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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  graet car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By wingate - July 15 - 1:50 am

  needs a better cup holders, softer arm rest. this car is fun to drive and i am glad it is mostly u s a made

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  Great choice to drive - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By KATI - July 14 - 2:23 pm

  I love my vibe. My daughter thinks its great. We both like the moon roof. I compared and looked at many vehicles and finally decided on the vibe due to gas mileage. I drive to work 65 miles 1 way 4 or 5 nights per week. It actually gets 32-33 mpg, but then again i dont drive the speed limit all the time. For a 4 cylinder it does have a lot of pep!!!!!!!! Its the best!!!!

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  My first car... - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tinakilznuts - July 12 - 9:46 am

  I bough my 2006 grand prix in 2009..it was clean title, excellent condition I got a carfax report & it showed it belonged to a rental & leasing company then later repoed by an owner I am the fourth owner but it had 101849 miles even though people say its bad to buy a car with high mileage I still did it & its going on two years 134,000 miles later & I do not regret it at all I get its regular oil changes & i havent needed to make no major repairs.

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  One Of The Best All Around Sedans Ever! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Steve S. - July 10 - 9:06 pm

  The 2004 Grand Prix GTP is one of the best all around cars I have ever owned! It has the power of a V8, the gas mileage of a 4-6 cyl, handles curves and looks great. I am a Pontiac enthusiest who loves to drive my cars, I not only drive this car to work everyday (28 miles round trip) and get 23 MPG and 28 MPG highway, but I drive on twisty roads and even around Road Atlanta. I purchased this car new and just turned over 45,000 miles and have had 3 small problems since new (intermiate shaft greased, a couple of rear defrost lines out and water leak above reading lights). It has been a great car and I cant say enough about it, very fast, handles, great looks, cool interior and options.

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  Fun,fun,fun - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ronald Clement - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I used to own a Geo Prizm, (a rebadged Toyota Corrola), and I liked it. (A woman hit me and totaled it.) I then bought the Vibe (built on the Toyota Corrola frame). And I love it. I can fold down the back seats and fit all my band equipment and still get 35 MPG! Try that with a van or SUV.

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  Sweet Bonnie - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ProvemWrong - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I traded a Regal for the Bonnie. so glad I did. This car is more stylish, great comfort, excellent layout inside and out, the butt warming seats and independent climate control keeps the old lady happy, better handling and suspension with more power. Lots to enjoy from the Dash lighting to the leather comfort ride. Easy cruise... XM Radio and moon roof. Great car.

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  Best yet - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Emil - July 9 - 11:53 pm

  We drove mini-vans for years& didnt need 3rd.seat anymore.We looked at many small wagons & found the vibe superior for room for the price.Have averaged 33.4 MPG for 4200 miles- city&highway.Very quiet-no wind or road noise.Shifts smooth with plenty pep-cruises at 70 MPH with ease.Have not been back to dealer for any problems.Too bad GM is quitting one of the best cars they have had.

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  i love my van - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By ben reed - July 9 - 8:36 am

  this van has only needed one repair a fuel pump but my old caravan was a piece of crap i put a tranny a head gasket a fuel pump and a new sensor in the heater i would recommend the pontiac not the dodge

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  Good performing sedan - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By tim - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because I needed a four door car due to my expanding family. Didnt want a plain Jane car. I really love the styling of this car. It has everything I need. Power is great, plenty of room, decent gas mileage, when I keep my foot out of it. Had some steering noises in which the dealership fixed under warranty. This car proves driving to the grocery store doesnt have to be boring.

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  4 wheel motorcycle - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Virgil Wallace - July 7 - 11:31 pm

  Im 68 and was looking for a fun, great looking car like a Cadillac xlr or Plymouth Prowler or maybe a Can-Am motorcycle. I didnt think I could fit into a Solstice but found that I could. The gxp is a hot rod and an event to drive. It rides and drives better than the xlr and the prowler at much less cost. I just cant help punching the turbo... what a blast. I could easily get myself in trouble with the law. Many people complain about the power window swithes being hard to reach... if you reach across your belly with your right hand they work well.