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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  Good to go - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By benswing - October 5 - 2:40 am

  This car has been primarily used as a road tripper and has treated me very well. Reliability has been excellent, has spent next to no time in the shop. Just a hose had to be replaced, otherwise normal maintenance has kept her running great. Now that Im commuting to work the fuel efficiency has been good to me.

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  Best purchase I made. - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Doe - October 4 - 11:13 am

  I happened to walk onto a car lot just browsing and laid eyes on this car and had to have it immediately. It was used with 80k miles for 7000 dollars at the time. I grabbed the car up, since then I added a K&N air filter and new 17 rims and low profile tires and omg yes 2 12 subs in the trunk. Awesome Car. I love the way the car handles and feels while driving it. Working on dual exhaust and a new paint job because white isnt my style, but over all that car is hot. No mechanical problems and I keep maintenance up on the car.

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  Neat SUV - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By A.R. - October 4 - 10:03 am

  Havent had this much fun driving a vehical,since my 60s+70s VW "bug"days.I hope Pontiac keeps this SUV around as I wouldnt trade it for the most expensive SUV on the market.I camp out with this Aztec often. Its great outdoor fun. My canoe fits nicely on the roof rack. In the city I make U- turns I wouldnt even try with a much smaller car. Ill buy a new one each year. Pontiac please keep this engineering marvel alive, "its great".

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  Great Economic and Stylish Choice - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By Gary T - October 2 - 10:33 am

  The CARS program paved the way for the wife to research cars that achieved 30+ miles per gallon and the Vibe came up as a strong contender in the fuel economy arena. After learning that the current model actually came out in 2009, she proceeded to research reviews on last years model and discovered that the 09 Vibe had achieved a very respectable 9 out of 10 Edmunds ranking and very favorable reviews across the board. Dealer inventory in our area is disappearing at a rapid pace so the Vibe has deservedly caught on in Pontiacs 11th hour exit. We both agree that this is indeed a vehicle that shouts reliability, comfort and economy and if performance is lacking, we dont notice. Impressive!

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Linzy - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Aztek a year ago this month, and I absolutely made the right decision. Considering the alternative cars, such as the Nissan Xterra, with a lower base price, but no comfort features to speak of, the Aztek is worth it, the most basic ones come with CD, power locks and windows, AC and heat, and so much more. They are great for traveling, and having tailgate parties, and you wouldnt believe the room in the back!

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  My car - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jskinner - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had several automobiles and this has to be the best. It handles great and has the extra pickup needed to pass in a tight situation. It also looks tough.

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  Firehawk Convertible - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jads - October 2 - 10:00 am

  No problems...you just worry about leaving it places!

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  Great Car overall :) - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By horist - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I picked this up as a nice daily driver. Wasnt a hard choice since I will only buy american and theres nothing else out there that really appealed to me (4 door sedan w/some pickup). The motor is awesome, no torque steer, comfortable yet sporty ride.

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  Best GP Yet! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RebelWithACause - October 2 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1965 GP. Since then Ive had a 77 GP, and 97, 98, and 2000 GTPs before I took delivery of my black GTP with Comp G package a couple of days ago. I wasnt real impressed with the styling changes until I took a second look and a test drive. 17" wheels outside and leather interior inside make a BIG difference. This car moves! I like the 20 more horses over the previous GTPs and I use the TAPShift ALL THE TIME! Driving excitement is back at Pontiac! This is a drivers car. Get one, and drive yourself happy!

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  Brandies review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brandie - October 2 - 10:00 am

  well I like the car alot and it really preformes good for me and the car in its self is good looking and It just doesint brake down