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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  More than I expected - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Gregg - July 1 - 1:23 am

  Very roomy especially in the back seat. Nice standard features. I am averaging 27 mpg on a 35-40 mph loop. Very responsive power with 4 adults in car. Very little wind noise even at higher speeds. The cars gets a lot of comments and looks from people. I looked at over 30 different cars in this class and found the G6 the best car for the money. Hopefully it will hold up over the long term. Dealer has been honest and very helpful through the whole purchase process. I highly recommend this vehicle for the price.

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  Just fun to drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By d klink - June 29 - 7:43 am

  I have the Comp G model and just love it. Its fun to drive, comfortable to ride in for long lenghts of time and has power when needed. This is my second GTP and the 05 is greatly improved over my previous 02 model. Five travel in comfort will plenty of truck space for luggage.

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  First Car - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bonneville99 - June 27 - 9:23 pm

  Bought this car August 2009 w/ 127k miles as my first car. Now has 145k and still purrs like a kitten. Ride is amazing; like driving on a cross between a couch and a cloud. Power is great - I do a lot of highway driving and this car is way better than my mothers old Stratus. Really nice looking too - paint has held up well for being outside its whole life and the chrome rims make it look really sharp. Seats are very comfortable and the leather has held up really well considering the age. Awesome sound system. Replaced EGR valve and fuel pump, but we expected that one when we bought it (really common on these), but other than that its only been regular maintenance.

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  Never Again - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kateandallismom - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Never again will I own a Pontiac Grand Prix. My 2000 has been nothing but one problem after another.

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  OK, so I actually LIKE the looks! - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By vairbird - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle! Tons of space, great gas mleage for its size/ class (regularly avg about 22mpg), tows our 3000lb camper without problem, Absolutely NO service issues in 31k miles.

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  Traveling Tek - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aztank - June 27 - 2:00 am

  The Tek is a great vehicle for our lifestyle, we love to camp, bike and canoe and have been on several trips with it. We get about 24 mpg on the highway unless were pulling bikes/canoe then we get about 20mpg. The functionality and gas mileage sold us on the Tek. The exterior caused us to dub ours "Aztank" because of the boxy lines, however, it has really grown on me. Bottom line, you get a large, practical and efficient vehicle for a great value, Azteks make a statement and are extremely practical but if you have to have a vehicle that EVERYbody envies you wont want an Aztek.

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  What a great ride! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By CMAZZY - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I was not sold on the Aztek until I acutally drove it. Five minutes after that we were negotiating price. Once you get past the different styling of the car, you cant beat it. Best ride I ever had, plus the features are way too numerous to mention them all.

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  Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By ooteem - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car at a great price

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  No matter what they say! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Luis Orozco - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle, you need to drive it to believe it!.

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  Love My Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Andy Keeney - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This is without a doubt, the most fun car that I have owned. I am almost 60 and have owned everything from muscle cars to large vans and 1 ton pickups. This car is also the most versatile vehicle that we have ever owned. The folding rear seats and moveable cargo tray make it a great all around car for the family and animals. I hope Pontiac will get behind this vehicle and promote it as it deserves. I wish the press would get past the "unique" look of the Aztek and give it a fair review. Andy Keeney