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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  I love this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Marty M. - December 31 - 2:16 pm

  I bought my G6 GT a few months ago, I was going to get a 2001 BMW 540i M Sport with 80k miles Because I wanted something nice, different, something my friends didnt have, a friend who is a Pontiac saleman talked me into test driving the G6 GT, and I was sold, all the options I had with this car blew my mind, XM radio, auto adjustable foot pedals, leather, 6 disc cd, power sunroof, heated seats, lots of truck space, LOTS.. you wouldnt think so with this car, very comfortable ride, front or back, the car makes me think im in a $45,000 nissan 350z there is a lot of value in this car, soooo glad i didnt go BMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Love the Car - Hate the Quality - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gib - December 31 - 10:33 am

  I love the look and the Driving feel of this car. And I say this with a heavy heart... AVOID this Car!!! It has a major design flaw with the Windows, which Leak into the seat belt. As of 2/16/06 the part to fix is On National Back order and I am 41st on the list to get the part after not being able to drive the car for 28 days and counting. Pontiacs Response, Too BAd. Which is a shame...

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  2006 GTOs - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOs - December 30 - 9:13 pm

  The outside of the GTO is UGLY! It is to plain. If you see one going down the road no one turns their head and say ooo there is a GTO because the are not that recognizeable. They look to much like a Mazda 6, or and other sport sudan. Unlike the new Dodge Charger or Ford Mustang everyone goes ooo look at that. It is because they are very distinctive. There are no other cars that look like them. On a good note the interior and performance are perfect.

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  great - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By justin - December 28 - 11:40 pm

  never have had a problem with my aztek. runs great. a few things have gone wrong. but i got the car with 150k. should have gotten a bigger motor. but i cant complain. i know everyone thought they were ugly but i think theyre one of the nicer mid level cars GM built.

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  First Purchase of GMC Vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By bridjon - December 27 - 9:36 pm

  This vehicle gives a very comfortable ride, unfortunately the interior display is awful, dials are difficult to read. We have had no mechanical problems in 18 months and she starts first time every time (whatever the weather). The paint finish has chipped in a couple of places (without any rough treatment on our part!)we never had this problem with our previous van (Mitshbishi). We are very happy overall and accept that every vehicle has a drawback of some sort, those on the Montana are easy to live with as they have nothing to with reliability and that for us is number one.

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  Surprisingly fun - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Toyota Boy - December 27 - 3:20 pm

  I rented this car for a week on Maui and was pleasantly surprised. Ive always liked the looks of the Grand Prix, and after sitting behind the wheel I really began to dig it. It took a little getting used to the layout of the cabin but once I did, I found myself loving the feel of the car. Smooth power, great in the twisties (driving up& down the switchbacks to the Haleakala crater at 10,000 ft). The interior feels a little cheap but Id only place it a little below the 08 Camry. Overall, Id say this is a fun car for a good price and definitely worth a look if youre in the market for a sedan.

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  NOT an ugly ducking... - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Dave Barber - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Sure, its easy to bash Pontiac for what most consider to be ugly, weird, or bizarre styling. But it grows on you, and after owning one for nearly a year, I have concluded it is on of the best values out there. Weve had NO mechanical problems, there are no rattles or squeaks and it tows our camper (equipped with towing package) with ease.

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  fun /nice looking - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ed tryin - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I had this car since 1998 had 13,000 miles now it has 90,000 miles . Problems water pump $700 oh yea. and electric window motor $230 I love the car its fun to drive red and black top.

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  Gotto drive one to love one - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Jfowler - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Gave up my loaded suburban for the aztec. Power, leather, xm satalite comfort design, smooth ride, and much better gas milage, it has it all. Great turning, handles great in snow, easy to park, fun to drive. Love the look especially with 17" wheels an sunroof. I drove them all and bought the aztec. Roomy front and back and loads of storage. The cooler and door packs are handy and make cleanups easy. Great sound system, Love the display on my windshield and stereo controls on the stearing wheel as well as near the tailgate. Has Dual heating & a/c, as well as a duct for the rear seat. 3 Power outlet very well located. GREAT CAR!

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  Ellis GT - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Richard Ellis - December 26 - 5:16 pm

  My wife and both enjoy our Vibe. We took a gamble buying a new 2003 model that had very little written about it at that time. We are very pleased by the performance and reliability of the GT and have only two minor repairs since we purchased it in 2003. My wife uses the Vibe,five days a week to visit shut-ins and seniors, on backroads that are gravel or sand in addition to normal paved highway. She loves her Vibe and enjoys the "spirit" it has for all types of normal driving conditions. She has mentioned buying a new one after this one reaches 150,000 miles.