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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  Love my Sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Emily - March 27 - 2:56 pm

  I love my Sunfire! I think that it is so much cooler looking than the Honda Civics that the rest of the college kids are driving around my home. The only complaint I have is that there is too much lumbar in the seats and they cannot be adjusted! When I have to take it from TN to MI my back is killing me by the time we get there. But, it still does the trip like a charm. I only have to fill it up twice for the 10 hour drive. I also wish that it was offered with a V6 engine.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By WL Diamond - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aztec. You wont be disappointed if you get one. I have owned quite a few cars, and this has been the best!

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  Awesome Vehicle, Bring it back! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jdkan1 - March 25 - 3:50 pm

  Well, about one month after we purchased the car, it had a recall on a steering linkage. Since then (it now has over 100,000 miles on it) it is going strong. Good mileage (20 in town 29 on the road). Bullet proof 3800 Series II engine. Only the normal wear and replace things such as tires and brakes. We just did the first tune up and are getting ready to replace shocks, struts, coolant flush and refill, new surpentine belt and transmission service, hope for another 100,000 out of it! One of the best cars weve ever owned for durability and comfort.

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  So good I bought it twice! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Breeze - March 25 - 3:03 am

  I bought my 1st Vibe in 2003. I loved it. I am a park ranger but grew up in the city, this car was the best of both! It has nice style for the city yet it was perfect when I moved to Yellowstone. The back has ample space to fit all sorts of gear and the roof rack adds extra space. Front pass. seat flips down so when I bought 10 foot 2X4s they fit perfectly. Even if they had been longer I would not worry cause back window pops open! While traveling X country I recharged by AA batt. using the 2 prong outlet in dashboard. After hiking I throw my dirty boots in the trunk & never worry about a mess cause it is durable plastic. Never had a prob. In June I got 2008, gave 2003 to mom- she loves it

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sheri - March 25 - 1:33 am

  Ive had My PS going on 2 yrs this Sept. and just recently had any type of "Major Repair" (front brakes) otherwise very reliable vehicle and would definitely consider purchasing another within the next year or two.

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  Excitement back at Pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By White Lighting - March 24 - 10:46 pm

  This car is fast, really fast. There isnt another car in this price range that even comes close to the fun, the speed, the features and the comfort. You just cant buy a big, 5 adult fitting car that can do the quarter mile under 14 seconds and reach 60 mph in under 6 seconds for anything close to $30,000. Not only is it great in a straight line, but it corners great as well. It has a huge trunk, and the stereo is as loud and as clear as any factory stereo Ive ever heard. Yeah, the fuel mileage isnt great, but it exactly what I expected and gets the fuel mileage that is advertised.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sporkdude - March 24 - 9:26 pm

  Fantastic car. Extremely powerful and handles very well. I didnt like where some of the controls were, like the cruise control and the window/locks being on the center console. I expected a bit better out of the sounds system, my G6 in my opinion had a much better sound and much deeper, more powerful bass.

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  A POSITIVE REVIEW - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By cordle - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this automobile because it was the only one offered in the price range that I could afford. After owning and driving this auto for the past year, I am so glad that it was the one I bought. I have driven it on the highway and in town and could not be more comfortable now feel more safe than in the Aztec. It is not the most beautiful design but everyone knows where I am in this town! I needed an auto that was easy to get in and out of and this has been ideal. I hope that more people will look for quality and not beauty and try this auto.

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  Montana is a great minivan! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Andrea Obert - March 21 - 10:00 am

  We went on a 4 hour trip with our 3 children and everyone was comfortable and had their own space. I love all of the features available on my Montana including the XM Satelite radio. I think it is unique looking...it has a more sporty flair than all of the other vans on the market.

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  Bonneville is a 10 - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bendover - March 21 - 10:00 am

  my second one and as good as the first. I still drive my 1994 also.