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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  One of the BEST car on the road today! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pontiac GrandPrix - June 14 - 10:20 am

  After totaling my 2003 Ford Explorer Limited V8 I was looking for a family sized sedan that was good on gas considering that I spent $120.00 on gas a week on my Explorer. When I first saw the grandprix I absolutely loved it. The aggressive front end, flared fenders, and its aggressive stance. I purchased it with 125,000 miles and it drove like it had 25,000 miles on it. Performance is on point, handling is precise, BUT fuel economy was extremely poor. I spent almost the same amount of money on gas as i did with my Explorer. I realize that the vehicle saves gas with 89 and above fuel grade than the lower grade 87. It even improved the performance. Overall this is the best car i ever had!

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  Great car! - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Erik Gonzalez - June 13 - 7:15 pm

  This is an amazing car for two people but not for carrying anything out than the two people.

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  makes driving fun - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By B Hughes - June 12 - 12:53 am

  This is my first cont. I wish I had bought one much sooner. The style and fun factor are so high on the Solstice that the shortcomings are overlooked very easily. I love this car.

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  Cant Believe its a sedan! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Stick1234 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable with a sporty ride for a big car. Lots of bells and whistles. The Northstar V8 kicks ass and runs very smoooooooth. We are averaging 17.5mpg and the last long trip we got 25.3mpg the gas milage is better that the SUVs we had been looking at. Only problem so far has been fit and finsh. The driver side rear door was out of adjustment from the factory and that caused a scratch where the door meet (dealer fixed). The special red paint option is beautiful but ours scrathes very easy. I hope the clear coat gets a little harder over time.

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  Buyer Beware: Read before Purchasing - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By alchemy3 - June 9 - 3:13 am

  Do not buy a 2001 Aztek. The 2002 are at least $4,000 cheaper! This is not something the dealers will tell you. I bought a 2001 just before the 2002 came out, the dealer told me "no significant difference in price." So far GM and Pontiac have said, Tough, not our problem its yours. So basically they have no customer loyalty.

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  Third time is a charm??? - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By meaghanmcb - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my third GA and I was hoping third times a charm. This car was fun to drive, BUT repairs were often, costly, and repeated. I replaced alternator twice in 18 months! Had to replace fuel line, brakes, struts & shocks, gas cap (twice-????), 2 fuel injectors at once, then another, window motors... I did routine oil changes, tune-ups, etc. Normal wear-and-tear expected, but... Very high maintenance in my opinion. I would recommend this car only to someone who needs a cheap car for in-town driving--with my experience the GAs go down hill after their 4th birthday :)

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  Wow! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By camaroj - June 4 - 10:26 am

  Amaing car i am the second owner and this is the best car i have ever owned very reliable and great on gas i do keep up on the oil changed ext the first owner owned this car from 1999 to 2011 this is my second year owning this car and i will say my only complaints are the front of the car is to low to the ground and allways scrapes and the paint near the wheel wells is rusting my car now has 380000 miles and still runs great. if they were still making this car i would recomend to use less plastic and parts chip and break easy but the car it self is very relaible!

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  bonneville - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jolaine wagg - May 30 - 4:20 am

  This car handles the road well, corners nicely.It is a beautiful riding car and very comfortable. Fuel economy is good for a V8.

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  G5 is FUN to Drive! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By timetodrive - May 30 - 3:01 am

  Not only for teens, being a 60+ guy who wanted to try a stick shift again. Bought new, there is now over 18,000 miles on my G5 - all of it put on by me. Its a blast to drive. Id forgotten how much punch a manual transmission provides compared to the non-premium automatics. The freeway on-ramps are fun again and driving in traffic is even much more interesting than driving an automatic. Ive had absolutely no problems with the car. Mileage is over 28 mpg in town and over 35 on the highway - with regular gas and a fairly "heavy" foot. The ride is fairly quiet and comfortable. Finally, my wife loves to go out with me in our "sports car!"

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  Good Soild Car - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By ultrawolf - May 27 - 10:03 pm

  I drove a 10 Vibe, 1.8L, automatic transmission rental for a week, and put 1100 miles on it, almost all highway miles. My wife and I both own 09 Honda Fits (me-Sport, her-Base). Compared with the Fit, the Vibe has a smoother, softer ride, and the powertrain is also very smooth. It shifts very smoothly and the engine has decent enough power considering its only a 1.8L. Even downshifting to 3rd gear at 70 MPH climbing hills, the engine doesnt sound like its going to rev itself to death. Overall, a very competent car. But, compared with the Fit, pretty boring, not at all "sporty". Also, the windows are small, and the high door sills make you feel like youre sitting down in a hole.