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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  My Bonnie - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Cecilio A. Perez - November 4 - 4:10 pm

  I was looking for a used car that was comfortable and reliable. Ive got it. Responsive, comfortable, nice looking. I want to soup up the performance a little bit by adding aftermarket items like a high performance air filter and a better exhaust.

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  Love my G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kathy - November 4 - 11:40 am

  Ive had my G6 Coupe for about 4 months now and Im very happy with it. Good mileage out on the highway without compromising performance. A nice ride although a bit low to the ground. Ive had lots of positive comments and Id lease another G6 anytime.

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  The Fantastic G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By alanhfrank - November 3 - 5:13 pm

  When I purchased my 06 Pontiac G6 with the Ecotec 2.4L, I thought I was settling for something less than I was use to. This is far from the case. I have found the 2.4 to quick off the line, and easily gets out of its own way on the highway. I do miss not having ABS or traction....my error when buying the G6. I love the handling, but found the stock tires to be too weak on the curves. Replaced them with Goodyear Assurance (Eagle- Like)....which handle the curves perfectly, and matches the great G6 suspension. Only criticism is the interior switchgear could be higher quality. Very happy with my decision.

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Djpeter - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I previously drove a 2002 GTP and this car is the most improved redesigned car I have driven to date.Transmission is excellent love the way it downshifts instantly. Gas Mileage is not quite as good as my 02 was but I still only have 4,000 miles on it and expect it to improve. Great job Pontiac

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  We LOVE It! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JenniferE021 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I dont normally do this, but I just had to tell everyone that this car is a dream! We originally went into the dealer ship looking for a pickup truck for my husband, and walked out with this beauty after bringing it home and test driving it for a couple of days. I was surprised my husband wanted the car, he swore up and down he would never buy a car, only trucks. So much for that! BMW, LEXUS, MERCEDES, watch out for the new Grand Prix! You will LOVE IT! If you live in Nashville and are thinking about buying a new car please contact me at JenniferE021@aol.com I will tell you about a great dealership in the area that we went through.

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  Got it right - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Therese Davis - November 2 - 4:06 pm

  Great car handles great, good power, great design, interior comfortable, transmission shift with precision, easy entry

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  I Think Im in Love - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jessica - November 2 - 10:10 am

  It is awesome!! It is so fun and cute! At first I wasnt too crazy about the looks of it. But, we test drove and looked at everything. This was just more practical! I love furniture and this car is just as roomy as a little truck when it comes to hauling stuff home. I am 53 and it fits me to a tee, my hubby is 61 and he Loves it! Gas mileage is great now that is is $4 a gallon. It is fun to drive and roomy, the back seat can comfortably seat 2 adults. I love this car, I call it my little go-cart, the motor is a little loud and the steering wheel gives it the sporty feel, it is so fun!

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  2008 Pontiac Torrent - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Barb - October 31 - 1:43 pm

  I traded up from a Vibe with 90,000 miles. That little car cost me almost nothing. I miss the Change holder, fuel door lock, always on headlights, and most of all the cover for the storage area. This is especially important for me since I am on the road a lot and my car is in a Motel Parking lot overnight. The car is only 48 hours old and already has 600 miles on it. I hope it is as reliable as the Vibe. It is a solid car, drives well, and maybe someday I will figure out how to program the radio.

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  Beware San Francisco drivers - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By SanFranciscoBadVibe - October 31 - 6:30 am

  I will try to differentiate between my major criticism of the car and my other opinions. I drive almost exclusively in SF and was looking for much more economical city car. Although advertised as 29 MPG/city I am lucky to get 18. I would like to get feedback from other SF residents what they are getting. Otherwise this is a pretty great car. The hatchback versatility plus remote keyless entry, sunroof, comfortable seating position are great. This is a fun, attractive vehicle that suprisingly has been easy for me parking on the street. There is enough horsepower to handle the hills too. BTW, I have an automatic but you can only pick manual on this site. I also recommend using Costco to buy.

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  My 3rd Pontiac - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By edyhskl - October 31 - 4:33 am

  Had 00 Bonneville se,02ssei & now Grand prix GT. The Bonnie was getting pricey so I got a GP with leather, heated seats, sun roof & optional aluminum wheels. Love the car, sporty handling in turns and still comfy on the hwy and am getting far better mpg than ssei. Got about $5000 off list with GM incentives. Was looking at Camrys and they were stripped down at this price. Im also a big fan of the 3.8v6... even with the pushrods.