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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  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By adgirl402004 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive been very happy with my Grand Am.

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  Grand Prix - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Timmy Lupus - April 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is great for the money. I got this when I graduated from college and it did not cost me and arm and a leg. Getting a new car hasnt really crossed my mind. The Grand Prix has been treating me well for the last 3 years. I have made frequent, long-distance, weekend trips with the car. It is comfortable and gets good gas milage. Passengers have noted how big and roomy the back seat is. I really like the hatch in the backseat, that opens up into the trunk. I normally have a ton of sports equipment sitting in the back seat and this makes it really easy to toss into the trunk when I need the backseat for passengers.

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  Driving is fun again - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By BILLMAN - April 10 - 10:00 am

  As an owner of many of the late 60s early 70s muscle cars, I was one of the many that were a bit leary of the release of the new gto. Most of us said the same thing..."Well, it sure dont look like a GTO." But after many months of shopping for a new car, I found myself repetedly returning to the Pontiac dealer. After several test drives, I just couldnt get enough! It may not have the reto look, but after driving one for 5 months, the gto has earned my respect. It has the muscle and grit I remember of the gtos of the old days, with the agility and grace of modern technology. For me, this GTO has renewed my faith in GM, and, made driving fun again!

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  Pontiac Enjoyment - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By heathbarwsu - April 10 - 10:00 am

  My Grand Prix has been put through some extreme conditions, and still came through a champ. During a 5 mile white out on Christmas Day my Grand Prixs braking was put to the test. Cars were spinning out left and right as I passed by. I always felt in control and 100% confident with my car. During a 90+ degreee day in bumper to bumer traffic for hours heading into Chicago, my car never once cracked above its normal temperature. My car is an absolute joy to drive and the compliments I get (when its clean) are numerous!

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  Still on the fence - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Tbird - April 9 - 5:20 pm

  I bought this car a little over 2 1/2 yrs ago. When I first got it I loved it but since I have had some reservations. The car is hard to manuver in tight spaces. Its almost as if the wheel is locking or it gives the impression that there is no power steering fluid in the vehicle. I have replaced the windshield 2 times and Ive had problems with it starting and no one can seem to tell me why it wouldnt start. Its running great now and I want to believe that every thing will be just fine in 09.

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  Love the VIBE! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By spayurdog - April 7 - 6:20 pm

  Fun to drive, great for hauling! Bought used, have had no problems with it. Will look for another, but very sad they are no longer making. :(

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  Love it!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By HimaDawg - April 7 - 2:00 am

  bought this car about 2 years ago, first car ive ever held over a year. well past the 75,000 mile mark now. I keep it on the highway. it handles well, it hugs curves and corners. i must say you should be an experienced driver to own one of these or else you cant fully appreciate it. great braking even when brakes are needed, and even for a 4-cylinder, great acceleration. ive only been beat by a really souped up cobra w/manual transmission (i have automatic). the body design has made my friends envious, and one of my enemies had the nerve to buy one after seeing mine! he got a 2002 though, which isnt as cool.

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  Fun, fun fun. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By JULIANK - April 6 - 9:40 pm

  Bought this car to match the fun I have with my motorcycle. I use every hand and foot to shift and brake with it and I wanted a car to match that level of involvement. This G6 GTP is a hoot to drive and it goes like a fireball when I put my foot into it. Lots of fun but can get well over 25 mpg when I drive like my wife does.

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  over all - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Roxanne Jordan - April 5 - 1:46 pm

  This has been a very good car. over all repairs were good. In 5 years 1 front strut replaced,Motor for powered windows and fuel pump ( my fault for running on emtpy). Other reviews show that the fog lights have gone out and it has to do with the wire harness mine also has the same problem.I have to get rid of it for it is to close to the ground for getting in and out and it is a very rough ride. Not a car for someone with children.

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  I love this van! - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By VanGuy33 - April 4 - 11:50 am

  As much as I didnt want to get a van, I finally got a Montana. Wow, am I happy I did. Not only is this van extremely versatile, but the fuel mileage is fantastic.