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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  2004 Pontiac GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robert Gair - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac GTP is an excellent car. The power, performance and interior styling coupled with both standard and optional features makes it a driving pleasure. GMs hot new fusion metalic orange color makes this car a head turner.

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  Great - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By EmWiant - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The dealership I bought my car from was extremley friendly and very helpful in the whole process and the follow up.

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  buy one of these!!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Driz - May 7 - 8:56 pm

  I love my vibe! After driving a variety of vehicles from SUVs to compacts the vibe is the best of both worlds. The fuel economy of a compact and the interior room of a small SUV, not to mention the feeling of sitting higer than any car I have ever driven. The vibe is fun sporty and on average $1500-2000 less than his Toyota brother. Top that off with the availability of On-Star and you have a real winner in this zippy wagon.

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  A Great GT - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By biggercarrot - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Looks sharp! Handles well in snow. Throw on 4 Blizzak tires and 7 feet of Buffalo snow wont stop you.

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  Grand Prix - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By me01 - May 7 - 10:00 am

  Just sold this car for a 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse. It was a good car. Had it for 3 years. It ws reliable, sporty for a midsize sedan. It had good styling and was fun to drive.

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  Fun with the Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JIM PAULE - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Great combination of practicality, economy, and fun in a sensibly priced package. We got 29 mpg on our first road trip at 70 mph with 400 miles on the odometer and this is the awd version! I own two Corvettes, so I understand performance, and the Vibe is lively and fun to drive. I see the Toyota inspired quality which prompted us to purchase the Vibe.

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  Most fun 4 door youll find - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Owlbot - May 3 - 11:26 am

  I upgraded from a 2000 GTP which i loved. This car is quick and handles very well. I bought the Comp G package with mine. The exhaust sounds great, which is one of the reasons i chose this car, and not something like a Maxima. I love a good throaty exhaust. Cant go wrong with it, 4-doors but a lot of fun.

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  The best car I have driven !!!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tc3 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a dream. Looks sharp. Lots of room. Lots of power. And it was made by Pontiac.

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  05 GTO review - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By David Kulha - May 1 - 7:20 am

  This is the best performance car that I have ever owned for under 30k. Gut wrenching acceleration, great handling, good stereo, comfortable interior, quiet on the highway. An A+ for GM.

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  I feel 16 again- thanks Pontiac - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By louis chad - April 30 - 1:03 am

  I just bought the GXP on my 60th birthday and it has totally jump started my life. I live in northern Minnesota, but will use this care selectively all winter. You just cant store this one. It will, although be in a slab heated work shop with me. Ill visit the wife on weekends if time permits. Thanks again Pontiac.