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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  Less than I expected - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By veritas57 - November 10 - 2:13 am

  Quality that is. Purchased this car from a dealer with only 18,000 miles. Could have chosen a model with the V6, but chose the 2.4 Eco. MISTAKE! This car cant get out of its own way, especially with the AC on. Had the car 2 months now, and its been a big disapoinment. Been in for a steering rod replacement, twice. Other issues include a rattling sun roof shade, annoying vibration and hum at 2400 rpm, low quality dash, poor ergonomics with the armrests being too low. Dont get the 2.4 if youre use to a V6. Youll be disapointed. And the gas mileage averages 25 mpg for combination 70/30 hwy/city driving. I got the same with a Buick LeSabre with a 3.8 V6. Finally, lots of engine noice insid

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  GM builds a solid car - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Albany Vibe - November 8 - 11:40 am

  I had been researching new models (Honda Fit, Yaris, and Versa) when the 09 came out. Was pretty much set on a Nissan Versa. The Vibe was only about $2000 more than the Versa comparably equipped. With the added features not available on the Versa (ABS, disc brakes all around, stability control, traction control, XM radio, On Star, and hands free phone) it made the Vibe a very nice upgrade. I now have 1300 miles on it, and have averaged 32.6 mpg 50-50 hwy/cty. The 5-speed is very smooth and nicely placed high on the floor. Ride is great; performance is more than adequate while delivering excellent gas mileage. Really a nice car.

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  Nice car but bad gas mileage - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By BJ - November 8 - 8:43 am

  Bought this car because of the price, not a bad car but the gas mileage is horrendous GM advertises 5.2ltr per 100kms I wish, Im lucky if I get 7.4ltr per 100kms. They also state you will get 952kms per tank. I get maybe 550kms. My 3.8ltr impala is better on fuel than the g5. I will never ever buy GM again. With todays technology theres no reason why a 4 cyl engine should get less than 1000kms to a tank of gas.

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  The 2000 Grand Prix GTP Coupe - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Myron - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I believe the Grand Prix is an excellent purchase. For the amount of money you pay for this car I really cant ask for to awfully much more. I think the Grand Prix GTP is the perfect car if you want something that has a resonable amount of luxury and an excellent amount of power.

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  Sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By snowbie - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I owned my Sunfire for almost five years without any serious problems. I was content with the car. I recently was in an accident. From the looks of the damage, I didnt think it was too bad but it turned out to be a "total loss". Took a turn too fast for there being snow, and slid into a tree. Not even a knick in that tree and it wasnt anything that big. I guess I shouldnt be suprised since my passenger side door had almost a dozen dings because of the poor body quality. Im just glad it was a tree at 5-10 mph rather than getting in a more serious accident, who knows how badly torn to shreds that car couldve been, not to mention me.

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  Practical to drive when it runs - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By GMIS GETTINGWEAK - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Great used buy. 50% depreciation after 2 yrs. Glad I never bought new. Also glad I took out a 3 year GM Extended, as it would have cost us $5,000 in year one alone. Power door module went, as did rear door seals, blower motor, coollant leak, pasenger front doorpanel fell off??? - Very, vey poor quality product. Will not buy GM ever again. Unfortunate since the van drives well and handles great in the winter.

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  GXP - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mr. Bonneville - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive. Its performance is very good since its a V8. The horsepower is a little too weak for a 4.6L V8, but the 300 twisting pounds of torque make up for that. The only bad thing is the 17/24 city/Hwy mileage. Overall, I think Pontiac put a lot of effort into this smooth ride and it handles pretty good. I love the brakes.

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  A great Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By benjordan2 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. I was kinda worried about the price, but it was well worth it.

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  love this car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By NBKEN - November 7 - 7:00 pm

  Had this car fora month, a blast to drive so far so good

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  easy on the eyes hard on the wallet - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Muss1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  While it was still under warranty it was fine a few minor problems but nothing major. At about 40,000 we had to replace the intake manifold, then the driver side widow motor went out (riveted in not screwed like most other electric motors), water pump went out at about 50,000 alternator went out at 37,000, 60000 and 850000. We were unable to remove the key from the ignition; we found a solenoid under steering column was sticking (the dealership told us this model didn’t have this solenoid). The car is fun to drive and comfortable I’m just tired of having to fix it more then my 1987 Ford Bronco.