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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  great looking car, not so great quality - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Disappointed buyer - January 11 - 11:40 pm

  Purchased my Pontiact G6 new. Loved the look but disappointed in workmanship. Was back at dealer during the 3 year warrenty period many times. 4 Paneled sunroof took several trips to dealer to fix major rattle. Kept the car a week. 3 years later roof rattles again. Check engine light comes on about every 6 months. Changed sensors several times.Plastic parts on doors, windows constently rattle. Stereo speakers needed replacement. Biggest problem is with steering on cold days. Recall work done has not solved it. Love the car but Pontiac needs to get their act together and stand behind their workmanship! I might have to buy Japanese cars next time if they dont get their act together!

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  Cant ask for much more - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Chad - January 11 - 5:46 pm

  People often complain about the Aztek because of the appearance, but as soon as they get in and go for a ride, they love it. There is plenty of room for 5 guys, and it is very comfortable for long trips. I get over 20 MPG going back and forth to work every day and over 25 on the highway. It also has enough power to stay over the speed limit driving through the Rockies or pulling two snowmobiles on normal roads. With AWD, I can drive through snow deeper than the front bumper. Only problem was a sticky latch on the rear hatch, but my dealer promptly fixed that.

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  I like IT - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Fred - January 11 - 12:33 pm

  With over 117 models to choose from these days I went through several before making a decision and I can say this was and is a good decision. The car has great performance, handling and ride. Considering I examined cars from 18 to 36K this has everything a normal person could want at a great price. The last time I owned a pontiac was in 1990 and after that never considered them again until this came along the G6 coupe came along. All I can say is its about time!

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  Gaskets gone bad - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By david - January 11 - 8:26 am

  Head Gasket as well as just about every other gasket Blew at 36K miles--- To find out this is a VERY common problem with this engine. Costs a lot to fix! The car is OK but the reliability has a lot to be desired. I’m getting out of this lease before something else happens. Time to buy a Honda!

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  My Grand Prix GTP Experience - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By R. McCoy - January 11 - 4:33 am

  I have had my Grand Prix GTP for almost three years now, and have found it to be a comfortable, fast, fun to drive car that can get 25 mpg on the highway. I have never had any problems with it, and since I drive a lot at night, a car that is dependable is a must.

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  Sporty car, reliable - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Matt - January 10 - 5:10 am

  Bought this car after the piece of junk 94 Ford Taurus. Ive had it for a year now and the only problem I had with it is battery connectors corroding and not wanting to start. Other than that no problems. Would suggest anyone condsidering buying this car to do it.

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  My favorite car. - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By semperfigirl - January 9 - 5:29 am

  I got a 2006 Grand Prix as my very first car, it was used.From the moment I started to drive the car I loved it. I never had any problems with it, as I did keep up with care on it. Nothing out of the ordinary happened with it, it was always a great car, specially the night it saved my life, and 3 other peoples. That night the tires slid on ice. We slid straight into a guard rail on the drivers side in the middle between the doors. Then flipped over the guard rail and flipped twice. The car took the impact like a champ, and saved our lives all 4 of us walked away. The car did its job & protected me and my passengers. This car was nothing but great.

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  Well designed, well made, great mileage - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rod in Portland, OR - January 9 - 12:43 am

  It took two months, but I researched and drove every car in this class. Selected base-model because it is best all-around fit for me. Toyota Matrix was second (identical mechanicals. Vibe is exported to Japan as a Toyota.) Car had to be less than 175 inches long because of short garage. Vibe is 171. Very practical, fun, versatile car. Very easy to drive. Ive used it on trips to Seattle and the Oregon Coast, around town, and for hauling stuff including 8-ft 2X6s. I keep meticulous expense records. 32.6 overall mpg to date (city/highway). Best ever was 39.3 freeway mpg @ approx. 75 mph with air conditioning on. Glad to have automatic driving lights in this rainy climate.

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  home run - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By 98clru - January 8 - 6:56 pm

  now have 38k on it, great gas milage, comfortable, versatile, economical, reliable, cute. After nearly 2 years and 38k mile, only issue is the storage compartment under transmission shifter, a little duct tape on pivot point tightened it up, now no worries! NO TRIPS to dealer for repairs/adjustments.

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  My l997 Pontiac Grand AM SE V6 IS A 10 - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pamela Brandt - January 8 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my 1997 Pontiac Grand Am SE brand new from the dealer. It has been a wonderful and reliable vehicle. This V6 3.1 liter engine vehicle never breaks down, body style is sharp, made very well. It drives as smooth today as the day that I drove it out of the showroom.