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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  got to love it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By steve - December 26 - 3:20 pm

  fun to drive easy handling good on gas especially on highway. plenty of pep but not overpowering. only feature didnt like was the on and off dash lights.

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  Does not dissapoint - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Roger Kirby - December 25 - 6:30 pm

  I have dogs, large dogs and need to haul them around. That was the first criteria on buying the car. The dogs love it, the way it is designed they can easily hang their heads out of the window. The second was fuel economy which is good. The last reason was a car which I would find satisfying and on this score it has exceeded my expectations. Our family has a Civic, a Honda CRV and a Mustang Convertible (its a large family). This car is everyones favorite, because of its versatility. The Mustang makes a good second car, however it gets left behind for long hauls, shopping trips, taking friends out etc. The car does everything very well, without trying to the best in any one feature.

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  Best package for mileage, size, price - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Inca Guy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We looked at everything, and for the price, gas mileage, room, towing capability, cargo capacity, nothing came close. Didnt want minivan or guzzler SUV, but still needed power and room. Depreciation means got great deal on used 03. Pontiac did a great job creating the entire package, even with its "aggressive" styling.

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  LOVE IT - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By OMAHARICH - December 24 - 10:00 am

  What a fun car to drive. Capable of 135 without starving for power (heard it can go 142 didnt push it though). Cornering is awesome with very limited tire squeel. 1/8 mile drag strip ready, lol what a fun "Old timers car" that can woop up on some of the young teenies cars at the track, gets ya alot of attention. K&N replace filter makes a huge difference in low end power, at a rolling 15-20 mph still able to break tires loose with full throttle. Fun Fun car,

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  Best car ever - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kom_stat - December 24 - 8:16 am

  I use my Sunfire as my work car. I practically abuse this car. I certainly dont baby it. It may get its oil changed every 8-9k, and couldnt tell you the last time I ever checked anything on it for maintenance. Its also been known to see the redline getting on the interstate. Been in two major accidents and now has over 210,000 miles and never given me any trouble. When I say never, I mean never. I havent repaired anything on this car other than body panels but that certainly isnt Pontiacs fault. Also has awesome performance for being an entry level compact car that gets 36mpg even with a lead foot.

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  Excellent Quality vehicle! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Justin Case - December 23 - 7:36 pm

  Previous vehicle was a 96 Trans Sport with same 3.4 liter v-6. Got 260,000 miles out of that without any major mechanical problems, it paid for itself! This van is on the same path. Already, there is 32,100 on it and the only problem was a TSB for the throttle body. Didnt cause van to run poorly, it just made a whistling sound on light acceleration. Dealer fixed though under warranty, and thats it. Great comfort, very good acceleration, average fuel econ. (20 mpg. w/ mixed hwy./city driving), and great dependability. I would not be afraid to take this vehicle anywhere on a trip. I look forward to any years of "Driving Excitement" with this Pontiac!

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  The Great One - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By PG - December 23 - 4:20 pm

  I have a 6spd manual Spice Red Metallic with the black interior. It was love at first drive. I grew up riding in my uncles 1968 GTO so when Pontiac came out with this car I knew that some day I had to own one. The torque of the LS2 is something you cannot describe accurately with words and the 6 spd makes it even more blissful. The suspension is adequate but you wont be winning any autocross meets anytime soon. Contrary to what some people may think as far as styling is concerned, the original GTO was nothing more than a dressed up Tempest with a bigger engine so I dont see the big deal with purists wanting a retro looking Goat.

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  Overall Nice Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By wrestleman125 - December 22 - 7:33 pm

  This car is nice, fun to drive, and very reliable. I have had my G6 for 1 year now and have about 11,000 miles on it and have had absolutely no problems at all. My wife owns a Camry and likes to drive the G6 more then her vehicle. Also if you live somewhere cold I advise you to cough up the couple of dollars and get the remote start... its fantastic.

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  Everyone is Envious - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By rkgsx - December 22 - 7:03 pm

  The styling is unmatched. The color (Envious) looks fantastic. The performance is great. Overall, you wont find this blend of styling/performance/fun to drive anywhere

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  1 Tough Bird - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By WhiteQknight - December 22 - 10:00 am

  well, to start this out, this is the 3rd firebird i have owned. the 1st was a 85 se w/ a 305 4bbl. the next ( a mutt) a 93 w/ a 3.4l (what were they thinking? ) and this one, a 2k w/ a LS1 5.7L monster with a 6 speed and the ws6 package to keep it on the road. to make this story short, buy one even if you cant afford it. i havent owned it very long yet, but its just like i just turned 16 again. you cant drive it enough, and if the road is curvey, its even better.