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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  Not your typical boring 4 door - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mark Moody - December 31 - 8:46 am

  I just purchased an 05 Grand Prix GT great car at a great price with the employee discount saved almost $7000.00.This is my second Grand Prix GT we also have an 02 which after 75000 miles has yet to give us any problems.I test drove many other cars but came back to Pontiac.For the money I couldn`t find a better equipped car.The Grand Prix GT for us is a nice combination of good looks power and reliability.

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  Black Beauty - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Brian - December 30 - 6:43 pm

  What a great car for the price. I wanted to "Buy American" and couldnt be more pleasantly surprised with Pontiacs newest offering. Sporty looks, comfortable ride, nimble handling, and great gas mileage from a quiet, smooth, peppy engine. It has all the features I was looking for, many unexpected on a car at this price point. Leather, heated seats, On-Star, and the Pioneer sound system with the ipod input jack are all great in this class of car.

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  Most Fun Ive Ever Had On Four Wheels! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By frebo3 - December 29 - 12:33 pm

  A 60-something sport touring motorcyclist - I bought my 1997 WS6 in 2000 replacing a ten year old Mustang GT. The WS6 had run out of warranty, so I bought an extension from the GM dealer for just over $1,000. It paid off. In the next four years I had about $3K of work done for free, replacing the Monsoon audio system and rear woofers, and the power window motors.This car is a blast to drive. It corners as if it were on rails, the power lumbar support is excellent, the throttle response is incredible - the exhaust note awesome. The only thing I can liken it to is an XKE V-12 that I once owned.My wife loves the lines - says it reminds her of a Ferrari.Its been a blast!

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  2003 pontiac vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By dfmlhm - December 29 - 2:00 am

  automatic headlights wasnt working correctly

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  Firebird - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Adrian2004 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Incredible handling of road, great acceleration and continued high speed, turns in a dime and stops better than other cars tried. Will make heads turn as you drive by.

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  Good Performance - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By BREXSIS - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac aztek is very sensable buy and very comfortable,amazing fast also good interior lighting,

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  Surprising Performer on All Fronts - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Steve - December 29 - 2:00 am

  After having done time in an overpriced and overrated Volvo, I bought the WS6 due to its appeal. I love the engine, handling, interior, and styling. But be careful, this car can get you in over your head quick! The pleasant surprise has been the cheapness to own (not insurance,though!). The 22 mpg fuel mileage is respectable for what it is - a V8. Better still, with 85,000 on the odo - it has only needed brakes pads, battery, tires, and light bulbs. This was a welcomed change from the Volvo that started to come undone at 50,000 - nice going GM, my faith in domestics has been restored!!

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  Aussies Rule - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mustangterminator - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery this weekend and havent slept since. Fantastic car!! This is an affordable,QUALITY, sophistaced hot rod. Forget the understated looks... its suppose to be that way. Just like the original. I added an aftermarket cold air intake and stage 1 chip to boost the HP to 455. Interior is far superior to any US built GM car, except possibly the Cadillac line. Save enough on the car to afford lots of tires and tickets. Gas isnt an issue with an average MPG of 20. Also very pleased with the interior room, as I am 63" and 280lbs.

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  I love my Pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By jitensha jin - December 28 - 9:36 pm

  This is my first convertible. I love the hardtop convertible. Cant figure out why GM chose to drop the Pontiac line.

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  verry fast - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By e. m. - December 27 - 2:56 am

  no complaints except it could have a little better suspesion and a better stereo