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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  2007 torrent - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Teresa - August 5 - 11:53 pm

  I love the look of the Pontiac Torrent very roomy for a smaller suv. I have had my torrent in the shop at least 8 times for ignition problems. The key will not turn. Its like in a lock position and all they would do is spray and lube the ignition. At 30,000 miles now my rotors are warped and they say they just do that sometimes. They just replaced the ignition cylinder hoping this fixes the problem!

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  reliability - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By 97 sunfire - August 5 - 9:20 pm

  so far i have had this car for quite a while, it was my first, and i would never buy away from pontiac or chevy after owning it, take good care of it, and it will never break down,minor wear and tear but thats normal, for a four cylinder great performance,comfortable to drive for a small car, great on gas, i do alot of driving, 25k yearly, and i have never had this car break down or anything, it has been the best first car i could have ever imagined, high milege and she drives like the day she was new

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  Excellent - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By megang - August 5 - 5:46 am

  I wanted a vehicle that would be reliable as well as stylish. When I started the buying process I didnt know exactly what I wanted. I knew however that i wanted something sporty that got as much flatter from other people as it did gas mileage. I got that and more. Its so comfortable it makes your driving experience wonderful.

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  Great little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Michael - August 4 - 6:50 pm

  The Vibe fits my family, including getting my 65" son being able to sit int he back seat. Ive hauled lumber, kayaks, and furniture---and with the front seat folded I can get almost anything inside the car. All this and Im averaging 30 mpg with a great handling, fun to drive car. The satellite radio was interesting for the free trial, but broadcast radio and CDs work well enough for me.

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  Excellent Car and Built in the USA, A+++ - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By JIm - August 4 - 3:36 pm

  I had the car for almost a year now, no problems and love it. The car rides and handles great, even at high speeds its a smooth ride. The turning radius is excellent, I can pull a u-turn just about anywhere and park in the smallest places. (I tried the Chevy Cobolt GT and it does not do this and they are suppose to be the same?) Great MPG 36 mpg, with automatic. Very Quite inside, not air noises, road noise. Great dash, XM radio, mp3 connection. Nice styling, inside and out. Beat all the imports. We have the base module with the confort package, and sport package that may be the difference between ours and other ratings. Great looking 18 in mag wheels, controls on the leather wraped wheel

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  Aztek Measures Up - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By DSIX - August 4 - 2:00 am

  In searching for a vehicle that has enough room for two children but doesnt get lost in the sea a cars that look alike, the Aztek has delivered!! It handles great and is comfortable. The removable rear seats allow me to move large items easily. This is an American vehicle that was ahead of the market. You dont find many who are neutral on its looks - But it is fun to see peoples reactions change once they get in and go for a ride - Never had anyone who left unimpressed and have had three go out and buy one! I cant say that about any other car I have ever owned.

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  2002 TA - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Pasetbo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  There is no car around that delivers anywhere near the performance per dollar as the Trans Am. Doesnt have quite the "status" symbol appeal of some other cars, but if your goal is pure performance, this car cant be beat. Its nice to pull up to a stop light next to sports cars that cost twice as much, only to see them disappearing in your rear view mirror after the light turns green.

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  Econohustler - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Peebles - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I got a bargain, $10,900 for the base vehicle with 400 miles. So far I have averaged 29 mpg combined hwy and city (900 miles on the odometer to date). While acceleration is not blazing, only sports cars beat me at traffic lights, and only if they are ready. The steering is crisp (no power) and gives good feedback (a touch torque steer). The ride is smoother than I expected, but I previously drove a truck :)

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  Pontiac Vibe 2004 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Shannon Causey - August 4 - 2:00 am

  My family purchased a 2004 Vibe in 10/03. We truly enjoy driving and riding in this vehicle. This little wagon has been fun to drive even though it is not a small coupe. The gas mileage has been great on the highway and in the city.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mkb - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car all around. fun to drive . Good Job Pontiac.