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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  Thank You Vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Accident Survivor - November 4 - 6:16 pm

  My 4 year daughter and myself were involved in a head on collision with our Vibe. A woman ran a stop light and hit us head on going about 45-50 mph. All I can say is, this car certainly made an impression for me to buy a new one without hesitation. The front end was totally demolished and totalled, yet both of us were able to walk away with only bruises. The structure of the impact and how well it protected us was simply amazing. For being a small SUV, its stylish, great on gas, avg. 30-35 mpg everyday driving, and the room inside is amazing. After owning it over a year, I still can say I love the Vibe! No major problems for functionality!

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  Lets be real - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By ecolied - November 3 - 3:40 pm

  I do like my Vibe. Not a lot of power and some road noise. I do get get very good mileage and the car is pleasant to drive. I average 34 mpg on the highway with an automatic.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By StephH - November 3 - 9:40 am

  I purchased this car about a year ago and I still LOVE it!! I previously had a grand am that I liked, but I got sick of it after only 9 months. this is the only car Ive ever had that I didnt get sick of right away. Also the first brand new car I ever got. The exterior is amazing, I have seen some reviews about them not having remote locks, I guess I thought it was standard. I have remote lock/start, sunroof, 19" rims, V6, heated leather seats, automatic with manual option, telescoping steering wheel.

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  Feeling Youthful - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By hemi335 - November 3 - 7:13 am

  A great car and with GM Card Bonus cash, it was dirt cheap. Everything about the car seems wonderful so far and after owning Monte Carlos and Grand Prixs, I would definitely consider another when I am done with this one...

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  Its damn fun! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GBNL - November 2 - 8:56 am

  First car ever and its a damn blast to drive. The 3.8 is very quick and fast, i got the base model and Im impressed with its power, comfort, and again its power, my friends agree and enjoy it especially on trips,its the preferred one of all our cars. the exterior is beautiful, nothing more nothing less.

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  You have to experience the GTO in Person! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By DurhDevilYellow05 - November 2 - 4:16 am

  DONT BELIEVE the reviews in the car rags, I went and looked one over "closely" and test drive it! YOU WILL be impressed! Im a former Porsche owner (Both 911 and 928S4 so you know Im spoiled!) and I am throughly impressed with my 2005 "Yellow Jacket" M6 GTO. Vehicle is very tight and drives great.

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  One of the best muscle cars ever made - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By TB420 - November 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is great to drive even in the corners the car handles beautifully the most fun you will ever have in a car.

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  GRAND AM!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dragon - November 2 - 2:00 am

  GOTTA LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!

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  GRAND AM!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dragon - November 2 - 2:00 am

  GOTTA LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!

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  great - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By geeze - November 2 - 2:00 am

  great car, fun to drive, use it for work and love it. Lots of compliments. Highly recommended