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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  Love My Vibe!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tami#1 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe handles extremely well. Suspension and steering are nice and tight. The interior is great for those with kids or DOGS, in my case. The exterior look is more sporty than the others in this category.

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  pontiac excitement - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gearjamr - August 2 - 2:00 am

  my vibe is the first pontiac ive ever purchaced,from the first drive i was sold sporty and spunky for its size.fuel economy is awsome ,espiecally with the gas prices right now plenty of power nice close shift pattern,comfortable ride and seems to have good sound barrier against vehicle operating noise compared to some other compacts ive driven.two things id change rear wiper really needs improving and the clutch pedal travel to activate the neutralsaftey switch to start car is like you have to put the pedal thru the floor board.

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  grand prix gt - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By taryn - August 2 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle has been fun to drive. the quiet ride, passing power, style and apperance, comfort and reliability, makes me feel confident in purchasing another grand prix.

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  2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Johnyy - August 2 - 2:00 am

  BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND DIDNT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT.

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  Gerts review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Gert_R - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We have owned the GT-2 for 9 months - 8000 miles-with very few problems. The gas cap had to be replaced and your chances of breaking the plastic decorative lug nut covers are great. The dealer repaired all with no problem. We have driven this vehicle on both long and short trips and are satisfied with its performance.

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  What a car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By m - July 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the second pontiac Grand Am I have owned and they are great. The first Grand Am-a 94-made it to 199K miles with minimal repairs. I will only buy Grand Ams from now on.

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kentman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this new with every possible option minus the CD changer. It is a low miles car (6K per year). The only problems have been window motor (couple times) and poorly operating seat heater. It does have a rattle in the dash. Engine performance and handling is great. I do wish that I got the supercharger in hindsight. Interior capacity is very spacious, and there are no complaints here. I would definitely buy from Pontiac again. With all of the creature comforts, engine power, exterior styling, good reliability, and relatively low price, you cannot beat this car.

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  fun to drive and very peppy - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jelloman - July 28 - 10:00 am

  very fun to drive and very peppy

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  Must Purchase! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By BusinessOwner - July 28 - 7:36 am

  This vehicle is the best vehicle I have ever owned! I have nearly 170k miles on it and have never done a single thing to it, besides oil changes and tires. When I hear about peoples vehicles breaking down it shocks me because everything works on this Aztek and it is truly flawless! I have heard many wonderful things about them before purchasing but owning and drive makes me a believer! My next vehicle will be a low mileage Aztek (if I can find one)... And the styling is still sharp for its age! I love my Aztek TCH

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  You get so much for your buck - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By 2kwik - July 26 - 4:26 pm

  How do I love thee, let me count the ways. Last week I purchased a used 2007 Pontiac G6. Shes a beautiful black sedan with chrome wheels that has bought me nothing but smiles. The car is sharper than a bag of thumbtacks, flies down the highway like a rocket ship, sips gasoline and handles like it is on rails. I receive at least one comment daily about the styling alone! This car is miles ahead of its competition in terms of what it offers for the money. The four cylinder is quite capable of getting you where you need to go without too much waiting. Usually when there is a four cylinder and a six offered in a car, the former crowd complains.Here both crowds sit back in their with evil grins!