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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  Falling apart - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jaws - April 2 - 12:03 am

  I have had the transmission rebuilt twice. The fuel economy is poor. I have had numerous electrical problems including window motors and heating vent motors and brake lights, all very expensive. I also have a Pontiac Bonneville and would never buy another GM car.

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  I loved this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By audra - April 1 - 9:36 am

  I bought this car used last year. Everything was good until I went to make a sharp turn and the steering locked up. It acted like I had no powersteering fluid. Still acts up off and on. My gear shift is hard to adjust, acts like its trying to stick. I cant get my key out of the ignition sometimes. It acts like its stuck in there. I sat in my car for over 5 min trying to get it out. My "ice possible" light keeps flashing when the temps arent even close to being freezing. My "time, temp, language" keeps resetting itself. My fuel range is unreliable. This car is going crazy and so am I trying to figure out what its doing. Love the look, color, handle and style. Wont buy another though.

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  Beat a Mustang Gt & BMW Z3 - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ryan Sloan - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Has 72K miles and still gets OVER 30mpg on trips. Great acceleration and handling, added K&N filter! Use Castrol Syntec Blend oil, always and fuel cleaner added every 3000 miles. Only two problems: Fuel Pump $525 and CV Boots take beating on fast starts. Called GM and received $800 certificate towards next purchase. With care still looks new.

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  2005 Grand Prix GTP Comp G - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By B4crask - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car with excellent handling. It looks good both inside and out. The supercharged engine has the power to get you around anything on the road. Good old American Muscle! Glad I didnt get the Maxima...... I paid $1500 under MSRP and then got a $2000 rebate on top of that. Dont pay MSRP. You dont have to. Try getting Honda or Toyota to do that for you when buying one of thier boring little cars.

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  Love my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTP Enthusiast - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Ive had extremely positive experience with my GTP. I love the styling and very much enjoy driving it. The interior is sporty yet comfortable. I like its peppiness and feel safe driving it.

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  In Your Face All You Imports - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mark Searles - March 31 - 1:36 am

  What a car. I owned Nissans my whole life, but decided to spend my money on Uncle Sam, and let me tell you its the same if not better. This car is filled with Fun and perfect for 1-2 kid car seats.

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  Cushy Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Robbia - March 30 - 5:10 pm

  I love my Pontiac G6! It feels wonderful to ride in--a very cushy, soft ride. I have the Value Leader and am glad I didnt opt for the higher priced model, because this one is just perfect. All I added was the spoiler, which I like. Otherwise, this is a great car. It has a lot of pep for a 4-cylinder! I previously owned a Pontiac Firebird and thought I wouldnt find anything better, but this car is sweet with great styling, and gives the feeling a luxuriousness that the Firebird did not. I feel very mellow in this car.

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  I like my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kelly - March 30 - 1:43 am

  Fun car to drive

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  Turning Heads - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Barb - March 28 - 1:53 pm

  Heads definitely turn in this ride. Im really enjoying this car. Its been a long time since Ive had a two seater. The interior is tight, definitely not the car for a larger person. My 6 - ft husband is comfortable. Too much plastic in the interior. Window switch difficult to get to. Be warned - the back window is not replaceable. The entire roof must be replaced should the window break - or in my case - smashed by a jealous neighbor. Watch the prices - dealers add a significant additional charge for market demand. Have fun - Enjoy.

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  Now I own two black convertibles! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Barb - March 26 - 8:06 pm

  Started out to buy a rational vehicle, since I already own a high performance roadster--(1991 RX7 convertible). My husband declared the Civic and Mazda 3 boring. I suggested a 4 seat convertible. We chose a hardtop so wed have a car to leave at the airport without worrying. Im really pleased. Its not a sports car, or all that high performance, but it is fun. Handling is very good for a car its size and the back seat roomy enough for adults. With this car, I can have my top down and pick up the kids, take the dog to the vet, etc. Charlie Brown once said the key to happiness is to own a lake and a convertible. Convertible = fun. Now I drive one almost every day!