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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  Near Exact - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jscs - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I like this car. In fact, Im moving to a town where I really dont need it and trying to justify how I can keep it. I too have the "creaks" at times, but not always. Never taken it back to the dealer and suppose it does no good from reading these posts. Fine drive.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Msch117 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Prix and was very excited with the new model!

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  Grand Ams a great car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jer k - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a fun, reliable car. With 102,000 miles on it, and it still runs as good as new. I have never had any repairs done other than routine maintenance. Seem to go thru brakes pretty often, however. Very smooth, peppy V-6 and good ride for a small car. Everything within easy reach of drivers seat. Great versatility for a small car with rear-folding seats. 6 years old, and I get comments on what a great looking car I have... is it new?

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  No wonder Pontiac is struggling - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By kannuc - November 4 - 2:00 am

  In the last year weve had 3 brake failures, plus many other mechanical problems

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  My Second Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ron - November 4 - 1:00 am

  This is my second Vibe---my first is an 03 with 103K miles which my teenage son will inherit. The 03 has been flawlessly reliable! I purchased the 09 last week at an incredible deal--$4300 off in GM/Drivers Edge card rebates, $3000 in additional rebates for paying cash, and at a price that was well below invoice!! I was a little concerned that Pontiac parts might not be available in the long haul but GM insures me that Vibe owners will be supported for years to come. Since the power train is Toyota I am not concerned. If you are shopping for a reliable vehicle that gets great mpg--Vibe is the way to go.

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  All Around Awesome - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Philly - November 3 - 12:40 pm

  I owned an eclipse before this, and I was always being smoked because it looked fast, but wasnt. Now that I have my Grand Prix, people have no clue what its capable of and Ive yet to lose a race. My Grand Prix has 66,000 miles on it and it drives like it is new. The engine has been said to have over 200,000 miles and still run strong! This car couldnt get much better!

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  Montana Van Review - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By David - November 3 - 4:46 am

  The 2003 Pontiac Montana Van (long version) is a powerful V6 family vehicle. It has a very pleasing, sporty stylish exterior with all around rocker panel protection, aerodynamic body design, and heavy duty built under body. It has one of the highest gas milage ratings of all the minivans, and lives up to the rating on and off the highway. The interior design with captain chairs second row and split bench in rear is modestly roomy and functional design. The rear seat fold down and easily removable seating is a plus in design capability. There are no mechanical, electical or interior vices after 3 years of usage. The only negative aspect is the uncomfortablness of the front captain seats.

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  BUY THIS CAR! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Eric - November 3 - 2:36 am

  Amazing vehicle. It inspires envy everywhere it goes. Its acceleration is impressive, to a point (about 85 km/ h). On the highway its a typically gutless 4 cylinder, but it IS a roadster after all. Loving this car is easy, just drop the top on a warm summer evening and youll understand. One more point! Dont let ANYONE tell you that you cant put groceries or anything else in the trunk. YOU CAN! Besides, if youre worried about fitting cargo in a car like this, go buy a mini van old man.

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  Absolutely Love This Car, Thanks Edmunds - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Chip Bayko - November 2 - 10:43 pm

  This is the second car I purchased in the last 2 years following everything I learned from Edmunds. Edmunds and their information e.g consumer reviews are an invaluable aid and extremely accurate! I could not be more pleased. I love this car. I have the high end, with Leather and Moon Roof. The car is exceptionally comfortable; handles well; build quality is excellent. A pleasure to drive. Roomy, but deceivingly smaller in appearance. I have now compared it to all the major competitors in the parking lots around town; and its right up there with a 4 Runner, Pilot, Murano and Grand Jeep.

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  A few problems, but nothing major.... - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jake - November 2 - 8:26 pm

  I bought this car in May of 2004 and have had no major problems with it. The only thing i have had go wrong is the passanger window broke and now its going to cost $300+ to get it fixed. But other then that I like this car and think its a fun ride! But before you buy, have the windows checked!!!