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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  Loved Until Recently - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By randy394 - December 22 - 11:57 am

  Bought my ’08 Torrent GXP in 2011 and, up until recently, I have loved it. However, I’ve now had the power steering hose break three times and I’m growing tired of repeatedly fixing it. My battery also died at only 44,000 miles and the all-wheel drive regularly goes out when the temperature dips below zero, which is the type of weather when you mostly need AWD. I love the comfort, look, features, and how the Torrent drives, but I’m now looking at a new car as I’m sick of these mounting piddly issues. I never once had my ’04 Malibu 2LT in the shop beyond oil changes in the 7 years, 80K+ miles I owned it.

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  1 Tough Bird - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By WhiteQknight - December 22 - 10:00 am

  well, to start this out, this is the 3rd firebird i have owned. the 1st was a 85 se w/ a 305 4bbl. the next ( a mutt) a 93 w/ a 3.4l (what were they thinking? ) and this one, a 2k w/ a LS1 5.7L monster with a 6 speed and the ws6 package to keep it on the road. to make this story short, buy one even if you cant afford it. i havent owned it very long yet, but its just like i just turned 16 again. you cant drive it enough, and if the road is curvey, its even better.

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  dont make the same mistake - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Meagan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Uncomfortable seats. Plus my son is only five and his knees hit my back when he sits behind driver seat. We have had lots of electronic problems too. Power window controls went out temporarily, vertical seat adjuster went out, side mirror came off when touched, has a starter problem, and digital mileage and radio numbers go crazy. Bad seal above the front windows makes riding very loud when driving 60 or higher. Car stalls out or jumps sometimes when accelerating.

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  Nothing Beats a Pontiac - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By brian0299 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I started with a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville which was an excellent car, however because of my age decided I needed something sportier, but I was impressed with Pontiac so I went to the Grand Prix GT(for the 3800 engine) which was my best move.

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  Good Buy but Ugly Car - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By LuvnDodge - December 22 - 7:36 am

  Fast Car that hugs curves. No need to work about flipping this one over like many other inport mini-SUVs, Great Gas mileage for the power in this cars engine. Expect to be peeling out frequently if you have a lead foot. Passing up cars is a breeze. This car is very responsive. the only complaint is the design. My friend calls it the tin can, but a better look would have taken away the huge cargo area.

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  Last of a Generation - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Voice of Reason - December 18 - 11:13 pm

  If you are looking for top down fun with gobs of power on tap this is the car for you! With the engine producing the same power output as a Corvette (dont believe the 310hp rating), you are just as fast and can have just as much fun as someone with a Corvette convertible only for $20,000 less! Buy one now before they dissapear forever after 2002.

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  WOW WOW - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JOE S. - December 18 - 10:40 am

  Had 07 300 SRT8, 05 CTS-V, The best car for the money hands down...sold both cars in search of the best of all worlds...AND I FOUND IT IN THE G8 GXP.....love this car....

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  GXP - A Love, Love Relationship - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JVD PE - December 18 - 10:00 am

  Most people acquire an automobile to transport the family from point A to point B. This Bonneville does that but with a lot of excitement thrown in. You find that any excuse to use this car is justifyable. Forget that its often less expensive to go by air. Who cares, its too much fun to drive especially in this GXP. Do not buy this car without heads up display and XM radio. The soft two tone leather seating is a great standard feature adding to superior driving experience.

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  This is a great car - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MDSIDE1 - December 18 - 10:00 am

  What can i say i am 6ft1 and i tilt the drivers seat back a little so the ride is perfect. I drive a 650 mile round trip to DC every weekend and it is nothing but comfort. The Sound system is great, dual climate control and onstar service! I bought it used with 64K miles on it, and it still runs like the day it came off the assembly line!

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  G5 - A Bargain - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By AMP - December 17 - 8:06 am

  I bought my G5 six months ago - so far, it has exceeded my expectations. My daily commute is 57 miles round-trip, 90% highway. Im averaging 32.5 MPG, despite the 4-speed auto transmission. The 4-cyl Ecotec has plenty of power and the cabin is quiet for an economy car. The tire-pressure monitor alerted me to an air leak in one of my tires caused by a nail BEFORE I drove on the Interstate - very nice. The climate control system is excellent - HOT heat and COLD AC. I like the firm, supportive seats - like a VWs and very comfortable over long trips. If you like soft, cushy, couch cushions, this isnt the car for you.