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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  Head Turner - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Fullthrottle - July 29 - 5:06 am

  An exceptional vehicle. Beautiful design(best GM has put together in a while)and always gets the looks. Simple with clean lines. Has that classic roadster feel. The car has plenty of pick up and power, always wants to go. (oh that turbo) So easy to spin those tires. Has pretty solid handling. Storage could be an issue for some. Interior is like a cockpit. Clean in design. Cup holder placing is in an odd spot(I dont use the 2 on the back wall. Stereo has great sound, love the mp3 adapter. Seats on the GXP are great, road trips have been really comfortable(Pack light).

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  The good and the bad - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Melissa - July 29 - 12:26 am

  My parents bought this car and they love it once it was given to me about a year and a 1/2 after they bought it the water pump started to leak fluids. When it leaks it makse a shrilly squeak! Ive replaced the battery twice since ive had it! Fuel economy isnt bad. It takes about 35 dollars to fill up and it last about a week or so! The display died on the stereo but the sound is great! The fuse box is hard to open and oil filter leaks when new! Motorized drivers seat broke a year ago and the passenger no longer straightens or lays back

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kentman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this new with every possible option minus the CD changer. It is a low miles car (6K per year). The only problems have been window motor (couple times) and poorly operating seat heater. It does have a rattle in the dash. Engine performance and handling is great. I do wish that I got the supercharger in hindsight. Interior capacity is very spacious, and there are no complaints here. I would definitely buy from Pontiac again. With all of the creature comforts, engine power, exterior styling, good reliability, and relatively low price, you cannot beat this car.

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  fun to drive and very peppy - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jelloman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive and very peppy

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  Must Purchase! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By BusinessOwner - July 28 - 7:36 am

  This vehicle is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I have nearly 170k miles on it and have never done a single thing to it, besides oil changes and tires. When I hear about peoples vehicles breaking down it shocks me because everything works on this Aztek and it is truly flawless! I have heard many wonderful things about them before purchasing but owning and drive makes me a believer! My next vehicle will be a low mileage Aztek (if I can find one)... And the styling is still sharp for its age! I love my Aztek TCH

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  Love the SV6! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Shell0995 - July 27 - 7:36 am

  I had did comparisons between the Uplander and SV6. Found the SV6 to be a better deal. We purchased a 2005 in 2/06, so it was one of the last of the previous year to be sold off the lot. Had pretty much all options on it, which is great. The standard DVD system is great for our 2 yr old.

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  You get so much for your buck - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By 2kwik - July 26 - 4:26 pm

  How do I love thee, let me count the ways. Last week I purchased a used 2007 Pontiac G6. Shes a beautiful black sedan with chrome wheels that has bought me nothing but smiles. The car is sharper than a bag of thumbtacks, flies down the highway like a rocket ship, sips gasoline and handles like it is on rails. I receive at least one comment daily about the styling alone! This car is miles ahead of its competition in terms of what it offers for the money. The four cylinder is quite capable of getting you where you need to go without too much waiting. Usually when there is a four cylinder and a six offered in a car, the former crowd complains.Here both crowds sit back in their with evil grins!

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  Alright - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By spurge27 - July 26 - 1:48 am

  Ive had mine for almost 11 months and the only thing needed replaced was the fuel pump which as Ive read is one thing that normally goes. Ive yet to change my brakes or anything like that so maybe its just my car. I did have to keep dumping anti-freeze into my car but checked and found it was just a hose that went bad which I just ficed with liquid aluminum. Other then that this car drives smooth, gets good gas mileage (18-19 cty, 26-27 hwy), fast, good looking, and will get you where you need to go. I got mine with 98,000 miles on it and it is at 120,000 now with only that one problem. Would I recommend this car, no. Would I say that its a decent car, yes!

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  2002 SSEI - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Gene - July 24 - 10:46 am

  The car has been a delight to own and drive. The 3800 Series engine is all as advertised and more. I get 25 +/- MPG on the highway and 18 +/- in town. Handling is excellent and response is as well. I do have a few complaints ... a persistent leak on the rear spoiler allows water to store in the trunk lid and you get wet when you open the trunk after a heavy rain. The brake pads needed to be replaced after only 24,000 miles and again at 50,000. The tires - Goodyear Eagle RSAs are the original tires ... outstanding. Had to replace a rear window motor and heated seat element failed. All the problems have been annoying and should NOT have happened to a top of the line car. Overall a great car

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  Typical GM product - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tina Burke - July 23 - 12:56 pm

  I owned a 1979 Grand prix and it was an awesome car...They should build them like they used to. I switched to chevrolet after bad experiences with other GM vehicles (firebirds)and after I totaled (not my fault) my camaro I decided I wanted a larger safer car so I bought my 2002 Grand Prix SE.. It is a good riding car but uncomfortable to ride in. The seats should be softer and should hug your body more. I was just hit with an unexpected but obvious problem with the Grand Prix. The bearings went out on my front driver side at 68,000 miles and cost me over $500 to repair. From what I was told by several repair shops this is a COMMON problem with these cars. Seems GM has some work to do!!!!