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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  YES! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Austin - January 30 - 7:56 pm

  I wanted a GTO since they came out in 2004, I finally got one, in an automatic burnt orange. I couldnt be happier with this car. So far I have only put about 100 miles on it in town. It sure does turn some heads. This is pretty much the only sports car I can drive being that I am 67" 370lbs. I tried getting in a challenger, and charger, but the center console dugg into my leg in the wrong spot, and the insurance on the SRT8 was ridiculous. Plus the GTO will beat the 50k SRT8 all day long stock to stock. Hell if I put 50k into my Goat, I would have a 1500+hp car. In my opinion the GTO is the best muscle car. If you are looking at on, GET IT, if you have one LOVE IT!

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  The best car since the 65 cobra - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Linda - January 30 - 10:23 am

  I fell in love with the boby style then when i got the car, i fell in love with it even more. It handles great. Stops on a dime and the looks i get from other people is well worth everything. If you havent bought one yet then shame on you, but good for me.

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  Nice, but not perfect... - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By PACMAN - January 30 - 1:26 am

  Great styling, very comfy to drive. But after 5000 miles, dashboard rattling (dealer "cant locate source") and clutch chatters and car almost stalls in first gear. Has since day 1 and three dealers all say..."designed that way...nothing wrong..try easing away from lights very gently". Huh? Its a sports car, for crissake! If I wanted to "ease" away from lights, I would have bought a Prius! On the road, driving verymoderately, the car gets about 25 MPG tops at 60 MPH.

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  A real winner, returning it when the lease was up was very painful. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By delta125 - January 29 - 3:22 pm

  We had the top of the line G6. The GTP. This car stood out. Everything about it was spectacular, the power, Panoramic sunroof, seats, cabin styling, really showed how Pontiac was building some great cars to really compete and make people happy toward the end of its life. Overall, great car. Worth the money.

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  I LOVE my Sunfire :) - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kylo1201 - January 29 - 7:36 am

  I bought my 2003 Sunfire brand new with like 134 miles on it. It now has 106k and it still runs great! Its very reliable, I never worry about driving long trips. I know my baby will make it!! I had to get the left front strut replaced once while it was under warranty but no problems since. I replaced both window motors because they both stopped working. But my husband did it himself so it didnt cost very much. But other than that, No problems!!! I wish they still made this car so I can buy another one :)

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  Very pleased with this car - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Satisfied Owner - January 29 - 7:03 am

  I purchased a 95 T/A convertible new in 95, and it has been a terrific car. It now has 108,000 miles, and outside of normal maintenance over the past 10 years, it has only required a battery, water pump, fuel gauge and O2 sensor (due to dirt in the fuel line caused by running the car out of gas).

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  Not Fun - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Gene G. - January 29 - 1:46 am

  I drove this car for two years. Continually took it back to dealer for various leaks. Handled terribly compared to my Miata. Poorly and cheaply constructed. After two years I could see this car could not be relied on for the long haul. I sold it and bought a Honda Civic which is solid reliable, much better milage and handled more like a sports car than the Solstice. Good ridance. Stay away from.

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  Surprisingly reliable...except... - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BWM - January 28 - 8:30 pm

  I have a 2002 Grand Am SE1, with the special tropical teal color. I bought it used from Enterprise at 20k miles. I thought for sure Id have some problems, since it was a rental.... nope none... It went up to 60k miles before the blower motor resistor went, then at 80k miles the head and upper manifold gaskets went, due to DEXCOOL turning into acid and eating the gaskets and clogging my radiator. Fortunately, the car is easy to work on and I actually replaced the gaskets myself and the car runs great again. Now at 90k miles, nothing else major has broke... Only needed brakes twice, though now the shocks are starting to squeek and the A/C clutch is worn. But everything else is great.

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  Love my car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Wendy - January 28 - 1:40 pm

  I bought my car used with 32,000 miles on it. I have put on a little over 40,000 in the past four years and have had NO problems with my car. It has been perfect in the snow, perfect in wet weather, nice and cool in the summer. I have only had to replace a few things, but I have a wonderful mechanic who takes good care of the car; I havent needed any expensive work done. I love this car and were it not for an expanding family, I would never sell it. Two-doors arent very car-seat friendly!

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  Love my Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By gramhar73 - January 27 - 11:13 am

  Didnt like this car at first glance, but glad i gave the inside a look. The drive is smooth and the interior is beyond spacious. The back seat can comfortably hold 2 car seats and a large adult - and there is plenty of room for EVERYTHING that you need to bring.