- 101987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
- 137 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 7.3 Sec
- 91973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty
- 155 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 7.1 Sec
- 82004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP
- 141 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 6.8 Sec
- 72005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
- 143 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.8 Sec
- 62007 Pontiac Solstice GXP
- 142 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.5 Sec
- 51998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
- 165 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.2 Sec
- 42008 Pontiac G8 GT
- 137 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.2 Sec
- 31963 Pontiac Tempest Super Duty
- 163 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Sec
- 22006 Pontiac GTO
- 175 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Sec
- 12009 Pontiac G8 GXP
- 175 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Sec
- The Bottom Line
Pontiac is a manufacturer that has fallen from favor in recent years, struggling to attract the attention of consumers and auto enthusiasts as more buyers migrate to manufacturers with a stronger stance on fuel economy. But this wasn't always the case for Pontiac — there was a time when it was one of the most powerful makes on the road and a staple in car enthusiast circles.
At that time, Pontiac cars stand for power, performance, and styling. As a result, enthusiasts often ask this question: What is the fastest Pontiac of all time? We've been thinking about this question for some time, and we're finally ready to make our list of the fastest Pontiacs ever. So please take a look–you may be surprised by what's on it!
The Pontiacs listed in this article are ranked according to how fast they go from fastest to slowest:
- 1. 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP – 175 MPH
- 2. 2006 Pontiac GTO – 175 MPH
- 3. 1963 Pontiac Tempest Super Duty – 163 MPH
- 4. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT – 137 MPH
- 5. 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am – 165 MPH
- 6. 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP – 142 MPH
- 7. 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP – 143 MPH
- 8. 2004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP – 141 MPH
- 9. 1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty – 155 MPH
- 10. 1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA – 137 MPH
101987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA
137 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 7.3 Sec
The Pontiac Firebird is a great car, especially the third-generation model; its appearance was way ahead of its time, and it was branded as the “standard of performance” for ten years. I've always liked the car for its exterior shape, and it also came with a 210-horsepower V8 engine and rear-wheel drive (and in 1987, that was a lot).
So, would I recommend buying a 1987 Firebird GTA? Yes, it's a fun car to drive and will provide you with plenty of good memories. Whether you get it restored or go the DIY route, remember what they say: “If you save it, they will come.”
91973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 455 Super Duty
155 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 7.1 Sec
The 1973 Firebird Trans Am 455-SD is a true thoroughbred in the world of muscle cars. With the Super Duty badge and its racing heritage dating back to the old days of NASCAR, it is no wonder why this monster has become such a classic.
The 455-SD is a classic muscle car with a 7.5-liter V8 that pumps out 310hp, giving it the power to hit 155mph. Very few cars can boast of having the pedigree and performance of the 455-SD. So it is easy to see how it proudly takes its place as one of Pontiac’s fastest cars.
82004 Pontiac Bonneville GXP
141 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 6.8 Sec
Pontiac's 2004 Bonneville GXP is a great example of the company's continuing efforts to expand its lineup of popular muscle-car-type sedans. The car has a 4.6-liter V8 engine that generates 275 horsepower and is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
In addition, like most high-end sedans, the GXP comes equipped with plenty of electronic aids. Heavy stuff–like lots of metal parts and extra features–can slow down a car. But the Pontiac Bonneville GXP is speedy, with lots of acceleration off the mark. It's one of the fastest Pontiacs ever built.
72005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
143 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.8 Sec
The 2005 Grand Prix GXP is the eighth generation of Pontiac's Grand Prix nameplate. It is another sedan to make our list of fastest Pontiac cars, thanks to its big engine, a 5.3-liter V8 that manages to pump out 303 horsepower with its power delivered through a four-speed automatic transmission.
Even with some major mechanical adjustments to make the engine fit the front-wheel drive car, the GXP still manages to get from 0-60mph in just 5.8 seconds–a time that's not bad for a car that is a blend of being a sedan with an attitude for speed.
62007 Pontiac Solstice GXP
142 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.5 Sec
Pontiac's Solstice is a roadster designed for the open road. The 2007 GXP version is one of the fastest Pontiac models ever made. It has a body that curves in all the right places, just like the original roadsters did years ago.
The Pontiac Solstice GXP is a great car and comes with a 2.0-liter engine that has increased its power from 177hp in the base model to 260hp in the GXP version, as well as a five-speed manual transmission. This combination allows the car to go from 0 to 60mph in 5.5 seconds, which makes it almost like a bat out of hell.
51998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
165 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.2 Sec
The 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is an aggressive piece of hardware. Pontiac gave this car a subtle facelift, and the end result was something that looked even more menacing than before. The car's 5.7-liter V8 engine churns out 305 horsepower, which is more than enough to keep you entertained on the highway or winding roads.
Motor week’s testing revealed that the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 could get from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and flat down the quarter-mile in 14 seconds. That was impressive by yesterday’s standards and still respectable for a modern car today.
42008 Pontiac G8 GT
137 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 5.2 Sec
The 2008 Pontiac G8 is a car that will win performance enthusiasts over because it finally delivers on the brand's age-old promise of “driving excitement.” This car does it right, packing muscular engines underneath its taut sheet metal and routing its power to the rear wheels as a proper American or Australian muscle car should.
The G8 GT delivered on its promise of performance, with a powerful 6.0 L76 liter V8 that made 361 horsepower and helped the car achieve high 13-second quarter mile times when new. And although it was quick in a straight line, it was also surprisingly fun to drive in corners thanks to sharp steering and excellent grip from its wide 245/45ZR18 tires.
31963 Pontiac Tempest Super Duty
163 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Sec
This 1963 Pontiac Tempest Super Duty is a special car. It may have something to do with how it was one of the first performance cars to hit the market after the muscle car craze really took off in the mid-1960s. This is a car with racing history, a car that some people say put Pontiac on the racing map.
However, the Tempest Super Duty's reign was short-lived. In January 1963, General Motors announced that it would stop all factory support for racing, and that spelled the end for this car. Nevertheless, it is still one of the fastest Pontiacs ever made.
22006 Pontiac GTO
175 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Sec
The 2006 Pontiac GTO has rightfully earned its place in the pantheon of fast Pontiacs. It's the last version of the fifth-generation GTO, which stopped production in 2006. Under its hood sits a thunderous 6.0-liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower and launches this car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 sec–an eye-watering time for any muscle car.
The 2006 Pontiac GTO rides like a luxury car on the street but can feel sluggish when driven aggressively. Therefore, it is best to keep the car pointed straight and let the V8 work its magic, which has been the point of this muscle car since the beginning.
12009 Pontiac G8 GXP
175 MPH – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Sec
The 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP is the four-door Corvette Americans have long prayed for, with sharp steering, tremendous response from the four-piston Brembo brakes, exceptionally balanced and neutral handling, and an interior layout that's simple and classy. In addition, the car featured a 415-horsepower V8 engine from Chevrolet's Corvette and extra options to enhance its performance. As a result, reviewers praised the GXP for being one of the fastest four-door sedans on the market at the time.
It's a shame the timing is so lousy. Just when the GXP has been introduced as the most powerful Pontiac ever, the U.S. car market is slogging through its worst slump since 1983, and General Motors is estimated to be four to six months away from running out of cash and going bankrupt. So even if the GXP is a failure, it will at least be remembered as the most powerful stock of Pontiac ever.
The Bottom Line
If you are in the market for one of the fastest Pontiacs ever made and can't decide which to purchase, this guide can help you choose. We have ranked the ten fastest Pontiacs according to their top speed to give you a better idea of your options.
Keyword: The 10 Fastest Pontiac Cars Ever, Ranked by Speed