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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  mine - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By green machine - April 13 - 3:16 am

  Lots of small repairs but worth it. Steering is awesome but braking is ok.

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  Zippy econo X-ovr - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kent - April 13 - 2:56 am

  Very zippy smooth-good bang for the buck, handles like a sports car. Utility of this car is very good. Mileage is on par for 1.8 toyota engine. Nice fit and finish. Premium sound system. Sounds sporty, I like driving very much with auto trans-not a dog.

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  Bring back the Pontiac Bonneville! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By S. Dodson - April 12 - 9:43 am

  Many heads turn when I drive by. The attention could be because of the sexy, throaty sound from the exhaust, or the look-alike lines of a NASCAR racing body. Ive been asked what kind of car it and in the same breath ask, "is it a Pontiac". Then they say, "nice looking car". The lighted dashboard at night looks like the cockpit of a 747 - love it! I can only wish that the Bonneville will return in great splendor; otherwise, I must go the way of Dodge -- Charger that is.

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  One of a kind... High performance luxury 4-door - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By hotrodder2011 - April 12 - 6:13 am

  The 2009 Pontiac G8 GT is a great daily driver with the added fun of American muscle & European handeling. The car is very fast, as expected with GMs legendary 6.0l V8, packing 361 hp & 385 ft lbs of torque, maited to a 6 speed automatic. The comfort inside is great. Fully adjustable heated leather seats, dual zone climate control, plenty of legroom in all 4 seats, lots and lots of buttons everywhere, how can you go wrong? With a good set of snow tires, this car has zero trouble getting through winter. You can drive this car year round with no trouble. I am very pleased with it and it puts a smile on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

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  A fine GT sedan - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By phantom - April 11 - 11:03 pm

  Thi is one of the finest cars that Ive ever owned: It is fast, well styled, handles well, and is quite comfortable. It is a shame that it wil soon no longer be available, since it is one of the very best four-door sedans ever offered by GM. I also owned a 2004 Pontiac GTO, and the G8 is superior to it in every way - faster, roomier, and better looking. The rear seating area is especially well done, with comfortable seats and plenty of head and legroom. GM should not let this car get away. If you are considering the purchase of a high-performance GT, get one of these while you still can.

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  One Wasnt Enough! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By James Bounds - April 11 - 12:40 am

  I was interested in getting my wife a replacement for her high mileage Altima. She just thought her Nissan V-6 was fast! On the test drive I was driving... I punched it and WOW!!..she was sold!and so was I!...We both bought one! Mine silver, Hers,dark red.The looks are head turning...We hear over and over, "looks like a BMW"..For the money this car cannot be beat! Mileage wise 24mpg hwy.. havent checked city hwy combined. The extra few dollars for gas, well worth the FUN!

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  GM can still do it! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Pontiac Tradition - April 10 - 3:56 pm

  Good looks and excellent performance. I am impressed with quiet cabin and good ride. Back seat leg room is exceptional. Features versus price is way above what I expected. Seats are very compfortable, be sure to opt for the preferred package. Engine performance is better than expected and the 5 speed trany is great.

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  1999 SSEi - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jason L - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This has to be one of the best cars I will EVER own. I love driving it, it has more than enough power to make passing a joy. The handling is good for RWD. The 3800 S/C 4T65E Tranny combo are the best. So far I have made no necessary repairs. I upgraded to ceramic brake pads to reduce dusting of the rims. I constantly get compliments on this fantastic car.

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  Ecotec Terrific - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Frank1946 - April 9 - 4:20 am

  Every option available in 2002 makes this car a fun and satisfying sedan, engine and 4 speed auto trans are simply the best, 2.2 Ecotec runs excellent and shifts very well. Wanted to buy a 2003 or 2004 but sedan was canceled by GM.

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  GREAT CAR - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By ANANAT - April 7 - 11:53 am

  This is a great car for the money and because my husband is a car sales man and I could have almost any car I want and I chose this one says it all. Great car for a family, lots of room - I put a computer (still in box) right in the back no trouble, did not even have to lay the seats down. Excellent power for not having any bigger motor then it has. This car also handles curves wonderfully. I drive fast around them so I should know.