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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  The 04 Grand Prix is a hit! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mesag75 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is stylish and fun to drive. Fuel economy depends on your driving style, if you drive repsonsibly the rewards are there with great mileage for a vehicle of this size. The car is quick and responsive. I feel very safe when I am driving this car. I get comments all the time on how people love the new styline of the Grand Prix. I believe Pontiac has a hit with this redesign. Thus far any minor issue has been resolved with ease from my Pontiac dealer. Kudos go to the dealer for being so easy to work with and honest. I wish I had gotten On- star.

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  Great car overall - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By HazeConstruction - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. Its been to Florida several times. Its much more fun and comfortable to drive than a Cadilac Seville. Ive had to replace the passenger window motor ($150) and the shift column assembly ($325) in the five years Ive owned it. Brakes and tires are worn fairly quick. Its well worth the little extra surprises in my book!

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  Go Wide or Go Home! - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By msahai77 - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The full size of the Grand Prix makes it a comfortable vehicle to be in on long road trips. With an 18 gallon tank and great overdrive system, we were getting 350 to 400 miles per tank on our last road trip. The 3.8 offers a great amount of torque for all passing maneuvers!

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  Definitely Attitude - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jam K - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been superb regardless of the trouble spots. At 1,400 miles the supercharger blew and took the engine with it. The dealer was more concerned as to what caused the problem rather than just fixing it. The heads-up display was scrambling and needed replaced as well. The StabiliTrak system is amazing and works well especially in the snow, although a sensor had to be replaced twice to keep it working. Other minor annoyances were the A-pillar trim panel keeps coming loose, the sunroof needs tightened occasionally but never leaks. Even still if you drive one youd likely buy one! Truly Luxury With Attitude!

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  GXP in Triad - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By bradbike - November 30 - 4:23 am

  I own the car and I really enjoy it. Its quick, fast, and strong, but still averages 25 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway. I have the automatic and its pretty darned quick itself. If you can find the GXP for MSRP or close, youll be in for a treat. Its not a great primary car due to lack of storage, but it has more than enough for groceries and typical shopping. If you buy a large boxed item, make sure you dont have a large passenger...it will go in their lap. As for the top....youve all heard horror stories about reviewers having a hard time...sorry, but I feel they are cry babies. The top is easy to operate...it just requires you to get out of the car. Get one! Have fun!

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  Good First Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By am_can_drift - November 29 - 11:29 am

  This was my first car. By the time I got it, it had 185k miles on it. The struts were already bad, and it ran great. This car was a classic new-age Pontiac in that the electronics inside broke, but it held together under the hood. (the gas flotation device broke, inside dashboard lights went out partway). I had very few problems under the hood with this car. It ran in all conditions, and it carried the workload. Eventually, the head gasket blew and the trans started to go bad at 215k miles. Between service records and me, these were the first problems under the hood. It is a great first car in that it can take quite a beating. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a first car.

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  Smooth - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mikedizzel8 - November 28 - 2:20 pm

  This car is one smooth ride. During the winter with my heated seats on I could probably fall asleep while driving it if I didn’t have my nice loud factory speakers going. I have friends who always say they dislike American cars but they sit and ride in the G6 and they change their mind. Panoramic sunroof is real nice, it’s huge! I haven’t any problems with it in 6 months. Besides gas mileage and few minor things it’s a great buy!

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  2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - great! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By LJ - california - November 28 - 4:23 am

  Purchased used with only 12k miles. 2.4L (toyota camry) engine and 5 speed auto/manual a great combination. This is not offered on the Toyota Matrix. GT model rims/tires are nice, but noisy on rough roads and you feel the bumps. Versatility and appearance are better than average. Handling is excellent because of full independent suspension, wide/low profile tires and sport tuned suspension. I did my research and compared to Matrix, Versa, Mazda-3 and Fit - Vibe GT model won out for best combination fuel economy, performance and SUV type features in a compact hatchback. GM warranty a plus (100K powertrain). Mileage should be around 30+ on highway.

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  Love my Sol - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By rosebud - November 27 - 8:50 am

  I know, Miata keeps winning the performance tests. Well, theyve also had 10-12 years to get it right. the Solstice is the most highly tested new vehicle in recent years. if the 2006 was up against the 05 mazda, Sol would win hands down. Mazda knew Pontiac was putting this baby out, so Mazda beefed up the engine. Pontiac is doing that next year. Mazda hired the guy who designed the Solstice.. body change for Miata in the near future? This is becoming a true rivalry.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amdetsion - November 27 - 1:40 am

  After driving (2) GTPs and a Comp G my experience with the GXP is simply amazing. The GXP is truely a culmination. The Grand Prix is truly expressed through the performance and styling of this car the 08 GXP. If it had anymore technology or performance improvements it would exceed the already excessively designed and engineered German products. The car is precise and smartly cued with technology, comforts and prestige without the lavish and non-sensical over statements and cost common to many up level Euro-imps. I want to ride American and feel good about it. GXP is a very good feeling; especially when I remind myself of its price, operating and maintenance cost.