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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  Overall Good Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vmalo - February 25 - 6:03 am

  Have a 2007 4-cylinder with 100,000 miles, mpg good (24 overall), good styling, interior design good although somewhat plasticky, seats uncomfortable, drivers seat motor broke, had $400 emissions issue, steering wheel clunks (dealer says sterring wheel teeth worn, $400, Buicks have same problem), but other than that no major issues, relatively reliable, paint scratches easily, trunk doesnt pop up. Resale value is scary, my trade-in value is $5,000 and I bought car for $21,000 and its only 4 years old (but miles are high, though). I owe $10,000, so..... s-t-u-c-k with it. :0( It would be a good car to buy used even though Pontiacs arent made anymore.

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  I love my car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stargrrrl - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for two and a half years and not once has it let me sit. I have never even had a problem starting, even in the dead of winter. It gets me plenty of looks and the pep that it has is just perfect for the daily driver that wants some speed! This is my 4th car and my favorite, I would definately recommend this car to anyone!

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  a REAL American Muscle Car - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Justin_25 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  In my pursuit of finding a fast, fun, and afordiable car, i have found a true winner in my Trans Am. Its a true American Muscle Car. But at the same time, thats the problem too. Its a true american m.c. It has rather poor build and is UNCOMFORTABLE to drive. I cant keep gas in this thing! In a way i guess you could say its almost a burden to drive. But when it all comes down to it, it wasnt built for these things. It was built for one thing. SPEED!!! Mission accomplished. But i think Im gonna hit my dad up for a new BMW.

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  iN lOvE - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Valent1ne - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought mine yesterday and put about 110 miles on it today on some great hairpin turns and it handles awsome. The stereo is great for a factory system. And you cant beat silver w/ tinted windows.

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  Fairly happy. - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By 2 time montana_owner - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 99 Montana that I traded because I had the infamous head gasket leak at 82k miles that cost $1200 to fix. Pontiac ended up reimbursing me for the repair. I bought the 02 with an extended warranty, though.

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  Love the car!!! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By James Booth - February 23 - 3:20 pm

  The GTO drives like a dream! I test drove all the the others in the same class before I bought and believe me no other compares.

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  Awesome - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Licia - February 22 - 1:06 am

  LOVE IT! I bought this car brand new so ive had it for about 3 yrs. NOTHING has gone wrong. Havent had to fix anything!! Just your typical oil change and brake change. Oh, and had to change the bulb in one of the headlights. NOTHING at all to fix as far as the engine is concerned. A little loud on the hwy but nothing to complain about.

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  Stay away from 2006 Pontiac G6 - JUNK! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Russell M. - February 21 - 11:30 am

  I found a 2006 Pontiac G6 for my daughter that seemed to be a good car for the price. A year later I am faced with a $1100 repair to change the power steering assist motor and steering column because of a known GM problem with these type of steering systems. The Cobalt, G5, and numerous others are already on recall. Do your homework, better than that buy a Ford. What a piece of junk!

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  Worse car I ever owned - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Omar Hossin - February 21 - 10:59 am

  It is poorly made. It is manufactured poorly. Body parts do not align properly, the convertible top is frayed due to the window rubbing against in when I open and close the door. It rattles. the hood, fenders, trunk bumpers dont line up. It has 8k miles on it makes a lot of rattling noise, body parts rub around the hood and back fenders. The rims are pitted and peeling on the inner side. GM will not repair or replace them. GM gave me a poor explanation saying that there is a percentage allowed for flaws. I hate driving it. Resale is poor

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  Good Vibe-rations! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By jdoymca - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle with smart options for work at home/portable office types like Real Estate Agents. Great power, esp. at the higher rpms. More comfortable than most in its class! Receives great comments from passers by.