or are considering buying a used Pontiac, check with local mechanics about parts availability for that specific model.

Plymouth: Discontinued American brand with collector appeal

Plymouth was a Chrysler Corporation brand that produced affordable American cars from 1928 until 1999. Plymouth was positioned as Chrysler's budget-friendly division and built compact cars, family sedans, and performance vehicles. The most famous Plymouth models are the Barracuda (a muscle car and pony car that competed with the Ford Mustang) and the Road Runner (a high-performance muscle car). Other notable models include the Duster, the Valiant, the Fury, and the Voyager minivan.

Plymouth ceased production in 1999, so all Plymouth vehicles are used or collector cars. Classic Plymouths from the 1960s and 1970s, particularly the Barracuda and Road Runner, have strong collector followings and can command high prices at auction. Later Plymouth models from the 1980s and 1990s are more affordable but may have aging mechanical systems. Parts for classic Plymouths are available through specialty suppliers and Mopar (Chrysler's parts division), while later models may share parts with Dodge or Chrysler vehicles.

Pagani: Italian hypercars for collectors

Pagani is an Italian hypercar manufacturer founded in 1998 that produces extremely limited-production, ultra-high-performance vehicles. The brand is known for hand-built construction, exotic materials, and powerful engines. Pagani's main models are the Zonda (produced from 1999 to 2019) and the Huayra (produced from 2011 onward). Each model is produced in very small numbers — typically fewer than 20 vehicles per year — and prices start in the millions of dollars.

Pagani vehicles are not practical daily drivers and are purchased primarily by collectors and enthusiasts seeking extreme performance and exclusivity. If you're interested in Pagani, you would typically work directly with the manufacturer or through specialty exotic car dealers. Maintenance and repair must be handled by Pagani-authorized technicians, and parts are custom-made for each vehicle.

Proton: Malaysian automaker for Asian markets

Proton is a Malaysian automaker founded in 1983 that produces sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers primarily for Asian markets. The brand is known for affordable, practical vehicles. Current Proton models include the Saga (a compact sedan), the Persona (a mid-size sedan), the Iriz (a subcompact hatchback), the Exora (a compact MPV), and the X50 and X70 (compact and mid-size crossovers). Proton vehicles emphasize value and fuel efficiency over luxury or performance.

Proton vehicles are most commonly found in Malaysia, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries. Availability in North America and Europe is very limited. If you're shopping for a Proton outside Asia, you may need to work with specialty importers. Parts and service networks are strongest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia; availability elsewhere depends on local import communities.

Other P brands: Smaller and regional manufacturers

Beyond the major brands, several smaller or regional automakers produce vehicles starting with P. Perodua is a Malaysian brand that builds budget-friendly compact cars and hatchbacks. Piaggio is an Italian manufacturer known for three-wheeled vehicles and small commercial vehicles. Polaris is an American company that produces all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side-by-sides, and snowmobiles rather than traditional passenger cars. Proton's sister brand Perodua focuses on the budget segment in Southeast Asia.

These smaller brands typically have limited distribution outside their home regions. If you're researching vehicles from these manufacturers, check local dealer networks and parts availability in your area before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a new Pontiac or Plymouth?

No. Pontiac stopped production in 2010 and Plymouth in 1999. Both brands are discontinued, so all Pontiac and Plymouth vehicles on the market are used cars. You can find them through used car dealers, private sellers, and specialty classic car dealers, depending on the model year and condition you're looking for.

Are Peugeot cars sold in the United States?

Peugeot has not sold new vehicles in the United States since 1991. However, used Peugeots can be imported from Europe or other markets. If you're interested in a Peugeot in the US, you'll need to work with specialty importers or dealers who handle European vehicles. Parts and service may be more difficult to find than for mainstream brands.

What's the difference between Porsche and Peugeot?

Porsche is a German luxury sports car brand focused on high-performance vehicles and premium pricing. Peugeot is a French mainstream automaker that builds affordable sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers for the general market. They serve completely different market segments and price points.

How much does a Pagani cost?

Pagani hypercars start in the millions of dollars — typically $2 million to $5 million or more depending on the model and customization. These are ultra-exclusive, hand-built vehicles produced in very small numbers and sold primarily to collectors. They are not practical vehicles for everyday use.

Where can I find parts for a classic Plymouth or Pontiac?

Parts for classic Plymouths are available through Mopar (Chrysler's parts division) and specialty suppliers that focus on classic American cars. Pontiac parts can be sourced through GM dealers and classic car suppliers. For both brands, online marketplaces and specialty forums often connect you with parts vendors. Local classic car mechanics can also recommend suppliers for your specific model.