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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  best little car ive ever owned. i am 80 - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By annie the dream - September 26 - 10:00 am

  ive owned many autos in my 80 years but this one has capturedmy heart. enjoy driveing it .the next best thing would be automatic wash and wax.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brady89 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I am new to the Pontiac family but so far I am very impressed with my Grand Prix. It is very comfortable, lots of get up and go and great gas mileage. I plan on keeping this car for a while.

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  American Built - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By James Maus - September 25 - 7:00 pm

  I drove a G6 and loved the tight body. The GXP is not as tight, but the V8 power is awesome. I disagree with Edmunds because they arent factoring in price and gas mileage. The Charger may be a better car, but its a new model. Grand Prix has been around a few years. Also, the Charger, which is much heavier doesnt get 28 mpg on the highway (GXP does if you use cruise control). Also, I got a loaded GXP for 28000. A similarly equipped Charger would go for 35000, and OnStar isnt even available! In an other 18 months, I am going to get the G6 GXP!!

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  Great Experience - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Buddy04 - September 24 - 8:03 pm

  I have had several Pontiacs, traded down from an 04 Grand Prix. Think it competes well against the Japanese competition. Much better attention to detail and interior than the Grand Prix.The sound system is simply awesome.

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  Love My Aztek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By whiteaztek - September 22 - 4:03 am

  I love this vehicle. I use to have a ford explorer and now I know what a real car is like. The ONLY problem I see with this car is the spoiler on the back. Extreme blind spot. However you do get use to it. I have recently had problem with rattling while applying my brakes especially down hill. Took it in and fixed for free. I have not tried out the camping package yet however hopefully next year. I think Pontiac should change their commercial. I would of never of thought to buy this car. The commercial makes it look so small and only concentrate of the cooler between the front seat. Show this car off it is hugh on the inside. I put 2 twin boxsprings & 2 mattresses in the back end

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  Problem overflow container - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Degy - September 20 - 10:20 pm

  This is the second time took car back for service because overflow container leaks anti freeze. Not the best set up because container has a seam in the middle. When the car heats up antifreeze expands and leaks at the seam.

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  03 sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By 03sunfun - September 20 - 2:00 am

  the best car ive ever bought, fun to drive!

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  fun in the snow - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By wybigone - September 20 - 2:00 am

  so far its been a great vehical! Liable, and handles snow and slick roads very wwell. Not sure whats up with the a/c. Seems like it could get little cooler

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  The Perfect Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JaeMaeJar - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac Vibe is a great vehicle for anyone. It has enough room for a family to travel in it together and it is also small enough so if your driving by yourself you dont feel as though your driving a boat. It is the perfect vehicle falling between a car and a SUV. It is wonderful for the college student having to drive back and forth to school. A definite have for anyone.

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  New Owner-Ohio - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KWD - September 20 - 2:00 am

  To Date---First 1,000 miles Dealer delivered on promise date Clean vehicle Instructed on basic operation Fit and finish very good; No noticed issues with two car washes