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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  2000 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kdstan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2000 Daytona 500 GTP in May of 2001. I have owned 3 Grand Prixs. This is by far the best one that I have owned. It has great looks and acceleration. Has the whole package- great interior and exterior. Cannot wait till the newer body styles come out. Get compliments every day on how great the car looks.

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  Give it a chance - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By dmr - April 7 - 10:00 am

  For a couple of years we looked for a vehicle that can carry large, bulky items, gets good gas mileage (25+ highway), is front wheel drive, and is comfortable for long trips (over 12 hours/day). These criteria eliminated the great majority of SUVs out there until the Aztek came along. Against the advice of friends, we had a test drive and were more than pleasantly surprised by the ride, comfort and easy handling. We bought one in Feb. and it keeps getting better the longer we own it. Give one a chance!

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  A good vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Joanne - April 4 - 11:26 pm

  This vehicle handles wonderfully, is spacious, great visibility, and looks quite handsome. A joy to ride with the added feeling of being safe. I have already recommended this vehicle to friends and family.

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  2007 Pont g6 gtp - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By occupational_hazard - April 4 - 6:06 am

  Picked out the GTP on test drive. Nice handling car. Kinda cramped for a tall person. Im 64" and can drive in it somewhat comfortably. Headlights maybe need a little more power or maybe adjusted to cover more range. Moonroof and Monsoon radio were nice add-ons.

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  Pontiac Finally Challenges Competitors - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By AdRock011 - April 3 - 2:53 pm

  I have been a GM - particularly Pontiac loyalist for years now. I have owned two. In any event - I think in recent years - GM has made a strong push to make the Pontiac brand a big player that it was in the 80s (Firebird, GrandAm) - and it all starts with the G6. Sharp design, ergonomics, and smooth and crisp ride make this car an excellent overall value for its class. The once dominant Accords, Altimas, and the like - have a real competitor here. Price, fuel economy, and style were factors in my decsion to buy this vehicle - and Im not disappointed so far.

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  WOW - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Goldenrod - April 3 - 9:43 am

  Waited for the 6.0. well worth the wait.Looks better than the 04. I sell GM products. Compared to vette both great cars but for the money I preferred the GTO, 4 seats smoother ride.Very powerful car with great handling. Australian car with american Drive Train works very well.The only complaint I have is that the Key is too big. You Gotta Drive One!!!!!

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  9500 miles and getting better - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - April 3 - 3:30 am

  I have had my GT for 9 months and it is getting better. Fuel mileage is up, it gets within 2 mpg of the 96 Monte Carlo LS I traded in, and the GT has 200hp more. If I keep my foot out of it average 17 mpg in town. The problem is keeping my foot out of the throttle. When you step down on it it is exhilarating.

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  150,000 and still willing - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By 601Sunset - April 3 - 2:30 am

  Bought this because my wife thought it was nice. Then she kept it for herself and wouldnt share except on weekends. Had to much fun with it so I ended up buying her a new car just so I could keep it all to myself. So I just had to make a decision whether to save its life or DNR but I decided to have the tranny fixed, cost me $3100.00. Call me crazy but I had it fixed, so whats that say about the car. Its been a great affair with it and hopefully it continues once it gets healthy. Its amazing what your willing to do for a loved one.

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  Luv the Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Pami1968 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The moment I hopped in the car for the test drive, I knew it was mine. I feel such joy driving it. Drives smooth - the V6 engine has lots of pick up. Never had a thing go wrong with the car in two years. Yeah, some people think it looks weird, but once you drive it, you will be a convert!

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  i have a sunfire 97 - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By davidjr - April 3 - 2:00 am

  this david and i have a 97 pontiac sunfire and it is a 1997 and i have thought that the brakes wear to tight but i was not sure becuse i had just put some on and i feel it did not do no good becuse before i got the good brakes when i hit thge breakes before i had felt a shaking sound and i had them changed but i still feel the same thing after about 2 weeks let me know what you think and also i have when i hold the brake and turn the wheel in side of the car is hard to steer