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 was Wowwed! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By RJA - October 4 - 9:30 am

  By looking at the car from afar, I was not impressed. But when I got in it and drove it, I was Wowwed! I love it, its alot of fun, great mileage, easy to handle, and a great looking small car.

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  My Grand Prix Baby - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Christopher George - October 3 - 5:16 pm

  This car is superb for highway driving. It has the look and feel of a much more expensive vehicle.

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  My GXP - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Ismael - October 3 - 10:50 am

  I love my GXP especially since nobody else has it yet. Im always asked whats a GXP, they dont even realize its a G6. Looks so much different than all the others. I love that!

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  Bumblebee w/4 cyl sounds like V6! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Turbo Durby - October 2 - 5:10 pm

  This is my 4th Pontiac purchase and the smallest one yet - but not the slowest! The GT trim definitely outguns and is better handling than my 01 Grand Am SE, which was a 4-cyl. as well. Though the Monsoon system is a little complicated to work at 1st, the steering controls make it much simpler! And the acceleration in such a slight car is awesome!

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  GTP - Performance Plus - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Hereafter - September 30 - 10:00 am

  The GP GT2 was a major disappointment. Mediocre was the best adjective I could provide when asked by the salesperson. Performance and handling were marginally acceptable. The cloth seats were outright ugly (looked like they belonged in the Sunfire). The GTP was a totally different story. Performance and handling were top shelf. Equipped with every available option this car barely broke 30K list, but felt like it should cost much more. The "Comp G" option should be mandatory, and worth every penny. Dont waste your time with a GT1 or GT2. The GTP is in a class of its own.

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  Wow - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jordan - September 30 - 12:16 am

  It is an extremely fun car to drive, I love just about every part of it. Even though its only 175 hp, it is very fast, and will get up and go.

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  Best bang for you buck - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Markie629 - September 27 - 2:43 am

  After having owned a 320HP Supra, and a 280 HP Mustang, this is absolutely my favorite car to date. The LS2 is fantastic, along with the 6 speed tranny (borrowed from the Z06 Corvette) and the rest of the car is generally fantastic as well. The interior is large enough to fit my 62" 240 lb frame very comfortably whether in the front, or back. The onbord computer is great with more options than a car this price should have. The stock stereo is great quality as well with an adjustable subwoofer accessable through the trunk. With average fuel economy of between 18 MPG city and 27 MPG highway (based on my own spirited driving), fuel consumption is quite low. Overall a great performance bargain!

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  My Review - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By kristinamac - September 26 - 9:46 am

  The dealership was amazing and nice but I have had a problem where every time I go to give it gas or go up on a hill it will pull and roar. Its not suppose to do that. I took it to the dealership and they said there was nothing wrong with it. Im going to continue to take it to the dealer until the problem is fixed.

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  LOvin iT - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jte7690 - September 25 - 9:23 am

  I got this car from my dad. It runs great but i think it could run smoother. There is a bunch of room for an 17 year old and his friends. Gets peoples attention when driving.

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  My 2000 Bonniville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cmorgan429 - September 24 - 5:50 pm

  This has been one of the best cars I have ever had. No mechanical problems in seven years except for a rear power window malfunction while under warranty. Great fuel mileage for a full sized car with the 3.8 V6. On trips I always get near or above 30mpg on the highway on regular fuel. Good power and smooth ride. Comfortable seating for my 6ft 4in frame. I only wish they still made them so I could get another new one.