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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  I love trans ams! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Curt - February 23 - 7:30 am

  This is an excellent car to drive. I would recommend only to single people or couples, not families. Also, not a great car to lug around your friends. Despite the lack of space this car is definitely worth buying if you love speed. There are areas to improve, but for the cost I really cant give you a good reason not to buy one.

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  G5 GT - Great Car - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By razer - February 23 - 5:43 am

  Just purchased the GT 2009, its a fun car to drive, lots of leg room in front, and if there isn’t enough leg room in the back for other people, then they can take the bus, or consider themselves lucky to get a free ride. I used to drive the Saturn 2006 Ion Red Line with 205 Hp, the GT only has 155 Hp, there is a difference in power but I noticed a bigger difference in gas prices when I fell up at the pumps. In the standard 5 speed model, in 5th gear, the engine revs very low which helps in reduced engine noise. For the appearance inside, I like it, everything is in front of you, seats are firm, armrest with storage.

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  A Bonneville in Colorado?!?! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jenimac - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Never thought Id own anything less than an SUV for my skiing / biking / camping activites, but I have to admit I love my car! I have yet to see another Bonneville with a roof rack system - who says a sedan isnt cool?. Bought it used w/68k miles and it has over 77k now. Am just now having to replace brakes, oilpan/gasket (due to slight leak) & serp belt. This car has been great! Good traction in Colorados snowy conditions and is great in the mountains & on long road trips. If only the cup holders were more convenient and the trunk, when open, didnt slide rain & snow into the trunk. Not perfect, but pretty darn close!

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  lovin it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By blittle - February 23 - 2:00 am

  i love my vibe. sometimes the gas mileage is better sometimes its not. i just figure the cold weather makes the gas mileage lower. i wish i had a vibe for every day of the week!!

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  Satellite - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jamesp2000 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car lots of head room and very versitile. I have 13,800 miles on mine. autotrans. Made clunk noise at first but went away after 3,000 miles. Gas mileage increases after break in. Everything works no warranty work!

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  Grand Prix GTP CompG Hits the Mark - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By johnsonsh - February 23 - 2:00 am

  With the 2004 Grand Prix GTP Pontiac has taken big strides forward and a few small steps backward. Starting off with fresh and exciting sheetmetal the GTP continues its promise with exhilirating performance even using regular gas. This is a confidence-inspiring vehicle that is fun to drive. The TAPShift feature is meant for spirited driving but here in northeast Ohio I find it especially useful for driving in snow. Minor irritations include the wierd assortment of plastic interior materials and the elimination of the electrochromic rear- view mirror and dual climate controls for driver and passenger.

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  KELLY L. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KELLY L - February 23 - 2:00 am

  //

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  New Owner - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Diva - February 22 - 10:56 pm

  I just purchased this car today, I was a bit hesitant as I never owned a Pontiac or can ever recall driving one before. The sleek body style, and gas mileage of 31 miles per gallon was really a seller for me, it doesnt ride as smoothly as i expected it to, but i will ride it more and see how things go, and after all i have a 4cyling and not a 6 so i am sure that has something to do with the pickup of it. Overall, I feel i made a great purchase and choice and hope this vehicle brings me yrs. of pleasure.

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  2002 Trans Am/Sunset Orange Metallic - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Joes2002TA - February 21 - 10:00 am

  This Is Pontiacs most exciting vehicle of all time.It has so much performance that it is a big disapointment that it will be discontinued this year.The only area that this vehicle does not excell in would be the fuel economy department.I guess that if you can afford one of these dream cars, you really dony worry about how far it will travel on a tankfull of gas.

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  Solid performer; annoying problems - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BHans - February 21 - 10:00 am

  Solid car, but a few problems include the terrible steering wheel shake at 75+ mph. Ive heard its from the tires and that they dont fit the rims correcty. Whatever it is, its annoying, and it doesnt go away. The tires also make noises that resemble that of a brake pad rubbing on the rotor. Overall, not too bad, just a few annoying problems with the tire/wheel setup (which no matter how many times Ive brought the car in, they say its just natural and will go away on its own.) If I had to do it all over again, Id probably think twice.