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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  Lots of power and style - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bw626 - May 7 - 8:40 pm

  We had a GTP 4dr with the supercharged V6. It had all the options. Bought it used with 100000 miles and didnt have a thing go wrong with it. I only had to do routine maintenace, get new brakes, and a align it. The ride was good and the interior was appealing. These are great, stylish cars.

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  Good 2 Go - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By watts1371 - May 7 - 8:26 pm

  I bought my Abyss Vibe back in Feb. 04. Previously I was driving a Dodge Dakota, but wanted a little more room. I wasnt really aware of the Vibe until I started looking for a trade-in. I fell in love with it, and bought it even though it cost more than my truck. It has great styling, very functional, gorgeous interior, and great gas mileage. The performance can be enhanced easily if you want to spend a few bucks. I put Eibach Sportline lowering springs on it and it now sits about 2 inches lower and handles even better than stock. I also put a Magnaflow exhaust which makes it sound a little bit more aggresive.

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  Pontiac Montana has a few discomforts - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By pontiac montana - May 6 - 3:43 pm

  Our experience was good until at 11,000 miles an awful harmonic sound began occuring at highway speeds of 65-75 mph. Dealer could not locate it and we all directed it to the replacement of the passenger side headlamp but to no avail. After 3 visits to dealer,and 3000 miles, it was discovered that noise "probably" taking place in drivers side door as we placed a handkerchief on the weatherstrip by the mirror and it ceased completely for 1500 miles. But the sound is attempting to return but not as painful as before. Plastic door trim on each side appears loose and causes concerns of faulty installation.We miss the lights that stay on on our dodge caravan as well as the door locked sound

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  proud of this pontiac - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By vic - May 6 - 1:26 am

  best car for the price, excellent driving machine. fun to drive , i had i had 5 pontiacs since 60s and i would say this is the best.

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By matthew papkov - May 5 - 10:00 am

  When my wife bought our first aztek in 2001 I thought she was nuts. I told her this car is UGLY. Three years latter I bought a another for myself this time AWD.Great car, great price great service what more can you ask for.I was unimpressed with the interiors of foreign cars I looked at.

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  My First Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By R. P. - May 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my first GM Product - I was considering an import (Acura TL, Maxima, etc.) but I am very happy with this. Very quiet, the engine is strong, and handling is very confidence inspiring. The transmission shifts with precision and always seems to be in the right gear. If you enjoy spirited driving, this car will defintely put a smile on your face. The 90 degree opening rear doors and fold down seats (including front) make the car very handy at Home Depot. Lots of comfortable interior room, and all the controls are easy to reach and operate nicely. Ive had no problems this 1st year (15,000 miles) and plan to keep the car for many more.

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  convertible - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By mamamia - May 4 - 11:56 am

  I have had this car for one month, it has spent 8 days of this in the shop for a rattle in the dash. It seems someone forgot to put some of the parts together. Other than that, I love the car, it handles great, is extremely comfortable, and gets great gas mileage. My husband also really likes the car and loves the way it handles. We drove 6 different convertibles before settling on this one because we can take another couple with us if we want to, this is not an option with any other car we looked at. I also get a lot of looks with this car. I have even had people pull up beside me on the interstate to look at the car. Would I buy one again, yes.

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  Solid car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By JNiz3 - May 4 - 10:30 am

  I ended up buying my 02 GT1 sedan for a fair price with very low mileage. I love how quick it takes off, whether off the line, but more so on the expressway. I have had a few sensor problems (the Body Control Module [bcm]) died within the first year I had it; luckily I had it under the bumper- to-bumper warranty. The monsoon speaker system is decent, but for an audiophile like myself, it doesnt cut it. I love the looks of this car, specially the sunroof and deep grey interior. The breaks squeak all the time when its cold/wet; the only other thing is I wish it was slightly heavier to handle better in the winter. I do enjoy driving my car though - its quick, and handles GREAT!

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  2009 pontiac Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - May 4 - 2:56 am

  We have owned our black GT for 2 months and love it. We have put 3600 miles on it so far. We drove the base 1.8 auto and did not like it at all. First gear was very short and then when hit second it bogged the motor down. I felt as if I would have to floor it every where I went. Then drove a 2.4 manual and was impressed. Found that the base models seats were too soft and the head rest bothered my wife. Lastly I drove the GT and just loved it. Seats are extremely better and the handling is superior to base. It is a little more bumpier than base probably because of the tire size. I did not drive the AWD. If the AWD is not needed, for the extra bucks go for the GT. Average 30 MPG. 80% highway

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  Me likey a lot - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By AntMan - May 4 - 2:33 am

  Great car. Bought for my wife since we have 1 child and another on the way. Great family vehicle with that feel of a sporty car. Never have a problem with power. Live in Texas so the summer is very hot. AC is very good in the vehicle. Very affordable and the ease of a GM car. Recommend the sun/sound package and the sport package if getting the standard.