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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  nice car - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By cama97 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  It is the best car to drive. fuel economy is great when you consider the power it puts out. it is very comfortable for 2 passengers and the t- tops are great, you essentially get a convertable without convertable problems. The price was great when you think of what you can get in that size for that price. A vw bettle?

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  I love my WS6! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jamie Miles - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is what a muscle car is supposed to look and drive like.

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  Great car, even for families! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tinnelle - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This was definitely the car of my dreams! Safety is a definite in this vehicle -- the car has been hit four times in the past two years that Ive owned it, however, its come out in the end looking like a charm and still functioning perfectly -- and occupants sustained only minor injuries. This is remarkable considering that the first accident involved a Ford Explorer hitting the passenger-side between the two doors with their front right fender. $13,000 worth of damage, but easily repaired, and again very little injury to the occupants. Gas mileage is great -- lots of room for lots of people and furry friends (we have two dogs).

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  At least I can still find a Matrix - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mecjac - November 21 - 10:10 pm

  Almost at 100k miles and I have only had to replace the breaks and the oil filter housing (cheap part). I love my Vibe, bought it with 50k on it and have put 50k on it in the last 2 years. Its comfortable enough for the average commuter and very reliable. Great for hauling stuff around, and although no sports car its fun to drive. Good fuel economy, easily get 31-32 mpg. Only a few gripes, rear visibility is so-so, paint chips/scratches easy, speakers could be better.

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  Great buy and fun to drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Arlin - November 20 - 9:33 pm

  Bought a 2004 GTP for myself and this year a 2005 GTP for my wife. Both are great cars, however the 2005 has the heads up display which is nice and the XM radio which is a dream. Speed and handling are superb even in snow. Traction control saved me on black ice! Only down side it is a little tight with people in the back seat as I like a lot of leg room when driving. Styling is subjective but it appears mean looking particularly in black.

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  Ordered From Factory - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Kent - November 20 - 7:46 pm

  This is my 5th car. I have owned a 86 grand am, 84 fiero, 00 grand am gt, and a 04 dodge stratus. I traded in my stratus for this car. I have no regrets! This car is day/night comparison to my stratus. Drives nicer, more leg room in the back, nicer stereo, much more power, and gets much better gas mileage.

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  Nice deal - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jeff - November 20 - 5:33 pm

  This is a large, safe, 4 door sedan built by the UAW in Michigan. It is based on GMs G platform which also underpins the Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS, and it is lighter than both of these cars. Most of the shortcomings of the Bonneville have been addressed in GMs newer models, but if you can live with them, the price is incredible.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By J. Hubert - November 20 - 12:00 pm

  I wasnt in the market for a Pontiac but it was for my wife and it was her choice. She liked the styling. We bought it in 05 from an off-lease with 18,000 miles on it. The OE Goodyear tires were junk and made bad noise. Replaced them with Michelin and it made a world of difference. This one of the best cars I have ever owned. I have been driving it every day for the last 2 years 80 miles round trip to work. it now has 148,000 on it and its still a great car. Great power, performance, comfort and reliability. I average 26 MPG. No major problems. This car has renewed my faith in American vehicles. Very sad to see Pontiac go. Anyone who hates this car must have a lemon. Yes, I would buy again

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  Former Accord Owner - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Suanne - November 20 - 8:53 am

  I had owned a 2002 Honda Accord and was not ahppy with the new design change so decided to look at other makes. I had almost made the decision to go with a Toyota Solara when we stumbled upon the G6, I ended up getting a lot more car for the money, love the 6 cylinder and the best part is it gets better gas mileage than my 4 cylinder Accord did! Fun to drive, lot of get up and go. Only disappointment is they cheaped out on the plastic inside, you can tell its not the quality that Honda makes but for $6000 less I am not complaining, plus I trade every 2-3 years so not worried about it I am always under warranty. LOVE the G6!

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  I love my Aztek!! - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By snippy - November 19 - 7:40 pm

  This is the most practical vehicle Ive ever owned by far! It is very comfy, even the back seat. over all awesome car!!