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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  03 Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By sskkc - November 11 - 10:00 am

  With all four of us in the car, storage is minimal. If we bring along the stroller, theres almost no room for anything else, - a HUGE minus if you have a child under 18 months.

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  Ah!.. The Bonneville - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bviller - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new. Its been great since day one. It has a smooth comfortable ride without feeling like a boat. Its covered 110,000 miles and still running strong. We had one transmission problem which was repaired under warranty. The water pump started leaking at 102,000 miles. No other repairs. Getting 24mpg in mixed city/highway driving.

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  Pontiac Headlight Problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By smithjonathond - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is a lemon...I have continuous headlight problems.

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  Awesome Aztec - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By C Robinson - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a vehicle with personality, so I chose a fusion orange metallic Aztec. People who havent even seen it yet tell me that theyve heard about my new car. Its a blast to drive. It has plenty of acceleration, even at interstate speeds. It handles like a much more sportier car. The gas mileage around town is so-so, about 18 or 19, but on the open road I get 25+ (as long as I keep my speed around 65). Theres plenty of room for the family and for hauling "stuff." My package has the roll-out floor in the back - a real plus. Its a lot of car for the money (With rebates, I got over $6000 off the sticker.) Id buy it again anytime!

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Hornedfrog77 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this last summer and liked it. But now that I FINALLY bought one I LOVE it. Its fun to drive and is very visually appealing. The gas mileage is great (especially with the cost at $2 a gallon) and is very roomy. I would definitely recommend this for a buy!

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  Very fast and powerful - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Efrain - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the car in april 2004. I already love it. The car move when you give it gas. and handles pretty good on turns.

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  MSCABB2004 - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MSCABB - November 11 - 10:00 am

  My Grand AM SE is a 2003 with only 32507 miles and it can really get up and go.

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  My Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fna - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had this vehicle since October and I love it. It is nice and reliable car.

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  Top of the Line COMP G! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By philly_scorpio - November 11 - 10:00 am

  The car performs really well. Im in the military and live in England where we drive over 80mph on the highway. Accelerates with no quickly able to keep up with the BMWs, Jaguars, and Audis that I constantly see on the road. Nice styling! I get looks where ever I go!! HUD is nice and can drive without it now! Good for fast driving!

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  nice car!!! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Colby - November 11 - 9:40 am

  i just recently bought my 08 grand prix about a month ago... the only bad thing about this car is well i live in SD and it been snowing the car is basically land locked when it snows but great car on dry surface