Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  running like a top at 250,000 km - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By slatts - September 10 - 9:56 pm

  bought this car brand new with out even a test drive. cheap, good gas mlg. cheap price. 290k round trip a day Hwy 401. around 120 to 140 kmh daily. never over 3000 rpm. oil change every 26 days, one set of brakes, plugs and wires. in 5 years no problems runs like a top. passed emissions last week with flying colors.

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  More reliable than moms 00 Accord - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Holliday - September 10 - 6:46 am

  I’m the original owner and I now have 7 years and 95k on my GP. I disagree with others’ statements that this car has a poor build quality. My problems have been few and far between: all electronics are fully functional, haven’t had to replace window motors, no problems with AC, leather seats in great condition, transmission shifts seamlessly, no squeaks or squeals or other undesirable noises, no badges or moldings have ever fallen off, no engine troubles or bad oxygen sensors, sound system better than the premium system in my Dad’s Lexus.

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  Decent Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jonesy - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car back in the summer of 00. Since then the car has a pleasure to drive. But with all good things there are some hidden flaws. There have been problems with the radiator, brakes, alternator, transmission, heater core, water pump, and some electronics. After a year or two of driving this car the expenses have grown more than what was expected. But I must say that this car has been much more fun to drive than the beaten up 91 Saab sitting next to it.

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  Worst Mistake Ever - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By theman6945750 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as I was graduating high school, and now I wish I never bought the car. I have had the EGR valve replace, Transmission clamp, fuel injectors, axle, and many other things at an inflated price. It has cost me more to keep it working then I wish I would of ever thaught. I will never buy a GM again.

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  Fun at a cost. - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JasonUtah - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Nice car to drive. Handles well. Comfortable. Nice features. Good engine and smooth transmission. Lots of untimely repairs. Two major and costly warranty repairs. 3 alternators, 2 window motors, 2 fuel filters, 2 O2 sensors, driver side control arm, fuel pressure regulator, starter motor, and the big bad water pump that costs about $550 to repair. Just hope the thermostat never goes out. Thats in the water pump.

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  So Far So Great. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By oneasante - September 7 - 7:26 pm

  After driving a 98 malibu for a brief minute....literally, I gave GM one more chance especially for the affordability. The G6 is a great comeback! Once you get past the initial annoying defects (rack n pinion, paper brakes, and front wheel bearing) you have a car that floats at 80mph yet feels sturdy and reliable. I pray it stays this way!

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  Highly recommend GXP - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Brad - September 7 - 3:46 pm

  This is one fast little SUV. The six speed auto tranny helps with fuel enconomy while not hurting performance. The manual mode of the transmission has about a 1 second lag between the time you shift up or down to the time it actually does it. Seats are very comfortable over a long trip.

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  1997 Pontiac Sunfire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Travis Johnson - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good car. Its little but really for its size its roomy inside. Its got good styling. A overall great car.

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  SUPERB CAR!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cigardave - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this 1997 Grand prix GT new in October 1997, the first year for the "Wide Track" model. This has been one fine automobile. The handling is superb. It is such a great road car. My daily commute consists of approximately 50 miles per day, all interstate. I really appreciate the "get-up-and-go" and responsiveness of this car. I would buy another one if I was ready to unload my 97. My kids tell me they want it if I decide to get rid of it.

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  The last of a good thing - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By baddriver01 - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trans Am (my first being a 1979) and I am in heaven. I got the car cheap because of the mileage but love everything. I have only fixed some minor problems (broken seatbelt guide, radio light, weirdle worn fromt tires, A/C) but this car has all the power it had when new. T-tops are a must on these cars.