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:

• 

  Overall good car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jeff - June 6 - 11:43 pm

  Overall Im satisfied with my G6, the price makes it hard to pass up. I think GM should have been smarter where they chose to spend their money in this car. For example, the power adjustable petals are nice, but I could easily do without. They should have invested in some higher quality interior controls. I would recommend getting at least the GT version to anyone.

• 

  Love My Van - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By B C Harvey - June 6 - 1:36 am

  I purchased this van and immediately was impressed with the comfort since I have 4 major disabilities with my lower back. Secondly, it was fun to drive and felt like a solid (no rattles)automobile. Being a 7 passenger is handy at times as I live in Sr. housing and often transport my friends to and from their appointments. And, they are also impressed with the can and the comfort.

• 

  Its a fun car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ajy5 - June 5 - 2:40 pm

  This is a great looking, fun to drive car. Everyone likes the way it looks, and its plenty fast. The sound system is good and I like the solid feel of the car. 4 wheel discs really make a difference when braking. Remote start was great on chilly mornings along with the heated leather seats. All in all a great package. Just took a trip and got over 30 mpg on the highway. A big overall improvement on my grand am.

• 

  Fast and furious. - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kemper Lockout Serv - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This car is a very sporty and fast compact vehicle. I find it to have more room then the honda civic. When i purchased my pontiac sunfire i found it to be very quick as well as fun to drive. And the gas milage is excellent.

• 

  Versatility - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nancyceo - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great car with many options and uses. This is a fun sporty car that is also practical and fuel effecient. I love looks of the dash board and the 6- speeds makes it fun to drive. I also got the sunroof and 6 disc changer, which make the car even more enjoyable. I recently drove from Miami to Phoenix and even with the car loaded with stuff, it got great mileage. It was also comfortable even on that very long drive.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Big Sausage - June 4 - 10:00 am

  After two road trips from Tucson To Colorado I am very pleased to report that my GT 2 preformed very well on the freeway and thru the mountains. I got close to 30 mpg on both trips which was more then expected. Handled very well on tough Mt curves and was able to pass with no problems on the steep up grades. Over all I am pleased with the purchase and hope to keep this one for at least 3 years.And by the way, Im 63 and have no problem with head room as stated by other reviews.

• 

  Solid Value for the Money - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sclass_benz - June 4 - 8:03 am

  Ive owned my 2000 Bonneville for 10 months now and have been very pleased. It always starts easily and runs strong. Being a previous Honda owner, I had some concerns about squeaks and rattles showing up in a GM product, but Ive been pleasantly surprized, the ride is nice and quiet and there are no rattles. I am averaging 22+ miles per gallon (city/hwy combined) and there is definitely plenty of power. Only complaint is that a remote trunk release was an option that I dont have, so you have to turn off the motor, then use the key to open the trunk. Highly recommended and a great value.

• 

  Fun Car!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robyn - June 4 - 2:30 am

  This was my first Pontiac purchase after owning Ford vehicles for several years. Overall, I love the car. Its sporty looks and fun handling makes it a real treat to own. The only complaint that I have about this car is in the extremely low front-end which has a tendency to smack or scrape the ground on almost any little bump. In addition, Ive experienced suspension problems (CV Joint and Struts) in the one year timespan ive owned this vehicle. Aside from that, I must say that I do love the car. Im a new Pontiac fan!!!

• 

  love it!!! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By cammadzach - June 3 - 8:43 pm

  Recent mother of four loves the interior space of this van!! Lots of room for the kids, less fighting over whose feet will go where. Montana has a nice ride to it. Love the extra cargo space and still have enough room for stroller in the cargo area. Hubby drives Chevy Trailblazer and doesnt mind driving the mini-van when we go places because the look is close to suv!! The interior is sharp!! Cant say enough about this van!!

• 

  Not real impressed! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By G.R - June 2 - 3:43 pm

  Everyone has been in a daze about the Solstice. Its not nearly as good as the 2006 MX-5, but my daughter wanted one. I will probably be getting myself a MX-5 when they get the one in i want. Anyway, the only things the Solstice has is great looks. Its a little softer in suspension than the MX- 5, but it is comfortable. The worst thing about the Solstice, in my opinion, is the wind with the top down. Oh, trying to take the top down and then putting it back up is just to technical. Solstice 6 - MX-5 10. I wish i would have bought a MX-5.