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 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Darcelle Strother - February 22 - 2:56 pm

  Pontiac has come up with a reasonable price vehicle with luxury features. It has the quality and comfort that are not present in foreign vehicles. Smooth ride and easy to handle.

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  Fantastic car. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tbam22 - February 22 - 8:20 am

  Got this car 5 years ago with 107,000 miles on her; 70,000 later and she still runs great. Motor mount snapped at 155,000 and we had to replace the water pump as well. Signals stopped working right at 175, and wheel bearings need to be replaced soon. Original battery lasted until 120. The mirrors stick out a bit too far. Ive lost three. Eventually got ones that fold in. Overall a fantastic car and so much fun to drive. This was my first car; I think it says a lot about the car that it still performs so well after so being driven around so much by a young, inexperienced driver. A big disappointment they stopped making them so long ago; looks like my next car will be a G6.

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  09 Vibe base first impressions - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 09Vibe - February 19 - 6:20 pm

  Purchased a base model with automatic. Compared to previous generation model, improvements in interior ergonomics and performance were immediately evident. I especially appreciate that the car comes standard with side air bags/StabiliTrak/ OnStar, even in the least expensive model. Standard sound system is wonderful and includes XM radio. Overall, Im extremely happy to be a new Vibe owner!

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  Grand Prix - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Timmy1988 - February 19 - 8:40 am

  This car has been a pleasure to own. I have had it since new, and recently was in a head on collision. These cars are very safe. I came out of a head on collision with a very minor injury to my hand and my passenger was perfectly fine. This cars performance was outstanding. I had a K&N filter on my engine the rest was stock. The car was fast and efficient. I could go 0-60 in 6.3 seconds and my average economy never droped below 28mpg so the economy stats on this car depend on the way you drive it. At the floor you get 4.3mpg and at 59mph with the cruise set you will get 31-35mpg. I personaly think that these cars have too much power for their size, and to think this is coming from a 20year old. Thanks .

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  Excellent Performance Coupe! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Phantom Black Goat - February 18 - 7:53 pm

  Excellent Performance Coupe! I had a Trans Am before I got my GTO. The GTO is superior in every way. Performance is top notch, handling is great, ride quality is excellent. Interior trim and design is probably the best GM has ever done. Downsides are very minor, one does not expect fuel economy from a car of this type, however my fuel economy has not been as bad as I had feared. I get around 19 to 21 in a mix of city/highway. That is good for a car with a large V8 and 400 bhp. My personal experience has been wonderful with my GTO and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking into a high-performance coupe.

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  lic plate..Bcnyea - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By b_cnyea - February 18 - 9:53 am

  06 GTO A4 Cyclone Gray 6.0. When i was younger i helped restore my dads 67 rag top black on black..them wore the days! He let me take it to prom and every other Friday i got to drive it to school!! took the long road back home after school :) and now i got one of my own,hope fully i can keep it for many years and my son and i can restore it when its time.But for now its the best thing i have ever owned i have many stories to tell my son some day like my dad did with me his back seat has more room lol and when your 61 their is not much room in mine haha! its a fun car to drive and own and drive..keep it between the white lines!!

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  Wonderful to Drive - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By L.Long - February 18 - 6:53 am

  I looked at many new cars and went to the Auto Show and this car was the one that caught my eye. I was looking for backseat comfort(for other adults, large trunk and a sporty look and this car had it all. It drives wonderful and is very comfortable on distant driving.

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  My BONNEVILLE - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Chuck Finch - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a very exciting and responsive automobile to drive and own, not only is it fun to drive it has class. You folks do not rate it high enough on your car ratings. This car is as good or better than the forign imports and you can take that to the bank. I will put my Bonneville against any of them. The Mercedes and Lexuss dont have anything over this car. This car will eat them up for breakfast. I know I have done it. I work for Daimeler Chrystler and they dont make a ride this good.

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mover24 - February 18 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Vibe new and it has been a great car. No problems and ver fun to drive

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  GREAT CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By pontiac G6 - February 17 - 8:53 pm

  I have no idea why people right bad reviews on this car. I get 30mpg+ on the highway. I just change oil as required,did front brakes once and thats it, 74,000 miles The car was cheap and owes me nothing. This is far superior to a civic or corolla,in comfort,style and economy.