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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  Grand Prix for 99 - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rambler - December 7 - 2:00 am

  With 10 trips to the dealer to get a rattle in the dash fixed (which is still there), 3 HUDs and numerous other dash parts replaced, the build quality is poor. The door panels have also pulled away from the doors. The floor shift lever has broken twice. Look to the Europeons or Japanese for your next car.

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  Very Happy - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Simon - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt hestitant at all when buying this car(GT 4dr sedan). I knew I was getting a car I could be comfortable in. Its big yet very quick, agile and comes with dual airbags for safety. So far I have been getting 24 to 25 miles per gallon, not sure if I am misreading other websites that claim 28 to 30. So far this car has given me exactly what I needed, comfort, acceleration, safety and did I say comfort.

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  lame - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mpt222 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  this car is SSSLLLOOOWWWW and handles worse than my old 94 Ford Escort!! For all the flash, it really handles poorly, leaning through corners like a truck and very non-responsive steering. I am sure this car will wear like a typical GM...rust out and be worthless in 5 years.

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  G6 review - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By david markell - December 6 - 5:10 pm

  Car rides very well. It also has a big back seat and has gotten very good gas mileage. So far, very satisfied w/purchase.

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  shopping for a truck - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By ste-marie gaston - December 6 - 12:03 pm

  This family van has been a pleasure to drive. Since I do a lot of driving in a year it is important for me to feel secure all year round by driving a very reliable car. A change of employment is requiring that I drive a truck.

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  PCM - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jk - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I had the Power control Module replaced in May 2010 and when I questioned the recall that just came out, I was advised that I should not have paid for the PCM since it was under a warranty put in place by the government and I received a full refund. Check into it if you have also had the PCM replaced and your Vibe is not over 8 years old

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  PIECE OF CRAP!!! - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By NRBO - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This make is a piece of crap. 2nd year fuel pump went out, third year the entire ignition system went out. 4th year the heater quits working - apparently this has happened to thousand of this model but GM refuses a recall - the part costs $22 but it costs $1500 for labor because to replace the part requires removal of the entire front section of the car. Look it up - blender acuerator. My mechanic says it is the poorest designed car he has ever seen and wont even attempt to replace that part. I am getting rid of this piece of junk as soon as I can. It is winter in the south and no heater. The dealership just laughed when asked about ongoing issues with this car.

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  nice for the price - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Todd F - December 5 - 10:23 pm

  Ive only driven my Sunfire about 1200 miles, but so far, its been nearly perfect. After I cashed in GM card earnings, I only paid $5800 for it, so I cant really complain about anything. However, I do think the seats are worth mentioning. Even in such an inexpensive car, the fabric is unbelievably cheap. 1200 miles and the drivers seat is showing considerable wear. I have to get some seat covers soon. Aside from that, however, I love it.

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  bad situation - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By streetside56 - December 4 - 10:08 pm

  we have a 2002 bonneville sle its the best car my dad has owned but recently we have had some major problems. first off it started shifting hard we thought nothing of it until it started jerking when you accelerate. a little after that it started dying at street lights in the middle of traffic.we have replaced the coil packs and everything any help would be greatly appreciated.

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  GOES and goes 211,000 miles at 34-40 mpg - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By bass player - December 4 - 6:47 pm

  No major repairs, only maintenance like fluid changes and brake checks. Enough room for a string bass and 2 children. Great car! We live where there are dirt roads and rough roads, no repairs needed. It has a timing belt. I drive 500 miles per week and average 35 mpg. When I freeway drive its 40 mpg. I have been rear ended twice. Once by a large pick-up truck (I opted to not repair) and recently by a semi trailer truck and I am still driving my Vibe. This time repairs are needed due to my crunched lift gate. I need to transport the string bass.