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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  Simply Awesome! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Tim - October 12 - 1:43 pm

  This is the first brand new car that I have owned, and I know that I made a great choice. Cars have never been so much fun for me until now. The 200 horsepower V6 is definitely enough power for me. I am honored to own a 2005 model, because it is the first year that the G6 was introduced. I am very happy with my choice.

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  best car i have ever owned - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mark nelson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  this car has been the most reliable car i have ever owned. very little maintance a very very good car i change oil every 3000 miles. never had a problem with motor.210000 miles and still very strong and very clean.

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  Awesome Car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Roy Adams - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car almost 7 years ago and have loved it every day. The 3.8 L is one of GMs most reliable engines and it has lots of power when you go to pass. On the interstate I have gotten about 31MPG while at 21MPG in town. I have enjoyed the ergonomics and the heads up display. The sound system with the equalizer rocks. Traction control has been good in slick conditions.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gotmyVibe - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is, by far, the most fun car I have ever driven. Its extremely peppy and handles really smoothly. The AWD version goes off road really nicely, going through places where my friends heavy truck gets stuck.

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  Vibe Rant - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By The Hawk - October 12 - 2:00 am

  With a monotone black body (the car - not me), moon roof, and power package, this car can turn heads! I love the retro look of the interior (i.e., love the circular vents and chrome display). What a fun car to drive! The interior is also surprisingly practical and spacious. You also cannot go wrong at 33mpg on the highway. This car also won a 5 Star Rating in its weight class during front end collision tests.

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  Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Streets - October 12 - 2:00 am

  More room is needed in the back seating area. Too much plastic trim

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  The Last Bonneville - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mark - October 10 - 6:56 pm

  Good looking Bonneville GXP, simplified, clean lines, SE & SLE should follow suit. Smooth, fast, quiet, excellent suspension, holds the road beautifully, though steering is a bit numb. If you want a true full- sized car (and no, Acura TL is not full- sized), and you are partial to American muscle, and sentimental over Pontiac, get a GXP. The sticker shock is worth it. Chrysler 300 Hemi is faster, but tries too hard to look like a Bentley.

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  Versatile Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By mtbdawg - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Currently have 39,000 miles w no problems. A bit under powered, however, pulled a ski boats 300 miles w no probs. This is a comfortable vehicle for long trips. I carry my road bike and mountain bike inside the car all the time w ample room for other gear. Have used the camping package and love it. Once you drive it, you will be hooked. added a bike roof carrier bike rack w wind ferring to really enhance the look. You can haul anything in this car.

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  It is a reasonable car. Not very fast - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Eagles - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has a reasonable performance. For the most part it has been reliable. The engine does not have a whole lot of pep anymore because of its 83,000 miles. But it runs okay and the exterior is in pretty good condition.

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  Could be better - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Soccer Dad - October 10 - 10:00 am

  We have had six warranty repairs. This entailed being without a car or waiting at the dealer to have it repaired. 1. Starter 2. Battery 3. Right front CV joint 4. Altenator repair 5. Pull down Strap replacement on rear hatch 6. Intake manifold gasket for oil leak. In addition to the warranty repairs we replaced the Dunlap tires, lasting only 22,000 miles due to one having a defect. Replaced brakes at 34,500 miles. Speakers vibrate.