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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  I love this car! Exept... - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By LoverofALLPontiacs - November 20 - 1:16 am

  I love all Pontiacs. This is my second Pontiac. My first one, 96 Grand Am GT, was crap. I decided to try again. There are many electrical problems, which is typical of Pontiacs. The lights for the controls on the dash work when they want to. Minus the electrical issues, I love this car. More than most Pontiacs. I am 22 and do not feel like I am driving a grandma car because the sporty styling makes up for it being a boat.

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  1999 3.8L V6 automatic - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By abcizdaman - November 19 - 10:23 am

  I just recently went on a road trip from the Hi-Desert, CA to both Phoenix and Prescott, AZ. The care handles very nicely and is fun to drive. The only thing is it made my back sore after driving 300 miles. Its not really a car built for comfort, especially for a tall person like me whos pushing 63". It has awesome styling and pretty good acceleration for a V6. It gets alot of head turns, especially at night with its stylish headlights. Without any additions it tops out at 118 to 119mph. Im sure with a supercharger and/or turbo it would max out around 130 to 150mph. Im just guessing though. It comes standard with a crappy stereo system that has alot of issues. I changed it out

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  Fun, but beware - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Big MIke - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the performance and styling of this car. Beware of problems associated with GM pony cars. Educate yourself on Gm pony cars before you buy so you know what you could be getting yourself into financially when and if thigns fail on you.

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  The Vibe is great - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Schippee - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned big cars all my driving life. The Vibe was attractive to me because of the gas milage it gets. I drive 60 miles run trip to my work and it has great gas milage.

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  the familys 14th PONTIAC - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By PAPA - November 4 - 2:00 am

  one recall - breakline rub

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  1998 Transport Review - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By Cincy Bearcat - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my van new and have made many small problems. My overhead console message center has not been accurate since I purchased it. It was bake to the shop for a failed battery, radio reception, general tires going flat (They are supposed to be self sealing). I have had the tie rods replaced at 45,000. I have also filled the antifreeze reserior twice.

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  gtp for me - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joe snapper - November 2 - 10:00 am

  overall a fine car with great exterior styling and features per dollar.

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  Always came back - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By stst - October 31 - 9:23 pm

  Id been looking at cars for almost a year and every time it always came back to the G6 Convertible. Before this car came out I never would have thought to purchase a GM vehicle. This car is a blast to drive. Not a techy car by any means. No NAV, Bluetooth, A/V jack etc. but when its sunny, and the top goes down who cares!

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  A bargain that will have you smiling - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By iblyth79 - October 30 - 12:43 am

  I traded my well loved 2004 Grand Prix Comp G for a red-on-red GTO and the smile has never left my face and my kids for that matter. This car reinforced my faith in Pontiac and the companys ability to build exciting cars, even if its underpinnings are Australian. I think the car’s looks are great, the interior is well crafted especially for a 30K car and my car has been reliable. From a performance and driving perspective, I have not driven a better car. This is not luxury coupe loaded with all the "bells and whistles" but a back to basics muscle car with some refinement and I think this combination works. Turn the key, mash the pedal and steer; you’ll be amazed. I know I was.

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  Update from 7/10/02 - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By 2XBonnie Again - October 29 - 2:00 am

  This is an update from my post on 7/10/02. Since then the car has had the following additional issues: 1. A recall for a potential motor gasket failure. Can u believe it? 2. 2 separate electric component failures on the power windows. 3. a leaking power steering hose. 4. an intermitant alternator malfunction (hasnt failed yet). All within 15.5k miles and 21 months of being new. You can decide if this meets your criteria of acceptable quality. Oh yes. The depreciation has been breath-taking. Apparently the market knows something Id wish Id known before buying this car.