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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  happy to have it - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sales rep - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I travel a lot by car and have used this car heavily! It has never needed any work other than normal maintenance. The ride is very good, I average 28-29 mpg. Good kick when you need it, handles great. Plenty of room to haul kids and nice big trunk. Everyone who sees what I drive comments "I used to have a Bonneville, never shouldve sold it..." I dont think I can part with mine either.

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  Best GM car ever - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Bryan - August 21 - 8:40 am

  ive owned a lot of cars from GM, this has to be the best one yet, i owned a 05 pontiac bonneville GXP that was alright, at best, this cars handleing is great, the steering is perfect, suspension is perfect in cornering and just relaxing on the highway, brakes are great, great design inside and out, feels well built, the power from the V8 is endless, would like a little more of a louder exhaust note, and the window switches should be on the doors, but those small things dont really wreck a absolutly great car

• 

  What a blast to drive - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By John - August 21 - 2:40 am

  Bought our new Vibe GT about 3 weeks ago. So far, my wife and I like it better every time we drive it. Solid built, corners great. We are both in our 50s and just love the 6-speed stick and high reving 4 cylinder engine. Taking a trip next weekend. Cant wait.

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  my car - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Rose Leon - August 19 - 10:00 am

  this car has been great ,people stop me to say how pretty my car is

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  Love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kim - August 18 - 4:53 am

  I purchased my 2003 new in 2004. I leased a 2000 and loved it, but didnt like the look of the 04s, so went out of state to buy it. Totally love the car, driving is never boring, and the acceleration is fantastic. Some minor repairs: brakes, thermostat, and a few other things, but nothing major. Sometimes I think about buying a new car, but I dont think there is one out there with this quality and this much fun to drive. Still looks great!

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  Love My "Azzy" - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Sonia - August 16 - 6:10 am

  We bought this car because we were ready to start traveling, and 93,000 miles later, it has been the most comfortable car for that, not to mention the decent gas mileage helps to fund our road trips. It has also hauled things from Lowes that people stood in the parking lot smiling because they didnt think it would fit...drop the back seats and it hauls very well.

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  1995 BlackonBlackFormula Convertible - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By steampro - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car for 4500.00. Was beat up but with another 8,000.00 in it. I would match it to any on the market. Reliable and only driven on weekends. Very happy made the purchase.

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  Terrific from GM - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rod72 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I had left GM for many years and it took this car to bring me back singing its praises. It is both beautiful and quick and 30+ MPG is easy to take too. Had a hard time deciding between the Grand Prix and AM and am happy with the choice, because it handles lighter and quicker. GP is softer but still a great car also. Thanks Pontiac.

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  The "Experts" Missed One! - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By George - August 15 - 4:36 pm

  I have owned this car for 14 months, accumulating 12,000 miles with NO mechanical issues and I could not be more pleased. This cars 3.6 liter engine is FAST, its sporty looks get loads of compliments and it averages as much as 27.5 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg overall! The car handles well, has a satisfying but not obtrusive engine note and came fully equipped with leather interior, moonroof,auto climate control, 6 CD changer, power drivers seat and 6 speed auto/manual trans. For all this, I paid under $21,800! Too bad GM killed Pontiac; this car was a sleeper!

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  Awesome! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By DAM - August 15 - 6:50 am

  This is just an all around amazing car. As much power as any ordinary driver would need. The interior is extremely comfortable and there really IS room for 2 adults in the back, though getting back is the difficult part. I gave fuel economy less than 10 simply because I havent been able to reach the numbers advertised (perhaps totally my fault). But you dont buy this car looking for fuel economy. Oh and Boo automatic, Yay 6-speed.