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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  Gets the job done! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By th3fr4nchi5e - March 3 - 4:31 am

  Bought my Vibe for $200 as a Winter beater about 2 years ago from a gentleman who definitely did not car for the car. A $50 flywheel, $300 in winter tires and alot of TLC and it was back in action. Car has ran great since and is a blast to drive. Not fast by any means but the little 4 banger screams up top and handles pretty well. Its excellent in the snow on fresh winter tires and so easy to play around in without losing control. Got the car with 91k miles, now is nearing 110k. Just the initial stuff and regular maintenance and not other expenses yet! (knock on wood) Gets around 30 mpg on the highway and low-mid 20s in the city. If you need a fun point A to point B car, buy a Vibe!

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  The first 5 years were great, now its falling apart! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By charlesp2009 - March 2 - 2:31 am

  I have had my 2005 Pontiac G6 GT for more than 5 years now and while I loved the car at first, the last year has been less than ideal. Once the odometer passed 80,000 miles, several expensive repairs popped up, and the future doesnt look bright. Searching the web reveals that I am far from alone with these problems; and GMs recent history from the bailout to Pontiacs untimely demise makes it all the more frustrating. While its a nice looking car, and fairly fun to drive, the reliability seems like it will be a serious issue as the car ages, and there are safer, better performing, and more reliable options from the Germans and Japanese...

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  Decent vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By John Wiltfong Jr - March 1 - 5:43 pm

  Leased the van with 6 miles showing on the odometer and now currently have 46,500. On long trips, it is comfortable but lacks power when I am driving over the mountains into NC.

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  Interesting thing, this Aztek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Bri - February 28 - 11:33 am

  A surprisingly practical car. Good cargo capability (but not minivan good), good gas mileage (much like a minivans), respectable performance (a lot like a minivan). But, my wife and I werent ready for the minivan niche. Certainly a love/hate appearance, but we have the "Rally" edition, which I think gives a more pleasing flavor to the underlying Aztek weirdness. A recent (May 2005) recall on the ignition system is a must-fix; we just started experiencing the effects (kind of ironic, in a way), which include vehicle stalling. In-laws have a Chevy Equinox, which I like better. However, the Aztek might have the price advantage given its impending discontinuation and overall poor sales.

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  Good Looking and HOT!! - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Impe1595 - February 28 - 5:46 am

  For me, it is two things, the styling and the engine. This car is beautiful and fast. I dont care that there is not much storage space, or that the top is not so easy to operate, that the cup holders are a joke, that the instruments are hard to see - I dont care! Because even though I will never drive it more than about 7/10s, when I step on it it goes, and it goes fast; and I love the look of the sloping front fenders from inside, and big tires and exhaust pipes from outside. Im 65 and Ive had many cars; I never thought that I would have anything to rival the beauty of my 71 E-Type Coupe, but this Solstice does come close. I smile every time I go into the garage.

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  A *great* car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By themrfreeze - February 25 - 4:23 pm

  I loved my 04 Vibe. Rock solid reliable, versatile and roomy interior, enjoyable to drive on long trips. I could haul loads of 8-foot lumber or big bulky items in the back. Car was easy to work on as well, though all I ever needed to do it was rotate tires and change the oil. Got wrecked in 09, and I still miss it.

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  good value - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By clint - February 24 - 1:20 pm

  We hadnt even considered the Aztek when shopping for a new car. Figured that an economy car was the only thing in our budget. Went looking at the Pontiac Vibe and saw the Aztek in the showroom. With the GM redtag clearance and other discounts, we got our 2005 FWD Aztek out the door for under $15000. Excellent value, a lot of features, outstanding interior room. The only unknown is how it will hold up over the years. Right now Im quite happy with it. The exterior appearance takes a bit getting used to. If you can get over the outward appearance, the Aztek is quite a good deal. Its not a Vette, so I dont buy the complaints about power-its power and acceleration are just fine.

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  Trans Am review from a daily driver pers - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Hurley711 - February 23 - 8:56 pm

  The car looks great and is fun to drive, but it also has some major downsides. Annoying pop up headlight motors break every few years. The cheap plastic interior rattles to no end, even SFC didnt eliminate all of the noise. Pros on the car are performance and styling. Head turner no matter where you go. Also can be easily modified to make more power if you need it.

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  I love trans ams! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Curt - February 23 - 7:30 am

  This is an excellent car to drive. I would recommend only to single people or couples, not families. Also, not a great car to lug around your friends. Despite the lack of space this car is definitely worth buying if you love speed. There are areas to improve, but for the cost I really cant give you a good reason not to buy one.

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  A Bonneville in Colorado?!?! - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jenimac - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Never thought Id own anything less than an SUV for my skiing / biking / camping activites, but I have to admit I love my car! I have yet to see another Bonneville with a roof rack system - who says a sedan isnt cool?. Bought it used w/68k miles and it has over 77k now. Am just now having to replace brakes, oilpan/gasket (due to slight leak) & serp belt. This car has been great! Good traction in Colorados snowy conditions and is great in the mountains & on long road trips. If only the cup holders were more convenient and the trunk, when open, didnt slide rain & snow into the trunk. Not perfect, but pretty darn close!