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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  Just the facts, Maam - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By wf - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Been an Aztek admirer since inception, but waited for refinements. If you dont need third row seating, more than 3500 lbs tow, traditional SUV badge, ordinary horsepower (much more than sufficient for my needs), and normal ground clearance, this is for you. Throw in decent mpg, great build quality and radio, HVAC, and reclining rear removable seats, and the Azteks perfect. Pet peeves: Rides a little floaty, though I do push it when rounding a corner with good feedback; wish the exterior door handles were like the Vibes. Is owning living up to the wanting? YES!! Overall, a pleasure to own and drive, with decent insurance premiums.

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  fun and functional - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By wayne stanton - July 11 - 1:10 pm

  We have owned our Pontiac Aztek for a month now. After looking at several different models we chose this one due to price and initial impressions, with both room and comfort in mind. This car has proven to be a great choice, it is so quiet inside the cabin, and both very roomy and comfortable. I find its exterior looks to be very appealing, and the ride is both smooth and responsive. I think we have made an excellent choice. I am sorry they wont be making this car anymore after this year though, I do recommend it very strongly.

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  Orphan Car - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By first timer - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I was not going to buy a car for 2 more years but looked at the Solstice and knew that this vehicle was different than all the others, so I bought it after driving it. I have never purchased a car as quickly as this one. I am 6 ft tall and 230 pounds but I fit into it nicely. It handles good, fast and really catches the eye. I have always liked orphaned cars as I have owned many Studebaker. You either love this car or you hate it. That is what I like about it. It brings out an emotion from people. Cars have always had emotion attached to them. They only made about 1266 total 2009 coupes so they are rare from the start.

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  Best bang for your buck - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Q - July 9 - 8:23 am

  I loved my 2006 Grand Prix GXP the second I drove it. I was looking for something with muscle that could still be somewhat sensible. I have had zero problems with the car, and I still love it. I have the mileage up to almost 23,000 already, and Im in the thing constantly. The remote start is fantastic! It even has a sensor that detects the outside temperature..so if you remote-start your car on a hot day, the A/C comes on, start it on a cold day, the heat comes on. All in all, my only complaint was lack of tire selection..however, Goodyear is now manufacturing Eagle F1 All-Seasons in the appropriate sizes and they are killer tires. There are several companies that make tires for it..

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  2006 the original is still the greatest - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By 2006gtobob - July 9 - 5:26 am

  After taking a test drive I was hooked to say the least. and after finding the brazen orange color under the spotlight at a local dealer I had to have one. Less than a week later I am the proud owner of a brazen orange 6- speed that gets great fuel mileage and second looks from those not knowing what had just passed them. Getting on the local interstate is just some of the fun when those 400 plus horses are put to the test, the feel of the engines torque really sets you in your seat just proving the power is there, Pontiac sums it up best We Build Excitement (oh just to mention 23 mpg highway/18 around town occasional flogging is my est mpg) having fun

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  Amazing! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Kyle D Kelly - July 9 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this car because it was the right price. I bought it stock, empty, and it came with cruise and all power and everything. I love the car it handles real well. The rims are great stock, not cheap. I drove a Miata and miss the convertible but I am getting an installed moonroof. It is a great car to drive and I can fill up for $35 and get 300 miles. It is a looker and I love attention. If you dont like attention, dont get yellow. I test drove many, and the stick GT is the way to go, great buy.

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  Great Sports Car - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By pilot601 - July 8 - 4:23 am

  After selling my convertible Corvette two years ago I started looking for something to take its place. I found a 2008 Solstice that is white with a black top just like the Corvette was. The Solstice is actually more fun to own and drive. Its sporty, quick and just a fun little car to own. The Solstice has awesome lines and performs like sports cars three times its price.

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  A great small SUV! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By gm4life - July 7 - 6:40 am

  I have been looking for a small SUV since 2005. I have looked on and off but in 2006 when I saw the Torrent I knew I had to have one. I test drove the Rav and CRV and the Torrent left the best impression on me. It had the feel of a sporty Pontiac. The Torrent has decent giddy-up not as much as my 2005 Bonneville SLE but still enough. The back-seat slides forward and back to adjust for cargo room or leg room. I have been very happy with its balance of function and performance. In a crowded segment the Torrent stands out, and frankly there is not a better small SUV out there for the money. I am enjoying this little thing a lot and it is perfect for a family the likes to travel.

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  FUN (LITTLE) CAR - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By james c - July 6 - 10:06 am

  Accelerates / Handles nicely - only beef - wish it rode a little bit more quietly. Has more styling / options available than the Toyota Matrix ... even though they are considered sister vehicles.

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  Everyone should drive this fun car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joan - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my Vibe it has great gas mileage. Its sporty but affordable. I got the fusion color and I love it. The dash is great at night. Very roomy inside. I went from a Suburban to the Vibe and didnt know if I would like being small but I havent noticed it at all Its so much fun to drive.