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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  Great Car/Great Price - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RobRWA123 - August 30 - 6:10 am

  Weve had this car for about 2 weeks now and couldnt be happier. Replaced an 03 Vibe. Obviously, we liked its predecessor, but the 09 is safer, quieter, has slightly more power w/slightly improved fuel economy, and burns cleaner. Overall ride and handling are better as well. Although hard to find, get the 1.8 L engine w/the base model; you wont need the 2.4 L. If you can, go 1 step further & get the 5-Spd manual - better MPG, feel more power, and more fun to drive.

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  happy so far - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By duvy - August 29 - 12:30 am

  nice ride overall for a small car, it is fast and runs smooth. bought in august for $ 16000 out the door. base model no power windows or locks,steel rims,but bought aftermarket rims and it looks nicer.

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  GXP Grand prix - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By John Wilson - August 28 - 3:33 pm

  Love this car! Fun Fun and more fun! But I like to just cruise and take in easy in the most wonderful (and great looking) sport seats! Great sound system. Reviewers bad rap this auto, how it looks ( body). Trust me people still look at it all the time. Still loved by the common folk!

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  love it! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By RN - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe is fun to drive and performance is great for "moms car". We picked the Vibe over the Matrix because of GMs financing. Mileage is fantastic, especially compared to my old Blazer. Seating and leg room are comfortable for everyone, even in the back seat. My husband, who is very picky about car performance, is surprised at how much he likes the Vibe.

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  2003 Pontiac Sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stephen g - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Have had this 2003 Sunfire for about a month now. Awesome fun! Im 44 and wanted an inexpensive car just to run around in. This one might end up being my primary car it is so much fun. I have the 1SC package with everything except power windows. Recommend it for any individual. I let our 17 year old daughter drive it a couple times, now I might not get it back!

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  I Love My Grand Am - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cdaniel - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car in my opinion has been everything i could ask for. Since i have bought it I have had absolutely no problems with it at all, I take it in for the oil change and that is all i have to worry about. This car is not only reliable, but it has the looks as well. I would highly recomend this car to anyone who was in the market.

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  The Great One - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Lera - August 26 - 1:33 pm

  GM service was friendly and helpful, not pushy or annoying. This was the third GM dealer Ive worked with and they all have a consistency for low key sales push which is wonderful for a consumer. The vehicle purchased was manual yellow jacket with antracite interior and I couldnt be happier. It is a 2004 model and yet has all the power one could ask for.The vehicle has one of the smoothest rides youll encounter. Corners amazingly. Stereo is loud and clear, picks up reception well even in difficult spots.True dual exhaust sounds wonderful; there is always a nice humm while crusing without stops. Idle sound purrs. Windows tinted perfectly.Leather quality fantastic. Clear coat superior.

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  bvibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By bill - August 25 - 11:06 pm

  Fun,sporty,and versatile. Exterior is O.K., but the interior is great. Lots of neat features, but not cluttered. This car is so much fun to drive. Im sure with the current drive train, I will be having fun with car for years to come. I wish the base model had a few more ponys under the hood, but if you dont mind hanging around 4,500 rpm it will do.

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  Eye catcher/fun ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By K BETZ - August 24 - 7:20 pm

  Took me 7 months to get my solstice but it was worth it. Great ride, eye catching, easy on the wallet.

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  Great value - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By jim - August 23 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car two weeks ago and love it. It looks modern and sporty. With rebates I bought it for $14,500 plus tax and liscense. The experts grumble about the susspension and steering, but I find both good and the car fun to drive. Take one for a test drive instead of just reading the experts. This car has mor space, more power, and looks better than a Civic, and it costs less.