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 to drive - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Beth - August 2 - 10:56 pm

  Love it. Lots of fun to drive. Handles well in all driving conditions. No, blind spots.

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  G6 GTP Sedan - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jrusa1 - August 2 - 11:33 am

  Im two weeks into ownership. After driving numerous "sport" sedans, this was the first one to really stir some emotion with me. The engine has really nice pull, and the handling is great! The car is not quite as nicely put together as some of the Japanese and German sedans I drove, but what it lacks in fit and finish perfection it makes up for in style and performance.

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  What is it ? - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By jay haga - August 2 - 7:13 am

  When i saw the commercial announcing the 08 G6 GXP street edition, I knew I had to have one. One week later she was sitting in my garage. I never expected all that she gives. performance is great, from the 3.6vvt,the six speed automatic, and 2.77 gear ratio. Quick as a house cat out of the hole and cruises at less than 2000rs. She feels very nimble cornering and goes great in the snow. I find the seats very comfortable and all controls to be where they should. everywhere I go someone will come up and ask "what is it?" Pontiac has definetly hit a homerun in my opinion. Looks, style, performance (shes not a race car but a great commuter), and fuel mileage for the 21st century.

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  FUN CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GI JOE - July 30 - 1:56 pm

  I have had this car for a year and a half and love to drive it every time I get in it. I have owed and driven Z- 28s, El Caminos and a Malibu, but none can corner like this GTP with the compitition package. It also handled the ice and snow of last winter with out a problem. When Im accused of buying it as a mid-life crisis car I point out that with 4-doors it is a family car. (I think the fusion orange with silver racing stripe throws them off) I dont know what its top speed is yet but I do know that at 117mph it is still accelerating.

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  Best choice yet! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Lesterd - July 29 - 1:10 am

  We HAD to replace a car. It had over 300,000 miles on it, so we get an Aztec. It has the a cd player and the basic 6 speaker sound system, and air conditioner, and ABS. Everything else is standard. I also just recently received my permit, I have had if for 5 months. It has been an awesome driver, I love it. It is pretty darn powerful for a V-6. I hit 95 passing a truck just plain flooring it. And the standard sound system is so amazing. I put it on full blast playing the song "My Michelle" by the Guns n Roses and I could hear it during road construction 2 blocks away. We also just had to replace the oxygen sensor, and now it is a beast. It is way louder and way faster Recomend it

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  Sunfire SE Rocks - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Trident - July 27 - 10:00 am

  One of the best cars Ive ever owned including my GTOs

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  I Love This Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sumguy8402 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Grand Am GT what a perfect car for a teenage guy to drive. Not only do you get a fun exciting car to drive, but your fuel efficient at the same time. While there are aftermarket parts available most are unenncessary for this car. Not only for guys a good chick car also. its got a powerfull V6 engine great styling. Most importantly its very comfortable interior is styled for everyone.

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  Great car!! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hillmankc - July 26 - 9:16 pm

  Purchased GXP after much research. It is AWESOME - just as the other GXP owners say it is! It has nice styling cues borrowed from classic Pontiacs of the past (turned-aluminum style dash, fender vents from 2nd generation TAs), but is not a rehashed "retro" car. I believe this FINALLY is the car Pontiac had in mind when they presented the Grand Am in 1973: a sporty sedan with performance that surpasses imports costing many $$ more. Handling is superb; build and paint are outstanding; interior look and feel are nice, especially compared to GPs of a few years ago. Cabin is ultra-quiet, until you hit that gas pedal! This car is the proverbial "iron fist in a velvet glove"! Love it!

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  Rocket on wheels - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By T23G - July 24 - 1:20 pm

  I am now into my second week owning this car and wow! You cant imagine how many heads this car turns. Obviously the HP is great out of the hole, but you really notice it on the highway with its passing power. The styling and handling is equal or better than anything I test drove before buying (CTS, A4, BMW 3). I cant believe their isnt more of these on the road already, it really is a big step up for Pontiac and GM. The one thing you really need to know is if you dont want to buy this car, DO NOT TEST DRIVE IT! Once you take it for a spin, you will not want to let go!

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  2006 Pontiac G6 GTP 6 Speed - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Craig - July 23 - 10:40 pm

  The GTP version is all about power and handling. The hydraulic steering and stiffer suspension give the car a sports car feel. The 6 speed feels similiar like a Trans Am. The leather seats are bolstered to keep you in place while cornering. The gas mileage is pretty good. I have averaged over 25 mpg in mixed driving. Love the 18" wheels and the excellent brakes. This car has personality and that is something you dont get with an Accord or Camry.