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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  2001 Bonneville SSEI - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Matty H - December 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for a little over a year. What a pleasure it is to drive! Plenty of power, comfort and performance. Only downfall is the low profile tires in snowy weather. I currently have 34,000 miles without a signle problem.

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  My first Pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By rbrazil - December 17 - 6:00 am

  I do a lot of stop and go driving and this car keeps me happy zipping from place to place. One annoying thing is the button below the steering column, I bump my knee on it (Im a short legged gal and I like the steering wheel up close). Also, its a long reach back to turn the overhead light on and off. Great space in the back, like the way the window will open separately from the hatch. No OnStar, which would have been nice. The hood prop broke almost immediately. Otherwise its a fun car, great looks, great gas mileage, love the sunroof!

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  my g6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By raehlin - December 15 - 9:50 am

  i love to drive my g6. im constantly having people inquire of what it is. it is fun and sporty and definitely a womans car

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  good little car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By alma - December 13 - 9:30 am

  i have 3400 miles on my vibe no trouble at all for the money i couldnt beat it over 30 mpg every tank

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  Awesome! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Michelle - December 12 - 10:36 am

  What a great Car! Hot, comfortable, fun and compared to other vehicles with similar features, its relatively inexpensive.

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  I love this car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Josi - December 12 - 6:36 am

  Its a beautiful machine. I use it mostly on the interstate for long distances and get a comfortable 32 mpg around 75 mph. I love it, I would suggest it to anyone!

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  Best car so far I have ever owned - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Kim - December 11 - 6:20 pm

  1997 Pontiac grand am is the first brand new car I have ever owned. I loved it and really miss it just had to get rid of it couple months ago. Only minor repairs, alternator. This car was bought for me but was a company car and at one time had to be used as a service vehicle to get to service calls. My brother drove it probably about a year and believe me my brother is absolutely hell on vehicles but this car really really held up. Like I said before best car I have ever owned.

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  Really impressive! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By MJ - December 10 - 2:50 pm

  I have a loaded auto GTP with panoramic roof. 1st lets talk styling. The GTP exterior and interior are sharp! The dual exhaust & 18" wheels give the car a very diff look than its little brothers (a regular G6). The 2-tone leather seats and aluminum look trim look great. Seats are contoured, comfortable & supportive, but not as thick as European cars. Overall, very attractive and comfortable. 3.9L V6 is powerful and the car has good torque. Power off the line is good, but passing power at highway speeds even better. All this is a very quiet cage. GM has really reduced outside/road noise. Good steering. (only on GTP). Great brakes. Suspension not quite up to par of foriegn cars.

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  Foreign Engineering or Clone? - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By MgmFlyer - December 9 - 7:10 pm

  Is the G6 a foreign clone? GM did this one right! Power, comfort, quality control and affordability rolled up in a single vehicle. My G6 consistently exceeds the 32 mpg highway mileage on interstate trips. Lots of interior space and comfort for a vehicle that stickers for under $24K with all the appointments (sunroof, xm, and a V-6).

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  The right Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve LaCasse - December 8 - 3:20 pm

  Pontiac has his the right Vibe with this sports wagon. The Vibe interior is very comfortable around town or on long trips, there is plenty of interior room for all 4 passengers. Great fuel economy and a very peppy, yet loud engine that hopefully will be refined by the time I buy my next Vibe. The folding back seats allow for great cargo storage. This vehicle is a little of everything one needs in a small SUV/Sports wagon, its so fun to own and drive everyday, great job Pontiac.