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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  First year went well! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BlackBetty - January 11 - 9:43 pm

  I bought this car just over a year ago, and I still absolutely love it. I havent had many problems... my shifter remains stuck in park, which is annoyingly solved with a key every time I start the car. Other than that, I couldnt be happier with it! After owning a 1987 Park Avenue, this is so much more fun, but its still practical for Wisconsin Winters. I guess Pontiac could have put a little more into the interior styling. Its a little cheap feeling, but not ridiculously so.

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  Mid-Size Muscle - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rolex4me - January 11 - 8:33 pm

  As a grand Prix fan, I must say that I am impressed with the 2006 GXP. It not only beats its competitors on paper, it beats them on the pavement. Great handling, a true driving machine. This car makes the daily commute a little more pleasurable. One will not be disappointed with this choice, a true head turner.

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  (3.9L 6cyl 6M) - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By no its a secret - January 10 - 9:06 pm

  I love the looks and power. The 3.9 has power at all rpm. The clutch shifts smooth. Mine has the sun and sound pkg, premium pkg, Performance pkg (3.9 HO 6 speed manual) Crimson red and Taupe leather

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  05 G6 , good move - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By lee bates - January 10 - 5:36 pm

  I love the style , and comfort of my "G6". It is well equipped with leather etc. Im 64 and around 250 lbs. and find the car very very comfortable to drive on semi long trips.

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  Excellent Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chris J - January 10 - 12:20 am

  This is my second Grand Am. We still own our first which is a 2000 SE. Overall, and aside from the intake manifold problem (which our wounderful dealership repaired free of charge), our Grand Ams have been excellent cars. Not once have either of them ever let me down. Proformance and comfort at superb with the tourqy 3.4 V6, and the leather seats make long trips relaxing. The stock sound system is absolutely amazing, and the red backlit dash is easy on the eyes. I plan on keeping my GT for as long as possible, and im thankful I havent recieved the problems others seemed to have had. Only other probem Ive had was a loose electrical wire, which was fixed in minutes at my dealer.

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  Enjoy the drive - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Manny R - January 9 - 4:20 pm

  The vehicle has a lot of room is fun to drive fuel economy is great and the 4cly engine is pretty good for the size of vhicle. i am able to park easily the rear quarter windows have a slight blind spot but you can adjust. easy entry and getting out allows my elderly mom to get in and out easily a nice firm ride i can fell the road with the 17" wheels handles corners like a sports car with less stops at the gas pump i am very satisfied with my vibe if my kids would need a car for collage i would buy another no hesitation.quality vehiclee worth your hard earned $$$$$$

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  great car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By seuinoz - January 9 - 10:00 am

  i have a envy green pontiac vibe(they dont make this color anymore) the car is just over a yr new and i have already put close to 20,000 miles on it. there are no problems with this car. no major repairs done, just minor warranty work(headlights goofy cup holder design in back seat area) besides that nothing major(for buying a car the first yr it comes out on the market)lets say the 3rd month it was out on the market. what a kick ass car(i love it) keep up the good work pontiac (i love ya)

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  Great so far - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By necia6 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2003 Grand Am GT for about eight months. It handles great and is a really smooth ride. With my commute of 80miles four days a week, Ive really been giving my car a workout. The V6 engine results in fast pickup (good for highway lane merges), and has somewhat of a sporty roar when you accelerate. Overall, Im thrilled with my car.

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  Awesome Ride - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Chris D - January 7 - 6:36 pm

  I bought this car to replace my aging Trans Am. I am completely overjoyed with this sporty sedan...perfect blend of speed and comfort. Everything about this car is outstanding, from appearance, to acceleration, to creature comforts, to gas mileage, and so on. The size of the car is just right for handling, while the space provided for the driver and adult passengers in more than sufficient. The trunk is huge! The best part (of course) is when my friends review the car and then stand in total amazement when I tell them the cost -- very reasonable for everything you get. I cant believe I dont see more of this caron the road...people dont know what theyre missing!

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  Why Drive Anything Else? - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Mel Ifudu - January 7 - 4:26 am

  To put it simply, why drive anything else? Thats the thought that goes through my mind when I drive. My GTO is fantastic. It is clearly the best car I have ever driven. Its scary fast (top speed and acceleration) and the exhaust noise, to die for. Thanks to our Aussie friends. Good work, great car. Although there is one thing that upsets me about my car; its the braking performance at high speed. Its like the pads are terrified of the wheel hub. Perhaps I need Brembos. And finally, my girlfriend hates the car. This is the final confirmation I needed.