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 new GM standard of quality and feel. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ronny I - July 25 - 11:56 pm

  The Pontiac G8 GT is the most fun blend of comfort, performance and style I have ever found in a car in this price class. It is my 1st brand new car of the lot, that is how highly I think of this car I risked to buy it new. It has tremendously good comfort, outstanding acceleration and low interior noise. Ive put 4k miles on it in a month, and Im extremely pleased with this vehicle, it has the best design and layout of the available space in the chassis. Comfortable dash and seats with superhigh quality feel, that was very lacking in previous years. Ive had two Pontiac Grand Prixs before this, they served me well. But this is the NEW standard we see from GM. THANK YOU MR. LUTZ for the G8.

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  Get out of my way - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By thebigb - July 25 - 5:43 am

  Oh my goodness, what a fast car! Last car I owned which even came close to the speed in this car was a 1986 Corvette. This car is truly a 4 door Corvette. Looked at a CTS with DI, but this baby was the one. No contest. I have no problem with GM folding Pontiac, it only made my GXP worth more down the line. This car should have been on sale 4 years ago and GM would not be in the trouble they are today.

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  wished for more - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By superchel - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I wanted this car for soooo long. I loved th power and styling. But the nitpicky problems have been annoying to say the least. I am on my 3rd window motor, 4th radio, the temp. control dial sticks, and the one door panel is loose. And, there isnt a dealer worth anything in my area. It also developed leaks that were expensive to repair. oh well. The car is only 3 years old... I dread what is next....

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  Surprisingly Great Car - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sgrabin - July 24 - 1:00 am

  Last year we had just sold a vehicle and needed a "new" family car pretty quickly and at a reasonable price. Our prior car was an Accord, so I was wary about buying a GM product for quality reasons. Found our Bonneville with only 42K miles so I thought/hoped we wouldnt have any problems. Weve been very pleasantly surprised after 1.5 years. The Bonneville is always reliable, runs smooth and powerful, and still has no squeaks or rattles at 59K miles now. MPG averages 24, mixed city and hwy, which is great for such a roomy car. Only weird thing is that GM did not put a remote trunk release in this car, so you have to use the key. I really recommend as a used car.

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  Nothing but Problems!!!!! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Kim - July 23 - 11:03 am

  I bought this car in January 07, to downsize from a Gas sucking Yukon. This is a nice looking car and I thought I loved the panoramic roof. WRONG!!!! I do love to ride with the roof open but when it is closed, there is so much wind noise that you can not even talk! My car is in the shop now for the 9th time to repairs this. They have had it for 9 days now! GM is involved and I hope they buy it back! Multiple other problems exist as well, brakes, environmental system was putting a bad smell into the car, power steering racks wen out when car was 11 months old, had to have heaters on seats checked. Gas miles not as good as stated.

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  Love it! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bethanym - July 23 - 6:51 am

  Bought the car from a newspaper listing in 2008 (as a first car). Affectionately named "Polly," the car has been wonderful. Fun to drive, decent gas mileage (about 25mpg) and some serious power. Had 114k miles when I bought it and now has 144K. Some minor problems have cropped up over the past few years. Spark plugs and a couple small issues with the transmission but nothing terribly pricey. Service engine light has a habit of coming on every few months then turning off within the same day. Biggest issue is the AC. Didnt work when I bought it, finally replaced the pump last summer ($600) only to need a new valve this year which I have yet to take care of. Overall, I am in love with my car.

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  Nothing better in this price range!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Stan77 - July 22 - 9:03 pm

  I did a ton of research for a new car in the $20-$22K range and I can honestly say that youre not going to get a better car for the money, nor one that looks, feels, or drives better. When you opt for the premium upgrade package that includes the 17" chrome wheels, 6 cd changer, and sunroof, this car is gorgeous!! The 3.5L V6 has more than enough power for city driving and highways and the comfort for driver and passenger is amazing VERY roomy. The most amazing thing about this car (especially in black) is the way it looks at night!!! With all laser red dash and gauge lights it doesnt get much sexier than this. I would highly reccomend this car to anyone looking for the best around 22K.

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  Great car-reasonable price - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Adam W. Davis - July 22 - 11:56 am

  This is a wonderful car to drive and the price is inexpensive for the quality that you get. It could be easily be compared to a honda accord but it is bigger and more comfortable. If you are looking to purchase a great midsize, it is well worth your time to look at the pontiac g-6.

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  The U.S.(and Australia) is back. - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By DC Lasting - July 21 - 11:46 am

  I drove a Lexus ISF, Acura TLS, Lexus IS350, CadillacCTS, Dodge Charger, and a Camry Hybrid (for my eco moment). The price/performance combination win goes to the G8 GT. GM could spend very little more and have the fit and finish of cars far more expensive with matching performance. While the ISF was a pure rocket, at $62K there was not a $30k difference for me (assuming I could afford it). The G8 looks as good as it drives. I am 6+ and this vehicle fit me better than any of the above on the drivers side. The passenger side is about the same as the others..a little short on leg room. There is a minor fit issue with the hood where there is too much gap at the center. 9+ for me.

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  This car is crap - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dr Ratched - July 20 - 9:43 pm

  Gee. What DOESNT work on this car. Paint was peeling off after 2 years and now it has leprosy. Water pump needed replacing after 2 years. Its burning oil like a drunk BP CEO. The cheap plastic on the inside is worn off everywhere you put your hands. The leather seats are fading and tearing. Oh. And the stupid key fob wont work. Avoid this car. Avoid Pontiacs. Avoid GM.