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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  ! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tripleseis6 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A very fuel economic car,the ecotec engine feel like it got more power that the advertized 140hp ! im constantly getting around 27mpg in the city .

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  Better Hardtop - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By WorldWalker - February 9 - 6:46 pm

  I have been looking for a HT/convertible since owning the Ford Sunliner. This car is so much fun to drive and I stole it from the dealer. It is fun to drive and great with the top down. Had a rag top and you guessed it, the top got cut and it rotted. So much for rag tops. Now I am so happy with my convertible and if it turns out to be lemon I dont care. I will love it anyway. My son and I love it and now he wants me to buy him one. The top movement is so smooth and no problems like the Sunliner had. Tubes/switches bad

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  Fun, Fun and YES Even Practical - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By 06-Sly-Fulload - February 9 - 11:23 am

  BMW, Mazda, Mercedes - you have a lot to learn...drove them first..BIGGEST disappointment-BMW...ugly & NO FUN.. buy one as a coffin maybe. Anyway..the Solstice is what a Roadster is supposed to be at a price that is right on. I got it loaded with the upgraded stereo - I like to say "I have a pair of driveable headphones" !! Just awesome stereo. Comfortable to drive, rips around any offramp - zoom zoom this...tried that with the Miata - almost wound up dead! Tonight I went to the post office picked up 3 boxes size of a briefcase cubed, went to the market - $140 groceries and I had room to store it all. Used front seat of course, but I never have problem putting stuff in the trunk. Its a HIT!

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  Great fun!!! - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Wayne B. - February 8 - 1:30 pm

  What a blast to drive! I traded an 02 Monte Carlo in for this car and quite honestly wasnt expecting to have the super fun that the MC afforded me but after driving this car for the last two weeks, let me assure you that it is MORE fun than MC, the longer wheel base must be the difference. Great acceleration, nice cornering, comfortable seating and my family of four fits in very nicely. Had a 92 Grand Prix for years and loved it, but I dont think Ill buy anything but Bonnevilles from here on out!

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  Pontiac Sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By owkiai - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The pontiac sunfire is a great car and lots of fun to drive. I traded in my minivan for it and have loved it ever since

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  BOOMING BONNEVILLE - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By PRESTON PAPKE - February 8 - 10:00 am

  FOR THOSE WHO DONT BELIEVE THAT AN AMERICAN SEDAN CANT BE FUN AND ECONOMICAL, THEY HAVENT DRIVEN A BONNEVILLE!

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  Pontiac Montana is Family Friendly - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By wilmoth - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We have previously owned Chevy Astros and we test drove several minivans. The Montana is by far my favorite!! The Montana gives you a classy, family friendly vehicle. About 2 months after we purchased this vehicle we were rear- ended at a stop light. The Montana absorbed the impact so well no one was hurt or suffered any pain. We had three children in car seats and a friend of mine was with me and she was 8 1/2 months pregnant!! She bought her a Montana 2 weeks later!!

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  Mt GT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By omahanut - February 8 - 10:00 am

  My last vehicle was a mini van that was 10 years old. I was hesitant to drop down to a small car, but the style attracted me. I have not been disappointed. It is fun to drive and gets great fuel economy.

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  I LOVE AZTEK - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By perryjd - February 7 - 10:56 am

  I love it! If you are one that likes its look, or grow to, youll really enjoy Aztek. It rides really well and if you dig interior features.... youll be in heaven! With the 1sb option package you get great features with little to no extra cost. It is a stand alone and not a clone.

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  Impressed! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rachel - February 4 - 6:23 pm

  I traded my Impala for the Vibe and it has been a good choice. The Vibe is compact, but can still fit everything that I need to haul. I like the fuel mileage, Im getting a little over 30 mpg with 500 miles on the Vibe. I really like the exterior of the 09 Vibe compared to previous models. I am very pleased.