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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  Never thought it could be me buying it - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Troy Wilhlem - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I still say after buying the vehicle, that I know it is non appealing, but I said its like getting that pearl inside that shell. I love that the seats come out, my dogs (2 wiems) love all the room in it. I cant count how many times I could have used the tent in the past. The features are great, the ride is wonderful. I would have to say though the I would rather take this over a minivan anyday. because we have almost the same room. If you want a luxury SUV the Aztek is not for you. If you want a SUV to go skiing, hicking, camping, canoing, road trips, party/tailgatting vehicle.... get the aztek

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  Cheap thrills - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shmoke - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I just cant express my disdain for Christians review (Edmunds editor). He obviously has a terrible impression of this car and has obviously been presented with a bad example. Maybe Edmunds was provided with a "testers" example that had been flogged first by more "prestigious publications". I have not seen a Grand Prix that displays bad build quality, materials or design. The fit and finish are of great quality. "Harsh and un-refined"... The Grand Prix does indeed excite the senses. Everything from the sound of the engine, the firm yet supple ride and tactile feel of the controls - are all unique and appealing.

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  2001 Trans Am - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By pitbullluvr - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trans Am and I also had a 1999 Firebird Convertible. My 2001 TA has T-Tops, wish I went for the convertible, but wouldnt give up the 5.7 LS1 for a rag top V6. Great car with the exception of consistant brake issues. Highly recommend and a real head turner.

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  Aztek No. 2 - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By frippster - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Aztek. I love the roomy interior, the heads-up display, and especially the rear cargo tray. There is sufficient cargo room for our trips south, and this vehicle handles well with good braking. I love the unique and distinctive stle. The only drawback is the poor visibility created by the spoiler and the under-powered engine.

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  fun ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By hallj - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Lots of fun to drive, great gas mileage.

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  My 2009 Pontiac G8 GT - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By John - February 15 - 5:20 am

  Have had the G8 for over 2 months and have about 4000 miles on it. The power is awesome and was great driving in the mountains of Georgia. It is a fantastic car for the cost. I would tell anyone to test drive it and I know they will love it.

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  2006 GTO first hand - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By David - February 14 - 4:06 pm

  The car starts right up every morning. The drive is kind of bumpy due to the sporty suspension. I love the small block v-8. Runs better when driven hard, like most corvette engines. Dislike the locking mechanism for the door locks. Wont let you lock the doors with out pushing the button. The passenger seat is horribly slow to move forward and back. So getting people or children in the back is not fun. The shifter feels long, and the exhaust note is great at higher rpms. The headlights should have been xenon. The blaupunkt cd player distorts easily with bass. The steering is heavy on fast corners. straight acceleration is phenomenal. Ill never buy another one, but ill keep mine.

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  sexy aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By sexy aztek driver - February 13 - 5:33 pm

  I love the big aztek

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  Our 03 Bonneville - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Robert - February 13 - 3:06 pm

  Have mad some very minor mechanical issues. Seats could use slightly larger bolsters. Dual climate system could be a bit more effective. Overall very pleased with the car. Very powerful for a six cylinder. I actually do not mind the premium fuel requirement as it gets very good gas mileage for such a large car. Averaging 24 miles to the gallon with a mix of hwy and city driving.Could use a bit more knee room on passenger side (I am 61").

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  Early use, but promising! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Minivan Dad - February 13 - 8:06 am

  Having owned a 96 Voyager previously, we were VERY pleased with our Montana. The quality and materials are first rate and the build appears to be solid. We had to get the chrome wheels for $650 (pricey!)and werent allowed to exchange them for cheaper alloys due to the employee discount rules. The ride is butter smooth and the power adequate. With the employee discount, we feel that we received an excellent value for the money. A reccommended vehicle!