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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  This is one car not to buy. D+ - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stormynightout - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Upon driving this new vehicle for aproximately one month, I have come to realize that it is the cheapest piece of pure garbage on the road today. Along with all of the interior components ratteling, such as the dashboard, door panels, and headliner. The mechanical components were also assembled very poorly, such as the trunk locking mechanism, which has bent within one months use. The wonderful sound system that Pontiac raves about is silenced by the buzzing door panels that hold the speakers.

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  A comfortable sleek rocket - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By lRocket - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This is third Bonneville and best yet. Very fast, economical and a joy to drive. 600 miles a day is nothing and you feel fine after. A lot of car for the money. Much more comfortable than Avalon or Maxima

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  Amazed! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Valueman - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven nothing but Japanese and German for 15 years.This car changed my view of what American cars can be! Everything says:"Quality":terrific seats,top-notch fit and finish,tasteful styling that lets the performance send the message. Engine response is "right now" and ferocious;handling tight and predictable, yet without screaming: "look at me". The normal American shakes,rattles and rolls, just arent there; but the "fun factor" is in spades.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By OC - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Im 66 years old and not the type of person Pontiac expected to buy the Vibe, buy my wife and I really enjoy driving it.I drove a small car before but this seems so much bigger.You sit high so you get a good view of the road and you dont mind the lights at night.There is plenty of room for storage on long trips.I feel confident with this GM/Toyota combination.

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  THIS CAR ROCKS - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Pontiac Fan - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The styling still looks great after five years. Its got all the power Ive ever needed. I can place it anywhere in traffic that I need to thanks to that engine. The only issue I have is that since Ive passed the 90,000 mile mark, Im starting to have mechanical parts wear out every 4- 6 weeks. If the recent mechanical problems dont continue, Ill be thrilled to own this car for many more years. I wish they were still making this style Grand Prix!

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  The Blue Plate Special - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By The Old Goat - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car. It is all I hoped and more. Personally I like the stealth look, smooth and dechromed. It is nimble and quick, and VERY forgiving. The feel, sound, heart and soul are GTO. Barbados Blue was my choice and the A4 for the rush hour gridlock reality of life in Greater Boston. Advice for new owners? Leave the Traction Control (Training Wheels) on for a while..;>) The seats are the best I have ever sat in for a GM. This car is a Lumberjack with a haircut, shave, and manicure in a Tuxedo someone taught social graces..;>) Get one if you can!

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  Trouble with this car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Hutch2 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We have had nothing but problems with this car. 1 month out of warranty, it required a new alternator. We have had to replace a gasket for the transmission fluid. Power steering is going. The fan for heat/AC has been replaced - and currently doesnt work on the lowest two speeds. We will not be purchasing a Pontiac for a long time, if ever.

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  grand prix - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By carrie chase - May 22 - 10:00 am

  i have only had my car for less than a year and already had a lot of problems with it.

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  we love it - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By nick dalmation - May 22 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. My son is a 13 year old and we both think the car is geat. It had lots of interior room, wonderful when both of you are almost 6 feet tall.The back seat is even comfortable for my son. He has lots of leg room in the back seat. The CD player and cooler are inovative additions to a vehicle.

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  Pontiac Aztek Wind Noise - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By aztec - May 22 - 10:00 am

  At highway speed (70 mph) the wind noise is excessive, so much that you can not talk on the cell phone or carry on a normal conversation. The manufacture calls this a wind turbulence and admits that it is there,however they will not fix or replace this defective vehicle.