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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  The Goat is back! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Robert Hutchins - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I had to choose between a Corvette and the M6 GTO. While the Corvette definately looks better, it has one thing working against it. It looks like a Corvette. The GTOs non-flashy styling will probably save me a couple of tickets. The interior: I find it simply amazing that GM was able to create something so awe inspiring and functional. I can easily seat 4 adults comfortably. Although the gates are a little questionable and the shift is a little long it is not unreasonable. Nothing a short shifter cant fix! The drive shaft/Axle halves could stand to be a little larger. Wheel hop is a mild problem as is on most independent rear drive V8s.

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  Great Vehicle for Family - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By andy - May 10 - 2:46 am

  I bought the vehicle brand new, I do not have any complaint about the product. Great, reliable, dependable, comfortable van. Im going to purchase one more of it soon. No other vehicle beats it.

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  Amazing car - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOfan - May 9 - 5:56 am

  The GTO is all about the driving experience. Incredible car, comfortable and most handsome interior in class, seats 4. Is a rocket ship with the Corvette LS2. This car has been overlooked by many but is an amazing value.

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  Lots of power and style - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bw626 - May 7 - 8:40 pm

  We had a GTP 4dr with the supercharged V6. It had all the options. Bought it used with 100000 miles and didnt have a thing go wrong with it. I only had to do routine maintenace, get new brakes, and a align it. The ride was good and the interior was appealing. These are great, stylish cars.

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  Good 2 Go - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By watts1371 - May 7 - 8:26 pm

  I bought my Abyss Vibe back in Feb. 04. Previously I was driving a Dodge Dakota, but wanted a little more room. I wasnt really aware of the Vibe until I started looking for a trade-in. I fell in love with it, and bought it even though it cost more than my truck. It has great styling, very functional, gorgeous interior, and great gas mileage. The performance can be enhanced easily if you want to spend a few bucks. I put Eibach Sportline lowering springs on it and it now sits about 2 inches lower and handles even better than stock. I also put a Magnaflow exhaust which makes it sound a little bit more aggresive.

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  proud of this pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By vic - May 6 - 1:26 am

  best car for the price, excellent driving machine. fun to drive , i had i had 5 pontiacs since 60s and i would say this is the best.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By matthew papkov - May 5 - 10:00 am

  When my wife bought our first aztek in 2001 I thought she was nuts. I told her this car is UGLY. Three years latter I bought a another for myself this time AWD.Great car, great price great service what more can you ask for.I was unimpressed with the interiors of foreign cars I looked at.

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  My First Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By R. P. - May 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first GM Product - I was considering an import (Acura TL, Maxima, etc.) but I am very happy with this. Very quiet, the engine is strong, and handling is very confidence inspiring. The transmission shifts with precision and always seems to be in the right gear. If you enjoy spirited driving, this car will defintely put a smile on your face. The 90 degree opening rear doors and fold down seats (including front) make the car very handy at Home Depot. Lots of comfortable interior room, and all the controls are easy to reach and operate nicely. Ive had no problems this 1st year (15,000 miles) and plan to keep the car for many more.

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  convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mamamia - May 4 - 11:56 am

  I have had this car for one month, it has spent 8 days of this in the shop for a rattle in the dash. It seems someone forgot to put some of the parts together. Other than that, I love the car, it handles great, is extremely comfortable, and gets great gas mileage. My husband also really likes the car and loves the way it handles. We drove 6 different convertibles before settling on this one because we can take another couple with us if we want to, this is not an option with any other car we looked at. I also get a lot of looks with this car. I have even had people pull up beside me on the interstate to look at the car. Would I buy one again, yes.

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  2009 pontiac Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - May 4 - 2:56 am

  We have owned our black GT for 2 months and love it. We have put 3600 miles on it so far. We drove the base 1.8 auto and did not like it at all. First gear was very short and then when hit second it bogged the motor down. I felt as if I would have to floor it every where I went. Then drove a 2.4 manual and was impressed. Found that the base models seats were too soft and the head rest bothered my wife. Lastly I drove the GT and just loved it. Seats are extremely better and the handling is superior to base. It is a little more bumpier than base probably because of the tire size. I did not drive the AWD. If the AWD is not needed, for the extra bucks go for the GT. Average 30 MPG. 80% highway