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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  Excellent Car!!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Pontiac Grand Am GT - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Just bought our first Grand Am GT. Its an excellent car, thats fun to drive. Other Grand Am owners say its reliable and maintance is minimal. I highly recommend this car!

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  Back for more - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By car-mine - September 5 - 3:03 am

  My wife has a 2005 Vibe. Very reliable. We use it to car-top two kayaks, and I can fit my bicycle in it, with the back seats folded. It has gotten good mileage--close to 30 MPG. When I decided to get a new car for myself, I checked out the restyled 2009 Vibe and was impressed. It is much sportier looking, and the interior has been refined. The seats are firmer and more supportive. The vinyl on the dashboard and upper door panels is cloth-like in texture, and somewhat upscale. Hard to find the 1.8 liter engine with automatic, but one came through my local dealer and I snapped it up-- didnt want mileage penalty for the 2.4. The 1.8 is quite good and quieter than in the 2005.

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  Coupe De Gras - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Mot G. - September 4 - 4:23 am

  Ive owned many Pontiacs and this is one of my favorites. From the sloping rear deck to the 18" wheels, its a looker. Little things like remote starter and heated seats come in very handy on those cool days. The ride is excellent for its size thanks to the long wheel base. More driver headroom than my 04 Grand Prix.

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  Sleeper - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By blackgoat - September 3 - 7:50 am

  I purchased an 06 GTO over a year and a half ago and still smile every time I start it up. It is by far the best car that I have ever owned and a blast to drive. The car looks much better in person than in pictures and most people have no idea what it is. The engine sounds great and the acceleration is impressive. The car may have sold better if the styling was more retro and less European but it is nice driving a car that you dont see at every stop light. The seats are very comfortable and the gas mileage is not too bad considering the power under the hood. It has been very reliable and the car can be modded if 400 hp is not enough for you.

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  Mine is actually a Manual - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Clay Garland - September 1 - 9:23 pm

  Stunning car. I was in the market for a new car, and I was shopping at the Nissan dealership because I loved my G35. Next door, there was a Pontiac dealership, and I remember being enamored with the the styling of the G8, but when I had first seen them they werent available in a manual which is a deal breaker. Well, the GXP was out, and it was available in a six speed, and it was incredible. I walked out of the dealership with the new car that day. It was White, and traditionally, Id never have purchased a white car, but I didnt care. This was the beauty with the beats under the bonnet.

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  Panoramic Roof is a GREAT invention - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gigis Master - August 31 - 4:36 pm

  Gigi (my G6) and I have been crusing Central Jersey for 6 months and so far, Ive loved every minute of it. In my heart, Im a convertible driver. I feared that the panoramic roof wouldnt feed my need for wind. The reality has been the reverse. Due to the multiple settings, Ive been able to open the roof at lower temperatures and get my fresh air fix. Im sure Ill have a bit of lust in my heart once Pontiac launches the G6 Convertible next year, but right now, Im enjoying the cruise.

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  MY BEST BUY - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By PELIKEN - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It has been a dream to dive, has cost me next to nothing in the way of repairs beyond normal maintenace. Love the well configurated snazy red light dash.

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  Reliable Pontiac - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By barrys42 - August 31 - 12:46 am

  Ive had 3 Grand Prixs before purchasing this one 6 1/2 years ago. This has been by far the most reliable American car Ive had. The only things Ive had repaired was a faulty ABS sensor (under warranty) and replaced the fan motor. Evidently there is a small discharge hole that can clog easily and rust out the motor. The performance of the Grand Prix is great for such a heavy car. A heavy car certainly helps for stability and passenger protection. My MPG averages about 19-20 in city driving and gets around 30 on the highway. MPG has improved with time. The interior leather is cheap but comfortable. The Heads Up Display is such a great item I dont know why its not offered more.

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  2006 GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By as - August 30 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had this car almost a year now and I have no regrets. This is my first Pontiac and I was very, very hesitant about buying it. I had problems with Ford, Dodge, Mercedes, Jeep, and Chevy in the past but none with Honda and Toyota. I test drove my G6 GTP and felt it offered the most for the buck compared to Honda andToyota. I was just worried about reliability. So far, not one defect or problem! I have aready recommended this car to a few people. Not the best car in the world but possible one of the best well rounded cars for $24,000 and 0% financing. I use it M- F for work and my 06 Vette on the weekends. Great combination for under $78,000!

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  Excellent buy - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LS - August 30 - 12:30 am

  The Grand Prix has always been one of the cars that Ive liked, so i decided to give it a look wheni was in the market even though this was its last year. The drive is assurred, and fun, with ample power. i like the aggressive styling, and the quiet cabin. the interior is a tad bland, but everything else makes up for it. the drivers seat is nice and comfortable, and envelopes you in the seat. it feels like it has more than the 200 HP that its rated at as its quick out the gate, and its mice to have the power when needed. Good MPG, in my first 1K I avg 23MPG in the city, which is excellent for a V6. bottom line, is that I think that Ive made the best decision, as this was a great value.