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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  Rear Wheel Drive "Dominator" - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JPK - November 18 - 2:50 pm

  I have almost a year of experience with my 09 G8/GT. I am 63 years old and have owned many vehicles. My G8/GT has more bang for the buck than any of them. I get many positive comments on this vehicle for its looks and the way it goes down the road. Many of these comments are from people (including women) who have very little interest in cars. People ask me all the time, what is it. I have had NO problems with this vehicle. This car is quiet and smooth as a big Cadillac under normal acceleration. Get on the"Loud Pedal" and it will definitely put a smile on your face. The head and leg room (front and back seats) is very good and the seats are very comfy.

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  this car rocks the asphalt - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By llDavell - November 17 - 10:00 am

  So fun to drive i bought mine off of my neighbor the car is just to fun to drive. Mine is LOADED leather seats sooooooooo comfortable of course i had to add my own system and a few other mods.

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  Great Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By somork - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Excellent acceleration and power. Tight handling. Very coforatable. A blast to drive!!

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  Gotta love it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By K Curry - November 16 - 2:53 am

  Car is everything I would want in a vehicle. As far as engine being too loud I guess people just dont like muscle cars anymore in this country.

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  Good car for starters - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jason Whitney - November 15 - 3:57 am

  This car has some get up and go, but not a speed demon. Top end is high. 2 years of ownership, and only flaws at 130k miles is have to replace serpentine belt and possibly check wheel bearings. Otherwise this car has been solid, and is sound in all driving conditions for weather. Works well in snow, rain, and great a/c if charged. I may keep this car instead of trading it in.

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  Whats that? - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By jb03 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  This is our second Aztek, and yes, we still have the first one. I love the styling, I love the interior. I JUST LOVE MY PONTIAC! Everyone asks.. "whats that." And I have to go into detail about what a cross-over SUV is, and what it isnt. You can not mistake this for any vehicle on the road (albeit its sister, the Rendezvous from Buick.) For anyone looking for room, fun, good gas mileage, and comfort, the Aztek is the edgy, hip way to go! Not to mention you can take it camping with the optional Camping Package.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ohioseahawk - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever owned. Have had it for over 1 year and have not had it to the dealer for a single problem. First time I have ever bought a new car and have not had to take it back to the dealer for something.

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  No comparison to 2006 or Mazda Miata - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Rick Dawson - November 9 - 9:53 pm

  I had a 1990 Mazda Miata; I had a 2006 Solstice. Comparing the GXP to either of these cars is a mistake. Do not be misled - this is a car built for fun and high performance. I took the 2006 on a long road trip and could not even put a duffel bag in the trunk; I had to put my clothes, sans suitcase, where I could, shoving them into nooks and crannies everywhere. 5 cubic feet of storage space aint much, especially when divided into small segments here and there. The 2006 reminded me a lot of my Miata, but I got a lot more compliments, questions and stares. The 2007, however, is a muscle car and a roadster. It is FAST! If only they could find a way to put a suitcase in it, it would rate a 10

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By ls1goat - November 9 - 5:33 pm

  Bought car used with around 29,000 miles. I have put almost 10,000 miles on it and have had only one problem--gas cap went bad (???). car runs great. Its a blast to drive. The interior is good too. The styling isnt great but it grows on you. Also gets pretty good gas mileage (around 20 city/hwy avg).

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  Love it - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By leslie - November 9 - 3:46 am

  Bought this car new and have absolutely loved it - no problems except needing a relay switch replaced shortly after purchasing (fell under warranty and towing). Great space-amazingly roomy, good exterior design. Seats fold down for extra storage and plastic backs for easy cleaning. Higher ground clearance is also very nice. Great get up and go and excellent fuel mileage