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 love my Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SUNFIRErules - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Ive got the bright yellow and a 5-speed manual transmission and it is great. And the most important thing is, i can smoke cavaliers.

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  I love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CJE - August 21 - 2:46 am

  This is a great car to drive. I love taking it out on the highway. Even with 99K miles, it still has great pickup and incredible power. The 3.8L engine can really open up on the highway. I have to sell it now to get a car with better gas mileage. But I love it!

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  2005 gto - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By damyankee007 - August 20 - 12:30 am

  its hard to beleive this power horse is a family car . it has great comfort (my wife is 5ft. 7 and she sat in the back she said she had lots of leg room and was quite comfortable as for my son well he feel asleep in the back, me i feel like im sitting in my living room ) , styling great for long trips and very fast.i own one with the 6 speed and i love driving it . as for price you cannot beat it . i did a comparison with the ford mustang and the dodge charger and the gto came out on top. even gas milage it was out did them both evn with 400hp under the hood . until you drive one youlsee and feel the differance.you just can not beat it.

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  MyG6forJWJCNAS - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jack W. Smith - August 19 - 7:33 am

  Bought as an extra car for going to work and some regional travel. The car, according to the CARFAX report, was a former rental company car since made available for consumer purchase. Weve had it for a week since we bought it and I can say we are Very Impressed with the G6.

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  Love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By red on the head - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Goodyear Eagle tires not round, blister on all four. Air distribution inadequate except on mid range and above.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rebecca Grohowski - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this car sporty looking, it provides a great ride. It is fuel efficient and for a small car seems very roomy. It has a lot of pep on the open road. I am short and find this one of the easiest cars to get in and out of with ease for all passengers as well as myself.

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  The best car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike007 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Prix is a very fun to drive car. This car as really great horse power. Grand Prix rides well and the onstar is handy. It gets me where I Need to go in good time. I think it as a really sporty look for a four door. Every body just looks at you.

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  GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTPcompg - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive!!! The only thing a can say to knock it is the car payment every month. The car I bought has every option that you can get. I would definalty purchase the XM radio option. I wish my other car had it.

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  2004 GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fred Flinstone - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car via carsdirect.com (a great buying experience) and it was delivered to a dealer in my area. The car was perfect upon arrival. There was (and still is) zero defects with the car. Every part works. This is the first car I have ever bought that I can make that claim with. The car handles exceptionally for its class and is well powered. I have to say, I love it and so does everyone who has been in this car.

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  Vibes for you - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Helene Jacobson - August 16 - 12:20 pm

  Its a peppy smart looking car that is a cross between an SUV and a wagon. It handles smoothly on straight aways as well road construction surfaces. Great front window view. The back hatch door can be opened fully with remote or just the window can be open if you just want to put small bags in.This car is very roomy and seats 5 people very comfortable. Has great back seat leg room for tall people. This car does have roadside service coverage which hopefully Ill never have to check out,but at least its available. This car also has a great sound system.CDs play and sound like youre listening live. Free oil changes every 3 months is a great incentive also.