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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  The lemon - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By g6- 2 door coupe - August 23 - 10:00 am

  The car had been in the shop several time handles poorly in the snow. Tires are very expensive to replace. The brake light was on when driving - did not know it until a state trooper followed me. I would say that 36,000 miles was the life before every thing began to break down and then lets not mention the warranty was up after that and obama motors did not have a stimulus for the replacing the warranty of the car, how about that for a change!

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  Disappointed and Frustrated - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Disappointed in GA - August 16 - 7:10 pm

  I loved this car from the start. It was fun to drive. But, after owning this vehicle for less than 1 year, I got a vibration in the front end that was so made it would make your butt numb. Literally. I have had it in the dealership at least 15 times and have replaced the tires. No help. I also have an issue with losing power. Completely and without warning. The dealership cannot find a problem. It just wont start for a day or two. And then it does. I too have had issues with the steering column and Idler Arms needing to be replaced. I agree, owning this vehicle will cause you to know your Service Advisor much too well. Very disappointing and very frustrating.

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  Ho Hum - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mark - July 28 - 11:36 pm

  Very average car with poor build quality. GM has really let their products slip over the past few years. Bubbles in the windshield, noisy transmission, lackluster power, poor fuel economy, and unresponsive electronic steering make a could-be good car below average. There are many better options from Dodge, Mazda, and Acura.

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  Do not buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Erin - July 16 - 9:23 am

  My bought my G6 based on my husbands friend who loved his. I test drove mine and loved it. Two week later the problems began. In the two years I have had it the whole front end has been replaced (steering rack, steering column, struts, brakes, tires, some kind of suspension links and clear coat just to name a few) and still can not find the problem. I could not take it anymore I finally traded it in for my Jeep. Save your money and the problems.

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  Not a good buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Mouin - June 30 - 2:06 pm

  I have bought this car for my wife as a Valentines present. We had it for 2 months, I have had it at the dealership for 4 times already to work on, Rattling noise in the driver and passenger doors, they worked on it 4 times and problem is still there, they replaced door striker, trim, headlining, also Covertable top has issues, replaced sealing strip, paint scratched off and broken trim piece in trunk due to top not being aligned when closed. Also A/C compressor leaking freon at compressor body, they replaced compressor. Damaged chrome side panel, they replaced it. Overall, it has been unpleasant experience, I am working through LEMON law to have this car returned. Would not recommend it.

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  " Wooden Wheels "....Junk - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Matt Miller - June 19 - 7:50 am

  Rear suspension is the the most clunkiest, hard hitting that Ive ever experienced. Its been diagnosed as "thats how they are". Whoever passed this through the quality inspection at the factory must have worked for the Amish previously. It sometimes has trouble starting and the inside looks bad from staining. I still owe too much to trade in though. I never noticed the suspension clunking during the test drive because I drive down a smooth newly paved road. Also, the traction control starts working on dry pavement while not actually spinning, so I sit still for no reason for a few seconds.

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  Worst Car Ive ever owned!! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By allierockette - May 10 - 11:51 pm

  Bought this car used with low miles. LOVED the power and pep of the engine. but in a little over 30 days both back window motors broke at the same time. Then my gas and oil gauges quit working, the gas compartment hinge got stuck all the time, constantly replaced head/taillights, trunk leaked, transmission started shifting hard, had problems with front end alignment alot so new tires were needed more often than they shouldve been, front cv joint/axle replaced twice, and bc the gas gauge didnt work it constantly made the "warning" ringing sound. Was embarrased to be seen driving this. . .worst piece of crap ever!

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  OK CAR - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By turkeyleg - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Solid car for the money. The seat padding is not good. A year after purchase the padding is worn down where you get in and out. The paint on the rear bumper is flaking off. Engine revs too high before shifting. Ive gon through 2 sets of rotors and I am purchasing aftermarket cross-drilled rotors to hopefully fix this. The radio was messed up (wont play tapes, display shows garbeled info) Warrenty would not cover. Passenger speaker has bad rattle. If you purchase this car be aware you do not get the best fit and finish. I take long trips and a more solid seat and lumbar would be ideal. Watch out for the blind spots, the shape of the car makes these large.

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  HORRIBLE CAR!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bart2 - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has cost me thousands of dollars in repairs, not to mention the repairs that had to be done while still under warranty. Repairs include: 4 brake jobs, intake gasket crack, front wheel hub bearing replace, fuel pump went out, power steering went out, etc. etc. I am trading it in and cutting my losses! Dont buy this car.

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  Wish I never bought it - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By mda - May 1 - 12:03 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this lemon. The front made a clunking noise whenever I would make a turn, so I had it fixed under warranty. The u- joints and should arm out at 10,000 miles? Then the brakes went out. Now it is clunking whenever I make a left turn again. The paint on the radio knobs chips off. I was told and shown the rims are bent on the right side. Now the engine light comes on, reduced engine power, and TC light stays on. In the shop right now. The airbag light came on, and had to have the airbag serviced. I might as well have kept my 1994 car, and saved my pocketbook and headache. Power steering problems that arise from nowhere suddenly