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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  love it!!! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jrichard70 - January 16 - 10:00 am

  The first time I sat in it, those bucket seats gave me a hug. best car I have owned. the power with the size and feel of a real car. do have a small oil leak,

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  Horrible Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By amye87 - January 16 - 6:46 am

  I bought this car almost a year ago and it’s absolutely horrible. The first mistake I made was buying it from Car Hop. They charge double than what it is really worth. Within 4 months I had to put a ton of money into it, the brake pads were bad, tires were bad, it needed ball joints amongst other issues. The reason I went with Car Hop is because they claim to be cheaper (not overall) and they allow you to get liability insurance instead of full coverage. Definitely not worth the price. I do like the look and feel of the car, and everything in terms of air, radio and controls work fine, but the internal problems are far too severe. I would not recommend this car to new buyers or lookers.

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  Very Dependable Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By thunder - January 15 - 8:33 pm

  Excellent Car, great handling and powerful engine. I love driving this car, a great choice for anyone wanting a reliable sporty car.

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  My new GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Richard Leavitt - January 15 - 6:30 pm

  I ordered this car fully loaded. I have not been sorry for one minute. Getting in the car and driving it is a thrill and it makes me forget any problems I may have. The performance is more than adequate. Stepping down on the gas a little makes it seem like it is taking off like a jet. It just wants to move. My first long trip rendered just over 26 mpg which is quite acceptable for a higher performance engine. The only problem I have experienced is the navigation system but I understand this is an overall problem and it doesnt really bother me as there will be a fix for it. The best part of this car is my dealer and my saleslady. A big plus!

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  family van - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By druck4 - January 15 - 3:46 am

  We love our 2002 Montana, Never had a problem since we purchased it. The fuel mileage is great, 28 miles per on a trip 19 around town. Traction control works great , seating is comfortable and roomy. The DVD and sound system makes you feel like you are in a theatre. AC works great and all controls are easy to access. The engine could use a few more H.P. but is still very strong for the size. Motor never skips a beat and the oil is always nice and clean. The van handles like a sports car with the upgraded suspension, haulin heavy loads with the air supported suspension is awsome the vans rear never sags at all. Back up sensors are great for people who dont know when to stop. Super minivan!!!

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  Small,But Roomy,and Fun...To Pass Gas St - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By Chris - January 15 - 2:03 am

  Just a great car,American cars(Pontiac) is the way to Go,Quality,Value,Fun,....Pontiac is Quality for a Great Price!!I Recommend this car in a tough economy over that Toy.Previous car any day of the week...Im American and want the $$ to go to an American Co.

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  01 Black on Black LS6 Formula 6 speed - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By LS6BIRD - January 14 - 7:46 pm

  Originally owned by Gm Mechanic. Blew up the LS1 at 30k in 02..replaced with new LS6, added jethot headers and exhaust, lowered on SLP springs with subframe connectors and 4:10 gears. Dynos 442 hp and gets and amazing 27 mpg on the highway in 6th. I couldnt ask for a better car. Last of the true muscle cars! Dont think I will ever part with it. Only 311 6speed formulas in 01 and its a loaded Black on Black Hurst 6speed. I LOVE IT

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Gene - January 14 - 5:13 pm

  I think this is my 4th Pontiac. Just turned in my 04 Grand Prix GT2 for the G8. Prior to that I had 2 Grand Prix GTPs. Only had it 3 1/2 days. This car looks more like a BMW and handles like it! Quite a bit heavier and more responsive that the Grand Prix. Like the GT but decided that I didnt really need the V8 and the V6 really has plenty of power. The only difference in the two are the quad tail pipes and the clear tail light covers on the GT. The V6 has dual tail pipes and red light covers. I agree the amp meter and oil pressure displays need to go. Would like to be able to select items from the DIC and and transfer it to this display. Could probably be done with a computer upgrade.

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  BONNEVILLE OWNERS - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By njpontiaclover - January 14 - 2:45 pm

  I have owned this vehicle since 2003 the vehicle is very reliable as I have had problems as with any vehicle the biggest problem that these vehicles have are the intakes I have replaced it 2x i have maintained the vehicle very well and it has 170000 and still going I have replaced serveral items as alternator starter struts brakes belts wires hoses ac system I too had the leak problem but solved it as it was the rear wheel well that rotted out and fixed the problem the other leaks could be from sun roof drains that may be plugged up Vehicle has great handling and rides well with nice tires and new struts wish GM never abolished pontiac as no car runs like this

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  Good driver/short trips - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By RGD - January 14 - 2:23 pm

  Bought car 02/06.Good driver but very uncomfortable after 2 hrs.Headrest too forward.No leg room. Computer controls on steering wheel very awkward to use. Must take eyes off road to check instruments. LEDs hard to see in sun. No storage for cellphone, garage opener, sunglasses, etc. cup holders useless! Very hard to fall into and out of. Not having cushioned arm rest, my elbow gets sore pretty quick. Great looking car. Handles very good and good performing but needs more power. I dislike mine enough to have only 3370 miles on it.