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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  1999 Sunfire with 2.4L engine - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Nice - January 16 - 8:00 am

  In the ten years Ive had the car, I had not not have any major problems. It has 135kMi In fact, so far it has all been maintenance items (oil, brakes etc).Very impressed with the reliability of this car.

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  Great first car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By chris - January 16 - 5:46 am

  Ive had this car now for three years and not one problem besides the usual oil change, and new tires.

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  We like it - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GP Fan2 - January 15 - 5:16 pm

  Drove it over 32,000 miles the first year. We like everything about it. Just out of warranty now and the air bag light came on. Dealer has promised to cover it regardless.

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  Love it - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPGT98 - January 15 - 9:53 am

  500 miles after buying it the belt broke. Didnt have any problems until the lights started going out ( ignition harness ) and most recently a thermostat which is minor. I think the washer fluid motor is shot now also but it is another nickel. I also have to recharge the A/C every year but at only 30 bucks or less its cheaper than fixing it. I have done all these fixes myself with the help from auto forums.

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  Just bought - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brenda Sauter - January 13 - 5:10 pm

  Ive only owned it a week and I love it. I formally had a Bonneville and I loved that also. There is a lot of head room in the G6, more even than in the Bonniville. Gas mileage is better and it is a smooth riding car. I had my son and son-in-law in the car with me and they are both over 6 feet, they said there was plenty of room.

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  Pontiac Lover - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Frank N - January 13 - 3:00 pm

  The vehicle is very stylish inside and out. It is a smooth ride and good fuel/mpg. You get alot of features for the price (memory settings between 2 drivers). Its also roomy inside and plenty of trunk space.

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  *purrs* - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By ^^Re-bound - January 13 - 1:23 pm

  Ive had an 88 Dodge Aries, 95 Geo Metro & an 02 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. I said Id NEVER drive another car after being in my truck but with gas at $4 & getting 17 mpg while driving a 60 mile daily commute. I had to re-evaluate. I was shown 3 crap cars when I went in for a trade- in (1 was TOTALLY crapped out & wouldnt even crank!) & then shown this 01 Firebird. I drove it. Thats all there was to it. I giggled the whole time! Kit had 75K miles on her & hadnt been taken care of very well but she purrs like a dream & the LOOKS she gets is just mesmerizing!! *giggles* Truck? What truck?! :D

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  I Love My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mandy Ethridge - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2003 Pontiac Vibe. I couldnt afford an SUV and didnt want a car. The Vibe was the perfect pick. I am so glad they came out with the Vibe. I had to wait three months to get my Vibe because they just came out and no one in my town had one yet. The wait was worth it. Ive never owned a standard and it is sooo easy to drive. I would suggest anyone to get a standard they are so much fun, and the room is great too! My husband tented the windows, put a stereo and amp and new wheels on it and my ride is sweet. I coulndt be happier! The gas mileage my car gets is also very good and with gas prices going up it is going to be a wise investment.

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  A wonderful car... - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By eliseb02 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  My sunfire is compact, fun to drive. It looks nice. Its good on the road.

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  Va Va Va Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i have had my vibe for one week and so far i think this car is awesome ! i can drive for hours and be totally comfortable. it handles very well and has great pick-up. great gas mileage. thanks pontiac.. i am very impressed.