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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  Finally A fun affordable car - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By parsalinjr1 - June 9 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased my G8 GT in April and I have to say it was the best purchases I have ever made. This car is fun, and good looking. I have the black with the red on black interior. The performance is top notch!! Who needs a bmw?

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  Could use more poke... - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tony A. - June 9 - 2:00 am

  My experience with Pontiacs Grand Am has been mixed. While the car is sleek and it has the engine capacity, the 3.4 liter is far too anemic for the GTs perfoemance image. Acceleration from a standing start is OK, but it quickly runs out of breath. This engine is, however, very smooth and reliable. Ride quality is adequate as is handling. In general, a sporty car at a low price. With the generous rebates the car cost less than $16,000.00 new.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ABayzik - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car! I wish it had more aftermarket support and some extra hp from the factory though. Turns heads constantly. At 45,000+ miles, its only had basic maintenance and the rotors replaced once. Fuel economy could be better but you cant help but speed in this car, so it will suffer. I average anywhere from 20-25mpg. I was leery to buy this car in 99 because it was the first year for the redesign, but it has never disappointed me! Kudos to GM for this one.

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - June 7 - 8:36 am

  We looked all over for a good reliable car. I made the whole deal over the phone, got it for 3600 less than asking price. This is the first Grand Am we ever owned. Only had it for a month and so far its been great. Does have rattle in front-end, replaced the front bushings (recall campain on it.) Not sure what the other noise is, in shop having looked at. Over all performance is great. We have the SE1 with 3.4 V-6. Love this car. I would buy another. So far no major problems, just a little rattle in the front end. Gas mileage could be increased by a few tricks, but thats still coming!

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  Best car ever - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By maxdeath7 - June 6 - 11:26 pm

  This is the best possible car you could ever own. The leahter interior is breathtaking and the new body kit is just the most amazing thing you could ever possibly see. The reliability is just awsome and the build quality is a guaranteed perfect 10. Oh and the performance can almost beat anything out there.

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  My 2nd Bonneville - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Phoenixstahr69 - June 6 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car after finally finding it at a dealership near me, i had owed a 1993 Bonneville as my first car, and my 3rd car happens to be my new 2004 Bonneville and i love it , it is such a wonderful car, it is comfortable, fun to drive and awesomely wonderful on gas!!

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  Best Pontiac Yet - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gmgirl - June 4 - 2:33 pm

  bought this Vibe new and just hitting 100K.I have no real complaints. Great fuel mileage, GREAT cargo space, sharp interior, its got the Toyota guts with the Pontiac price tag!!!I am an avid Pontiac buyer, and this is by far the best Pontiac Ive had. I love it. I use mine like its a truck sometimes, hauling everything from dishwashers, landscaping rocks, to building lumber. Cant beat it for its use and fuel mileage. Terrific vehicle! I guess one complaint would be that I have to get my tires rotated about every 3K miles because the weight distribution of the car is off and causes "cupping" of the rear tires. I get free rotation, so I dont care too much. I would definitely buy another!

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  Great Coupe - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Beverly - June 3 - 3:46 pm

  Vehicle runs nice and some, takes bumps in the road just fine. Takes turns really well and have not had a problem yet. Front seats have plenty of room for people with long legs

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  Love this Car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By G6 Lover - June 3 - 3:40 am

  So it was between the G6 and the Mazda3. I wanted a sporty sedan with four doors but with power since I was coming out of a Mustang. The G6 had more zoom-zoom than the Mazda3 and it was roomier with more headspace and legroom. I love the 3.5L enginge, I know I have enough power to handle cutting in and out of LA rush hour traffic. I get a lot of stares on the road and people asking questions at gas stations. I remember when I first rolled into work my co-workers mistook my G6 for a Lexus. I love the bold styling of the outside and the room inside, front and back seat. Trunk space is great as well. I love driving it and my friends always elect me to drive on outings since I have the fun car

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  JPol65s WS6 - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By JPol65s WS6 - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have always wanted a Trans-am. And boy did I get one. I am soooo satisfied with this one, that I smile everytime I drive and even look at it, for that matter. If you ever have the chance to get one, dont hesitate. I plan to keep her a very, very, long time. by the way, i get 27 miles to the gallon.