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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  This is a good car - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Mar - January 27 - 10:46 am

  I purchased the 09 G6 as a replacement for my 07 G6 as the 07 was stolen and totaled. If for a minute I didnt loke the 07 model, I never would have purchased the 09. It is a good looking car and fun tho drive. It has enough power with the 3.5 V6 and handles good. I am so mad that GM stopped making Pontiac. I have owned Pontiac for the last 20+ years, and will miss them. I am still a GM guy, I just have to decide where to go next in the GM family. I remember on a 500 mile trip, I got 30.2 MPG and did not go under 55 MPH, spending much of the time at 70MPH and more. I was impressed with that. OnStar and navigation are useful also. I recommend this car to all!

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  Ill miss this car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Karl - January 26 - 11:16 am

  I bought this car with 44,000 miles on it and will be selling it at over 203,000. This car has provided me with safety (through 2 deer accidents), reliability (only one major engine problem- a gasket recall) and comfort (the a/c went but everything else still works fine). The performance was never top notch but it could more than get out of its own way (and past the occasional highway fool). Some rust here and there but I still walk out, stop and admire the way it looks; the lines of the car never get old. Unfortunately, the signs of old age have arrived all at once. Problems with the gas tank and filler and some big maintenance hurdles. Dont know what to buy now. Too bad GM axed Pontiac.

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  Vibe is the perfect anti-SUV - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By maxximumtek - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Before ordering my Vibe, I had a Mini Cooper S on order for a few months before deciding it would simply be too small. So then I gave serious consideration to the Chevy Avalanche as the answer to all my "utility" needs. Then I took a look at the Vibe and found that it did a little of both (small, sporty, but very useful) for way less $$ than the Mini or the enormous Avalanche. With the base Vibe, I routinely get 36mpg on trips, and the seats are some of the most comfortable Ive yet to have in a daily driver. Plus you can haul 8 2"x4"s with the hatch closed!! In all, a good car and a VERY good value!

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  Very Happy - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Lax Dad - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Liked this car for a while. Happy w/redisgn features (same-color body molding). Bought silver grey metallic - it was the only one on lot with the features I wanted. Ended up being best choice, everyone loves the refined look. Rides great, mileage is very good and stereo system is one of the best stock sounds Ive heard (better than my friends BOSE). Its different - that fits my personality to a "T". 17" 5 spoke rims look great. Was one of the first in my town to have one and now I see them everywhere. I guess thats because it is a great value. Oh yeah, I got the $24k Aztek (after negos/rebates/etc - including $2k GMCard incentive) for $15k!

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  Enjoy your GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Peter jones - January 21 - 4:00 am

  Handling is excellent, the styling is most attractive particularly from the side and front/three quarter views, I love the rush of power in the midrange when you feel the superchargercut in... it really is a fun car to drive.

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  Why did I Settle? - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By L.A. - January 20 - 12:50 pm

  Reading whats on here made me cry. It really is a death trap. I have a 2006 Pontiac G6. I didnt have it two months before Engine Power Reduced popped up. I can be on the highway going 60 and my speed will reduce to 35. I wont even be able to pull a hill. I thank God I didnt get in a wreck because of this car. I tried all I can. I dont have any more money to spend on parts that dont help the problem. I cant talk to the people at GM any more. I cant call lawyer any more. I tried giving the car back. I tried turning it in to be repo. But, I will still have to pay remaining balance after they resale the car. I hate this. Paying for a car for 16 months that I cant drive. cant be fixed

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  Awesome buy - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By tishwo - January 16 - 5:56 pm

  Our vibe has been phenomenal. No mechanical problems whatsoever! The reliability and drivability has been that of a European car!

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  MADE IT TO 285,000 MILES! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By gabrielgata - January 16 - 1:07 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Sunfire about 10 years ago. When I bought it it had 65,000 on it, it now has 285,000! For the most part it has been a great car, however I have replaced.....fuel pump, clutch, wheel barrings twice, electrical problems, radiator twice, many break jobs, gasket cap, batteries, etc....but that is to be expected considering how many miles it has. Over all a good car. It currently needs $600 worth of work done on it so I am now looking for a newer car. This time around looking to purchase a Mazda or a Honda.

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  I love my G8, but hate Blaupunkt - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By L Wheeler - January 16 - 4:43 am

  For the money, my G8 smokes everything else in its class. It puts a smile on my face every time I put my foot in it. I test drove the Cadillac CTS, and really wanted to buy it, but couldnt justify the extra $10K.

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  09 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By good value - January 14 - 6:00 am

  2.4 engine really makes a difference, a little roar under hard acceleration but overall quiet with a decent ride. Good value for a mini crossover. Better seats than before and improved driving position w/added tilt/tele. Brakes stopped ok. Should receive more attention this year from people of all ages because of value and utility. Definitely upgrade to the 2.4.