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:

• 

  Great car - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Shelly - November 24 - 5:47 am

  I have owned my 2009 G5 for 1 1/2 years. I have had great performance, reliability and performance. The only problem I seem to have is the fob keeps burning out. would like to find ananswer for it. I bought it because I travel on the freeway to work every day. Montana has some harsh winter weather, It has great traction in the snow. What I dont like is driving it in the rain on the highway. It seems to hydroplane easily.

• 

  We Love This Car! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - November 23 - 10:36 am

  We bought this car after struggling to find a fuel efficient wagon-esque vehicule. We looked at everything on the market, and nothing else (but the Matrix, which is kinda ugly) came close mileage-wise. Its sporty, fun to drive (Im 36), great looking, with surprisingly large storage given the size. No problems at all after 8K miles.

• 

  luvmytek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By orangefire - November 22 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my tek because i was tired of my Hyundai and was on a limited budget. I did my homework on the vehicle: GM was offering 4,000 rebates, plus one for 1,000 that the dealer didnt tell me about. Total vehicle price out the door 18,000. For the space, handling, comfort and compliments that this vehicle gets, you would think that I paid over 30,000. Aztek is Pontiacs best kept secret. I love this car so much that i will trade my other Hyundai and get one for my wife before all of the 05s are gone.The equinox (aztek replacement) cannot hold a candle to this vehicle in style, features, or PRICE. My mom has an 03 trailblazer (she paid 32,000 for it) that isnt as roomy, versatile or good on gas as my tek.

• 

  I love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By jenny - November 21 - 2:06 am

  Sporty and comfortable! I searched for such a car for 5 years. When the G6 came out, I was smitten. Love the energy and sunroof. It;s great to have a stylish American car!

• 

  Soltice is Superb - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Roadster 4 50 years - November 18 - 12:36 pm

  Vehicle is everything I expected. Driving position is perfect, There are no comfort cupholder or storage issues for us that critics write about. There is plenty of storage room for creative people. This is "A ROADSTER" not an SUV. Handling is better than cars costing double and triple- and I own such cars. Instrumentation is excellent and engine maintenance the easiest on any car Ive ever owned, and I still own 18 vehicles, 7 of which are classic vintage British Sports and GT cars. I recommend this car to Anyone interested in fun . It has Flash WITH substance and delivers great smooth and quick (for its class) automatic performance at a reasonable price.

• 

  Not ready to let it go - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By linder24 - November 17 - 9:30 pm

  This has been a great car for me, fun to drive and gets great fuel economy for a car this size. Ive looked at new cars, but I just cant let this one go yet.

• 

  Wish they made them past 2004 - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Wart - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Wish they wouldnt stop making these.

• 

  Great car for the price - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sm214 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Im not sure why Jon Leibowitz and fieroguy had so many problems with the car. I have a 96 sunfire with 200,000 miles and it hasnt had any bad problems yet. For the price, they are durable cars. the 2.2L ecotech is nice too. If you know how to use good driving techniques and maintenance then the car will last a long time.

• 

  THE SUNFIRE ROCKS! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By rocky1 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  The pontiac sunfire is an awesome affordable sports car with the most horsepower in its class!!!

• 

  Wonderful Ride - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By w8rjg - November 15 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my car o a Wednesday, and drove the family to Carolla, NC. 700 mile ride each way. Had no problems at all. Quiet, wonderful ride. I kind of wish I would have purchased the more expensive modle which would have had XM Radio. But nonetheless, I love the car.