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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  Comp G is great fun - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike - May 26 - 12:20 am

  Just recently purchased an 05 GTP Comp G with every imaginable extra available, which on this car is a lot. I like the power of this car, although it could use an auto 5 speed so it gets up and goes a bit better at higher speeds. Very comfortable up front; in back I dont know or care. My only complaint is I already have several creaks and rattles on the interior pieces which are cheap plastic.

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  Fun to drive Great car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By eyespycat - May 25 - 12:43 pm

  This is our first new car and we are very satisfied. I love the inside and outside of this vehicle. Its sporty yet great for small family. I think the interieor is awesome and I love the chrome around the speedometer. Great stereo system and the message center is helpful. A couple of downfalls. I thought it would be alittle better on gas and very tight when making a U- turn. I also agree truck opening could be alittle bigger but that would obviously change the outer look. I can fit my stroller and a few other items in. Other than that I would recommend this car and the price was exactly what we wanted. Very good deal.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By racing 8 - May 23 - 5:40 am

  This is my first new car and we love it, the appearance is great, the ride is the best that I have ever been in, has a great sound system, its quite inside the car and has a lot of room in the back seat

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  Buy for POWER and driveability - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By BillyGoat - May 20 - 9:33 am

  After reading some of the other reviews, other purchasers seem to want a luxury car with high performance and 30 MPG. NOT !! The now departing 2006 GTO will be a collectors car soon enough, Id highly recommend begging, borrowing, or stealing the $$ to buy one. The dealer I bought from in Arizona had TEN GTOs for sale - I had the pick of the litter. Sold at INVOICE $$, this dealer simply wanted to unload his inventory...advantage ME. NO VEHICLE currently made will give you the wide swath of luxury and performance this car will. Just drive one. 400 HP, great driving position and non-descript exterior will keep the idiots wondering what the hell just flew past. BUY ONE.

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  This Black bird is BAD - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Rick - May 18 - 2:26 am

  I purchased this car with 45 miles on the odometer and have had more fun than should be allowed.Be sides a dead battery and headlight motor this car has been a gem to own. It now has 91,600 miles on the it and it still barks the tires in the first three gears.I guess I should mention that it has the 6 speed tranny with the Hurst shifter.Ive added a k&n air filter and flowmaster exhaust a month after purchase

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  Good stuff - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By riggermatt - May 14 - 5:26 pm

  I havent had this vehicle for very long yet, but I am very happy with the car so far. The gas mileage has been great. Im getting any between 30-33 mpg on the highway. I also only go 65, because its much more efficient than 70+, and only lose a few minutes in travel time.

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  pontys - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ponty - May 14 - 10:00 am

  It is fun to drive due to the handeling, engine performance, with a balanced economy. the style is for 4 people to fit comfortly, and still look like a sports car. This is my second grand prix and I would by another one, a two door version only.

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  Our Van - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Greg & Amy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  We have had very good luck with our van. We have an 8 passenger and the individual removable seats are very convienent to configure for different trips or loads. The ride is incredible and it is a nice looking ride. We have one powered sliding door and definately recommend getting both sides with powered doors. I will definately buy another Montana!

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  Dont Judge a Book by Its Cover - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Serabo - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the looks scare you. This is truly one of the most versatile and comfortable vehicles Ive ever experienced. A lot of people are turned off by the unique exterior, but once they ride in it with me, theyre convinced that its as great as I think it is.

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  Fun, and what a deal - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Rob - May 10 - 10:06 pm

  I love this car. The top has never been a problem. The styling is unique to the convertible, and the techno- hard-top convertible is such an awesome aspect to this car. When the top is up, and the windows down, voila. a true pilarless hard-top coupe! It is quick, smooth. The interior 4-place bucket seating is so cool, and so rare these days. And, the car is big enough to seat four adults comfortably. My quibble is that there is no Ipod port and no built-in blue-tooth. I will solve those issues on my own though, and they are solvable. I bought mine used with 6K miles on it 6 months ago. At $20K, I thought it was a steal. I have never regretted getting it.