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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  VIBE - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ronda Griffith - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money-rides comfortable has great features-lots of compliments on the style-my 13 and 14 year olds both want one for their first car-that says it all

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  WOW! Everything I Ever Wanted in a Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By 4frirish - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Cars were cars until I test drove my Vibe. I bought it on the spot. FUSION ORANGE - WOW!

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  love my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By charles dorman - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I leased this Vibe because I wasnt sure if I would like it....But it turns out ....I LOVE IT.......I plan on upgrading to the AWD for 2004 IF the resale is good on my 2003

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  I love my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By sunnioscar - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I am so happy with my new Vibe. I am glad that I bought it instead of a used Camry which my plan. The control of the car along with the great view of the road from the drivers seat....PLUS the great crash ratings sold me. My last car was totaled by a driver who hit me from behind while I was stopped at a light.

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  black on black - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By marlins 9397 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  1st time Pontiac owner. Extremly happy from the time I walked into the dealership to driving my GT2 home. What a machine. Thanks Pontaic!

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  My Silver Bullet - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cheryl Williams - September 28 - 3:46 pm

  It drives so smooth. Hugs the curves. Quick power, going into manual with a flick is nice. Dont miss the clutch at all. Im very tall, for a woman (6 ft) and Im very comfortable, good leg room. The dashboard has a cheap plastic look. Other than that I love the car

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  The All New G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Chris Earley - September 28 - 3:10 am

  This G6 is the best car i have ever had. It is really fun to drive. When you step on the gas then the other cars should just say bye-bye. The interior is the nicest and most creative there is out there. If your ready for a new car or ready for a change in your life, then the G6 is just right for you. And lets not forget that sunroof. What more is there to say about that sunroof. So if you want to stand out and let people notice you then do what you have to do to get this G6.

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  My First Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By groveman55 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I an not say enough about my Sunfire. The ride is excellent. You can not expect a top of the line ride from a lower level car. Fun to drive. Good gas millage. No service issues. All around one of the best cars I have owned. I have owned many and thi one is in the top 3.

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  conv-fun - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By vanwormer7 - September 24 - 1:33 pm

  good handling, great brakes, lots of attention by others. reminds me of the old fords of 57, 58.and 59.

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  Still high mileage! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By 34mpg - September 24 - 8:09 am

  I have owned my Vibe since buying it off the lot in 2006. Over 169,000 miles and it is still averaging 34mpg. Just took a trip and on the first leg of 300 miles at 60 mph I got 44mpg! The next leg of 200 miles at 75mpg only got 35mpg. No equipment problems other than the known PCM issue that was recalled/replaced. Maybe Im just lucky with Pontiacs. My first car, a brand new Sunbird, is still going at 280,000 miles. I gave it to my nephew 12 years ago, he has beaten the heck out of it but it wont die.