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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  Economic Fun - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By DerekS1287 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe is a great cross between a SUV and an economic sport sedan. The four cylinder engine has plenty of power for passing/getting into traffic. Attractive styling and great fit and finish.

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  The critics dont own the cars they rate - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By new pontiac fan - August 30 - 6:40 am

  This a great fun package, and I am one of the few around that owned the original Ford version. MY first car 40 years ago was a rusty old ford retractable hardtop, and I was hooked. Have had other convertibles since and own a nice 1980 corvette now. Have never looked at Pontiac till I saw this convertible and had to have it. 3.5 v6 powerful enough and very smooth. White diamond tri-coat with taupe leather, what a stunning car. I knew there would be no trunk and bought it anyway instead of a mustang convertible. Intend to keep this car for at least 10 years.

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  1999 Pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ataguy - August 29 - 4:36 am

  We were the original owners of this car. Previously owned a Dodge Neon that was rather unrelieable. What a difference with this Pontiac.. Very reliable. We had the oil seals replaced at 100k miles & a electronic sensor replaced at around 80K miles. Other then that there were no major repairs. Solid ride, 28 mpg on the highway. Great performance & quiet ride. Wed buy another one.

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  Love It - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By QOTW - August 26 - 11:53 am

  Love the Torrent, I went from an Olds Bravada 03 luxury SUV to this and have not missed a moment of the other. Drove my dads Z71 over the wkd. and couldnt wait to get my SUV back b/c its quieter and handles the bumps better. Overall the perfect SUV for a growing family with lots of room! Has pep in its step.

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  Best Car I ever owned - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By carguy2549 - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Comfort-unbeatable. Style-like it or dont-I like it. Driving-fantastic. Economy-with 54,500 miles my overall average is 23.9. Love that computer. Ihave the top model but in FWD with traction control. Snow is nothing to me. the heads up display is great. All the other cars are catching on the the style thing. I just dont like rounded corners. OH, as far as the rear wiper goes, you dont need one. The dirt just blows away and window stays clean.

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  I love the Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By michelle C - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had mine since December and although some people still dont like the look of it, once they see the interior and all of its ammenities, they usually change their mind. I personally like the look, and like to be different. I feel very safe in it and have found no other vehicle, that compared to it in price and value. The only thing that could be better is the warrenty. I think it should be like the other competitors and be 5-7 years instead of 3.

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  No Problem - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By hmiwb - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Im very pleased with my Vibe and have had absolutely no problems with it so far (6500 miles). The fuel economy has been excellent, consistently in the low to mid 30s and the comfort and drivability (5 speed) have been great, no squeeks, rattles or things falling off at all. I owned a Toyota/GM mix before as a Geo Prism and had excellent service from it. I believe I will enjoy this car even more and expect that the reliability will be there as well due to the Toyota influence.

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  The best - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By grandprix - August 24 - 10:00 am

  All i have to say it is the best car i have ever drove. It has so much power and rides great.

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  pontiac - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By lisa - August 23 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car with 108,000 miles on it and it has 144,000 on it now and it still runs GREAT...I have had a few brake problems but other than that it has been a great car:)

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  Underrated!!! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Dr. RWK - August 22 - 11:16 am

  No problems here! Cannot understand why this car is not highly rated. Handles well, very quiet, adequate power, smooth ride. No problems in 60,000 miles. Normally would be trading about now, but we will be keeping for a while. Best van we have owned.