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 value for domestic car - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By George - December 13 - 2:30 am

  We bought the car in June 09 with 5000 miles on it (as a demo) we have put 20,000 more very few issues. Ours has the 2.4 L 4 cyl and 6 speed auto trans, it gets in the low 30s on long distance trips, mid 20s around town 50/50 mix of fwy and city driving. No major issues so far, most recent problem has been some brake issues, but seems to be solved with new pads. The turn signal stalk came loose, replaced under warranty. Only other issue, a speck of rust has started on the trunk lid, will be repaired under warranty also. The car has a muffled rattle in the headliner, our Malibu had one too. This car was loaded up with all of the stuff you could get on a 4 cyl model. Its a keeper.

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  4-Door HOT ROD - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rico - December 12 - 10:03 am

  I replaced my 2005 Ford Mustang with the G8 GT. Much more room for my kids, performance and even gas mileage. The G8 is an incredible buy. I dont think I would change anything about this car. Most of the reviews I have read it seems people really dont like the oil/volt display. That really doesnt bother me. Otherwise, great performance, great seats, great rear legroom, great trunk and good looks all around. Nice work Pontiac! I would suggest if you are looking at this car at least do a test drive and go in with an open mind. If you look at this car like any other old Pontiac you will definitely sell yourself short!

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  Excellent Car for Driving to Work - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By GAR - December 11 - 10:50 pm

  This car is excellent for driving to work. It uses very little gas, and has a flexible interior for hauling. I can haul 8 ft. 2x4 lumber with the hatch shut! I also haul bags of mulch, TVs, etc. Its just a great little "truck" with car like mileage.

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  The new (albeit dead) face of Gm - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By AdamH - December 11 - 12:56 am

  This car is arguably the most solid car that have driven, or even been in. It has an Audi grade interio, and has 1 important feature imports do not have: The legendary 350 chevy in the form of LS1. The amount of refinement in this entire car is almost appalling from a muscle car standpoint. I am 22, just got the car about 3 weeks ago ans simply love it. There is a strong possiblity that after I graduate college (in 1 year) I will by a 2006 also.

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  My first G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By davec - December 10 - 3:16 pm

  After two Honda Civics I decided to give the Pontiac G5 a try and Im very happy I did. After 4000 miles my opinion is that the quality on this car is equal or better than my Hondas. And wow, is it fun to drive. Both handling and engine performance is much better than either of my previous two cars.

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  I Think I made an excellent choice - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By rkmantri - December 7 - 2:00 am

  The interior is very cozy. Once we test drove it, my wife and I stopped looking for any other SUV. Its very affordable!!!

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  Vibe Review - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bob - December 6 - 5:26 pm

  Im still liking my 05 Vibe. Since gasoline is nearing $3/gallon in my area, the economy of the car is the main attraction. Still, I like the exterior styling very much and the interior is modern, too. The handling is better than I expected and the car is perfect for those suburban errands. Ive driven it on the highway and it is relatively quiet below 70 mph. I easily bettered the EPA highway estimates by simply accelerating a little less aggressively. The fact that its built by an American manufacturer makes me feel better. I still turn around and look at it when I get out.

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  Great Choice! - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Al S - December 6 - 2:20 pm

  What can I say. Black on black with 17 in. Wheels and it sexy looking as well as fun to drive. I opted for the 3.4, the 3.8 must be incredible! Love the onstar! Now if they could give us better front cup holders? When you take off, the 5 speed trans is so smooth! Watch it. Youll get speeding tickets! Gave up my stow & go Chrysler Town & Country and have no regrets!

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  Look Twice... - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By grave555 - December 5 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned and driven a truck for eight years. After finally getting a chance to get my long awaited sports car, I bought the Pontiac GTO. My 2004 model drives and feels like a European business coupe, but the pedal feels like good ol American muscle. The new GTO is a unassuming beast, only recognized when you hear it roar.

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  Getaway Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bad Juju - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car used and have put over 50k on it in two years. It now has nearly 100k. Never needed an extended warranty. This car has taken us to 20 states. My 3 year old loves the big windows. The headlight lenses are a problem. The bodyshop at your dealer is the place to go to solve this. The first lens was over $100 as an assembly from a junkyard. The second lens was $5 from the bodyshop, and the manager installed it for free. The CD quit and had to get the factory CD, as you cant get aftermarket with both orange lights and steering wheel controls. Excellent family car, good in all weather and sturdy on gravel roads.