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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  AWESOME - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vulcanrider01 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. I purchased the Base Vibe with the bells and whistles attached. Have had a lot of compliments on this car. My family only owns GM products and this one by far is the coolest. TONS of room with the foldable seats. Confortable ride with speed when you need it. A+++ I LOVE IT!!!

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  Holds the road like a magnet. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fixpipes - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Im very happy with the quality of the car. The fit and finish is excellent. The handling and horse power provide a thrilling driving experience. I feel very safe and in control with this car, especially in adverse weather. I think you get a lot for your money with this car.

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  pontiac vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By r morter - May 27 - 2:20 am

  Excellent comfort, room ride ,quality and 30 mpg on average driving for 15k. A bargain compared to toyota , prius and Honda hybrids.

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  Amazed - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Celeste1 - May 27 - 1:10 am

  I bought my Solstice on March 17, 2007. I traded a Vette for my Sol and dont regret it for one second. I love driving this car! She corners better than any other car Ive owned and Ive owned about 30 cars in as many years. We took a 3500 mile trip this past July and averaged 32 mpg at 70 mph. Loved the stares and the comments. This is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Move out of my way! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By gazpipe - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my black on black goat in March of 2010. I didnt even drive it, i just started it up. I drove it off the lot and hit the highway from Modesto to Sacramento. The wheels chirp with a touch of the pedal and I love my car and thank God all the time for it. No mechanical problems. My auto shifter did break (the part that pushes in to engage the trans) but I glued with crazy glue. People love to scratch up my back bumper because theyre haters and careless. Dont hate, appreciate. Maybe if they save up their money and if there are any left they can have one too. People always say "what! you have a gto!" I say "yes, black on black and I love it", it beats anything on the road!

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  Great Performance Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By John Fischer - May 26 - 1:03 am

  This is the best new car Ive ever bought. No issues to date, and its 7 months old. This car is a blast to drive, and puts a grin on my face every time I start it up. I know the car has been blasted by critics for its looks, but I think the 2005-06 models look great. Sometimes its nice to be driving a sleeper :)

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  lov the sv6 - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By jane sawyers - May 23 - 5:40 pm

  Room and utility. Have driven vans for many years - this is by far the best van on the market today. Keep up the great work pontiac.

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  Big Bang for Little Bucks! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By BluByU - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car. I have driven many other makes and models over the years, but the 2003 Sunfire is by far the best bang for the buck! It is absolutly stunning in its appearance. I have the Blue color and I get at least 2 - 4 complements everyday either on the color or the look of the car. The transmission is so smoth (Auto). I live in the mountains of NH, and I can do a steady 80 up hill and not even feel any hesitation or shifting. The only other car I ever drove that was faster was a 70s Pontiac Catalina. And from the front it looks so tough coming at you. I LOVE it and wont ever give it up! Pontiac fan for life.

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  It´s just a dream... - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Omar Damián Blanco - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This it´s the best vehicle that I´ve had. Functional, powerful, electronic high tech equipment, a touch of luxury inside, all whell drive, hud, excellent system sound, leather, sunroof...

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  This car rocks... - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Maureen Shaw - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a huge fan of the Firebird and while I own an older 1991 it did not deter me in any way from acquiring a (sister) for her.Not only is the handling in this little beauty as good as it could be it gets better the body style, engine and comfort FAR outweigh anything I could have imagined. .I test drove a 91 when they first came out and scared the wits out of the poor dealer at the time so now naturally I own one.I get a lot of compliments on my older one and I have to admit I do prefer my older one but for sheer horse power and comfort I have to say you people at Pontiac DONT horse around when it comes to STYLE!! Keep up the great work!!