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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  GTO: Everything expected found - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By rgray - November 29 - 10:00 am

  My new GTO is one great muscle car. I am 55 years old. I owned a GTO in 1970. Since that time, auto mfg has produced gutless cars. Nice bodies and creature comforts but no muscle. Ive waited for the new GTO for a while. Its 350 is all there. The comfort is truly Pontiac. Thank you for bringing raw power back to an American automobile. By the way, my other car is a Porsche.

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  WITH $5000 OFF ONLY 10S - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By GoBoy - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Get toyota quality with GM big time rebates and incentives in a small SUV package with mid 30s MPG. I haul cement in it. I trailer it. I hug the corners like a fat tired car. Red line limiter kicks in about 6700. Get snow tires the stock ones are more for performance, but not bad in the snow. No vehicle on the market compares Yes it is manufactured in California USA :)

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  2004 Grand Prix CompG - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By robtad - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This CompG is definitely a car for the enthusiast like myself. Its fun to drive, fast and the handling is extremely precise and tight, yet not too stiff. They have completely eliminated body roll. I havent driven a car that handles this well since my 1970 Camaro Z28. Actually, the Grand Prix may even be better because of the MagnaSteer and Stabili-track! Im so glad I got the CompG package! I found the leather seats to be of good quality and comfortable especially with the side wings to help hold you in place.

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  GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rsilverm - November 29 - 10:00 am

  What a wonderful car. GM hit the sweet spot as far as size, power, ride/handling and price.

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  2000 Pontiac Montana - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By VanDriver - November 29 - 12:20 am

  Excellent! Fun to drive. Nice creature comforts.

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  One of the Best Decisions Ive made!!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By NewPontiacDriver - November 28 - 9:56 am

  Ive had this car for three months now and I am completely statisfied with it so far. It drives nice, accelerates adqeuately, stops confidentally, and most importantly (for me) pulls through the snow with no problem. My steep, snow covered driveway is a problem no more. Also I love the fact that it is pratically a Toyota in GM clothing.

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  Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jim - November 28 - 9:46 am

  This is the second GP I have owned. Both have been excellent cars. I enjoy the performance of the car. There is always power when needed and the car handles well. I need a sedan for family purposes but this car also provides for me the feel of a sports car. I have had no mechanical problems with either of the GPs I have owned. The biggest complaint I have is with the factory tires. Neither GP got more than 25,000 miles from the factory sets.

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  Great ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mark - November 28 - 8:56 am

  Car Is the greatest in this class. Preformance is mind blowing. I have never driven a car in this class with this much power. Extras are just right. handles like a true sports car.

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  Pontiac GP 5 year owner - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By David - November 28 - 3:26 am

  This car has been rock solid and very reliable. The only maintenance items (besides oil changes) have been replacing the battery at 65k, tires at 55k, and front brake pads at 60k. This car has good acceleration, and has averaged 22 – 25 mpg in stop and go freeway traffic. The best gas mileage I got was 32 when we were heading back from vacation and had a tank full of Nevada gas. It has plenty of room for 4 adults and a child in the middle.

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  not a good car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Karen - November 27 - 7:50 pm

  do not buy! we have replaced the starter, battery, alternator, etc. in less than 3 months time. resell value stinks and youll be top heavy!! but they are good on gas mileage.