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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  Stryker Blue Streak - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Stryker Bluestreak - July 12 - 10:06 pm

  I just bought a 2009 G8 GT, Stryker blue. The color was chosen by my wife, I wanted Panther black but I am getting used to it! The car rides very well in comparison to my 2004 GTO. The ride is firm but not as harsh as the GTO. I have not really pushed the G8 yet but I expect great performance. Fit and finish are very good. My wife has received many compliments on the cars appearance. It has sleek and muscular lines. Difficult to combine but the G8 has them. I looked at the new CTS but the G8 offered a V8, Cadillac didnt, plus, at a lower price point ($10K). I looked at several imports, but I have bought American for over 25 years. Congratulations to GM for importing this fine car.

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  Good Value, but few things missing - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jim - July 12 - 6:03 pm

  Just bought my new G6 with the 1-SV package. The price was GOOD (under $15K) and its fun to drive. I like the gas mileage (30), size (not too big, not too small), look (SHARP), and handling (smooth and responsive). I dont like the drivers seat (too narrow) and the missing features (no cruise control or remote locks). Also the sun visor mirror has plastic covers where the lights should be (looks cheap).

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  Yes it is and NO you cant - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Craig - July 11 - 11:13 am

  Best car Ive had. Awesome throtle response for a V-6. Handles great in the curves. The title of my review is my front license plate. Yes its fast and NO you cant drive it. Its my first but not my last. The only car I have owned that outshined this was my 1972 Chevelle. The only problem is seating in the back... cramped, but not for me. Im Driving.

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  A nice ute - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Russell Pinto - July 9 - 4:40 pm

  A pretty Ute (black). Ride is nice and I think it handles fine. Powertrain is too small, and considering the mileage is realistically 16-18 a bigger motor is in order. Overall I like it.

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  So far, I love this car.... - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By cam - July 9 - 3:43 pm

  Purchased my G6 Coupe brand new. Love it. It has a heavy ride (which I prefer!) The gas mileage is good considering I dont break 35 mph on my 4 mile drive to work. The interior leaves a lot to be desired....way too much plastic. And I wish the seats sat up straighter. They need one more notch to sit up all the way. One other thing....There are too many cup holders in the car too. Id rather have an armrest in the back. LOVE the exterior....especially the back!

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  The Best small SUV the AZTEK - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By CGMOOSE - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car i have ever own, it is fun to drive, I am tottaly in love with it. All the gadgets are great Cargo space is good, sound system is solid and handling is great. Fun to drive, easy to handle.

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  Love my Car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MarieW - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I had to replace my alternator at 58,000 that is the ONLY problem Ive ever had. Bought it brand new and I LOVE it. My next car will be the same!

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  SO MANY PROBLEMS!!!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Gavin - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Im so upset with my 99 base V6 firebird 5spd. Its had so many problems with it that I cannot stand it anymore! Ive had over $5,000 worth of repairs in a little over a year. This is not a sports car at all! People say "they should expect failures because its a sports car" I laugh at them in dispair! A Ferrari is a sports car....do you see multiple things on them breaking every month?!? NO!!!!! I rest my case and am selling my car!

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  Not what I expected from GM - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RSturkie - July 9 - 10:00 am

  I am dissappointed in this car. I have had 3 sets of front brake pads and 2 sets of front rotors on this car and still the brakes make a noise. I just put a new altenator on it a month ago. I found a leak in the intake manifold and took it to a different dealer than I purchased the vehicle from to get better service. The bolts in the intake were not tightened to specs and backed out causing a leak. Also had to send the radio off twice to be repaired because of parts in the radio overheating and failing. I will not buy another vehicle from Ponitac as long as I have the memory of this car in my head.

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  Great Car, but not Perfect - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Grand Am Driver - July 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is a joy to drive everyday. The ram air V6 that I have preforms beyond my expectations for an american car, as does the sporty suspension. In black, my car has earned the nickname of "Batmobile" among most of my friends. The feeling of driving this car on winding country roads can only be paralleled by the likes of small sports cars and expensive import sport sedans. All in all, a bargain at only $22,000.