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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  Like riding on a cloud... - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ToddV - October 15 - 3:30 am

  Wow, what a car!! I love my GTP G6 Coupe!! It rides so smooth and quiet and handles like a dream. The 240 hp along with the 18 inch wheels makes for a fun ride. Ive received many positive comments from complete strangers..always makes ya feel good doesnt it?

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  Luv my GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jboag5 - October 14 - 4:53 pm

  This car has been fun to drive, yet is good for the family. Its the perfect car for those of us who dont want to grow up yet. It has had some minor issues, but overall its performance, I feel, beat the Saab, Volvo, and BMW that I drove at the same time. This car is comfortable, fast on the take off and is solid. I could have purchased the other vehicles, but the GTP was roomier, more comfortable, and more fun!

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  2001 Pontiac Aztek - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By William R Peterson - October 14 - 10:00 am

  I have really enjoyed owning my Aztek and love the response I receive when driving it. I purchased it because of it unique body style and design was differant from what other auto makers were offering.

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  Wow...What a car! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Netgoblin - October 14 - 10:00 am

  This car will make you giddy. The power is intoxicating, and the ride is fantastic for a car of this nature. The seats hug you and everything inside just fits so perfectly. The seats are the best I have ever sat on and the interior is well laid out. Feel like a kid again and GET THIS CAR!!!!

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  Fun Car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Joe - October 14 - 4:10 am

  I just picked-up my G8 several days ago (9/24). My dealer had to do a locate and swap for the car to get my color (white exterior/solid onyx interior)and options (18 in all season tires, sunroof and Premium Package). The fit and finish of this car are perfect. The interior is done in high end materials and is nicely done. I knew since this car was designed by GM/Holden to be exported as a right/left driver I would have to deal with window and lock controls on the console (not an issue. Performance is better than I expected for an almost 4000 LB car. This car goes, the ride quality and stopping power speaks to a very well designed automobile. Im getting 17+ mpg in the city.

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  Sunfire Rocks! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By marley - October 14 - 12:03 am

  Amazing how this car has been running solid. No major repairs, no minor repairs, and good gas mileage. It costs half as much as a Honda and the stereo sounds better than my wifes 2005 Lexus!

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  I love my 2006 G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Love My GT G6 - October 13 - 11:00 pm

  This was the first car in a while that was mine. I wanted a convertible, my wife did not. We settled on the Panoramic sunroof. Wonderful. The feel of a convertible without the intense sun. The auto stick is fun. I average around 27 mpg overall. The red with the chrome wheels sets it off. The leather seats are comfy. The monsoon radio is great, even with all windows down and top open. The A/C is cold and the car is very comfortable. Best of all it is a blast to drive. It is noticed by everyone and just looks sharp

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  One sick car - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By sic2001 - October 12 - 5:36 pm

  I have had my car for 5 yrs now and it is awesome! I have put all kinds of aftermarket bolt ons on and dynod at 379 rwhp. Its fast and has never left me stranded! Ive replaced the fuel pump myself within 2 hrs in the driveway and 150 for parts and find most repairs can be done easily and the info is excellent online. Put good shocks/struts on it, lower it, and youll keep up with the current M3 on twisties it handles so well. I have the navy blue metallic w/tan interior and people act like its a Ferrari no kidding. 7 yrs old and looks like it could have been released this year. Catalytic converters are covered under warranty for 10 yrs or 100,000 miles.

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  what i like about my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By roadgirl - October 12 - 3:50 am

  I really enjoy the way my carhandles and turns corners. It is so smooth and I like the size of the interior, the sun room is fantastic I had thought of buying a convertible, and when I got my grandprix gtp I learned what a combination of sport and luxury was. every one that sees it says how very nice it is and those that drive it tell me how wonderfull it corners , which I already know, and its not hard on gas either. I love it truly and would buy another and recommend it to everyone.

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  Vibe Runs Great & Great Deal! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RobRWA123 - October 10 - 1:56 pm

  Weve had this car for about 10 days now, and love driving it. Had to search hard for the 1.8 L/5MT, but worth the waiting. For the Base model, you wont need the 2.4L engine, unless youre going to be towing something. Compared to our 03 Vibe w/AT (we gave to our daughter), this car is quieter (engine noise especially reduced, road noise only noticeable at highway speeds), has more power, is much more comfortable, much safer (more [6] airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak), and more fun to drive. And gets better MPG (well over 400 miles on 1st tank, gets better after break-in period)! Highly recommended; the best deal out there for a "compact" car, doesnt feel like one.