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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  My Midland Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Lover - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Vibe. I average 21-31 mpg and have gotten 33 mpg on the highway. I was a minor traffic accidents where a Jeep Grand Cherokee hit me. It didnt move the car hardly any, and I was swerving hard to the right as fast as I could to miss being hit. When I test drove the Vibe, I got next to some 18 wheelers on the interstate, and hardly felt a draft off them. They were going about 70 mph at the time, and I probably 60 mph (getting on the ramp), then up to 70 mph go get next to and pass a few. I also swerved once at about 65 mph to dodge a squirrel (didnt hit the brakes, merely swerved), and the Vibe handled really well (the squirrel survived, too).

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  Love my AZTEK - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By janiebaby - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I loved the look of the Aztek when they first came out. They do not look like every vehicle out there on the roads. It was an easy transistion from the "mom" mini-van to the Aztek. Because of my vehicle, 3 others have bought Azteks. :-)

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  Hoping for an exchange - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Princess PITA - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I got the car kind of quickly didnt do any research onit, honestly I love it a few changes to make would be to get rid of that removable cooler, its loose and clatters !!! I have a lot of problems, been to the dealer apprx 8 times, I am hoping GM takes this one back and gives me a new one It drives good, roomy for the kids

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  2002ta - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By dickmone - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted a T/A but never had the chance until now. The performance has to be felt to be believed. That 5.7L WS6 engine just sings when you give it the gas. People dont even bother to try and cut you off when they see it on the road

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  Great car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hockeymancw - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. It is quick and nimble and handles great. I love the styling; it definatly grows on you the longer you own one. The dash is excellently designed. Very reliable. No noises or other sounds and no maintenence bills yet.

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  A Review - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GT Owner - April 16 - 2:30 am

  Has proved to be reliable and comfortable transportation but not the "fun to drive" vehicle I was lead to believe it would be by several automotive reviews.

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  Road Trip Okla. to Calif.Wyo.& Back - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Keith Cole - April 15 - 11:20 pm

  This vehicle was loaded w/4passangers a top carrier w/luggage fought lots of wind maintained better than 29 mpg.great little Vehicle.

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  Love these cars so much I own 2. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By jzpiano - April 15 - 9:07 am

  I bought my first G8 GT in April of 09 and have 23k miles on the car. I have modified it to be a track car and it has still been extremely reliable. After a few years of ownership I wanted to garage the car over the winter and knew I would miss driving it so I bought a second one that I DD everyday.

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  It turns heads.. - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By M Stubbs - April 14 - 1:16 am

  Having been in the car business for over 25 years, I cant remember a car that draws a crowd like the Solstice. Best styling in its class, good performance, great economy, and just plain fun to drive. You hate to have to park it. A few subtle mechanical improvements over the 2006 model make this car even better.

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  Pontiac Aztec - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Dan - April 13 - 6:56 am

  I can sum up my review briefly...245,000 miles...body very good..0 rust.....original engine, transmission. Reolaced alternator and water pump but these didnt occur until 201,000 miles. This vehicle is hands down the most dependable, fun vehicle I have ever owned. I would buy another without hesitation.