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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  Dream Car - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By DSworo9 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Got this car back in March and wish I had got it sooner. I absolutely love this car! SOM, LS1 power of 300+ HP, 6speed, the works. It has just about everything youd want for a muscle car w/ room for improvement.

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  Farewell flagship... - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Boz - January 28 - 10:00 pm

  I bought this exceptional car as a statement of rebellion... and got the reaction I wanted. I had wanted one of these cars for about 8 or 9 years, and with most people starry-eyed for the cheaply built Honda or Toyota, this bad boy turns heads while going down the street. The Black Cherry Metallic paint sparkles in the sun, as well as in the evening, and exterior styling puts the car in motion, even at a standstill. Interior styling has no end to luxury and comfort, and features and options are limitless. GXP specific guages and Driver information center also set the car apart, and to finish it all off, Pontiacs signature dash backlit in glowing crimson.

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  Good sedan for the price - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By KHC - January 28 - 11:03 am

  Good look, fun to drive. I bought the car just a few weeks and I really love it. The fitting inside is good. The response is great.

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  Found a Diamond - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ross Gore - January 27 - 3:23 am

  I had been searching for months on a 4- Door Sedan to buy and had come down to the Ford Taurus and Buick LaCross. Then on day while having my Chrysler Sebring Conv. serviced I happened to see the front end on a G8 in the preowned car area. I walked over and took a look and walked in and said how much. That very day I solved my sedan problem and have really enjoyed the driving experience of the Dark Gray V- 6. I have put 3000 more miles on it and have been avg 27.5 on Hwy and 21 hwy/city. I took it to the mountains to see how it handled the curves and climb and was very much pleased with it. I plan to keep this car until the wheels fall off. If you can find one in great to good shape, buy it.

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  Nice Reliable transportation - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pontiac fan - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car based on the positive experience I had with my last Bonneville. I am happy to report that I have put 93K on it & have had to do only routine maintenance :=) I wish it had more cup-holders, and the trunk- spoiler design was better, but overall, I feel I have a good-looking roomy 4 door car that doesnt look like an old ladys car. I use the car like it is my "living room," and it is holding up well. I hope it continues to do so.

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  I Love My Aztec - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By jenal - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I love it! It is the best automotive purchase I have made yet. My family and friends enjoy it as well.

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  ram air fun - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Linda Dalton - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car! It is the most fun to drive automobile I have ever had the pleasure. I am the daughter of a car salesman and have had many cars but this is by far the best! Only problem Ive had is the front headlight has had to be adjusted twice.

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  Couldnt ask for more!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MonGre - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream. Both inside and out!!! Eats up most cars on the road, looks great, and a steal for the price I got it for!!!

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  Great Car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By lw - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the looks of the VIBE! Its fun to drive! Sporty looking! I appreciate the leg room and ceiling room that is given in this car....much more than I expected!

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  04 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By jimibeaudry - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive at any speed. I have a good feeling that this "down under" car will keep its value. A very impressive car.