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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  Amazed - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Celeste1 - May 27 - 1:10 am

  I bought my Solstice on March 17, 2007. I traded a Vette for my Sol and dont regret it for one second. I love driving this car! She corners better than any other car Ive owned and Ive owned about 30 cars in as many years. We took a 3500 mile trip this past July and averaged 32 mpg at 70 mph. Loved the stares and the comments. This is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Move out of my way! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By gazpipe - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my black on black goat in March of 2010. I didnt even drive it, i just started it up. I drove it off the lot and hit the highway from Modesto to Sacramento. The wheels chirp with a touch of the pedal and I love my car and thank God all the time for it. No mechanical problems. My auto shifter did break (the part that pushes in to engage the trans) but I glued with crazy glue. People love to scratch up my back bumper because theyre haters and careless. Dont hate, appreciate. Maybe if they save up their money and if there are any left they can have one too. People always say "what! you have a gto!" I say "yes, black on black and I love it", it beats anything on the road!

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  Great Performance Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By John Fischer - May 26 - 1:03 am

  This is the best new car Ive ever bought. No issues to date, and its 7 months old. This car is a blast to drive, and puts a grin on my face every time I start it up. I know the car has been blasted by critics for its looks, but I think the 2005-06 models look great. Sometimes its nice to be driving a sleeper :)

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  So far so good - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Ambiegirl - May 24 - 4:16 am

  I got this car after researching it for hours and hours and came to the conclusion it would be a good car considering the lowest rating was a 6.5, compared to a ford explorer which was like a 1.1. I love the design of the car i like unique things and this is definitely unique. My camping vehicle i have been waiting for! I bought it at 68,000 miles and hopefully it has a lot of life left because I noticed ive never seen an Aztek for sale with over 100,000 miles which makes me kind of nervous

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  lov the sv6 - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By jane sawyers - May 23 - 5:40 pm

  Room and utility. Have driven vans for many years - this is by far the best van on the market today. Keep up the great work pontiac.

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  Another customer GM Has lost!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Wallman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I Have owned over 40 cars, & have always had a least one GM product for the last 27 years(mostly pontaics). The build quality & responce from GM on this vechile has led me to never buy another GM product!!!Intake manifold leaks, Poor transmission, Brake problems, power door problems, etc. & very lousy service and responce. I Contacted Pontaic and they do not know how to treat customers. They will continue to lose market share until they make better cars.

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  Big Bang for Little Bucks! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By BluByU - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car. I have driven many other makes and models over the years, but the 2003 Sunfire is by far the best bang for the buck! It is absolutly stunning in its appearance. I have the Blue color and I get at least 2 - 4 complements everyday either on the color or the look of the car. The transmission is so smoth (Auto). I live in the mountains of NH, and I can do a steady 80 up hill and not even feel any hesitation or shifting. The only other car I ever drove that was faster was a 70s Pontiac Catalina. And from the front it looks so tough coming at you. I LOVE it and wont ever give it up! Pontiac fan for life.

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  my aztec - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By mistykair - May 22 - 2:00 am

  People say that the design is awkward but we love it because of the body design. Its Not hard to find in a full parking lot.

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jgordon05 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The first time I saw this car it was awesome and totally redesigned inside and out. The interior is updated to todays standards. The plastic is covered up in the front and the back. The sound system is the cheaper one but still sounds awesome. The leather is firm and takes time getting used. The steering wheel and the controls are great. Overall very nice car.

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  It´s just a dream... - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Omar Damián Blanco - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This it´s the best vehicle that I´ve had. Functional, powerful, electronic high tech equipment, a touch of luxury inside, all whell drive, hud, excellent system sound, leather, sunroof...