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:

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bryscott - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Bonneville SE 4 door sedan has a great ride. The Over all feel of the car is fun and sporty. With the 3.8 L 204hp engine it has enough power, but not too much. The body style offers a sleek / sporty look. The only problem is the interior space. It doesnt fit tall people very well. Unless you like to lay down to drive. Is very dependable. Averaging 25 to 30mpg it is very fuel efficient.

• 

  GTO Club - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Bob - January 24 - 4:23 am

  Either you "get" the last generation GTO or you dont. Those who "get it" almost feel like theyre in a club - theres that occasional eye contact from other GTO drivers that says "theres someone else who understands". The GTO is all about "stealth" - especially the 2004. Looks like any other car on the road (especially to police) while more capable than anything even remotely close to its price. Ive wanted this car for 20+ years - Im glad GM had the guts to build it. This is a BMW "6 series" for the masses.

• 

  My 07 Solstice Review - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Coupe - January 23 - 1:46 am

  Car is very fun to drive, however, I have had little problems. I dont drive my Solstice very often. I am currently waiting on a 2,000 part! Luckily I received a 72,000 mile warranty!

• 

  A solstice widow - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By A Soltice widow - January 21 - 3:56 am

  This car made my mans head turn like I have never before witnessed, he actually turned around in the middle of the street to go to the dealership and look at it, and 30 minutes later he was kissing his car good bye and vibrating with the excitment of driving this car...and I am not kidding!!!! He has not gotten out of it except to sleep, the first few days I think he actually spent 36 hours in the seat, incredible!!!! now all I know is there is another woman to contend with...this car is his baby, he gets stopped EVERYWHERE.....even at the Nissan dealership where his son was looking at a Z...the people all asked about HIS car fabulous!!!! I am a Solstice widow now!!

• 

  Great Little SUV - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Steve - January 20 - 5:06 am

  In 18,000 miles no problems. Dealer service has been excellent. Have had many POSITIVE comments about the style. Style is not as awkward as it used to be in comparison to the half painted Honda Element or Scion wagons. Cargo area has a pull out table, great for picnics. AWD works very well. Fun car to drive and be seen in.

• 

  Love our Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By wabartz - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Its easy to maneuver in parking lots, handles well and is surprisingly peppy. The rear audio controls and slide out storage bin are extremely useful. The stereo is great (get the 180W 10-speaker system). With the rear tie downs and tailgate/hatch setup I am constantly amazed at what I can haul with it (very versatile). This has been a great replacement for our minivan and has been servicing our family (2 adults and 3 kids) very well for the last year. This is the vehicle that brought me back to domestic vehicles after years of buying imports. It has been reliable and fun to drive, definitely a keeper.

• 

  Great Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By JUAN ALFARO - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car over 106000 miles and only had to replace gasket that was leaking for about $400.00 normal for gm cars Im told, but other than regular maintance very reliable car. My next car will be Grand Prix GT or GTP. Dont miss out on great car.

• 

  Fun in the Sun, not in the winter - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By amanda - January 13 - 2:23 am

  Th car has a smooth power band, good in the snow, fair MPG (18-20city 24-26 hwy) nice extra features like in dash cd changer/auto lights, onstar... Inside has a cheap plastic look and feel. Hard to see out some winodws do to huge A and C pillers(sides of front & rear glass). Cup holders in very bad location when trying to shift into 2/4. COLDER areas beware, in the winter do to the way the windows are designed in the winter the snow/frost can freeze the window in the UP position, not allowing door to close without running a credit card along the seal first, window may break if you try and close in the UP position!! impossible to swap out radio for aftermarket

• 

  Sweet ride for a great price - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By SteveG2000 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Found one of these with low mileage, and I feel like I paid twice as much, this is a great car.. The outside design has hardly changed in four years so it still looks like a brand new car.

• 

  loaded for the price, fun to drive - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By richb - January 10 - 10:00 am

  for the price, the GT model is fun to drive with a lot of options. Real value!