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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  I will miss this car. - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By rnu - October 4 - 12:10 pm

  I cant believe all the bad reviews of the G6 GT. I bought my car with 11k miles and am selling it with 61k. I have had no major problems whatsoever. I have loved this car. I am only getting rid of it because I need something bigger to haul twin babies. The G6 has been reliable, consistent, fun, and a car I have been proud to own. The gas mileage is incredible. I averaged well over 30 mpg on the highway. I only wish I could convince my husband to sell his truck so I could keep my car.

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  Great Vehicle - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By MOI - October 4 - 8:13 am

  This car has never had a problem, we have never done anything but normal maintenance. It has also lived in California, New Mexico and Minnesota, and has done well everywhere

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  2009 Pontiac Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By DC - October 4 - 6:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle as part of a pull ahead deal on a 2007 Yukon. I plan on driving the car for 6 months and give it to my daughter for her birthday. Im 6-2, 250lbs and have plenty of head and shoulder room. Im looking forward to the gas mileage. The vehicle is quiet in the city but a little noisy on the highway. Well built and simple controls which I love. Great car if your in this price range. Dont expect much get up and go on the 1.8L.

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  2005 Aztek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Donna Wesse - October 4 - 1:53 am

  Fun to drive, fairly good on gas, good acceleration, very comfortable, plenty of storage room, extremely good looking layout of dash, especially at night.

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  Alomost 2 years and still got the vibe!! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sctbyd - October 3 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great car. Me and my wife have had this car for almost 2 years now and have had not one problem yet. Have 37,000 miles on it, from going to L.A.(Disneyland) at least 11 times since we bought it. Nothing to complain about very roomy and very comfortable. Tested not filling up once going from San Fran to LA and got there with some fumes left to spare (trip miles were 410!!!) seems to get better gas mileage as the years pass.

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  My mistake - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By scott - October 3 - 8:13 am

  My mistake for buying a Pontiac G6. Clunking noise in front, had to replace front and back brakes and rotors. Leaking sun roof. After reading other reviews I think this will be my last Pontiac. And to think they used to be good. Bye bye Pontiac.

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  2002 transam conv.yellow col. edt. - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By 71737390 - October 2 - 6:40 am

  I have owned my 2002 trans am convertible for 10 years.It is by far the best car I have ever had. Yellow collector edition,6 speed manual WS6 It runs like hell,and I have goose bumps every time I drive it. It is a fabulous muscle car that I will keep for life. I cant go anywhere without someone asking about the car."Do you want to sell it" NOOOOOOOOO!!!! I could not get more fun on the road and hope to stay out of trouble. This car is my dream car,what else can I say...

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  Makes life Fun - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By karew70 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Aztek used and got a Great deal on it. I am the Mother of three boys 14,8,6. When it came time to get a new Vehicle my husband wanted me to get a car but with three boys a Van to a car NOWAY. At first I thought the Aztek was a bit strange looking but once I test drove it I KNEW it was for me. Makes me feel young again and still gives me the space I need. My boys think its the coolist Thing and thier friends all like it so I earned bonus points. hahaha

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  wehatesit - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sickofit - October 2 - 2:00 am

  At first sight we loved it, after a year we hate it! The alternator went out twice, along with the battery. This will cause the motor to shut down sei zing your gaershift and ability to retrieve your keys.Fuel pump, fuel injector, abs sensors, four rotors with pads,swing arm all replaced. Trans mission also runs noisy in lower gears.Radio is going bad now and my side view mirror even fell of while washing the car one day! Overall pontiac made a loser when they put this hunk of metal together.

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  Great van - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By starbuck - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Our 99 Montana is great to drive. More than enough power,perfect ride, interior could not be set up better and it has been 100 percent reliable. I repair cars for a living and very seldom do you ever see one of these or the other GM versions for anything other than maintenance. So if you like getting you vehicle fixed this is not for you. Try the Chrysler van if you like paying for car repairs.