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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  Chrome Tire Rims - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jill Yingling - August 4 - 2:06 am

  My Car is 3 1/2 years old, and I do love it. I have 14,000 miles on it now. However the tire rims are chrome plated. I just found out that my front right chrome rim has shredded inside making the interior of the rim like shredded razor blades ruining my tires. It has ruined two front tires which cost about $325.00 each. I would recommend not getting the chrome tires and I am calling Pontiac GM on Monday and I hope they replace the tire rims and check my other three tires for the same problems. My first flat tire I almost had a serious vechicle accident. The entire tire shredded. The dealership would not tell me the reason why this happened. This is a serious danger to Soltice Drivers.

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  PONTIAC MONTANA FWD EXT 3.4L 6 CYC 4 A - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By chip sheppard - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Our family has enjoyed the comfort, reliability, and dependability of the Pontiac Montana. It offers great space for all of our animals too.

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  just got it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By evan - July 30 - 10:00 am

  its cool from the outside but the inside is a little tacky it doesnt have much horse power but it will get you were you want to go

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  01 Formula Firebird - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By firechkn - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. I never have to worry about being stuck behind a slow driver. Push the gas and go. This car gets geat mileage for a V8, I average 380 per tank. The only downfalls are,is its too low for my mom to get in and out of easily and there are blindspots from the A posts. I would rather line this car in plastic when I have kids than get rid of it. Best car Ive ever owned.

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  Make sure it was taken care of! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ATR - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Our 2dr SE runs like a top. Squeaks in the dash get annoying, but thats why there are pieces of paper folded 10x over stuck in the nooks and crannies. You cant really notice ‘em... until one gets loose. Oooh, make it stop! Weve had 3 alternators over 83K miles. Mechanic said it might be the location causing the alternators to get hot. Power steering fluid leaked, so the mechanic replaced our "high pressure hose" and that fixed it. The car has poor visibility because of the wide pillars, but the 4-cyl. has good power. The car looks as good as it did the day my wife got it, inside and out. Her parents gave it to her as a h.s. grad. gift (we werent married then, just two kids in love).

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  dars grand am - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By goober - July 20 - 2:26 pm

  I have not had this vehicle long, however the experience with the vehicle is that it handles very well. It feels very sturdy as you drive it. I love this car

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  More than just for fun - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Arithory - July 18 - 2:00 am

  The main focus of this car is styling and performance. Merging with traffic on the highway has never been more fun. Simple things like the aftermarket ASP Pulley or a whisper induction lid will give you an extra ten horses a piece for a cheap price. More expensive mods like headers and cam packages Ive seen (ranging from 800 - 2,400 dollars) can add anywhere from 70 - 150 ponies to your ride. Of course, suspension upgrades are in order with this much power or you risk twisting your chassis, but even suspension parts should put you back less than 1,000.

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  Not to Bad - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrsbro5 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Head lamps stink, replaced both. Radio display goes in and out for about 3 years now. Drivers window froze, fixed myself. Heater fan has been rubbing and clicking for about 3 years but still works. Rear window leaks somewhere into back floorboards, Dealer can`t find it either. replaced frozen belt tentioner a couple months ago.

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  Still getting in my Pontiac and DRIVING! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By CHollars - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad little car for the price. The Sunfires sporty look makes everyone think I have a V6 under the hood. Ive driven it on long road trips and short trips and its just a fun car to drive. I can haul more luggage than my boyfriend in his Mustang, and 9 out of 10 times we go somewhere we take my SUNFIRE. So far, I have few complaints. For someone who has always driven a car from the compact market, it comes in at the top of the pack. As long as this car stays on the road and out of the shop, Ill be pleased to call it mine for a long time!

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  Montana rocks - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Joe, Fort Wayne, IN - July 14 - 11:23 pm

  This is an affordable, comfortable van that fits a growing family well. The fuel economy needs some work, but otherwise it is a solid, effective vehicle.