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:

• 

  Fun, Practical , & Different ! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Emily - September 6 - 2:46 pm

  I had a 1991 Honda Civic Hatch & was ready for my first new car. I knew I wanted a hatch and something distinctive rather than the generic looks of the civic & focus. The Vibe is a fun travel car but practical for the weekly trip to the grocery store ! Bright Chromatic dials, Cybercloth seating, and a high view of the highway. I dont feel like Im being looked down upon by all the passing SUVs!

• 

  The Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By nervisnel - September 5 - 1:50 am

  I have to say the Vibe is a great little car. I love the way it looks on the inside and out, handles well. Gas mileage right now could be a little better. Maybe it will be when it isnt winter time out and having to be in AWD all the time. If anyone wanted a nice reliable car, the 2005 Vibe is a great deal. Seats are really comfy , easy to move and adjust.

• 

  Uncompromising Sport and Utility to Boot - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dpdevil16 - September 3 - 3:13 am

  The cars looks and amazing versatility make this a vehicle that should stand out, especially for a sports sedan. What other vehicle in its class can boast being able to store a 10-foot 2x4, PVC tubing, or a Kayak inside the vehicle with all doors closed? The suspension meets a fine balance between sportiness and confort, while the acceleration is enough to arouse a the Indy racer in all of us. The Grand Prix is certainly a far cry from the midsized coups of yore and is a great utility vehicle and road cruiser. I am happier with my purchase every day that I drive it. Ive yet to find a dislike.

• 

  Great ride - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Jim - September 2 - 11:16 am

  I have owned some very expensive vehicles, but none ever rode as quietly, comfortably and firmly as my Torrent, nor were they as much fun to drive. For $25,000, it is the bargain of the year as far as I am concerned.

• 

  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Zooman - September 2 - 10:00 am

  The car handles great and yet is very practical. It is comparable to the power of the mustang (automatic V8) but has the room of a sedan. The price was 29K but with all of the rebates, GM discount, etc. I save almost 10K. That really made the decision easier. I was close to buying a new 5 speed GT mustang, but fell in love with the Grand Prix.

• 

  Dont Judge A Book by The Cover - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By krystl - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Many people do not like the Aztek based on its looks. If they would look past that, they would find a quality vehicle, with lots of comfort and functionality at a reasonable price. I wish Pontiac would advertise the Aztek more because there are a lot of consumers out there that are missing out on a fabulous car! I am so glad I bought mine. Its very comfortable for my family of 4. It holds everything I need it to and the kids have plenty of room. The Aztek is roomier than its counterparts (RAV4 and CRV). Check out the Aztek. Youu wont be disappointed.

• 

  the best - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By azztek - September 2 - 10:00 am

  great Car Truck Van

• 

  Best Bang for the Buck!! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By anaztek - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This is Really a nice Car- Truck- Van! I Love it, Remember that this is a GM product- I have nothing bad to say about the AZTEK... Good ride , good fuel milage, Fast (peppy for so big). Good for the family. LOVE the plastic sides, I havent seen any door dings yet. The cooler is really "cool". Kids have their own radio controls. rear seats recline. dark tent rear windows, BIG REAR WINDOW makes for Good visiablity when weaving in and out a traffic and parking, and reverse backing up, very impressed! And we have a Tent-- way too Cool!! I really could go on and on and on and on...

• 

  2005 Pontiac G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By yen - September 1 - 8:36 pm

  This is a GREAT car. Its got style and performance! I was pleasantly surprised at the smooth ride and the roomy feel

• 

  Objectively speaking - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mr. Quick - August 30 - 5:06 pm

  This is hands down the best Bang-for- the-buck car for the guy/gal who wants to have their sports car cake and eat family car cake too. It is fast and agile for a large car. Features like touchscreen navigation, performance brakes and V-8 power are great. Leather and power everything as well as a load of driver aids and multi- information data tools are awesome. Other things like the standard HUD and remote start are features no other car manufacturers can offer for anything near $30,000! There was no compromise when I traded in my 2-door 345 hp turbocharged sports car for this 4- door family car. 0-60 in 5.7 seconds, 150+ mph (governor defeated, factory halted at 140) Nuff said, go drive one!