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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  kennedys 1999 pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kennedycar1964 - December 30 - 10:00 am

  i have had an excellent experience with this car. itis sporty, fun to drive and gets you where you are going without the worry of it breaking down. i have had to do brake work on it but it was a lease return and they needed repaired from the previous owner

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  Good Car overall - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By johnA - December 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a few small and easy fixible problems. It lasted me good through the slamming i put it through. I would think about getting a newer one.

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  Great car! But - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Robert - December 28 - 10:00 am

  This was my first real car and I absolutely loved it! The car was great in the snow, handled the highway very well and looked so good on the outside that an additional custom paint job on the hood had passers by turning their heads and giving thumbs up! The GT version is not overly common and I enjoyed having a car that separated me from the cars that my friends drove around.

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  Owned for 6 years - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hardywang - December 26 - 2:23 am

  Lost my GTP in an accident, an owned it for 6 years ended with 220000KM. Generally speaking it is a good car, styling, comfort, fast. With some issues as well, in 6 years I replaced: 2 water pumps, 2 crankshaft position sensors, 1 low ball joints, 2 sway bars. Rear strut mounts are gone.

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  Pontiac G5 - Not bad for GM - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Roger Fitch - December 25 - 10:06 pm

  Car has enough pep. Interior is simple and clear to understand. Exterior is cool. I have only driven 250 miles. So cant talk about reliablity etc.

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  Plastic Fun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Boss - December 25 - 1:06 am

  The 05 G6 is a nice ride. Its sleek and refined body make it appealing to look at while its chasis and supension make it smooth and fun to drive. The only concern I have is the amount of hard plastic throughout the cabin. In all I enjoy my G6 and am content with my purchase

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  WS6 Great show piece - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By DaBattMan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt planning to buy a car when I walked onto the lot. But his one sold me even before I saw a salesman. I Love this car. Its my baby. I havent had any problems with it that I couldnt fix with a screwdriver or for under $200.00 (regular maint). It turns heads. Every one is watching you. Perfect for the summer with the tops down. A must have. Too bad they went and canceled this model. It is a beauty.

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  Satisfied but could be better - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By BigDogDad - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Pleased with the features,space,seating&comfort. Engine is just NOT powerful enough for the size of this van. Sluggish on accleration& VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. Rear a/c roars like a beast. Exterior paint job has flaws from factory(not a quality paint job) & front wiper system is just awful, because snow & ice accumulate but have nowhere to go, causing the wipers to freeze up in inclement weather. But overall despite the flaws, we are pleased that it offers enough space for our family, friends and gear, and has a comfortable ride.

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  Third one I have owned - Great cars - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ryanfamily - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three Grand Ams. Put over 100K miles on each one. Love them for reliable transportation and peppy performance. The quad four is as good as any foreign engine I have owned. I used to be a Datsun/Nissan owner and bought my 1991 Grand Am because I got a deal I couldnt refuse. Now I am hooked on this car.

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  about to trade it after 1 year - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By madeline - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have the V6, almost all the frills. Fun to drive BUT horrible to maintain. Pontiac has been very accommodating with repairs but theyre needed so often. My car now has 42,000 miles - only put 6,000 on in one year. Beyond normal maintenance, I’ve fixed the compressor, head gasket, drivers side window (fell into the door), blinkers that quit on left hand turns, clock display that occasionally disappeared, brakes, and now it needs new struts (over $3000 in repairs on things Im told shouldnt yet be broken). Never dreamed I would want to trade it but now Im looking. Terrified of what I might have to spend to keep it.