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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  Even better than I thought - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Matt - March 22 - 9:13 pm

  My previous car has been dying for the last few months and finally kicked the bucket this week. I have been researching cars for hours a day during the last few weeks and had trouble committing to something. Im the kind of person who wants everything. I wanted an SUV for the capacity. I have two dogs that I drive and need my car to move. Im on the road a lot. I also needed something that would be good on gas. I wanted a new car but those were too much for me right now. So I bought this used car with only 8,000 miles on it. Practically new. I love this car more than I would have thought. It looks great, drives great.

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  Third Times the Charm! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ncix1 - March 22 - 1:06 pm

  As this Ameicans love affair with SUVs wanes, it was a pleasant suprise to test drive a "real car". After having owned (okay leased) one of the first 200 supercharged GTPs off the assembly line for the 1997 model year and later trading that for a limited edition "Daytona 500" GTP the new GXP comes out way on top. It is a shame I had to stumble accross it while the wife was test driving the new Soltice. She also is impressed, with the looks, power and feel of our new Grand Prix. If she wasnt Id be looking at convertible "garaging" the rest of the winter out. Pontiac states you may not be happy with the "beasts" snow manners, quite the contrary in the 3-4 inches we got caught in.

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  Love my G6! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tiffany - March 20 - 7:30 pm

  I am very happy with my G6! I purchased the car in January and havent had a second thought about. This is the first car I have purchased on my own, and it was a very good experience. I would highly recommend the G6 to others. Just be careful, it drives very fast!!

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  This car is sweet - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By nicman18 - March 20 - 2:43 am

  This car was one of the most fun little compacts I have ever driven and I would take it over any import any day

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  Love My Aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aztek - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This SRV comes loaded with features which are standard on the AWD model not commonly found on competing vehicles for less money. Take advantage of the incentives now before the new year.

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  Excellent Fun Vehicle - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By David Craig - March 15 - 9:36 pm

  This car handles like a dream - love to take it on curvy roads. The power is awesome and has great fuel economy when driving normally. Get lots of compliments on the exterior still (2006). Like that there are very few of these on the road and it has outrun anything I have raced against. The interior is very roomy and comfy. Love the dash and lighting design.

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  2007 Torrent - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Mark - March 15 - 4:13 am

  Seating comfort was the biggest factor in my choosing the Torrent, but it is fun to drive and Ive been impressed by the fuel economy. I like the exterior styling better than the Jeep or Mariner or even the Torrents twin the Chevy Equinox. The front grille looks like the twin-kindey of a BMW X3, and I like that.

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By cregets - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive got a 2000 WS6 Trans Am. Nothing but fun in this car. The LS1 responds well to mods and it is a killer fast car to begin with. Gas is good for a sports car, and it will get looks from everyone who hears it coming!! I dont think you could get a better bang for the buck.

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  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By G Munney - March 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive

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  Excellent - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Coqui - March 15 - 2:00 am

  The car is a great car. It has a very smooth ride like that of a Cadillac. It has good fuel economy as well.