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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  excellent choice - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By lawillmot - August 19 - 2:00 am

  150000 miles mostly higway no major malfunctions. only negative less than 30,000 miles window motor, window/door lock switches. 110,000 miles a.c. compressor. 149,800 transmission began to trigger service engine light. excellent car.

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  Flickering Lights - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By gadget - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Occasionally when we drive at night, the headlights, tailights and interior instrument panel lights will quickly flicker (blink). Weve brought it back to the dealership a couple of times, but they dont know whats causing the flickering. They refuse to check or change the alternator and /or voltage regulator. Very frustrating............

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  Decent but with problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By --Andy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  If you ride your brakes, forget this car. My wife uses this car and has gone through 6 brake changes. With that said, it has been reliable. Good pick-up and loose steering. Not my kind of steering, but wifey loves if. We have gone through 2 drivers side mirrors. They dont seem to like the carwash.

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  A Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ZonlypunkRockguy - August 19 - 2:00 am

  there is no car better I just love this car

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  Pontiac got it right - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By stevek - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Pontiac got this one right. I compared vs. Maxima, BMW, and Acura. The power is there when you need it. Car isnt as flashy as older Pontiacs, can be a sleeper if you want it to be. Handles like a dream, especially when taking off ramps at speeds above the recommended level. Mileage is OK for this size and power. Didnt get the comp G package, but got sunroof (surprisingly quiet). Quality of leather interior not bad for this level of American car. Most of all, it is priced right.

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  Fast Fusion - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fgriff1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have the GTP Comp G in Fusion Orange. Love the power of this engine. The Comp G suspension is tight. XM worthwhile. very happy with Premium audio package. Learther is a big improvementI had a 98 GT, big differance!

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  Solstice - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By roger edwards - August 19 - 1:43 am

  I love my car. I have nothing but fun with it. Ive done some minor changes but nothing major.

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  George review - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Geo - August 18 - 12:23 pm

  Cold --- even in a mild climate, you freeze if the temp gets below 10. Windows frost over at any temp below 40, defrost doesnt help. Why RED dash display?? Weve known since 1970 when watches with red led displays came out... YOU CANT SEE RED LED DISPLAYS IN SUNLIGHT!.... RED DISPLAY IS USELESS IN SUN LIGHT. Seats do not fold out of the way. Front windshield needs to be made thicker, first hit with a peace of flying gravel, good buy window. Headgasket leaks, wheel bearing out at 80000 miles. I would expect this from a CHRYSLER product. And not last or least.... what it the engine thermostat doing imbeeded so far down in the engine it takes 3 hours repair time and a $250.00 bill to replace it?

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  Just get in one, alright? - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By mjpieters - August 18 - 10:00 am

  It is a pity reviewers have been cracking down on the looks. We love the Aztek, and choose it in part for its styling. Azteks strenghts are in its interiour and ride. With Tracking Control, the Aztek will get you out of more bad situations than your average SUV; an inside so spacious people that get into our car get out again to see how the outside holds it all. Edmunds came to the same conclusion. After running with the pack in condemning the Aztek looks, Edmunds turned around and came back on their views with a Follow Up where the reviewer actually sat in the car, and tried it. If you are looking for an all-round car, test the Aztek. I bet you will be sold.

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  Domestic Switch - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By R & R - August 17 - 12:16 pm

  I have been sceptical of American made cars. The last 3 cars my wife and I have owned are a 2002 Acura TL, 2000 Audi A4 and my current car a Infiniti 2003 G35 coupe. This car is fun to drive and the GTP options gave us the features that we are used to at a good price. We were going to trade the TL in for a TSX, but this car loaded and with the good deal we received on the price all I can say is go Pontiac. Lots of interior space and nice looks. With the extended wheel base in handles well and Im used to my G35. Very happy so far... I hope we stay as happy with this vehicle as we are today!