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:
Showing 1421 through 1430 of 8,540.00-
Great Hardtop - 2006 Pontiac G6
By PowayMike - January 29 - 5:43 amI have owned several convertibles and I find that this one is the most comfortable and quietest I have ever owned. The hardtop works very smoothly and the interior and exterior styling is excellent. The black exterior with the taupe and black interior works very well together. I dont think you can beat it for the price.
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Herbs Look - 2006 Pontiac G6
By Herb - January 28 - 7:06 amI have been enjoying my car every time I drive it. Even as the "base" model, I have found it to be comfortable, powerful, and quiet. Have had no problems at all. Only negative would be the design of the center console where the storage is just a box shape. I miss having a place for coins and audio containers.
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I love it - 2006 Pontiac GTO
By Care2bjs2 - January 27 - 6:43 pmWas at the dealership with a friend and was talked into test driving an 06 GTO I really wasnt planning on purchasing one but wow!!!!2 hours later I was home with a brand spanking new Brazen Orange GTO This car is awesome, much faster than the 05 Mustang I just sold, its hard to believe its only 100 hp more because it seriously feels like twice the power and the interior is way better So far the car has been perfect in every way
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love it - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
By Frenchyis home - January 24 - 7:26 amI totally enjoy driving this car. I had no problem making the change from a car. The torrent gives you a very secure ride, and handles like a dream
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Awesome looking BMW 7 series clone - 2009 Pontiac G8
By Air Force Dave - January 22 - 3:53 pmAfter tiring of driving my wifes CR-V to work, I needed something a little more sportier when the weather didnt cooperate with my motorcycling. We needed four doors and we didnt want to break the bank. I stumbled upon this Pontiac, and what luck! The only con I see to this G8 is the cup holders in the front. They sit too far back. There are no cup holders in rear of the cabin which is inconvenient. And a lack of a navigation system is disappointing. However, that all melts away when you smash down the accelerator. All in all, Im very pleased with our purchase and hope that we spent $25K on a great product.
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Great Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
By HH - January 22 - 11:23 amGreat performance, styling, handling. Love the heated seats, dash and gauges, bucket seats. Rides like a much bigger car. Whats not to like? Downside is that resale value isnt very good.
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1 Year and still love it - 2008 Pontiac G8
By Rod - January 22 - 10:36 amI have had my G8 GT, it will be 1 year on the May 23rd. The mileage has gone from 15 to 18 mpg in daily commute and and I do not spare the horses. I am just glad that with Pontiac going away I am luck enough to have the last and probably the most awesome car Pontiac ever built. I have heard rumors that GM may bring a Police version of the G8 to the US as a Chevy. The Holden Commador is the #1 police car in Australia.
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GTO Review - 2005 Pontiac GTO
By gtolvr - January 21 - 10:16 pmInterior is wrapped in enough leather to confuse you into thinking youre in a luxury vehicle not a muscle car. Performance and handling are superb. This is one of the best vehicles pontiac has every put out.
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A lot of car for the price - 2005 Pontiac G6
By rick - January 21 - 1:43 pmThe first impression I had was how quiet this car is. With less than 200 miles on it, we took it on a 300 mile trip. I couldnt believe a car that weighs 3400 lbs. could get 32mpg! This car is roomy and has every option imaginable, with the exception of a built in garage door transmitter. I have yet to discover any defects, inside or out. Handles well and has good performance. I couldnt be happier.
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Fantastic Car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
By Motor75 - January 20 - 10:00 amThis car -- the 2003 model -- is absolutely fantastic. It rides great, it has ample power and the interior options (mine is fully loaded) is fantastic. This car is great on long road trips and also the quick jont to the store. I have no idea why they redesigned it!
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