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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  Just LOOKING at it makes me smile! - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By MichaelB - December 5 - 10:23 pm

  What a fun car! Even when youre not driving it you can just look at it and get a good chuckle! Surprisingly good seat comfort (thats vital to me). Great gas mileage. Performs just fine on the freeway, but theres a little road noise at freeway speeds.

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  I will never let it go - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By PBMGTOM6 - December 4 - 4:50 am

  As the title reads, this vehicle will be with me as long as it runs. Sleeper look with raw power. I get pure respect everywhere I go from people who know what this car is. The ones who dont know and test me, soon find out as they fade in my rear view mirror. The interior is amazing, best in its class. Its rare to find a performance vehicle with a nice interior. Very comfy seats with a high quality look and feel. The GTO is a sheer thrill to drive. Beware: If you drive one, you will buy one! Very rare car and hardly see any driving around. Get one while you still can!

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  Fun & Fast - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Carlos - December 2 - 6:03 pm

  I love to drive this vehicle. It has plenty of torque at any speed. Some people complain about the look, but I love it. I test drove the Dodge Charger, the Toyota Avalon, and the BMW 645. The Avalons acceleration compared to the GTO is like comparing a bycicle to a motorcycle. The Avalon feels sluggish. The BMW has excellent handling, better than the GTO, but performance-wise it is not a stand- out. The Charger is pretty quick and has more room, but it is not nearly as much fun to drive as the GTO (or as quick). Bottom line: I love my GTO.

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  So much car, so few back roads - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By candaceo - December 2 - 8:43 am

  I looked at the 08s in May but so glad I waited to get a Pacific Slate 09. This car is the perfect balance between performance and price and brings back all the passion and enthusiasm for driving that the recent choices between fuel economy or expensive luxury have deprived us of. Driving is fun, fast and effortless and I honestly dont care about no nav since getting there in this car is all the fun.

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  Great Car; Nice ride - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brandee Benson - December 1 - 10:56 pm

  This is an overall great vehicle to own. I have been happy with mine for the 4+ years that I have owned it. I bought it new and have taken good care with maintenance, etc. I get about 30 miles/gal. Things to look for: leak in through vent under the hood by windshield. The gasket just needs to be placed better (cost $25 to fix). It needed new computer part for the heater mechanism at about 40000 miles. Needed to replace wiper motor at about 50000 miles, needed new ABS sensors around 70000 miles. Other than that it has been regular maintenance. If you are looking for a good looking car, good gas mileage, great get-up-and-go, and some roomy interior, this car is for you!

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  OK DESIGN BUT KO PERFORMANCE - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Mike - December 1 - 7:36 am

  When I first test drove the God-like car in the GTO, I fell in love with it. I first looked at whats under the hood..and boy it was beautiful. The engine itself was proably the size of the Goats trunk..Once I test drove the car, I realized that the pickup was incrediblely fast. The steering was responsive and tight.. However going over bumps knocked the car around a little bit. but how can I complain with 400 horses and 385 torque at a resonable price? I feel like a king driving around in the GTO. Most peoplem have never seen one which is a good thing, its not like a WRX STI or Z. And for those who do. They understand what its capable of. For those who dont, well theyre in for a big suprise

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  Too new to know - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By wahikan - November 30 - 10:33 am

  I just got the GTO, after 3 Bonnevilles, the last was an SSEi. My GTO is smaller and has a few less gadgets, which I actually like having less of. This is my first true muscle car and my first new car. Its going to be interesting to see if a stick shift will become a pain, but for now its fun. By owning the BonniÂ’s I suspect bakes will become an issue but Ill offer a follow-up once I drive this puppy a little more. I plan to never ever sell this car. Im hoping that because of the short life this latest genration of GTO will prove a good investment in 30 or so years...

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  Love it - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By E - November 30 - 9:20 am

  I had 3 grand ams in the past and this car is a huge improvement. It has more power better handling and is just fun to drive. Plus, you dont have to get the top of the line stereo to get a great sound system.

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  Incredible and underappreciated - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Charlie - November 28 - 7:00 pm

  Owning this vehicle has been a true joy. Its spacious interior has been very convenient, and folding middle seats function better then any other vehicle in its class for my needs. Its got the spacious function of a mini-van, without having the larger size. I also used the Aztek tent combo with it, and whilst I was moderately unimpressed by the tents ability to keep water out, I really loved the mattress and how perfectly it fit into the back. I took this vehicle on a 3500 mile road trip without a single problem. Love the way it feels to drive - very comfortable. It has good pickup, and sufficient torque for its class. A great experience owning it.

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  Love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By striker300 - November 28 - 6:16 pm

  My parents bought this car new and when they passed, I kept it as I love this car. Very comfortable interior and heads up display is great! Drive is fun and have had no major issues since day 1.