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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  The Quiet Storm - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By hypno1dr - September 30 - 5:43 pm

  With cat-like agility and blistering acceleration, I just love my solstice gxp. While driving from San Diego to Las Vegas and staying fairly close to the speed limit (which is difficult) I actually got 33.1 mpg. As far as the manual top, I can pop it down faster than most automatic tops. As far a putting it back up, it takes a little more time, but still, its not that hard and I dont mind. Yes it does have animalistic head turning looks, and yes it gets a lot of attention from the ladies who want to ride with me. Guys if you want a babe-magnet car, with blistering acceleration, and hurricane force winds with top down, this is the beast (i mean car) to have.

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  Very Reliable Car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By TO Torn - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Sunfire 3 years used, and have had no serious problems, even in our cold Canadian winters. I had the rotors turned because of a knob of rust that was making noise but not affecting performance. The interior is slightly under-par, but what can I expect for a cheap car. Also, I find that the ABS and the traction control really helps me keep a tight grip on our icy Canadian roads. If you can find it, I would suggest that you get the four gear, as opposed to the three gear - drives smoother at highway speeds. I would recommend this car for anyone looking for a good economical car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By miami - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is a real joy to drive and I like all the standard features I think the red dash lights are different. Good power for a six. The price with 3,000 rebate was right in my price range

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  Great for the Family - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By RJHarlan - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We made a trip to DC in December and it was a wonderful experience. Our kids were content the entire drive. I loved the amount of options that this vehicle has. The ride and feel of the vehicle was confortable and crisp. The gas mileage was as good as the mileage we got in our 99 Bravada and this is a bigger vehicle. I drove this vehicle all winter and NEVER felt it slip or mishandle. I swapped the tires that came on the vehicle for Goodyear tires. They are fantastic! Ricardo Leamon of Cleveland Heights Motorcars did an outstanding job of finding just the vehicle we wanted. I could not be happier with my Montana.

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  The True Meaning of superiority - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Steven C - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned, Every feature is so perfect that it seems surreal. I have the 3.4 liter RAM AIR V6 and I have not been overtaken by anyone! The ETS comes in handy while leaving the line by eliminating wheel hop. The steering wheel cruise control and stereo buttons provide a lazy mans dreams. The seats give all the support and comfort I need without being too sloppy while maneuvering. This car can turn heads if configured right. I have a ram air hood, chrome wheels, tint and high perf. exhaust along with some other performance mods on mine and everyone says "Wow thatÂ’s one bad car man!" to which I reply, "Thank you!" with a smirk of superiority.

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  Performance & Practicality - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Love my gtp! - September 27 - 3:00 am

  This car is serious your bang for your buck! I was either going to buy an iroc-z camaro or the grand prix gtp. I was so glad that I bought the grand prix. It is features everything that car buyers want. Pedal the metal acceleration, descent gas mileage, easy to maintain, fancy features such as leather heated seats, premium sound, supportive seats and interior, as well as good safety ratings. This car has everything. My car now has 133,000 miles on it and has never let me down. It fits five people easily and comfortably. Leg room should be no problem for anybody, nor head room. Overdrive works great on the highway with its AMAZING passing power. If you come across any grand prix, buy one!

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  Love my bonni - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Wendell - September 26 - 7:06 am

  Purchased new. Had intermediate steering shaft replaced uhder warranty. Clicking returned at 45,000 miles. My local mechanic put oil in hole at top of steering shaft and now is fine and charged me nothing its abouy a 5 min. Job. Had problem with Goodyear 17 in tires. All have been replaced 2 times under tire warranty. Car is fun to drive handling great. Would buy another one if they still made them. Replaced brake rotors and pads. My only expence to date in over 6 yrs of driving this car. Have had no problems with broken nobs or interior plastic. Car still looks new inside and out. Great looks handling and economy. Buy American. This is my 2nd bonni love them

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  pontiac owner and loving it - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By alan henry - September 24 - 2:00 am

  this is the most comfertable car i have owned. i had two grand prix and would never own another. the bonniville is a well built car. for afour door sedan it handles well with out giving up a smooth ride. the v6 is quick considering the size of the car. i would recommend this car to everyone that wants a well handling full size car

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  Fun Car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kegger - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very reliable car. NO problems at all. Not one. It is fun to drive. The convertable top operates smoothly and has never leaked! When the top is up there is no wind noise. You feel as if you are in a hard top. It does have a stiff ride, but I like that in a small sporty car.

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  A good ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B at 45 - September 21 - 5:06 am

  My GT has been trouble free. Original tires wore quicker than I thought they should, but Goodyears I bought holding up good. Ive been very pleased with the gas mileage for this size of car. 17-31 MPG. Alot of remote start in Chicago winter or Phoenix summer and mileage obviously drops. 65 MPH on interstate and 30 MPG. 85-90 MPH on interstate and 25-26 MPG. Over 68500 miles and still on original brakes. Ill need them soon, can feel rotors have a shimmy during hard braking. Like the oil management system, saves oil, have gone 9000 miles on a couple of changes. This is a great highway vehicle. Quiet and quick when its needed. Good in snow when lived in Chicago. Great AC now in Phoenix.