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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  Excellent - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By John - July 17 - 4:53 pm

  This car gives great fuel economy and handles very well. It is fun to drive and I would recommend it to all.

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  Gone But Not Forgotten - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By wvu - July 17 - 11:20 am

  I had driven less than 700 miles on my car when I was rear ended by a tractor trailer at a stop light. The truck skidded for more than 45-50 feet. The car was smashed up to the back seat. There is no trunk left. My car was totaled. The police officer said that the car did its job and that he would recommend getting another. My sons car seat was intact (he wasnt in the car). There was glass all over the back seat. However, the impact stopped at the back seat. I plan on buying one again. Hopefully this one lasts longer than 20 days.

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  Great Car - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Race Horse Drive - July 17 - 6:53 am

  I have driven the 2009 G8 GT for a week now. It is a great handling car with unbelievable power.The gas mileage seems reasonable considering the horsepower. I have not had a car that I have enjoyed driving this much since I owned a late sixties GTO. Pontiac really got this one right.

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  I love my Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By yurokNDNdoll - July 17 - 1:16 am

  It is fast and sporty It takes corners well and picks up speed without any hesitation. Its the best car I ever owned besides my 1983 Sunbird. I have had no problems.

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  What ive looked for In a Van - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By ZipperZ - July 16 - 7:53 am

  I purchased this minivan in Feb of 2005 I already owned a Montana minivan but I saw this and just fell in love with it. Its every thing I had been looking for. The SUV look with the room of the van. If one word could describe how I feel about my Montana would be WOW!

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  Better than I imagined - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By pmack - July 16 - 1:23 am

  Okay, maybe I was expecting to be somewhat disappointed when I bought this car, well let me tell you, I am still somewhat shocked that it has surpassed my expectations in every way. First off, after 18 months of ownership, its style and looks still turn heads just about anywhere you go. So dont expect to get lost in traffic. Secondly, its ease of handling and control, especially on winding roads, makes you want to drive instead of it being a chore. Knowing the only available engine (4 cyl.)I knew its limitations.All in all, for the price I could not have done better. Sadly, with 3 kids (17-22yrs.), and my wife who feels much younger when she drives it, I must wait my turn. I need 3 more!

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  Nice Ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Two Dice - July 15 - 12:03 pm

  What a fun car to drive. If youre going to use the Solstice as an every day car, think twice. If its for weekends only, go for it!! Great to hit the open road with the top down and music up. If you dont like attention, dont buy it. Turns heads everywhere you go!! Ive always wanted a two seater and this is my first. Im glad I waited!!

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  Love It - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Siochain - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Little hard for short people to get out of the car but easy for kids to get in on their own. Lots of room for a car. Sound system is nice too. Love the 90- degree opening rear doors.

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  Quirky, but a great vehicle - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By randtauwers - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Some people dont like the styling, but we love it even though it is a little quirky. Styling aside, this is a great vehicle. It is practical, comfortable, lots of room to haul stuff around. The mileage is better than most any other SUV. We have the bright Aztek yellow and it is great because you can easily find it in the parking lot. It easily tows our 19 foot I/O boat with no trouble at all.

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  Great For a Minivan - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Camaroz - July 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this van with 22k on it, the dealership used it as there courtesy vehicle. No problems with anything. For a minivan its sporty, handles well, easy with kids. The seating is a nice touch. The middle row buckets are great. The power is good for a mini-van. With a price 1000s less then a Toyota or Honda, it was an easy choice.