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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  Realiable is the way - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By pontiacmall - December 19 - 1:15 am

  I purchased this car 2 years ago with the intention of having it temporarily and then trading it in. It has proven to be realiable after I added another 60k to the odometer. Just recently had issue with heater core which caused no heat and air. Once fixed it worked like a charm. I also put a twin mattress in the trunck with back seats down and was able to close the trunk. No pick up truck necessary!!May be time to get rid of as the kids are complaining they dont have enough back seat leg room of which I have to agree is a little on the short side. Just hope I can find something as realiable as the Grand Prix.....

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  GTO 04 - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By GTO 04 - December 17 - 9:33 am

  I recently purchased the GTO. I cant believe the performance that this car puts out. I was originaly looking at Corvettes and BMWs, but when I test drove this car...WOW! Just with the exterior design had a little more punch to it. All and all, awsome car.

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  I love the rhino - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By jeanne - December 17 - 5:53 am

  I rent cars about 50 weeks a year. When I can I rent an Aztec. The car rental p=folks call it the Rhino (for rhinocerous). Ive rented the Rendezvous,all the Isuzus, Fords, Chevys and GMCs but the Aztec is my favorite for comfort and spaciouness. My husband is 64" and also says its very comfortable. I will buy one when I quit traveling for business

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  G6 GT - cheap fun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By David - December 16 - 2:20 pm

  For what I paid its a very nice car. Not as fast as my Monte Carlo but is very nice. I love the seats and sun roof. Nice little car. XM Radio is the best feature in the car and I hope you get it.

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  Long term review - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Todd Wilkinson - December 16 - 7:13 am

  Ive owned my GTO for 5-1/2 years now and its still the best GM car Ive ever owned. Over 86,000 miles on it and still no squeaks or rattles. It hasnt needed anything but minor maintenance. Its still as fun to drive today as it was the day I brought it home.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By 75bluejs - December 15 - 6:30 am

  For those who are looking for world class speed without paying the exotic price, then look no further. Its just amazing that GM put a 400hp Corvette engine in this vehicle and is selling it for under 35K. Interior, and overall build quality is the best Ive seen in a GM vehicle. It even seats four adults in great comfort!

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  Great Car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Laz Profit - December 14 - 11:33 pm

  I purchased this car as a used rental, and after a quick trip to the dealership to get the warranty items fixed, the G6 purrs. I love this car. There were 2 necessities, when I made the purchase. Performance and leg room for a big guy at 62". This Sedan was the perfect choice. I had no intention on walking in and buying this car, but after the test drive I knew I had to have it. Im tired of Hondas (Buy American), and I used a Camry for a rental, wishing the whole time I had my G6. Best part, I can now add my own features.. Sun roof, turbo and low pro tires to keep the look of this car stylish. I dont plan on trading this one in - very dependable..

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  Excellent Value - Great Used Car! - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Jim - December 14 - 10:53 pm

  I purchased my loaded Montana that was gently used by a retired couple. The car was showroom clean with about 27,000 miles. It currently just broke 80,000 miles (an average of 12k/year). The van has done everything Ive asked it to do. It had industry/segment leading cargo capacity and volume at the time. Its driving dynamics are excellent for a van. It was much better than the previous generation Toyota Sienna we compared it to. I think it will bring me many years of reliable service. I plan to keep it until about 220,000 miles. Buy one of these severly depreciated vehicles at a fire sale price and you wont be disappointed. Ive had minor problems not worth mentioning.

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  I do love my car - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tiffykc07 - December 14 - 6:56 pm

  Ive had my car going on 3 years now, for almost a year Ive had trouble with the key getting stuck in the ignition to where i had to use a nail to put underneath the steering wheel compartment and stick it inside this hole to get my key to come out, Im not really sure why this happens but someone I know who has the same car as I do has the same problem. To roll down the passenger window from my driver side sometimes it doesnt work and then a few minutes later it does, but other than these problems I do love my car I just recently got brakes for it and the tires were still in great shape. I love the look of it and it is my first vehicle, I got it when I turned 18.

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  Comfortable and Reliable Grand Am - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Francis30642 - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought as a program car, this has been a very effotless car to own. My total repair bills in 8 years totals less than 2500 excluding tires/brakes and that does include a new transmission 3 years ago. Comfortable and reliable I hate to face the fact that its time to sell!