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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  G-5 excellent - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Jessie - July 1 - 6:10 pm

  We have had our G5 a short while. But I have to say! The car has performed up to its consumer ratings and some. I would highly suggest this car for anyone. A lot of fun to drive. Very sporty looking. And gets great fuel mileage. Very cool little car. Will make you feel young again. We had a 2006 Dodge Charger. Nothing but problems with it. I have always been interested in Pontiac. Until now! I can say! If you have a interest in the G5. Go for it! You will not regret it. We absolutely love our G5.

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  Comp G - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Comp G - July 1 - 5:20 pm

  Excellent choice. Only problem I had was with shaky headlights. Problem fixed with TSB. Very well powered for an average 24.5 MPG. Head room space is tight as well.

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  2004 Pontiac Vibe Fwd 4 door wagon - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MaryLynn Callahan - July 1 - 4:00 pm

  I love this car. I love the look, the size, the amount of room inside and the color (Fusion Orange). Also love the gas mileage.

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  good car, with minor errors - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By snakes - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I lvoe my car, its fun to drive and mostly comfortable. The onyl drawbacks i have had are glare form the crome on the dashboard, the way the driver visor clips the rear-view mirror when you put it down knocking it out of alignment. Also for those people for short arms/legs the shift being so far up is a little starin on the shoulder/elbow. Aside form that its got GREAT handling, fantastic for driving and really good mileage. Only defect i have noticed is the corners of the tracks in the trunk have got stress fratures at the corners.

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  Pontiacs Best Kept Secret - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By dkrblaze - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive been looking for new wheels for quite a while now, and came across the Vibe. After test driving the GT model, with the 6-speed manual trans, I was sold! This thing is a rocket! Same car as the Toyota Matrix, but with an American nametag. Smart looking vehicle, with a TON of room on the inside. Seats 4 adults really comfortably, and rear seats fold down to create a lot of room for moving just about anything! For the money this is a wonder car. Way to go Pontiac!

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  Second Chance - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By staple_l - June 29 - 2:26 am

  So I gave Pontiac a second chance. I traded my 2005 Pontiac G6 in for a 2008 Pontaic G5. This car stinks. Been in the shop too many times for a new car. Motors replaced in windows and locks. Seat belts replaced, failed. And now with only 10,000 miles on it replacing brakes. The engine is loud for a 4 cyl. Chrome peeling off the door handles. Pontiac stinks. I gave them a second chance and I no longer will drive one. Gas mileage stinks, Im lucky to get 24 miles to the gallon, maybe, if I drove 55 on the California freeways, I think not.

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  2008 Vibe Review - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By mojo - June 28 - 10:10 am

  Bought for gas mileage, style, and storage capacity. Mileage varies between 26 - 36, depending on type of driving. Used for vacation and was pleased with capacity, mileage, responsiveness and comfort. Was surprised that there was not much noticeable road noise in most circumstances. A little stiffer suspension than expected on rough roads.

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  I love my black 2001 Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Zeak Harbors - June 28 - 8:16 am

  I got my car new with 5 miles and have had it up to this point. I drove the hell out of that car. Its fast with good acceleration has a sporty look that is totally unique and I enjoyed the interior design. Comfortable ride. It handles well as i drive like a maniac and it has had minor problems (oil leak, fuel pump) but is a solid car. Its a tank in the winter. The FWD got me through many awful WV winters. I would run this car until it explodes if the value wasnt so low. I know some have problems but mine was built well enough to last my teenage rambunctiousness and get me though college as well as take me on many vacations. For the price it is the best there is and I would buy it again...

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  the booger mobile - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By boogers owner - June 28 - 6:20 am

  i love this car. i have looked at different SUVs like the element or the mazda 3 hatchback but cannot find the fun stuff on my car like the tailgate party feature with the stereo controls in the back and the seat on the tailgate wit the cup holders. it is the most unique automobile that i have ever driven. my dad has an aztek with over 100K miles on it. im heading up to 75K with only a few problems that i have learned happen in other GM cars like the intake manifold gasket replacement. i also had to replace the condenser which i understand happens to quite a few other aztek owners. all in all this is an aweaome SUV to drive and it gets plenty of looks! i love all the space inside!!!

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  brand new less than 1500 mile - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By patsy - June 27 - 7:43 pm

  bought on zero interest promotion. broke in on trip to the UP of MI. about a 1,000 mile trip coming and going. rode well--had trouble keeping at speed limit, unless used cruise, as it rode so smoothly. good on gas--about 31 or 32 mpg. dont think it will ever see that magical 34 mpg. city driving is easy. have not got a fillup since back but mileage seems is good.