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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  GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Brian Hill - March 29 - 10:46 pm

  I love this car. The power is amazing, I can do 110 mph in 3rd gear. The only problems I have are the super slow moving seats to gain acess to the back and the fact there are no door lock buttons on the inside. Other than that this car is a dream on gas. I get 29 mpg on the highway(I have the 6 speed). Oh and by the way the handling is not as bad as they make it out to be.

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  GXP - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Gary - March 27 - 8:33 am

  All the bells and whistles of the Seville for less dollars. Fun to drive, but you give up a bit in the ride.

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  04 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Jack - March 26 - 9:00 am

  Im not crazy about the looks, for sure. It has plenty of performance but not much better then my 66 442. I think Pontiac ruined their resale value when they were selling them for $26,000.

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  Overall OK, but a few Kinks - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ginger Leigh - March 25 - 1:10 pm

  Though Ive owned over fifteen used cars in my life, this was the first new car I bought. I bought it because it was half-Toyota, yet it had an all- American name. Overall, Im satisfied with it. Many people have commented on stylin it is. I like the interior features (the electric outlet, the many small storage compartments) and the old-school Pontiac style dashboard, lighted red at night. However, I dont care for the style of the rear-end, and Ive had minor electrical problems (battery, sunroof, the interior map light). Also, the pick-up is kind of slow. Interested? Get the GT, all possible options, and definately get the extended warranty -- GMs warranty STINKS!

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  My SuperSunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jd77 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sunfire! This car is small with a BIG attitude. I have the sun and sound package and the only thing I hate is that I am constantly blowing the speakers! I will continue leaving those other 4 cylinders in my rear view!

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  First GP, definitely not the LAST one!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lunchbox4124 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  My parents owned a 1999 Grand Prix GT 4dr that I loved to drive every chance I got. They purchased a 2002 Bonneville SLE last year, and they swear by Pontiac. I wasnt so sure with the first couple of 04s I saw, but then I drove one, a GT1, and liked it a lot. We were closing in on a GT2 with a roof and leather, and then I gave in and bought the GTP, and its worth every extra penny. Ive had it for 3 days, and let me say I finally got the cool car I always wanted in high school, only now Im 30. So far Ive challenged a couple of newer "muscle" cars, and they all wound up shaking their heads.... Im definitely a future Pontiac buyer already.

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  Pontiac home run - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Bert - March 25 - 5:16 am

  Picked up in Wisconsin and immediately left for Georgia. Not designed for a long trip, but FUN anyway. I tried the Mazda and this one has a LOT more leg room for me personally. Also, there is a ton more head room than the Mazda. This car is a load of fun to drive. Especially with the top down. Id agree that the interior is a little cheesy and clumsy. Exterior is great. This is the first GM vehicle that Ive ever bought (Currently own 4) that met the EPA rating as listed on the window. Got about 32 on the long trip from Wisconsin. For daily cummuting in Atlanta traffic, Ive averaged just shy of 21.

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  Pontiac GT - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fronczek - March 24 - 10:16 am

  Car has been trouble free, plenty of power, fun to drive, has some wind noise, handles very well, great gas mileage

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  SOLSTICE - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By R.J. LEEDS - March 24 - 5:46 am

  From the day I took possession of my Solstice, the main problem is people coming too close trying to get a better look.

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  Great First Impression - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By StevenE - March 24 - 1:33 am

  I was lucky enough to pick up a brand new (45 miles) red G8 in Minneapolis for a week long drive around No. MN, WI and MI Upper Peninsula. I put 1100 miles on the odometer and developed a great first impression of this car. It is tight, corners superbly, handles great and drives like a car much smaller than its size. GM really got this one right! Acceleration wasnt outstanding with the V6, but balanced against gas mileage, it offered plenty for everyday, long term driving. I averaged almost 24 mpg for the 1100 miles in combination of driving including pushing it pretty hard on some back roads and freeways. Nice car...Ill have this one on my shopping list.