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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  Great Commuter Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By collinsj - December 22 - 10:00 am

  We have had this vehicle 12 months. Havent been back to the dealer yet for anything. I drove for 6 months. My wife drove for 6 months. We both like it. For comparison, I bought a new chevy cavalier wagon back in 1985 and it was overall a great car for all 12 years I owned it. The Vibe is kind of like the new improved version of the chevy. Bigger tires, ABS brakes and much, much more comfortable seating. It was actually a coin toss between buying the Vibe or a Ranger pickup. With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, and in view of todays gas prices, I think the Vibe provides the better overall utility and bang for the buck.

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  Great First Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rubbie123 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought me a Pontiac Vibe as my first car. Ive been driving it for about a year now and I must say that I love it. Its very safe and really easy to handle. Its a very zippy car and parking is a breeze with it. I highly reccommend the Vibe if you want a quality car thats both economnical and hip.

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  My first year in my Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Carol Acre - December 21 - 10:36 am

  This is a beautiful car, I love the Sedona Beige Metallic paint! Since I bought it many people have commented on the style and color.....its so sleek! The interior colors are light, but nothing sticks to the fabric, it wipes up without any spotting at all. It is absolute luxury at an affordable price.....so whats not to like??

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  One of the Best - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By One of the Best - December 20 - 8:03 pm

  This car is one of the best I have ever driven in this price category. It is less expensive then the Toyota Matrix, comes with more standard equipment and with the GM Employee Discount, plus other discounts, this car was a real buy for me. The fuel mileage is great (29 in the city), higher on the road. It handles like a much bigger car and has enough room to put lots in the back with the seats down. I highly recommend it.

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  Great Car!! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jay Csencsits - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the most reliable, safe, fun, and good looking car I have ever owned. It is now almost 9 years old and it is absolutly perfect condition, a few minor scratches here and there, but,Ihave not had ANY engine problems or difficulties what so ever! This car, it looks good, great styling on the interior, great performance, hauls ass off the line,it sounds fantasic, there are a lot of poeple that dis on grand ams but they have no goddamn idea what they;re talking about at all, they obviously have never drivin these cars, if you are lookin to buy a grand am, just do it, you will not be dissapointed with your purchase, it really is driving excitment!

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  I love this car - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Rock Cowboy - December 19 - 3:56 am

  I didnt go with the V-8, still it is a blast to drive. The top comes down fast and smoothly for cruising in the sun. Very recommended for people who want a fun car to drive.

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  I love the rhino - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By jeanne - December 17 - 5:53 am

  I rent cars about 50 weeks a year. When I can I rent an Aztec. The car rental p=folks call it the Rhino (for rhinocerous). Ive rented the Rendezvous,all the Isuzus, Fords, Chevys and GMCs but the Aztec is my favorite for comfort and spaciouness. My husband is 64" and also says its very comfortable. I will buy one when I quit traveling for business

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  G6 GT - cheap fun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By David - December 16 - 2:20 pm

  For what I paid its a very nice car. Not as fast as my Monte Carlo but is very nice. I love the seats and sun roof. Nice little car. XM Radio is the best feature in the car and I hope you get it.

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  Long term review - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Todd Wilkinson - December 16 - 7:13 am

  Ive owned my GTO for 5-1/2 years now and its still the best GM car Ive ever owned. Over 86,000 miles on it and still no squeaks or rattles. It hasnt needed anything but minor maintenance. Its still as fun to drive today as it was the day I brought it home.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By 75bluejs - December 15 - 6:30 am

  For those who are looking for world class speed without paying the exotic price, then look no further. Its just amazing that GM put a 400hp Corvette engine in this vehicle and is selling it for under 35K. Interior, and overall build quality is the best Ive seen in a GM vehicle. It even seats four adults in great comfort!