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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  Beautys Only Skin Deep - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Krazy Kat - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Dont judge a book by its cover. I thought it was one of the ugliest vehicle Id ever seen, when I first saw it, but now more than 2 years later I bought one. I took a look at the sticker, and on a dare, I test drove the Aztek. I loved the way it drove, and all the features it included. I couldnt pass up one of the best bargains on the market. Im still not crazy about the style, (everyone else in my family loves it), but it is growing on me, and I really like the way it handles/drives. One problem --- everyone in my family wants to borrow it.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By St - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I checked this SUV out on Edmonds for about three months and comparison with all differant SUVs like Explorer, Envoy, Santa Fe, Escape, Xterra,etc. Incomparison with my 97 Explorer. It has a better ride, better gas milage, just as much room with the rear seats in and more room than the Explore with the rear seats out. And the price with the same options was thousands cheaper.

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  Pontiac Montana - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By timswearingen - March 20 - 10:00 am

  It has been a great vehicle

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  Maximum Bang for the Buck - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By gmgold - March 20 - 12:46 am

  This car is one of the very best cars I have ever owned. Especially considering the price. Even my wife who was very skeptical initially now agrees that it is quite a car. I have had no problems. Fuel mileage is much better than I would have thought. It is just a great car.

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  Yes, this was the car I expected. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Zambini - March 19 - 1:20 am

  Exactly what I expected it to be after reading the literature and tons of reviews. It is a great ride, and very willing to perform. A few minor oddities, like the cup holder placement and lack of courtesy lights for rear passengers, but nothing that affects the overall drive-ability. It is a shame it was cut. It was destined to be a top performer in the GM line.

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  The Vibe is a nice car for retired folks - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By randy - March 18 - 1:40 am

  I have about 3200 miles driven and am well pleased with the vehicle. I researched and test drove many vehicles. This car met the needs of our family. My wife and I are recently retired and went down to only one car. The Vibe gives us a roomy interior for carring home groceries and for hauling materials for my home inprovement projects. The gas mileage is pretty much on target. I do lose about 2.5 MPG when I use the air and also when the air temp. drops below freezing. The head room is amazing, I am 6-3" and even with a sun roof there is more than I need. Leg and hip room are also quite adequate.The Vibe seem to handle very well and the engine is responsive. The style is also great.

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  Ricks review - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Rick Joy - March 17 - 12:16 pm

  For the price this is the best handling fastest car I have ever owned. It is a super fun car to drive. With the options available it is really nice looking.

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  loved my car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By xkelsox - March 16 - 5:36 pm

  Great car. My dads a mechanic and said it was known that almost every one will blow a headgasket mine did that was the only problem with it \, decent on gas if u drive without a lead foot, wasnt that great in winter I recommend putting studded tires on it, controlled way better in snow with them. Very sporty! My inside was loaded very Nice leather, car would heat up really quick in winter that was a plus! All in all love the car

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  Awesome - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thehomechicken - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible. It has the get- up-and-go of a sports car, the roominess of a family sedan, and rides like a luxury vehicle.

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  Upcoming! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By GreatCar109 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  From all the reviews i have read on the Pontiac sunfire, i have decided to buy one. A red 1997 SE coupe 5 speed. I hope this car holds up as well as all the other reviews have said, and i am very anxious to purchase it. I have always liked Pontiacs because of the red lights inside, and they have always been peppy and fast.