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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  Fun to drive! - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By blink1342 - February 19 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this car about one month ago and I can say I am very happy, excellent ride, very comfortable seating, good cornering , nice style, small and fuel efficient, what else could you want, for this price? I am very happy i have had many GM cars in the past, like the impala, century, malibu and they were all great, reliable vehicles. Overall recommended. At least test drive one and youll see what I am talking about.

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  Great Car for the money - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Tony - February 19 - 12:03 pm

  I just traded My CTS for this car and let me tell you this car is great, the power is incredible for $32K, the interior is very comfortable front and rear and the rear AC Vents are great, I also Have an 05 G35 and I gave that one to my wife in order to get this one for me.

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  Serios coil, plug and onbard computer problems - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By g3_neveragain - February 19 - 12:12 am

  DON"T BUY THESE CARS!!!! Yes, they look nicer than the Honda Fit and Yaris, and mine even came with power windows, moon roof, on-Star, sports interior and stylish wheels, BUT it is all show and no substance. The car is not even 3 years old and has had the PCM computer changed (the computer that controls EVERYTHING on the car - and would cost around $1000 if not covered by warranty, the ignition coil changed twice (each costing around $300 if not covered by warranty), and the oxygen sensors changed (each costing around $300 if not covered by warranty). Look online and the problems with the ignition coil, spark plugs and oxygen sensors are commonplace. I WILL NEVER BUY A GM AGAIN. Wake up GM!!

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  100% - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By muscle guy - February 18 - 1:23 am

  The body looks similar to other pontiacs, but still remains unique. Not only is it the strongest stock street car, excluding lambos and what not, but it turns heads too. To make it look a little more hot, i bought front to tail custom work. New front kit, hood, rims,tires, roof,side kit, doors,tint, spoiler, rear kit, exhaust, cold air intake, a chip, QTEC, dyno, tranny, clutch, suspension.... yeah it was plenty of cash and voided the warranty, but who gives when you got a car this hot.

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  Funinthesuncar - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Fox - February 17 - 7:23 pm

  A little hard to get in/out (5"10, 190 lbs) but for sure worth the effort...really fun and a head turner.

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  6 months 21000 miles Salesman Style - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By MoldbaseSteve - February 17 - 3:33 pm

  Great little car, great comfort, great mileage, great cargo capacity. I am a outside salesman and after 21k miles in 6 months I can say this is one nice car. averaged 38 mpg in the summer about 34-5 in the winter, simply fantastic, very comfortable and this is after at least 4 hours in the car 5 days a week. Dual power outlets keep my laptop on and my phone powered up, have hauled some pretty impressive items for the wagons size "do you have a truck?" nope i have the Vibe. The one complaint I really have is that the handling and steering while quite capable are not fun, but this is coming from someone who drives a miata or a motorcycle, so Its probably more nitpicking than anything

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  I love my vehicle! - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Kristy79 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Buying this vehicle is the best purchase Ive ever made. If youre uncertain about the looks, get behind the wheel

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  Never thought it could be me buying it - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Troy Wilhlem - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I still say after buying the vehicle, that I know it is non appealing, but I said its like getting that pearl inside that shell. I love that the seats come out, my dogs (2 wiems) love all the room in it. I cant count how many times I could have used the tent in the past. The features are great, the ride is wonderful. I would have to say though the I would rather take this over a minivan anyday. because we have almost the same room. If you want a luxury SUV the Aztek is not for you. If you want a SUV to go skiing, hicking, camping, canoing, road trips, party/tailgatting vehicle.... get the aztek

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  Cheap thrills - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By shmoke - February 17 - 10:00 am

  I just cant express my disdain for Christians review (Edmunds editor). He obviously has a terrible impression of this car and has obviously been presented with a bad example. Maybe Edmunds was provided with a "testers" example that had been flogged first by more "prestigious publications". I have not seen a Grand Prix that displays bad build quality, materials or design. The fit and finish are of great quality. "Harsh and un-refined"... The Grand Prix does indeed excite the senses. Everything from the sound of the engine, the firm yet supple ride and tactile feel of the controls - are all unique and appealing.

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  Audi to Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By notloyal - February 16 - 5:43 pm

  Traded an Audi Quattro for this 2004 Vibe, best trade Ive ever made. The Audi was a well built vehicle, but not reliable and expensive to repair, and there were lots of repairs. The Vibe is reliable, excellent gas mileage, easy to drive and half the cost of the Audi. Will be getting another Vibe soon.