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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  Great overall - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By B Udson - May 14 - 2:26 pm

  Had a few electrical problems with the seats and fog lights and curb assist mirrors. Worked out by dealer. Heads up display is very nice and a great plus. The only thing I would change is a slightly better speaker system to match the kickbutt look of the car. Great all around!!

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  06 solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 06solstice - May 14 - 7:10 am

  the car is a blast to drive i have to turn the radio very loud so i dont hear all the squeaks coming from behind the seats or in trunk area squeaks only when top is down. ive owned it since 8-06 and needs service already no trunk cheap plastic

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  One of 3 Roadsters I have owned - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Critter - May 14 - 6:16 am

  This is my 3rd roadster. Bug-eyed Healy and a Sunbeam tiger before this. Both of them beat me to death and I loved them. This car rides well, is comfortable (1100 miles in 2 days to the 1st annual convention) and I was not worn out. Have averaged 26 mpg over the 13,000 miles I have put on in a year, with a high of 30 mpg in the flatlands of the midwest. Lowest was 23 mpg running the dragons tail. This car is a blast on the twisties, and fun around time. Now if people would just quit asking what kind of car it is.

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  Ol Blue - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TAB - May 14 - 5:43 am

  Well, I bought this car on a whim, after my previous car was totalled on Christmas Eve of 1999. Having never driven a Grand Prix before, I was immediately impressed with its power, handling and just darn good looks. I chose the 2 door GT model with optional leather, heated seats, power everything, HUD, AM/FM/CD player, sunroof, dual control climate system, and the list goes on and on. My Grand Prix has withstood the mileage like a champ. I average 24,300 miles per year, but racked up over 45,000 in 2002. She is still going strong. I have not had to replace a single mechanical part since the day I picked her up. I would highly recommed this vehicle to anyone else. Keep it up, GM!

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  G8-Pontiac got it right - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By KLester - May 13 - 4:30 pm

  This car is a GTO/Olds 442 throw back. Great acceleration, exceptional handling. Good fuel economy. I get approx 25 mpg. Practical family car.

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  I love my TA... - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Lynn2464 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have had my TA for a little over a year now. The only thing that has went wrong was the motor in the head light went and the rear axle was leaking. Of course the warrenty I bought for 1,200 bucks didnt cover it. Besides that, everything is great. The speed is amazing. I would highly recomend this car.

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  Piece of Crap - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By becky29 - May 13 - 7:01 am

  Bought this car with 52,000 miles on it for 11,500. Within the first 6 months I replaced the front main gasket and 3 driver side window regulators. I just replaced my passenger reg before Christmas. This car has been in and out of the shop since I bought it in 04. It has 120,000 miles now and is back in the shop as I speak. The oil, thermostat, and temperature sensors are being replaced along with power steering pump. Ive had O2 sensor, air compressor, plugs and wires replaced. The list goes on and on if you get my point. I wouldnt recommend or sale this car to my worst enemy!!!!

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  The rear end - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By john32348 - May 12 - 2:53 am

  This is a totally mean machine. Power beyond belief. My only complaint is the rear end alignment. It really wears tires out fast. After months in an out of the shop, and finally changing one part, it still is 15% out of aliment. When we finally got someone from gm to talk to us, their only reply was good luck. The tech who work on this problem said that gm has a bad problem. They just need to admit it, and take care of it.

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  I love my Solstice! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jeff - May 12 - 12:53 am

  A lot has been said about this cars downfalls. All I know is, when I drive this car, I get excited. I havent met anyone who hasnt fallen in love with its looks. Why else would you buy a 2 seat convertible? This car is more fun than when I used to ride a motorcycle. Compare the Solstice to its competitors. For looks, youll need to compare it to a car nearly three times the price. I love my Solstice!

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  My Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sherry - May 11 - 6:36 pm

  Car is good over all. Comfortable. Headlights arent that great. They get scratched too easily. I have problems starting the car. had mechanics check the problem and they cant find anything wrong. engine light wont go off. its been checked by dealership as well. my car has about 80,000 miles now. its a little cramped at times. the chevy impala was my first choice b ut had to settle for this car because of pricing. still paid too much. paid 14,000 a year ago. now supposedly worth only about 8,000. no major repairs so far at least. good gas mileeage. would recommend.