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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  fast and fun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By cdog13junior - March 8 - 5:10 pm

  I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM and I recently bought the base model G6 I have really enjoyed the car since I bought it in late Feb of this year. The handling is so nice, quick and responsive. I have found that just the difference in one year that Pontiac has came out with some really nice innovations like the optional assist a steer. I have no complaints about the car and now have 1700 miles and love the car. Will buy one again anyday

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  Fun while it lasted - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By chrismassey - March 8 - 4:43 pm

  I absolutely LOVED my GT. Having 64k miles, only needed regular maintenance - even in tough AZ heat. Would definitely recommend it. Unfortunately it got totalled last week - will definitely miss it...

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  What a great car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Massage Tom - March 8 - 5:50 am

  I drove one of these convertibles as soon as I could find one and fell instantly in love. Had to wait six months to find one slightly used, but it was well worth the wait. Drove it 2000 miles home from where I purchased and it was a perfect trip. Great ride, great responsiveness, comfortable and much more economical than I would have imagined with such good performance. I get between 31 and 32 mpg out on the Interstate. The interior is very roomy for four with lots of leg room. I have driven sporty Pontiacs off and on over the years and this is the absolute best. I saved more than $40,000 by not buying a similar Lexus and have better ride and lots more room.

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  This car rocks! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ciahra - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with this car after reading review in 1995. Bought it used in 2002. Drove 90 mins to find it, and bought it days later. Power is incredible, handling is great after putting high performance tires on, corners well, brakes well, looks sharp. At 70K miles, car runs great. I am a firm believer in manual shifting, but this car has me thinking otherwise. Quick, responsive, comfortable, spacious. Best car Ive owned to date. Plan to keep it for a long time.

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  my best car ever - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By philipbartlett - March 8 - 2:00 am

  as soon as I sat in my Grand Prix GTP I fell in love w/ this high performance machine{competition group}the steering is nice and tight and the powerfull engine in this car I have no problem whatsoever getting onto a highway or out of somebody ealses way. When I first came home with this car, heads turned to see this sharp car and other guys gave and still do give me the thumbs up gester. Ive owned the GTP since Oct.14th 2003, and still cant wait to get back behind the wheel, still to this day{Feb.16th,2004}

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  i love my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dawn - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I would not recommend swanson automotive, but i would recommend this car to anyone, i get more comments about it and I love it.

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  Great Aztek - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By kinserc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Chassis! Styling is much improved over 2001. Im glad GM finally figured out that cladding isnt always the way to go.

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  Solid Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ben - March 5 - 3:10 am

  I purchased this vehicle last year. It has 237,000 miles on it and still drives great. I have put over 20,000 miles on it. Just needed oil changes and tires so far. There is a small whining noise under the hood, and the paint on top of hood peeling. But for the high mileage, still has plenty of V6 power and very comfortable.

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  The Legend Lives and Doesnt Disappoint! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Bret Salsbery - March 4 - 11:20 am

  I have owned my new 2006 GTO for a week now and I can honestly say it is the the most fun car to drive that Ive ever had. The acceleration is unbelievable for a four seat coupe. I am one of the few I guess that actually likes the exterior design. Lets face it, the original GTOs were not exactly ground breaking in exterior design, but who cared? You buy a GTO for one reason, performance!! Luckily, though, this car offers so much more! The interior is awesome and comfortable. The stereo is very nice. The programmable dash is great as well. The day after I bought mine I had performance mufflers installed and they just make this thing roar!!!! Do yourself a favor, get a GTO!!!!!!

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  From Firebird to Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Neptune Blue - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I drove the entire market under 20K, except the Vibe. Somehow, I was not convinced because my former car (1997 Pontiac Firebird) out preformed the otheres. I listened to a friend about the Vibe. I test drove it and was impressed. Considering I drove most of the other cars on the market, the Vibe had the most power at will, presumed Toyota quality, and the typical impressive Pontiac body stylings. While my new car is not my Firebird, she sure as hell is better than some of the other pieces of crap on the market.