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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  warren - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By warren waters - September 9 - 6:36 am

  the car drives well, handles the road bumps well, steering feels a little touchy. very quiet ride.a lot of room inside for people and cargo

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  kitti2719 - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By kitti2719 - September 9 - 5:06 am

  Traded my Ford Explorer in for the the Vibe and I love it - much better gas mileage and there I find I have just as much room in the Vibe as I did the Explorer. Although I had to get to used to the front wheel drive I think it handles quite well except when next to big Trucks on the hwy you can really feel the wind pulling. The only problems I seem to be having is with the windows wind seems to howl through drivers side and I think the seal is broken in the hatch back window

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  Noisy, Poor outward visibility - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike Joseph - September 8 - 11:56 pm

  I have driven this car only for two weeks and my first impression was how small this car is and fits so much inside. It took me a while until I got used to windows and mirrors, its hard to see everything from these little windows so I was always worried about the blind spots. Also the way the hood was designed there is no way that you can see the end of the car or at least if you are close to hit something. The way the car handles is really good, it lacks power but what can you expect from a 1.8 liter engine. The main issue that I had with this car was the road noise, its so weird that you can never get comfortable when you drive on a highway from the noise level.

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  I am very pleased with this car! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ferfer - September 8 - 2:20 am

  I just bought this car as my first "newer" car even though it is 3 years old, and I have yet to be dissapointed.....

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  As fun as it looks.... - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By badgerfan68 - September 7 - 8:26 am

  Ive had my 09 Vibe for about a month and really enjoy it. I have a GT w/ the 4sp automatic. The vehicle is responsive with excellent acceleration and the steering is tight and active. Weve already taken a weekend road trip with the vehicle and comfortable carried my wife, child, dog and all the necessary gear associated with the aforementioned. On the highway, we achieved 30 MPG, in town around 25 MPG. The ride is very smooth and quiet, with minimal road noise. There are no squeaks and rattles so far (which drive me crazy) and the fit and finish is clean and tight. Storage room is ample for compact car.

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  Still Going! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Roadrunner - September 7 - 12:43 am

  Though this car is only an 05, it has many hard miles on it. It just hit 145k. Never had it to the dealership, never a problem! Just normal things you have to maintain. Still has original battery. Had brakes replaced last summer. Hit a deer and help up VERY well, hardly could notice any damage. I love this car. Its unreal what you can pack into this thing! Nice storage areas inside, lots of space and very roomy & comfy! The fold down flat seats make it nice for putting just about anything in it. I think its a very sharp looking car. Had it over a year before I actually realized it was a station wagon. Mine is a 5spd and gets great gas mileage. 145k & still going strong!

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  Great Car to Drive with real muscle - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Old Motor Head - September 6 - 11:36 pm

  I bought this car in March and have enjoyed every minute of driving it since then. Rebates have dropped the price but I have no regrets. Everyone that sees the car compliments me on it. People have driven up to me to tell me how much they like the car and called out to me, beautiful car, while I was getting gas. The power is great. This takes me back to the feeling of the old muscle cars. Interior is well done. Once you get into the back seats they are as comfortable as the front. GM really did a great job on this car. What a kick it is to drive. I cant wait to go somewhere just so I can drive this car.

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  Sea ya ......in montna - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Cherlyn - September 6 - 11:26 pm

  I purchased my 2004 gto in 2009 I can say to date I have had know real problems with my gto other than getting pulled over by the cops just because Im in a car that can beet them standing still and I have gone threw a few sets of pro rated tires untell I learned to keep my foot out of it,witch is real hard to do I might add.I park my car in the winter usually,one year I had no choice I had to drive it and leave it to me it just so happened to have one of the worst winers in a decade in Montana and had to drive my gto in three feet of snow and ice I was stunned how well the gto did my gto has 89000 and I plan on having it forever I have owned many vehicle in my life and a few sports cars but the gto takes the cake.best car I have ever owned.

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  We love this car - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By D McCue - September 6 - 9:40 pm

  We purchased this car in Feb 2005; we have had abolutely no troubles with it. It is fun to drive, reminds me somewhat of the muscle car era I grew up in with a touch of class & luxury. Ours is Black with gray/black leather interior. We get the oil changed every 4-5 months as we dont drive a lot of miles, pleasure only, three vacation trips of 1,500-1,600 miles or so included in the 14,700 now on the car. Actually it is my wifes car; her previous car was a 34,000 mile, T-Top 1996 Camaro; she didnt drive that one much either; about 6 vacation trips in that car; it had the 3000 V-6

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  Love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rochelle - September 6 - 3:00 pm

  This car was purchased for me when I turned 16... 8 years and 100,000+ miles later I still LOVE this car. The power and handling is fantastic, very fun to drive. I havent had many issues except for electronic things... Replaced window motors, batteries. Many problems with wires and dashboard controls not working properly, but that seems to be common with Pontiac. It is roomy and comfortable.. the trunk can hold ANYTHING. I have been hit twice, and am impressed with it holding up nicely. (Doesnt look nearly as pretty now though) Now at 125000 miles I am starting to have bad problems with the electronics. Heat no longer works and it dies on me a lot. Will be very sad to replace it.