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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  Right when they got it right. - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Ryan - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my G6 V6 for over 2 years now, I had one item replaced under warranty which was the transmission cooler lines because they started to leak at the fittings. I did have to replace my brakes prematurely but that is mainly because I bought it used with 19,000 km on it and it had sat in the lot for almost a whole year and the rotors got rusty. It drives great, gets good mileage, looks pretty good tinted out with black rims. The stock stereo is amazing except for the lack of an aux. input. One other mechanical issue Im having is my left front strut already needs to be replaced (leaked out) @ 48,000 km. Definitely premature to the 80,000 km recommended replacement. Even so still happy!

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  Not perfect, but glad I bought it - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Scott - July 2 - 11:06 pm

  Great handling, good ride, nice looking car, draws a lot of compliments. Gas mileage averaging about 18 mpg in mostly city driving. Nice steering feel, decent stereo. Two problems so far at about 10,000 miles. Bad gas cap, no big deal. Developed a vibration in steering wheel at about 8000 miles. Dealer said its the cylinder deactivation (active fuel mgmt) system transitioning from 4 to 8 cylinders and there is no fix for it yet. Went to a tuner and he turned the thing off and retuned to run on super unleaded and reprogrammed transmission shift pts. Car runs better than new and my mpg is about the same or even a little better. That vibration was driving me crazy.

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  NIce Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By J Williams - July 2 - 9:53 pm

  I brought the Pontiac G6 in 9/06 after wanting a Nissan Altima. I found that the G6 was a nice substitute. If I had to choose now, I would choose the G6 over the Altima. The car is very roomy and the design is very nice for an American made car. I love the interior lighting that lights in read and the computer messages.

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  Best Car for Your Bucks - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Stacy Volin - July 2 - 5:16 pm

  If you want a car that can store a lot, look nice and feel comfortable even on long car rides, buy this one. Price is reasonable for everyone. It rides like a Lexus without the price tag. I almost bought a 330X Lexus. Saved myself lots of bucks and gave myself OnStar which is quite an advantage.

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  Fun Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By dm - July 2 - 2:13 pm

  This is a fun car to drive, gets decent gas mileage - I get at least 27 on highway and 22 in the city. Youll contantly look at the speedometer because its so easy to go over the limit w/ this car. I have about 15K miles on the car w/ no problems.

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  None better - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Pontiac - July 1 - 6:26 pm

  We bought our Montana new and have had very good luck with it. We just got back from another trip to NY and got 28 mpg.. very good for a 4,000 lb safe vehicle. We get approx 30,000 on a set of average tires and 30,000 miles on brake pads, unlike stories I hear from other vans. The body looks like new. The galvanized body panels are the best, they resist rust better than any other metal. The original stainless steel exhaust will last much longer. Its still in great shape. The interior does not show wear after all this time. The best interior material we ever had. Our Montana has moved, hauled and transported many kids and material. We will be buying another Pontiac.

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  not bad for a v8 - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jeff - June 30 - 10:06 pm

  wow! talk about power in a front wheel drive ... lets just hope the year of the v8 has no problems :)

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  Not a good buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Mouin - June 30 - 2:06 pm

  I have bought this car for my wife as a Valentines present. We had it for 2 months, I have had it at the dealership for 4 times already to work on, Rattling noise in the driver and passenger doors, they worked on it 4 times and problem is still there, they replaced door striker, trim, headlining, also Covertable top has issues, replaced sealing strip, paint scratched off and broken trim piece in trunk due to top not being aligned when closed. Also A/C compressor leaking freon at compressor body, they replaced compressor. Damaged chrome side panel, they replaced it. Overall, it has been unpleasant experience, I am working through LEMON law to have this car returned. Would not recommend it.

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  I love Azteks, but... - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By lovetheteks! - June 30 - 4:16 am

  I have had my Aztek for a year and put only 10k miles on it. Even though I have had to replace everything but the seatbelt buckles I still love it. It is very comfortable and handles well with Michigan weather. I dont like the fuel economy (gas is 3.89 here) but cant complain since for its size it does well. I only need a new fuel pump and Ill be back on the road with the silly looking thing. :D

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  Not intended for young drivers! - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By DrDre413 - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Went to the dealership to buy a Grand Prix, but ended up with a Bonneville instead. Went into the shop for a knocking noise when steering, especially turning. Leather is ripping after only 15,000 miles. Dealership says it is normal wear and tear.... Not recommended for anyone looking for a fun, exciting Pontiac. Get a Grand Prix GTP of a new GTO.