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 Viberations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Blue belle vibe - July 29 - 5:06 am

  We rented a Vibe for a weekend trip in 2004 because thats all they had left. My wife would not let me drive the car the whole trip she loved it so much. We bought a leftover model when we got back and got a great deal. She commutes about 45 miles a day and has not complained a bit. The car has tons of room and gets about 32 mpg. We camp a lot so the plastic back hatch area makes for easy cleanup. The roof racks are very useful and solid and we use them for our 2 kayaks. The back seat is roomy even for my football player son. Ive replaced the brakes once and change the oil every 3000 miles. The car has 65500 mostly hiway miles. Hopefully they keep making these when well be ready for the next one.

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  Wife loves her vibe. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Barry - July 28 - 5:33 pm

  This is my second Vibe. My wife does most of the driving. She gets 37 mpg. Her Vibe is the only thing around the house she does not complain about.

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  Good Car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Rabbit - July 28 - 5:00 am

  I started way back with a Phoenix, Then a Sunbird. Now the 4 door Sunfire. The next one in the line doesnt have a name in Canada -just numbers. Good fuel economy, fast pick up, sleek body. In 4 years Ive replaced 2 tires, the front wheel bearings and I should replace the gas cap. If I can, when its time to replace this one Id like one just like it. Ive put 48,000 kms on it in 4 years and I am happy with its performance and reliability. I cant imagine driving anything other than a Pontiac. I guess Ive been lucky that my three cars have been stout workhorses. The Sunbird was subjected to a teenage boy and all that entails and still it held up.

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  Great little wagon - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By edinde - July 27 - 2:06 pm

  Bought this vehicle in Oct 07 after looking at many different cars. Took it on 770 mile trip within 1st week and was surprised at the mileage at the speeds I was driving (75-85mph). Averaged 32.5 at 80-85 34.5 at 70-75. Handled great and enjoyed the height adjustment feature on the drivers seat. I purposely ordered the 5spd because of my good luck with my 92 Camry with the same setup and almost the same gas milage but over 200,000 miles on the car. Still drive the Camry to work everyday but the milage concerns me on a trip, therefore the vibe purchase. Love the way you can use the interior for even long items. Hope I can say the same for this car in 16years and 200k later.

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  Salemans Car++ - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By KRA218 - July 27 - 12:16 pm

  Studied them ALL for six months and decided on the GXP. Looks, Power, Handling, Comfort, Value and its American! Purchased used for 12,000+ under MSRP. Today you good do even better!! Highly recommend for us sports car lovers that need a 4-door business car to satisfy the Boss! Mileage 17/22 and I do not expect it to get better with already 22K miles on her!

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  Running the Grand AM - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Mark - July 27 - 11:30 am

  A very peppy car that has a lot of guts even after 100K miles. The V6 engine has a definite high performance sound to it that gets you up to speed entering the freeway no problem and affords great passing characteristics. The car also has a very sporty (stiff) suspension that quite a number of people find enjoyable.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Owned! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By rsmith - July 27 - 8:40 am

  I love my Torrent. It has a lot of leg room, the fuel economy is quit good, the styling is great. The suspension is good. All around a great SUV! The cup holders have not been an issue for me.

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  Very Fuel Efficient - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Superior Quality - July 27 - 3:33 am

  I did a combine city/Hwy fuel economy of this van and it is extremely good. 12.1L/100KM. I am not sure what the manufacturer rating is but that is my real mileage experience. Performance is great with lost of power on hwy and uphill. Plenty of cargo space and leg room (spacious).

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  WS6 TO GOOOOO - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By duane - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This has got to be one of the best cars to drive not to mention the FASTEST. The pure power that the car has on tap is unreal. I would recommend if you are going to buy one make sure to try and find a WS6 or a Firehawk. I have the WS6 and it is definately a FORD killer.

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  No Brainer - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By halninek - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Just bought an 03 black with 17" spoked rims, looks sharp. Got it loaded with everything except DVD plus extended warranty for 5000 bucks less than a stripped V6 Toyota Highlander. It was even less than a Hyundai with the same leather and sunroof. Kids are ecstatic, wife loves the dual- zone climate control. I love the computer telling me which way Im going, how cold it is outside, how many miles to empty, when an oil change is due, if my tires are low,and if my fly is open. Coolest family vehicle ever.