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:

• 

  Ugly But Functional - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Steve - April 14 - 2:53 am

  Surprisingly impressed! First American car in 30 years, and its really nice! No complaints, except for having great difficulty putting gas into it. Have had diagnosis by 3 certified mechanics, replaced fuel vapor canister, fuel evap solenoid and STILL have to put gas in at about 5 cents a spurt because the nozzle keeps kicking out. Its smooth, quiet, powerful and has a number of features I was going to invent one of these days. I recommend a buy, if youre more concerned about function than appearance.

• 

  Homer Simpson comes to mind DOH! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By phat_white_boy - April 13 - 3:53 am

  Overall not a bad vehicle, 99 with 2.4L twin cam. 138,000mi fun to drive on the highway with moonroof open - the ladies seem to like it to. however its currently being serviced for a new water pump in intake gasket

• 

  So far, SO GOOD! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tin Indian Pride - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Overall, an excellent car. Pretty good power in the V6. Very fun to drive without giving up the needed driver and passenger space. Tons of standard features. Even for a sedan, it looks great!

• 

  I Love My Ride! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By CHERI - April 8 - 7:20 pm

  I wasnt sure I wanted to buy such a strange looking car, but gave it a trial run. Boy! Was I surprised. The Aztec drives and rides like a dream: roomy and comfortable, turns on a dime, and carries just about anything for regular daily use. My husband has arthritis of the spine, so he is really impressed with the heated seats. And we love the idea of dual temperature controls. The tent and air mattress (with an air valve built in one of the cubbies) were pleasant surprises, as we are avid campers. I am so glad I didnt let the strange appearance turn me off, besides... Its beginning to grow on me.

• 

  1st pontiac - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By rj - April 7 - 8:03 pm

  I only have 700 miles but I am pleased with the vehicle. The power is adequate but the mileage should be better. The height is good. the stereo is excellent. The steering feels a little different then I am used to. Overall, I am happy with the car.

• 

  It just keeps on going and going - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By doglover - April 6 - 8:43 pm

  I bought this car in 2004 brand new. I have replaced the brakes twice; thats it. I now have 151,000 and still drive it. I did have problems with the drivers window before the recall. It drives super in the snow; I live in western PA and have never been disappointed with its performance. I wore out the radio controls. I have the "moon and tune" pkg and it rocks; the best sound system that Ive come across. Very reliable and easy to drive.

• 

  Needs more get up and go - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Donna - April 6 - 8:26 pm

  This car is not very fun to drive. I had owned a Pontiac Grand Prix in the past which I loved so I assumed I would love the G6 even with a smaller V6 engine. I was mistaken. Aside from the negative of not being fun to drive, the positives are: 1) Very comfortable leather seats. 2) Decent monsoon stereo system. 3) Good gas mileage for an American car of this size. I have never gotten less than 25.7 miles per gallon even in city driving. So when I am fretting about the driving experience and counting the months until it is paid off, it always make me feel a bit better when I look at how many mpgs I am getting.

• 

  Cant believe I drive this over my 911 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Eric - April 6 - 3:46 pm

  I needed a second car after buying a 2006 Porsche 911S. GM was giving these Vibes away and all I needed was a basic car with decent space, room for 5, and AWD for trips to Lake Tahoe in the winter. Since I bought the Vibe, Ive put 3800 miles on it, and only 500 on my Porsche. I love this Vibe. It doesnt handle particularly well, it isnt that fast, it doesnt have any luxuries, and it isnt beautiful. But, I find myself drawn to its fun, comfortable, and easy to drive nature. My friends and family make fun of me for showing up in my Vibe while my Porsche sits in the garage, but I cant help from loving this stupid Vibe.

• 

  STD Vibe w/ 5-speed - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By cgello - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe has been a great addition to our family. Very SUV like yet economical likes its Corolla cousin. With the seats folded down I actually fit a twin sized mattress in the back. Great job Toyota and Pontiac!

• 

  My Review - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bizich2484 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love-hate relationship with this car. Ive only owned it for a year and have had to bring it back to the dealership 6 times to get various parts fixed. I used to drive a Bonneville and I really miss the V6 that I had in that car. I do not plan on owning this car for much longer, I spend a lot of time in my car and I need something bigger and has more features.