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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  Its okay - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By nene - March 31 - 5:53 pm

  I have had my G.A. for almost a year. Not too crazy about it. Every time a hit a bump or tracks, I think it is going to fall apart (rough ride). The seals around the windshield, and the back window are peeling off. I have had my radio replaced twice, for excessive skipping. It still skips. There is a leak somewhere on the driver side, so, I am forever thinking the door is not closed all of the way. The front seat is really cramped when theres a rear facing car seat behind it. I dont recommend the G.A. as a family car. I do, however, like all of the cup holders and the storage space. I was also looking into buying the Taurus. The Taurus was really generic, compared to the G.A.

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  Great second car for seniors - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By J DICKENS - March 31 - 2:26 pm

  Good comfort for around town...Would not want to take a long trip as im a senior and want comfort.

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  All around good car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By tray - March 30 - 11:53 pm

  I have had my G5 Coupe SE for two years now, and have had no problems but one small wire chaffing for my a/c. It has been an all around good car. I do wish the seats were more comfortable, on long trips especially. The trunk opening could be a bit bigger. Overall its been a good car.

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  "06" GTO - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Mark Howell - March 30 - 10:40 pm

  This car is great! It handles very well. The engine has a LOT of snap to it. Under the hood is a well organized engine compartment. The seats are the most comfortable seats Ive sat in. The sound system is very good, but it would have been nice to have an auxiliary plug for an I-Pod. The craftsmanship on this car is outstanding! The 6 speed shifter had a longer throw than I liked, but after I installed a B&M Short shifter it performs extremely well. I love the "Spice Red" paint on mine. I wouldnt trade this car for anything!

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  2004 Black/Black GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Rwelty - March 30 - 4:43 pm

  I keep havng minor things go wrong with it, like a noisy fan, or a broken door lock. But nothing major so far. No charge for any repairs.

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  So Far so good - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By cubsfan53 - March 30 - 2:03 pm

  Just purchased an 06 Montana with 46,000 miles. Took it up to northern Michigan, it averaged 24 mpg. The seats had some of the "water spots" mentioned in other reviews, used Tuff Stuff spray cleaner on them, and they look good. Lots of nice interior features. Hoping for the best!

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  Pleased so far - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mmsphoto - March 30 - 1:00 pm

  I purposefully chose the 1.8l for its higher gas mileage and have been getting 31 mpg combined so far. I wish some of the upper models were avail with the smaller engine, 2.4 is overkill and eliminates the point of a small, efficient hauler. The main competition was the Astra and Im sad that the Pontiac isnt nearly as peppy for the same engine size and that it doesnt shift anywhere as smoothly. That said I like the layout of the interior a lot, everything is where I expect (not something I could say for the astra) and the price was sure right. The cargo area is great but really needs a dome light. I love that its ipod ready and the AC works like a charm. Its a very comfy ride.

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  08 Pontiac g6 4dr sedan - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By steve - March 30 - 8:36 am

  Just picked up this 08 g6 value edition over labor day weekend. I compared many cars in this segment such as Accord, Altima, Sonata, Fusion, just to name a few. This G6 had the best style and more power compared to the rest. How reliable this car will be remains to be seen only time will tell I guess. Standard OnStar and 4-wheel disk anti-lock brakes is also a big plus as well.

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  05 GTO 18 in wheels 6 speed stock - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By doug - March 30 - 4:20 am

  reviews forget to add the 18 in wheel options with high performance tires. and the larger PBR brakes on the 05s. I have not seen a magazine review that actually tests one with the higher performance tires/wheels which is certain to improve handling!! Get one before they are gone. The design is a sleeper and mercedes like styling to be a later classic.

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  I dont see the outside behind the wheel - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By okiechemist - March 30 - 12:03 am

  I bought my 2001 Aztek in October 2001. I have really enjoyed it. I did and do catch a lot of comments from friends about its looks but I just commented that "When Im driving the car I cant see the outside." Incidently, the same people who give me the hard time are also the ones who request help hauling things, or wanting to use my car for trips (it does have a lot more room).