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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  Sunfire GT - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Wyatt and nik - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my sunfire second hand. I havent had any real problems. Great car. Great on gas. Real sporty. So far I have had to change the wheel bearings in the front and soon I will need to change the plate on top of the front wheels suspention. They are ceasing the coils at times and you can hear it. It is not dangerous just anoying sound until I can get them replaced. I love my car.

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  Great Value For The Money! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MemoryGuy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  This web site was extremely helpful while I was shopping for a new car. I did lots of research before buying the Grand Am GT and feel I made the right decision. It looks great, has impressive interior space, loaded with lots of useful features, excellent performance and handling, and is priced right. As someone who drives 25,000 miles per year, this car fits all my needs. Test drive one for yourself - you wont be disappointed.

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  GM retired a powerhouse - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By zaranjjt - October 1 - 8:42 pm

  Bought the car in 2005 with 6k on it.Its now around 114k and still running splendidly.Never really had any major problems until last year when I accidentally hit a curb. Soon after had to replace tie rods, brakes found leaks in the coolant tank and power steering reservoirs. Got them all replaced at around 5k, now the car runs like smooth as silk. Even now i get a thrill out of an early morning acceleration rush. the a/c brings temperatures to polar regions in the peak Texan summer effortlessly. The car used to sheer through Michigan snows without so much as a sway. Many friends who had Hondas and Infinitis would ride with me because the stability of the Grand Prix in those conditions.

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  Best Bang for Your Bucks - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mjb56 - September 30 - 5:30 pm

  This is our 2nd Vibe, the first being an 05, which was a great vehicle. This one easily surpasses that. Very smooth and quiet, by comparison with good power. Fuel mileage has been outstanding. With the rebates and credit card points available it was a deal we couldnt pass up, even though we werent in the market for a new car. However, my wife has already informed me that she will be getting a speeding ticket as this Vibe is much quicker and smoother than her old one. Were extremely pleased, again. Cant believe GM wont be offering this vehicle any more. Major mistake! Please reconsider, GM.

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  A very wonderful Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By daddyslilsweet06 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2001 Aztec in the summer of 2002, and I absoutely love it. It gets great gas milage for todays gas prices. The Aztec is perfect for highway driving. It excellerates nicely for traffic merging, and has a nice cruise. I have 3 other vehicles but the Aztec is definitely my choice for traveling.

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  My 3rd Bonnevile - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By rolka57 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Bonnevilles for 10 years now. I particularly love the looks and comfort of the SLE. It is quick and fun to drive yet exceptionally comfortable. However, it performs so poorly in the snow even though I have ABS and traction control. The dealer says it is the size of the tires as I had no problems with my 94 and 97 SEs. Living in the northeast I cannot go another winter with this car I love and am looking at AWD cars now.

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  VIBE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By NIGHTMAN1 - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Love this vehicle--fun to drive---great performance

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  This Grand Am is a LEMON!!!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Smom - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This 2002 Grand Am GT was an awesome car until it got approx. 25,000miles on it. I have had nothing but problems with the brakes, and I have had it in the dealership 8 times until they have just recently fixed the problem, unfortunately it took them 8 times to get it right. I would never recommend the Grand Am to anyone, and I have owned another Grand Am before.

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  One owner, great car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By smak - September 30 - 1:23 am

  I bought this car new from the dealership in Golden, CO. Had 1,000 miles on it, was the general managers car. It has been a great car and very reliable. Oxygen sensor went out under warranty replaced no charge. Mas Air Flow Sensor, fuel filter and power steering hose replaced at 80,000 miles by dealer. Just replaced 1 fuel injector at 105,000 miles myself as well as transmission fluid and spark plugs. Car is loosing a little coolant through leaks I believe in manifold or head gasket. Window problems intermittently but working fine currently. Had a problem with original rotors shimmying when hot at 78,000 but no problem since I replaced them. Paint still looks good.

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  THE AWESOME GRAND PRIX!!!!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By gmcanada2000 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2002 Redfire Metallic Pontiac Grand Prix GT Sedan. What a car!! It is such a fun car to drive, it makes me feel like I have the best car on the road, which I do. Keep up the good work Pontiac.