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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  Good for the Price - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dee - August 29 - 2:43 am

  Dont get me wrong, I love my car. But the only thing I have a problem with is the back window noise. It sounds like the windows are down slightly when youre doing interstate driving, gets pretty annoying. Other than that, its roomy, sporty, and has great take off.

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  What a Car Pontiac Got it Right!! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Aaron - August 28 - 2:46 pm

  For the money you could not get a better roadster than the Solstice. This car rides like a dream handles like a race car. I gotta say Pontiac has done it right with this car. I agree with other drivers when I say Chrome grill would be nice and moving the window controls up closer to the dash would be good other than that dont change a thing on this car..........mark my words this car will be a classic......

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  I love it - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By KKKHaze - August 28 - 12:50 pm

  I love my car. This is my second Grand Am and have had absolutely NO trouble with either.

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  Reliable - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By Rcktmn - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Trans Sport for about 4 years now and I would drive it anywhere with no fear of it "breaking down" or not getting good mileage. I get about 26-28 mpg on the hwy and about 20-24 in the city. Ive had nothing but pleasure from driving both of my Pontiacs. I had a 1995 Grand Am that was also an awesome vehicle. Ive taken multiple road trips in both and trust them completly to get my family there and back safely.

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  Only thing wrong w/the sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jessca91 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have found, as same with everyone I know that has this car (conv. 2 dr. gt sunfire) that the lights are really dim in comparison to all of the other cars on the road. A friend of mine and I both drive with our brights on, and have never been pulled over.

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  LuvMyAztek!! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Nancy in Buffalo - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Edmunds says the engine is weak but with all due respect I beg to differ. I have taken many trips on mountainous roads leaving all others on the road eating my dust (safely) passing them with little effort. Very comfortable to drive. I had no problem adapting to the rear view some think is hampered by the design. My previous two vehicles were a plush 1991 GMC conversion van and a well equipped 2000 minivan (Montana). Of all three vehicles, I find the Aztec most fun to drive. I highly recommend it!! Back seat can be a bit cramped on extended trips, but the OUTSTANDING gas mileage is well worth it. I love this vehicle.

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  I love this car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By nc84grl - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I love the way it drives and the sporty look of it. Best car I have ever had.

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  Way to Go - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By vibester - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has great gas mileage - super for a small family or a single person needing to cart items around - a true mini SUV

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  Satisfied - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Ronald Coltart - August 28 - 10:00 am

  In spite of poor reviews by the Automotive Press, I have been more than satisfied with this car. I have done 30,000 miles on it without the slightest problem. The design both inside and out I found excellent. Acceleration was brisk but the only flaw was the Goodyear tires. When I changed to Kumhow 712s the handling improved immensely as did the wet braking. The Grand Am GT is one of the best allround cars I have owned.

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  Satisfaction - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bowhawk - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Quick response and very smooth ride.