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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  Power to spare - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Steve - November 3 - 6:43 pm

  This a quick car NOT for the teenager too much car for the person that wants to relive the 60s muscle car.

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  We love this car - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Love this car - November 2 - 4:43 pm

  We purchased this car after waiting three months for a Chevy Equinox and we couldnt be happier. We switched from a Saab all wheel drive SUV to a smaller better gas mileage car. The car is very zippy and handles great. Although its size isnt that of an SUV, it does have plenty of room even with a baby. After a full week with this car, we love it. Every Vibe owner we talk to loves their car after 3 or 4 years. This is unusual for any car. We are happy and if you are looking for a decent size car with alot of options for a great price, take a look at a Vibe if you can find one. We couldnt locate many within a 50 mile radius in S. Florida.

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  I love my vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kelly - November 2 - 3:36 pm

  My vibe is an all wheel drive and I love it! I didnt really know why my boyfriend insisted on the all wheel drive until this winter. My car handled better in the ice storm in Ohio than his 60,000 SUV!!

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  THIS IS TRUE DRIVING EXCITEMENT - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SJUhawk2001 - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car from a friend who turned around bought a 2001 because this was her first new car that never had to re-visit the dealership in 4 years of her ownership. The 3800 packs great punch with reasonable fuel economy. The ride is good on smooth roads but a bit choppy on rough roads and/or expansion joints----but nothing jarring or abnormal considering the sports suspension. Build quality is really good----no rattles BUT... the main dash panel cover is made of CHEAP plastic. Overall, dollar for dollar, you cant beat this car! Wish I had a GTP but my funds were limited at the time and I needed a new car bad!!!

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  puts the fun back in driving - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By nick stratso - October 29 - 3:03 pm

  The US auto industry has finally designed and manufactured an automobile that is fun to drive and is affordable. I cut my teeth on TR3Â’s and this has the same feel with reliability. I can slide around corners again.

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  Vacation - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Fred Holt - October 29 - 2:03 am

  We went on a trip from Alabama to Branson, Mo then on to Arizona to the Grand Canyon and then on to Yellowstone Park and back to Ala. The performance overall was great. Had a great time

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  New GTO Rocks! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By DrSBSNYDER - October 29 - 2:00 am

  After a 30 year absence, Pontiacs legendary GTO is back. A trim midsize coupe, this car features the LS1 5.7 litre engine, packing 350 horsepower driving the rear wheels (as a proper sports coupe should). The GTO sports one of the most attractive interiors ever in a GM car.

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  A good Solid Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By twinoklahoma - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We have had this car for nearly 2 years and have had absolutely no problems. We bought it with 30K + and currently have close to 90k+. It still looks, runs and feels new! I owned a Grand AM before this and have gained a new respect and appreciation for Pontiac. This is a Power Sport vehicle that handles wonderfully. I am 65 and always have plenty of room. Just a great Car! If you are thinking of buying this car do it. It is a wonderfully reliable car with style and power!

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  Very Nice Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Justin G. - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The car has been awesome. So far 5,000 miles and not a glitch. Handles great, looks great, great milage, great comfort.

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  Why Grand is in the name - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kansasgijoe - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have put over 8000 miles and this car and had a ball in every one of them. Good all around well designed car. I have owned two Z28s and this out performs them both. If only it had rear wheel drive I would be in heaven.