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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  I love the car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Barb - December 4 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car used and have only had to replace the ignition switch. This has been the only reason it left me walking one time. This car had high mileage but was still in good shape and I have not had any major expenses. I bought a gold one that if the car is dirty you cannot tell!!! I like having enough power to get out of the way of crazy drivers or big trucks.

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  Great Experience - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Happy Owner - December 4 - 3:40 pm

  Bought my car new. It has 147K and I have maintained the oil and usual check up points. The major repair to gasket to oil and then coolant gasket - but only at approx 90K. The rest were all maintain, brakes. Once paid off annual repair bills are around $500. My husband drives a 2001 BMW with 80K - repairs and up keep to his car cost us $7400 last year. Plus he had to replace his AC at 50K for $1500. I have not put anything near that into my GMC. I will keep this car until it doesnt go or significant repair cost hits me.

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  My 2004 Grand AM - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fl41 - December 4 - 12:54 pm

  This was my last car. It served me well. Wasnt exactly the best car I ever had though. Head gasket went on it shortly after I bought it (used). My aunt bought me a remote starter for it. Wich the car was not to reliable with. Every time I used the remote, I would have to check to see if the car actually started or not. All lights (running lights ect.) gave an indication that it did start, but the engine did otherwise. It would however start every time with the key (sometime a rough start). It was surprisingly good in the snow even with cheap black label tires. I will admit, it never left me stranded any where. I would not recommend this car for a tall person.

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  Great Car - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JP - December 4 - 7:56 am

  This was my third Bonnie after driving my `96 to 309,500 miles we decided to get another. I wont hit that on this one not because it wont go, but because I for what ever reason didnt drive as much. My wife drives them the first 4 years then I take them over. My `04 is coming to me to drive the heck out of it. It is well worth the money and quality is great. I am sad they dont make them anymore. I think I will have to buy a Buick now.

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  Unbeatable performance, style, and value - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GB - December 3 - 5:36 pm

  Very nice interior and exterior styling with good fit and finish inside and out. Powerful engine with great V8 sound track and smooth power delivery. Wonderful driving dynamics. Very comfortable heated seats, nice interior materials, great sound system. Averaging 19 MPG in cold & snowy conditions with snow tires.

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  Good value for your dollar - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - December 3 - 11:43 am

  Purchased for $12,000 (Thanks, GM Card dollars!). At that price nothing really competes. I was able to get the dealer to add cruise, and for those that really want remote locks that can be added as well. Note the gas mileage will be less if the car has the 3.91 axle ratio, but will have more pep. So if you are shooting for 30 MPG be aware of the "optional" axle ratio issue. Easy to drive, but a little hard to get in and out of as doors are narrow top to bottom. I do 90% highway cruising, and this is quite and very smooth for its size. I understand wiper blades are expensive, so try and get covered under bumper-to- bumper warranty. Also, no key hole on passenger door, seems odd.

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By zero - December 3 - 1:23 am

  So far so good. No real problems. A couple of defects upon purchase. But nothing crazy or unable to be repaired by myself. 4500 miles and nothing has changed. I know its not a lot of miles. But I havent had it long enought to foget those problems i might have had in the beginning.. which happen to be none in this case. the styling is the styling.. think of it what you will. I think its very euro GT. Gets great mileage for the engine class, but thats not really an excuse for running an average of 20 mpg back and forth to work.

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  losing confidence - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By loams - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought new and now have 52000 miles. The car is well cared for but have already replaced an alloy wheel, two blower motors, one blower resistor, tensioner bracket (total of about $1100 to date) ans have an on going problem with the a/c drain causing water to flood the front passenger seat carpeting. I think this will be my last Pontiac.

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  GREAT CAR IF YOU GET A GREAT DEAL. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ARTIE - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I HAD THE 1999 SE GRANDAM AND WENT INTO THE 2004 GT. I REALLY LIKE PONTIACS GRAND AMS. CAR HAS A REALLY GOOD REBATE. HAVNT HAD THE CAR TO LONG BUT PAST EXP. WITH GRAND AMS IVE ENJOYED. OLD ONES ( LIKE MY 99 ) BRAKES WERE BAD. I CAN FEEL AN IMPROVEMENT WITH THIS 04. GOOD CAR FOR ALL AGES.

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  One Hot G5! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Rob - November 30 - 2:36 am

  This was my first car. I got it brand new in 2008 as a 2008 model. Its really fun to drive, sporty looking, and quick for its powertrain. The Pontiac G5 hasnt given me any trouble, and im getting 30.3 mpg average. I baby my car, keeping it clean and not dogging it, only go above 3500 RPMS every so often to hear her hum. People always want to race because it looks so sporty...Victory Red. Love the car, would recommend it to anyone!