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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  Good VIBErations - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By xknvmb - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great automobile. I usually have problems with comfort in a small car because of my size (61", 230 lbs) but I drove this from OK to MI with my wife and 3 family pets and we had no trouble. Plus we got great fuel mileage. Great performance and handling.

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  Maintaining the concept - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By BobthePhotoGuy - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Many people keep refering to the fact that the GTO doesnt look like a muscle car. Well a lot of that is the perception of history. The original GTO was a plain jane Pontiac Tempest with a common styling for it era. Pontiac took this everyday two door going to church car and dropped in a powerful drivetrain, added a hood scoop, exhaust and a bigger set of shoes. With the New GTO, they took a well established up to date styled car, the Holden Monaro, dropped in a powerful drivetrain and added a healthy exhaust. Sound familiar?? The only thing missing is the hoodscoop. Of course with the new technology in 30 years, the creature comforts are much stronger.

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  I like my vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By R.M.Thorne - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Had a lot of cars in my life this is one of the best.Got around 9000 on it and love it more every day. Very good miliage and do not tirer over long hauls. Just come out of Blairsvile Ga to Wildwood Fl. in just under 8 hours with one stop for gas. got 35.2 for mpg.at 72 mph.So far like every thing about it.Very nice little car.

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  PONTIAC GRAND PRIX - AWESOME!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sammy - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This new PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT is AWESOME!!! I love this car. This is my daily commute car. I was drawn in by its sporty looks and never disappointed. It has ample power and plenty of space inside. The instrument gauges and layout of the dashboard is clean and contemporary. The drive is awesome - quite and powerful. I recommend this vehicle to everyone I talk to.

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  my 2001 pontiac totrod - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By totrod - May 30 - 9:20 am

  i never thought i would like a mini van but this Montana changed the way i think. very comfortable, plenty of pep, great fuel mileage, awesome vehicle for those with kids !!!

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  Balck Solstice - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tom - May 30 - 9:10 am

  This is one fun car and it is a definite attention getter. It takes the boredom out of driving. This car takes you back to the grass roots of driving, unlike some of those big "boats". You actually drive this car.

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  My first Pontiac @ 57 - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By annie - May 29 - 10:46 pm

  I purchased this car on July 5th,2005.The salesman searched the entire state until he found a model I requested:5-speed, loaded with everything but ABS. I am completely happy with my purchase, and can reccomend it to anyone who values fuel economy; a spunky engine; and a high cuteness factor. All of the options I requested are just what one would expect and hope for: they work,and they look good doing it. One more thing: I have four dogs(big ones) and there is plenty of room when the rear seats are down.And I think it could even be used for camping(sans dogs) for me and my squeeze.Lots and lots of room. I love this car.

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  Great SUV - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Austin - May 29 - 7:33 pm

  A very efficient SUV at an affordable price makes this a great buy. With the Sun and Sound Package this SUV becomes very trendy for younger buyers such as myself. Will be a great commodity for traveling.

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  Big Red - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Ray Willis - May 27 - 4:53 pm

  I did not think they would ever bring the gto back wow what A car, excellent. I had a 1965 and a 1967 this 2006 is by far a much better car in every way, its to bad that they are going to stop making it after the 2006 are gone. Sadddddddddddddd

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  Only a Pontiac GTP for me! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By nascar20pontiac - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Finally I know why people who love to drive would buy this one. I heard all the great reviews and I now get to own one. Awesome power, awesome standard features and great options will make this car a winner. Cant say enuf about the heads-up display. Comfort is incredible and heck its a Pontiac. If Tony Stewart can drive it, it must have great power. The price keeps it in the ave persons budget...and you get so much more.