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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  Looks Nice - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By craigo19 - June 7 - 4:20 pm

  I just traded mine in last weekend, but wanted to recap 6+ years of ownership. The car was a good and fun car to drive, but it did have issues. First, the engine went after 120k miles when the timing belt went. Then the Body Control Module went costing me another $1000. The wheel bearings started going after 75k miles. The window regulator on the drivers side went in less than 4 years. Finally the blower motor went in under 4 years. The car did provide a good smooth ride and got great gas mileage (30MPG).

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  Great all around - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By DS - June 6 - 9:16 am

  Being a totally worshiper of Ford, I was surprised, pleasantly, to discover a new vehicle of non-Ford make to love. Since the test drive I have fallen head over heels for this car. The performance is great, it handles very well and smoothly in all situations. Also it has been very reliable and dependable for me. I was also happily surprised to discover its fuel economy is nothing to frown at either. Overall this car has many perks and great aspects to it.

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  GM Is Back On Track - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By G8 Is Great - June 5 - 7:10 pm

  Ive had my G8 almost two months now and like it more each day. The car is amazing to drive from the plentiful power to the superb handling, it makes you want to take the long way every where you go. The G8 is very comfortable and roomy in size and will easily accommodate taller individuals. Fuel economy is excellent considering this is a 4000 lb vehicle with a 361 hp V8 capable of comfortably hauling 5 full size passengers. Plus the G8 is half the cost of a 5 series and the V8 form is cheaper than a similarly equipped Mazda 6 The G8 proves GM has turned things around and is back on track!!!

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  AWESOME - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By JimBo - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I am 62" in my sixties and find this car by far the best new car I have ever purchased. Seats are so comfortable and so easy to get in an out of. I averaged over 35 mpg on a 6k trip over the winter. WHY WOULD ANYONE BUY A CUMBERSOME SUV AFTER TEST DRIVING THIS CAR. I have not had this car back to the dealer except for an oil change. I can actually get my Kayak inside for short trips. I love this car and can truthfuly say its the best car I have ever owed and I have owned over 30 cars. Originally bought for looks and price (Toyota engine & transmission) but its so much more than that.

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  Everybody loves my Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By AKSA - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Wherever I go, my car gets looks (even a year after I bought it). People, sometimes total strangers, ask me how I like it, and I always tell them that I love it. The proof is for those who get to ride in it. The unanimous decision is that the Vibe-GT rocks. It has tons of cargo space. It has excellent performance: Acceleration is better than most V-6 cars, although it doesnt really come alive until above 4000 RPM, with explosive acceleration hitting at 6000 (ie you have to push it hard to really move). Handling is surprisingly good thanks to a tight suspension. The ride is quite smooth - I have yet to have a CD skip, even over railroad tracks.

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  We love our Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By resao - June 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Vibe in June 2003. It is no-frills base model -- It is the first new car we have owned, and we love it. It is comfortable, fun to drive, and very cute. Love the cargo room! Handles well. good for longer drives.

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  WORST CAR EVER !!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cantonjh - June 4 - 4:19 am

  From the day I got this car I had NOTHING but problems !!!! first the rack & pinion ( right passenger side ) goes out then back window regulator goes out then countless converter replacements then 2 coils replacements then A/C goes out then countless sensors replaced then front wheel bearings replaced and both tire rods replaced then front passenger window regulator goes out then water pump and raidtor repleaced had to replace the tension pully then valve cover gastets replaced and now my head gasgets are leaking my car has been in the repair shops more then on the road NEVER again will I buy crap like this SHAME on GM !!!!!

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  Cool Ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JohnWill - June 3 - 2:00 pm

  As with any other Pontiac I have owned I am well pleased. Its a hot looking car and the one I have has leather and all the bells and whistles on the inside. Gas mileage is surprisingly good and its pretty fast on the get go. No creaks or rattles and the sound system is good. Great little sporty ride.

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  bobs gto - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By bob - June 2 - 1:06 pm

  Outstanding vehicle; excellent handling, performance above expectations, a huge improvement over original circa 60s GTOs (I had both a 1965 and a new 1968)

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  Love my Vibe - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By peter a stasio - June 1 - 9:20 pm

  I love it. Its fun, and accerates quickly. The 5 speed feature makes it great on the highway. Mayybe not in Germany compared to the BMW or the Mercedes, but I wouldnt trade it for the world.