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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  GTO is an awesome car - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By jeffster - March 11 - 11:56 pm

  I have had this car for 2 weeks now, and I cant wipe the smile off my face every time I sit in the drivers seat. Why more people havent discovered this car I dont know, but better for me because its that much more unique. Has undescribable power from the Corvette LS2 V8, great balanced handling, most comfortable seats in any car I have ever owned, good size back seat (better than a mustang), great interior design. GM finally got this car right for 2006 and now they arent making them anymore. If you are thinking about buying one, just go test drive it. This is your last chance because they stopped making them last month. No wonder this car is an icon in Australia!

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  new till now - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Canuck - March 11 - 8:53 pm

  Had for Sunfires and son totaled the one that was paid off. Needed a car and was glad I stepped up to the G6. After reading many reviews I can agree with most all. Love it and fun to drive; drove across Canada 5 times. As well experienced many of the problems - Electric steering had to be replaced (warranty), brakes need new rotors, or at least turned spring and fall. I do myself so more just a pain. During the winter the inside of the windshield freezes. Oil changes have been regular when told by the info center; about every 7000 miles. No problems driving in heavy snow (Canadian 30 cm - about 12 inches) with OEM tires. Many 4x4s were getting stuck; might be more driving ability.

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  Love my Bonneville! - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By lreed - March 11 - 8:13 pm

  I have loved this car since the day I bought it new in July 2002. It has required no major repairs and still runs smooth after 100,000 miles. Regular oil changes are the best investment youll ever make in your car. I only wish Pontiac still made them so I could buy another. Guess Ill have to settle for a G6.

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  OK Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wingman - March 11 - 2:43 pm

  Roomy for a smaller car. Has some nice amenities - lots of nice storage areas, regular electrical outlet, fold-flat front passenger seat. Has needed more repairs than Id like. Has had on-going issues with the computer system and sensors going bad. Had to replace the wheel bearings early on. AC is now going bad. Transmission leaves much to be desired - does not perform well at highway speeds. This car works for 2 kids, but 3 car seats will not fit in the back.

• 

  Good Looks, Weak Performer - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JEN - March 10 - 7:00 am

  30,500 miles, on the third ISS {intermediate steering shaft}, original tires were awful, on third battery. I let car dealer install new tires so they would be responsible for entire process..of providing a shake/vibration free experience thru all speed ranges.. Have owned 43 cars in long life, and the 75,76, and 77 Grand Prix SJs w/big block engines were the best. Had 1 of each yr and each one accumulated 90k miles..took a beating and never complained.. Current 2006 is nothing more than a Monte Carlo, rebadged GPGT. Purchased car used, w/4300 miles, Caddy tradein..Bargain-pricing was the only salvation..My other car is a 09 Mustang Bullitt..It is raw and rough, love it.

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  Very Disappointed! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Anonymous - March 10 - 3:46 am

  This car, in my opinion, is very cheaply made. The panoramic sunroof began rattling within a month from buying it. Its been in the garage 5 times to be repaired. GM even replaced the entire module during our last visit. Unfortunately, replacing the window did not help. The rattling and wind noise was so loud that we finally gave up and traded it in. We now have a 2007 Ford Five Hundred and absolutely love it! Weve always been GM fans, but no longer.

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  Awesome car! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By JohnnyGTO - March 10 - 12:03 am

  Ive had my 2005 GTO for almost two months now and added on almost 6000 miles. I have owned two Corvettes, Trans Am WS6, 2002 Camaro SS, and other American Muscle. This car has, by far, been the best of the bunch. The build quality isnt like any other GM car. The car is extremely powerful, but has a lot of weight to tug around. The styling could be a bit more aggressive but its a style you love after being around it and seeing it in person daily. I certainly have plans for it... just need to wait for a Twin Screw for the GTO. =)

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  Disapointment - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By DM - March 9 - 9:20 am

  This is my wifes car and I loathe the day I have to drive it. It handles like a top heavy SUV, the seats have no support and no comfort adjustments, and it has no power to accelerate unless you push it off a cliff (Ive considered it). The Insurance Institue of America provides crash ratings for all vehicles. If the impact is over 40mph on this car expect death and or dismemberment for all passengers.

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  fast and fun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By cdog13junior - March 8 - 5:10 pm

  I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM and I recently bought the base model G6 I have really enjoyed the car since I bought it in late Feb of this year. The handling is so nice, quick and responsive. I have found that just the difference in one year that Pontiac has came out with some really nice innovations like the optional assist a steer. I have no complaints about the car and now have 1700 miles and love the car. Will buy one again anyday

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  Fun while it lasted - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By chrismassey - March 8 - 4:43 pm

  I absolutely LOVED my GT. Having 64k miles, only needed regular maintenance - even in tough AZ heat. Would definitely recommend it. Unfortunately it got totalled last week - will definitely miss it...