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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  Vroom - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cheri - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car. I might have to stick with the Grand Prix because I doubt I will ever be able to go back to normal cars again. The ride is super smooth, interior spacious, and dont get me started on the POWER. This car has made my nightmare commute bearable.

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  Interesting & Fun - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Paul Johnston - January 6 - 12:00 am

  When I first saw the uniqueness of this car, I fell in love. I did much research in the net and prowled dealerships before making the final decision. I have loved it from the first test drive to the present. With its slide out tray in the rear, makes loading and unloading a breeze. Love the tailgate seat, the air shocks are a God send and the compressor is very useful when in remote places. When driving on long trips, quite pleased with the mileage on the highway. Once I even got 40 Can. miles per gallon, not estimated but calculated. Did have to get the computer replaced but felt that it was something I did. No other major repairs so far to date. Loved its stability on the highway.

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  Pontiac with a Toyota Heart - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jethro - January 5 - 5:33 am

  I was shopping for a gas sipper and came across the Vibe. After researching i found out the vibe is a matrix which both are made on the Toyota assembly line and share the corolla engine and transmission with many toyota carry overs but much better styling than the matrix imo. This auto is terrific, plenty of storage, well thought out design, quiet on the road, zippy around town

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  Great Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bobby - January 1 - 4:30 pm

  I cant say enough about this car. Absolutely fantastic ride and comfortable.I would recommend this car to anybody.

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  A great little car! - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By LuvMySol - December 28 - 3:33 pm

  I just purchased my GXP after waiting over one year on my dealers wait list. I never thought I could ever feel this way about a car, but I am in love with my Solstice! It is everything I had been expecting it to be and more! This is the first time in my life that something that I had been anticipating with so much excitement turned out much, much better than in my wildest dreams. My wife, who never gave much thought about car, just loves this car too! The Solstices looks are awesome, and its mechanics seem equal. It is hard for me to believe that this is an American designed and built car, but it is! No trunk? Who cares!

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  Simply the best - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Ibhappy - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Did not like the looks at first in 2001. But now I love it. Its different! Great vechicle with a great sound system. Perfect for the family with a cottage and you need that extra space but dont want a van. Drives great! My friends at first said it was ugly, and then when they had there first drive, they liked it. I could not be happier with my purchase. I hope they dont stop making them because I think they are catching on. No problem at 60000.

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  great little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By daredog - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car two months ago, and have definately enjoyed it. It handles like a charm and gets 35mpg on the highway. Dont know how well the AWD functions, as inclement weather has not shown itself yet. The AWD is a bit sluggish off the line, but holds its own well at highway speeds. the automatic tranny has trouble finding the best gear when going up hills or when passing at high speeds. would definately prefer a manual in this car. but not a choice. car is often downshifting when cruise control is engaged, making for a loud ride at times

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  Watch out Matrix! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By tonyjosie - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Pontiac told me it had a Toyota engine and that it wasbasicall the Matrix sister car, so I went to check out the Matrix and wanted one but Toyota did not want to negotiate. Went back to Pontiac, they gave me a heck of a price (better than Edmunds), so I bought one. I am in love with this car. My kids like it and my wife loves to drive it. Excellent gas mileage, smooth ride and it is cool looking. If it has a Toyota engine I am sure it will last and even though it may not have the Matrix resale value now, Toyota better not get comfortable because this car will dominate the Matrix, especially if Toyota keeps their prices up.

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  Pontiac builds excitement - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By Oldfield - December 26 - 7:10 am

  Only owned the car for six weeks but it has been great so far. The relatively long wheelbase, for a car in this class, provides excellent ride. Owing to the fat 225/50-17 tires, taunt but compliant suspension and good steering response I, admittedly not a street racer, havent found the limits of this car, yet. From what Ive experienced, however, I expect the G6 to perform well in an emergency evasive maneuver. Im 62" and found the back seat headroom to be adequate and the legroom quite impressive. Originally attracted by the clean, smooth styling and rake of the roofline. Really like the taupe leather interior, heated seats and security of OnStar. 31 mpg so far on a couple trips.

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  Fun to drive/ride - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Xavier Sanders - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a 5.0 Mustang. Ive had a 4.6 & 4.7 Mustang. Ive had 91 camaro with a 350. They were fun cars. The PONTIAC TRANS AM. The best car Ive ever owned or driven. I used to work at a Porsche Dealership. I have driven the Porsche 911 twin turbo. Its a nice car. If they were both evenly matched in price...................... It wouldnt be a second though. I would pick the TRANS AM (with the WS6 Package of course!!!)