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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  Love my GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Gary - September 27 - 7:20 pm

  I bought my GT 4dr in Sept. of 2001. All 165,000 miles are mine. I have all service records, the car has been excellent. The only problem has been two power window motors, the dash cluster went out and had to replace the fuel sensor in the gas tank. Other than that all has been routine. I still own and love to drive the car.

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  Too much fun - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By GM guy - September 27 - 6:40 pm

  The Solstice GXP is a great small run around have fun ride. The handling is superb gas mileage if you drive with care will reach close to 35 MPG around town a good 28 in mixed commuter traffic if you are on it 25 is what I get. My wife who has not been a sporty car fan loves it! She likes the ride ease of handling and loves the stick tranny. Body is tight no squeaks. The negatives are seat belt is hard to find and it has hard to reach cup holders. On the hole GM finally got it right on fun and price.

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  expensive to drive - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rctrey - September 27 - 2:00 am

  water pump 550$ window reg $450 front valve cover gasket leaks supercharger noisy smells like burning oil at 65000 miles.

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  2004 Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By bootknife - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We like the roomy interior, and the flexibility to set the seating in many different ways. We have the 17 inch tires and the handling is superb, however it does need more power. I understand a turbo is going to be available, this will help. A great car for the price.

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  Great vibes from my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Happy Viber - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I drive 70 miles each day. I traded in my Corolla, because my back was killing me if I had to drive a long distance (2hrs or more). Now my back is grateful because the seats are very supportive and the ride is comfortable and quiet!(Driving the Corolla was like driving a beer can!) The Vibe is bigger, carries more stuff (so much so that my huband want his next car to be a Vibe instead of the small pick-up he was planning on getting. Thank you Pontiac for bringing back the pride in driving an American Car!

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  I Love My Vibe!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Molly LaMar - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Vibe in June of 2002. I love the sleek style. It is very affordable, and the gas mileage is great. We dont travel long distances often, but it is great for small trips. The electrical outlet is a wonderful feature with children. They can play their games without wearing down tons of batteries. My only complaint is the smell it makes when it is cold outside. It smells like rotten eggs, but once the engine heats up it goes away. We have had this checked, but there is no apparent problem. It only does this in the colder weather. Otherwise, it is a great car and I strongly recommend it!

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  Great performance for the buck - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By db - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I moved from an 8 cyl Llincoln LS to this model in order to save money, gain some winter driving performance and not loose the fun. However, you do have to give up a fair amount of luxury also. I also believe that a $30,000 car should have the basic self-dimming rear view mirror, heated side mirrors and climate control. A power passenger seat would also be appreciated; at least offer these as added cost options for those willing to pay. The back seat is also not too comfortable and without any cup holders; luckily I do not have to ever sit back there! With all the rebates and technology is is a good value for the buck.

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  speed meets comfort - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pnehls - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We popped the hood on the trunk, four of my buddies huddled over the engine. I put it in neutral and revved it (it limits the revs in park) What happened next was amazing. the whole engine torques and jerks. this engine is a monster. this cars accel is not too fast of the line, but from 30-70, it is amazing. when you are going 45 it feels like you are going 10. this car needs speed, and if you dont intend to do some highway traveling, you better find an outlet for this cars inner beast. this is like strapping a jet engine to a lazyboy, this cars amazing ride combined with unbelievable power makes it a great choice for any one looking at a mid size sedan

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DUb - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Wow, this car was a great improvement to the last model. This car blew me away when i first saw it. Although the cars interior is a little touchy. Ive had the car for less than a year and the paint from the steering wheel is already starting to rub off. Performance is great though overall, and i am pleased with the way it handels and overall comfort, except if your in the backseat and your over 13 years old.

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  great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bzszbzbz - September 27 - 2:00 am

  what a great performance car. the handling and power are awesome. it grabs corners like a sports car and has exceptional power passing and taking off. the leather interior is sporty and classy. very well done. workmanship is also a 10! why drive an import when you get everything you could want from a great american ca