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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  "Love My G6!!!" - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Love My Pontiac - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my G6 for almost 2 years. I still love it. It has great performance,acceleration, and handles curves extremely well. I get around 26 mpg on the highway. Hint: Use a product called STP gas treatment at every other fill up and you will increase your mpg. I cant imagine another car I would rather have. The only thing I would change is the cloth seats, I would rather have the leather ones, they are much more comfortable and durable, but these clean up pretty easy using Blue Coral.. Happy driving!

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  First Car - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By swankytigers - February 12 - 1:13 pm

  I received this as my first car when I first started driving, and I can honestly say its been the best car I have ever driven. For 15k, you get an engine that feels just as powerful as a 911. It has very sexy angles that perfect it. Go pontiac!

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  Feeling the Vibe - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By TeeDubb - February 11 - 1:00 am

  My Vibe was a leftover new 2006 I found on a local lot in May 2007. I replaced my ancient 1993 4Runner with the Vibe and I couldnt be happier. Tons of interior space (as much as my old truck), lots of storage cubbies, surprisingly peppy engine (though a little noisy when it gets into higher RPM) and aggressive, sporty styling (much cooler than the Matrix). After about 1700 miles, Im very pleased with my purchase.

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  GrandAm, my best car ever - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cc - February 10 - 5:06 pm

  O.K., so we all know about the window motors, weak right side mirror, flimsy bumper covers, brake problems, faulty security lights, and the costly intake gasket job requirement at about 60,000 miles. Still and all, this car has been wonderful to drive. I wouldnt expect to operate any car without having to fix kinks, and when I add it all together, this car has not been very expensive to own. As for the security light not allowing you to start the car, try a new key, also, letting the car just sit for 20 minutes before you try to restart it works everytime. One honest mechanic just replaced a wire and it did not happen again for over a year. Beware expensive repairs for this.

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  Good looking fair performance - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By TR - February 10 - 1:56 pm

  Like the look. Slow at start but better at high speed. Dont feel safe at high speed. I got automatic which said 29-34 mpg but never been higher than 30 mpg (most on highway). A little difficult to see when backup. Engine is noisy. Tires are expensive for the side. Inside smells like egg. Cheap material for dashboard. Quite comfort seats but not for big guy. People on rear seats can easily kick something under the front seat. Air conditioner control is hard with gear at parking position. Poor rear washer. I bought it because it is Toyota inside but the outside is better than matrix and got a good deal. Sticker price is too high with this car. Dealer was not good but service dept is nice.

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  My Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By RRitter - February 8 - 2:00 am

  I got my Vibe a couple of months ago because of my my job requires me to drive alot. Great gas milage but the Vibe has one of the worst blind spots I have ever seen. If I had of known about this from the beginning I would not have bought it.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mbj629 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Have owned for over a year.I adore everything about it.I am a mother of two,who dislikes the idea of a minivan.This vehicle is just right in pricing, style, safety, & fuel economy.

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  Grand Prix Accolades - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By EagleArgy - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Very responsive, great power and comfortable is how I describe the 2004 Grand Prix-Comp GTP This is my second GTP and Pontiac has improved. The tap shifter takes a chapter from Ferrari and makes the car fun to drive. Engine is a tad noisy. Leather interior seems to be much better grade than in past.

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  No trouble with mine - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - February 6 - 10:50 pm

  I bought mine in 2005. I would tell anyone that it is a good starter car. Easy to drive and fun. Streeing it tight and I have only done normal work on the car. Oil, brakes, rotors, normal everyday car work. Good luck with yours.

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  Good car for many years - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Whateverusay600 - February 6 - 3:00 pm

  I drove my 97 Grand Am for 7 years and it was very reliable, I did have problems with the window motor, brakes and a few minor things. Traded it in at 186,000 miles and it was really starting to make some scary noises. Cheap stereo system had to be replaced. Front wheel drive went through tires like nobodys business.