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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  Great value for the price and size! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Brian Hamlett - March 7 - 2:00 am

  As a taller than average male, I was a little concerned about purchasing this vehicle. But for the many advantages to owning this car, they outweighed this small inconvenience. Style, options, fuel efficiency and affordability were all pluses in my decision to look at this economy vehicle. Ive always loved Pontiac, and they have held true to their name, even on this entry level vehicle.

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  Not a bad car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By therover - March 5 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this sunfire with only 16,000 miles on it and I still have it now at 133,000. I trust this car to get me where I want to go and have had no problems with it what so ever. Yes it could be more comfortable, but the lack of comfort should be expected in this type of small car. The paint is still intact and gets great fuel mileage, 30 on the highway! My daughter wants this car as soon as I get a new one. Again, no problems so far.

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  People ask to look inside - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By almoh - March 5 - 10:00 am

  It is the first vehicle we have had where people have asked about it and asked to look inside. We have been approached in parking lots, even classic car gatherings.

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  Loyal to the Prix - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cherise - March 2 - 6:33 am

  Although I dont love the color (I loved the cherry red that my 99 offered), or the fact that I was forced to buy a 4-door car (2-door no longer offered), overall I still like the car well enough to buy it again. Its a nice ride, has the options I really like (HUD and heated leather seating), and handles well. Its sporty, but still reserved. I love the large trunk and fold down seats (VERY useful for those of us who dont want to buy gas guzzling SUVs). I like the upgraded lighting package. The cruise control and HUD display control is awkwardly placed. The glove box is too small. The back seat doesnt afford much passenger room, but it works well for kids. A great car all in all!

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  surprising! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By soccermom09 - March 2 - 12:03 am

  I bought this car 5 months ago to replace an SUV so was not sure about sitting lower to the road. I was pleasantly surprised by this Vibe. The drivers seat raises, giving me some of the height I used to enjoy. This car is just fun to drive! Pick up is great, handles well. My 17 year old loves to drive it too. I have not had a chance to try out the AWD yet, but if my current satisfaction is any measure I know I will not be slowed by any snow!

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  GT is well worth it! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kurtis L. Roesler - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a Teal 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT Coupe and absolutily loved it! It was hands down one of the best cars ever made, especailly with the ever-so- sporty GT package! Sadly enough though, I was only able to hold onto the car for 10 days because on the 10th day I had it, I was ran off the road in the country by and old man and I skid accross the road into a ditch and flipped. Rest assure if your car does this, it will be totaled; mine was! But unbelievably, I got out with only a few minor scratches on my arm and a stiff neck, so this is also a VERY safe car. It saved my life!

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  grand prix SE - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bsedgal - March 1 - 4:23 am

  This car was ok, but had some issues and depreciated. Bought it in 02 for 7k and sold it in 05 for 1400 while in college. Issues were leaky weather stripping on the sun roof, would drip on me after rains. Gas gauge out (bad sending unit), a/c went out. Other than that major mechanical was fine and so was drivability.

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  GP#2! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lotsamiles - February 28 - 1:53 pm

  What a fun car to own and drive! This is my second one, this one purchased used w/ 32k miles. Now at 100k miles and its getting those tranny and brake shakes. At least it has the great 3800 engine, one of the things GM has gotten right! It gets very good mileage if you keep your foot out of it, but hard to do.

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  Its cool - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mr.Rob - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my SE model used with 28k miles from Dave Millers Carmart in Matteson, Il (I dont recommend them). The car has been pretty reliable-Ive had to have trans work-my key gets stuck and I have a knocking noise sometimes when I swicth vent directions

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  LIKE BONNIES BUT, - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By EB AND LD - February 26 - 2:00 am

  LOVE RIDE AND INTERIOR COMFORT.HAD TRANS PROBLEMS AT 41,000 MILES AND STILL DO.AT 69,OOO ENGINE DECIDED TO DROP VAVLE INTO PISTON WHICH EXITED OUT SIDE OF BLOCK.YES I GUESS IT WAS MADE BY HUMANS BUT EXPECTED MORE SINCE I HAVE BEEN A GM SUPPORTER SINCE HIGH SCHOOL AND WORKED AT A DEALERSHIP.THE CAR HAS HAD STEADY MAINTENCE AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY MY WIFE