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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  Good, fun, easy on gas too - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By arron t - March 15 - 7:30 pm

  I really like driving this car. There is a GM service bulletin for the transmission. I average 30 on freeway trips and have averaged 23 in town. But if I use the boost, oh how it drinks the fuel while I smile from the power. No lag like a turbo either.

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  Proud Owner - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Scooter - March 15 - 2:40 pm

  This is an overall beautiful car. Pontiac has built a keeper, once again. The powered leather seats, and leather steering wheel, dual climate zone, and sleek dash really set the interior off. The way the headlights and fog lamps are designed are harmonious. The car is astonishing in day or night. I wouldnt trade it back for my old Camaro, if I had to!

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  fine daily driver - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By budneff67 - March 15 - 12:11 am

  ive had this car for 7 years now. the only things ive had to fix that arent considered regular maintenance are; the wire lead to the A/C compressor (stock one is too short and loses connection, wire extension can be purchased from a dealer for pretty cheap), both window motors, and an ABS connector. other than that, the car has been very reliable. i drive it daily here in the hot texas weather. its not quite as comfortable as my old Mazda MX-6 but a suitable choice for the 1.5 hr round trip for work every day.

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  Dark Cherry GXP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian - March 14 - 7:16 pm

  Lots of power with torque-steer, I always say hold on when you put the pedal down. Over-all its a fun to drive but it does drink fuel even it you drive it normal. Road ruts created by the large trucks seem to whip the car from side to side. My 03 chev had no problem with the ruts, this car does. Im totally shocked that I need to repair my front brakes at only 25,000 miles considering 90% of the miles are HWY driving and that I really am gentle on my brakes.GM not willing to do anything about the brakes even so its still under warranty.

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  Great Concept-Great Value-Great Car!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joshua Thorison - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Vibe after owning a problematic Saturn SL2 for 3yrs. Drove the Vue and decided that I didnt want anymore plastic cars with high repair bills. I have had absolutely no problems with the Vibe. Toyota/GM always do a great job when they put their heads together (owned a Prizm for 3 yrs.). I constantly get asked what it is that I drive by people of all ages. A must-drive if in the market for a small sport hatch!

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  Thunder from DownUnder - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOZ28 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 6 speed GTO for 10 days. It is simply awesome. It sucks $2.50/Gal 91 octane like a banshee, but what do you expect? Lots of wheel hop when shifting because of the torque/hp. Have to get a CAGS (skipshift), eliminator like my 95 Z28 6-Speed LT-1 Ragtop has. Where is the oil pressure gauge? I guess in the computer. Computer takes time to learn. But when all is said.. What a car!!!! You buy one and... "Good on ya, Mate!!!"

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  Research this car first!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By dochollywood - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car (bought new) but problems began immediately after my warranty ended. I understand that certain things will need maintenance, but not this many things at 40,000 miles! I have since read about other GT owners with the same list of problems (mainly 1998-2002 GTs)and just want other potential buyers to be aware because I wasnt.

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By BillF - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a very nice car if your most important criteria is great gas mileage, comfort and style. The back is very flexable for people or cargo. I am 64" and this is one of the few cars that I fit in with a sun roof.

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  Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kjd - March 13 - 5:30 pm

  I love my g-6 its fun to drive, and has plenty of power. It is very roomy feel like I am driving a much bigger car.

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  Great car - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By dise - March 13 - 9:30 am

  Drove this car 200 miles the 2nd day and averaged 26.4MPG driving 65 MPH. Car is excellent and will be fun when can put the top down. Workmanship excellent.