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! Definately feeling the vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By GaryMan - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing. After my sis accident on the highway with the sluggish Pathfinder, we bought this car and its great. Lots of cargo space and good fuel economy too, what more can you ask for!? Dont expect this car to be gutsy, but it sure is fun to drive.

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  Superb Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By roadwarryr - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Had my 02 for almost a year now, and it is great. Ive hauled heavy loads, and except for up steep hills, it did a decent job. Only real problem has been the HUD...havent taken it in yet, but i think the wire is loose. Great mileage for a lumbering beast. Steering is great, handling too except in high wind. Love all the unique features (cooler, air compressor, etc). GM: tweak it on a lambda platform! Dont kill the car!!!

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  Is that a Pontiac? - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Franko - September 26 - 10:00 am

  That is what I heas all the time when I drive this car.

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  Vibe time - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By CHThom - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and great looks. Lots of head room and leg room for passengers but for a tall driver, the "dead pedal" for the left foot is annoying and forces my foot into an uncomfortable position. Long rides are sometimes a chore because of this arrangement. Lots of cargo space and the rear window opening is fantastic for loading & unloading groceries. All in all, I would buy this vehicle again without hesitation. I just wish that they would get rid of that "dead pedal".......

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  The Best Car YET!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By IBSALY - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe is the best purchase that we have ever made. It is fun to drive, awesome to haul small stuff, and how cool is it that the back seats fold down FLUSH with the trunk to make for easy hauling of larger items. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a well-priced, economical, reliable vehicle that stands out from the rest out there!

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  best little car ive ever owned. i am 80 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By annie the dream - September 26 - 10:00 am

  ive owned many autos in my 80 years but this one has capturedmy heart. enjoy driveing it .the next best thing would be automatic wash and wax.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brady89 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am new to the Pontiac family but so far I am very impressed with my Grand Prix. It is very comfortable, lots of get up and go and great gas mileage. I plan on keeping this car for a while.

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  American Built - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James Maus - September 25 - 7:00 pm

  I drove a G6 and loved the tight body. The GXP is not as tight, but the V8 power is awesome. I disagree with Edmunds because they arent factoring in price and gas mileage. The Charger may be a better car, but its a new model. Grand Prix has been around a few years. Also, the Charger, which is much heavier doesnt get 28 mpg on the highway (GXP does if you use cruise control). Also, I got a loaded GXP for 28000. A similarly equipped Charger would go for 35000, and OnStar isnt even available! In an other 18 months, I am going to get the G6 GXP!!

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pat - September 25 - 1:06 pm

  Overall the most bang for your buck in a mid-size four door. Can not imagine why it only received a 6.9 by the editor. My only 6 was fuel economy.

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  Great Experience - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Buddy04 - September 24 - 8:03 pm

  I have had several Pontiacs, traded down from an 04 Grand Prix. Think it competes well against the Japanese competition. Much better attention to detail and interior than the Grand Prix.The sound system is simply awesome.