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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  Good overall, just needs less plastic - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Adam Blayton - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car, had 99 Grand Am which was totaled, wanted new pontiac. Love the looks, plenty of power with 3.8l 200hp. After owning a VW, the difference in interior quality is very apparent. Pontiac interior is nice, but needs to lose the plastic feel, nothing wront with plastic, but in moderation!

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  Very Decent Car! - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Romine - May 29 - 8:20 pm

  I bought this car about a year ago and it had about 157,000 miles on it. The lady I bought it from used to drive down gravel a lot and I had to replace a hub and an outer tire rod... security light came on and cause my car to not start for 10 min each time as well as my idol staying at 1200 rpm but fix both problems by pulling out the ignition and cleaning the sensors. Excellent sound system and got 37 mpg believe or not the last road trip I made. Its had its ups and down and have put about $700 into it but only bought it for $1500. Take care of it and it will treat you right... if you dont, it will let you know. Mine now has over 170,000 and still runs like a champ.

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  2005 Pontiac GTO - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Rick - May 29 - 3:46 am

  I ordered the 2005 GTO with all of the features seen on the new 2006 GTO. In addition I ordered the 18 inch factory wheels and tires. The car arrived in July 2005. I is the best handling most powerfull car that I have ever owned. I would strongly suggest that it is the most exciting car that one could purchase for the money. The interior is excellantly styled and comfortable. The seating is satisfactory for four adults.

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  2007 Vibe: a GREAT car! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Commonsense - May 28 - 5:16 am

  I get better than 35 mpg in combined driving, most of it during rush hour. When traffic cooperates, I get better than 38 mpg. This car has lots of cargo space with the back seats folded down. Its made in America, costs less, is at least as reliable (no problems so far), and gets better mileage than the competing imports

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  The most beast for the buck - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TopCop35 - May 26 - 6:33 am

  After my 2003 GTP, there were some big shoes to fill. I do miss the whine of the supercharger lighting up, but the throaty rumble of the exhaust is a nice replacement. The acceleration is smooth and fluent, cornering is a breeze, love the new HUD, and DIC with variable component monitoring. All in all, this car has rocked my socks off and the looks, honks, and thumbs up from other drivers are a sure sign of true appreciation. Shes a beautiful beast that looks sophisticated and menacing at the same time with hidden power galore. This definitely isnt your fathers sports sedan ;)

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  great car, very reliable - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pst - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Here I am at 81,350 miles and all Ive done is change to oil faithfully, and the routine maintenance. It is very reliable and fun to drive. Most of my driving has been on the highway, and this car has power to spare. The trunk has plenty of space for luggage. My only gripe is my rear window refuses to roll down sometimes.

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  Review after 4 years of reliable and fun performance - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 218 - May 24 - 10:17 pm

  I aquired my 2006 Grand Prix(base) in March 2009 and I have to say it is an excellent performer and reliable daily driver. In the time that I have owned my Gp, I have had little to no problems with it. The car can definitely makes a daily drive exciting with its 200hp-230 torque as it has defeated many a foe. It also responds very well to modifications, Ive placed a CAI, ZZP 304 SS headers, downpipe, and catback with Flowmaster Super 44s. It sounds badass to finalize. My friends praise its quickness and superb ride quality on the road, its a bliss to drive daily and a joy when the go-pedal is abused. In short, it is an excellent car and I would reccomend one to all.

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  So far so good - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By lbalb - May 21 - 6:06 am

  I purchased my Pontiac Vibe in 2006. I have yet to have a problem with it. It has been an extremely reliable car. Not one problem to report. It seems that the car gets better gas mileage as it gets older. I am averaging around 31 miles per gallon on highway which is most of my time.

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  2003 Grand Prix GT - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ran Lafferty - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent response frm 3800 engine. Much much better than the 3100 in the 2001 model I traded. Leatherinterior is comfortable and sporty.

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  Lease Is Over And Im Buying It - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Cleveburg - May 20 - 10:00 am

  We had one of the first on the street in 2000 and opted to lease as a safer option that purchasing given the car was the first crossover design. People tell me its ugly but for the money, its been a great value and practical in too many ways to list. The lease is just about up and were thinking about purchasing it given the buy-out price is less than the residual lease value. We did just have some major warranty work - A/C compressor and a head gasket so Im probably going to go with an extended warranty to address the anxiety factor. Besides, if you want unique, you see fewer of these on the road than those new SUV crossovers costing over fifty grand!