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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  Fun Car for 2nd Childhood - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Michigan Bob - September 19 - 2:33 pm

  My wife and I are retired and traded in our Chrysler 300 to purchase this Fun (2nd) car. So far it is everything we hoped it would be. It has great acceleration, handling and braking. We feel safe because of the Stability Control System and the side impact air bags. The 8 speaker Monsoon system sounds great with controls on the steering wheel. We love the fact that its a hard top in the winter. Everyone we see wants one including our daughter who is out looking for one now. It draws looks everywhere we go especially when putting the top up or down. We are getting 3 miles per gallon over what the sticker said and the price was under 30K. Cant beat it.

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  ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Lorie - September 18 - 12:33 pm

  My husband and I started looking at this car before it was available. We finally got to purchase it in Nov. Dealerships in our area didnt receive until then. I will tell you this! IT WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!! We have almost 4000 miles on it already and I still want to just go everywhere and anywhere, just to drive it.

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  I like this car! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By clairissa - September 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Pontiac I have owned. First was a Pontiac Grand Am GT 2 door sport coupe. It was a sporty looking vehicle, but definitely not practicel. The G6GT model offers both sportiness with practicality. Definitely a fun car to drive, handles well and gets good gas mileage. Im definitely very happy with my decision.

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  We like it - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Cleo Clark - September 17 - 2:20 am

  Weve previously always had a van because of the convenience in traveling so was reluctant to get the Aztek. Shortly after purchasing, we took an approximate 3500 mile trip. It was great. We especially liked the convenience of back access. We also have luxury feataures of DVD, heated seats, built in ice chest, etc. and especially felt much safer with the Onstar. In fact, used it to get directions and when couldnt find the keys they opened it for us from wherever. So far, we are very pleased with our Aztek.

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  Im Impressed! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By M. Hobby - September 15 - 6:23 pm

  Im impressed with my new G6. This is my first Pontiac and I was a little apprehensive in purchasing a first year model. Ive had a few first year vehicles that have caused me nightmares. The feel is above my expectations and more! I love driving my new G6 and the LA traffic isnt so bad with the stereo system. I get a lot of approving looks and have been told that it looks like a BMW or some other over priced vehicle. Thanks Pontiac!

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  Practical and Sporty - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Adam. - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Grand Prix two years ago, and my parents were so impressed with it that they bought one as well. As far as domestic cars go, it is a great buy.

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  my grand am - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By scott - September 14 - 10:16 pm

  solid, reliable car. looks great, performs really well. definitely fun to drive and still gets good gas mileage (Ive averaging like 26-27 with a mix of city and highway driving)

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  Suoercharged fun - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mark - September 12 - 1:36 am

  Pontiac is the spirited style division of GM and this car shows it! If you dont love it you hate it. I love the style the SSEi brings to the table as well as its spirited performance. The red glow of the cluster is on par with my BMW 540i and the interior offers more room for the family. MPG is over 27 when going 75ish on the interstate, but fall of fast when dipping in to the supercharger around town. All in all I wouldnt give up my BMW for it, but when I figured in the bang for the buck factor, I bought and love it. Another great alternative is the Buick Park Ave ULTRA. Same power train, but more laid back in design.

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  My grown up car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Brenda23236 - September 10 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my G6 because I wanted a "grown-up" car with bells and whistles that was responsible and safe. I am insurance-cost conscious and I wanted it to be young and fun. I found all of these things in my purchase. It is the best thing I have done for myself in a long time!

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  Great Roadster for Fun....3 weeks old. - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tom Shepard - September 10 - 4:03 pm

  This is a fantastic little car...Body style blows all others off the road. Performance ... great thru 4th gear .. (to 85). 5th gear to 105 might take a few miles ... LOL ... but I am not in it for the speed (I am 65) I have had people follow me to a stop to find out about this car ... many thumbs up on it on the highway ... I it the MG of the future..To grocery shop you need to leave the top up .. NO TRUNK space ... or put groceries in the other seat. Now I am still trying to figure how you get the battery out of this car someday..needs more speakers...I love this car.