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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  Pontiac got it right - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By stevek - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Pontiac got this one right. I compared vs. Maxima, BMW, and Acura. The power is there when you need it. Car isnt as flashy as older Pontiacs, can be a sleeper if you want it to be. Handles like a dream, especially when taking off ramps at speeds above the recommended level. Mileage is OK for this size and power. Didnt get the comp G package, but got sunroof (surprisingly quiet). Quality of leather interior not bad for this level of American car. Most of all, it is priced right.

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  Fast Fusion - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fgriff1 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have the GTP Comp G in Fusion Orange. Love the power of this engine. The Comp G suspension is tight. XM worthwhile. very happy with Premium audio package. Learther is a big improvementI had a 98 GT, big differance!

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  Just get in one, alright? - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By mjpieters - August 18 - 10:00 am

  It is a pity reviewers have been cracking down on the looks. We love the Aztek, and choose it in part for its styling. Azteks strenghts are in its interiour and ride. With Tracking Control, the Aztek will get you out of more bad situations than your average SUV; an inside so spacious people that get into our car get out again to see how the outside holds it all. Edmunds came to the same conclusion. After running with the pack in condemning the Aztek looks, Edmunds turned around and came back on their views with a Follow Up where the reviewer actually sat in the car, and tried it. If you are looking for an all-round car, test the Aztek. I bet you will be sold.

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  Domestic Switch - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By R & R - August 17 - 12:16 pm

  I have been sceptical of American made cars. The last 3 cars my wife and I have owned are a 2002 Acura TL, 2000 Audi A4 and my current car a Infiniti 2003 G35 coupe. This car is fun to drive and the GTP options gave us the features that we are used to at a good price. We were going to trade the TL in for a TSX, but this car loaded and with the good deal we received on the price all I can say is go Pontiac. Lots of interior space and nice looks. With the extended wheel base in handles well and Im used to my G35. Very happy so far... I hope we stay as happy with this vehicle as we are today!

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  Better than the Mustang - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By 17 Year old in a GTO - August 16 - 7:46 am

  Whether driving in the city, on the highway, or on rural roads, you know youre going to have a smooth ride. Waiting at the line of a red light always makes you feel uneasy with all the looks youll get-ranging from a thumbs up, or another hand gesture. It was raining heavily one day, and I was driving home. Upon turning a 90 degree turn to get on the on ramp of I- 5, the car started to lose traction. Luckily the TC kicked in, and stopped my wheels from spinning giving me the ability to turn out from nearly smacking into a barrier. The car has been great for getting me to school, and the Dragstrip uptown. Only complaints from passengers comes from the 5th man-only 3 passanger seats+driver

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  Great First Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By bobsmith1127 - August 15 - 11:53 am

  My mom bought this to replace her mini van and I got it about a year ago. Its a great, versatile car with some sportiness on the side. The inside is modern and is still in style after 4 years. It has great headroom and leg room for 4 adults. The folding seats are great, I can fit my drum set no problem. The sound system is pretty good for 4 speakers, lots of bass and clean sound. The engine is a little small (130 HP) but it accelerates fine and does good on hills.

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  Cheap fun - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By djehall - August 15 - 2:40 am

  Bought this three weeks ago. I traded in a Nissan Frontier I wanted better gas mileage and no longer needed a pickup. My local Pontiac dealer had one left, with every toy I wanted (sunroof, cruise), and toys I didnt know I wanted until I had them (OnStar, XM, lumbar support). I liked the interior, especially the seats. Sad that Pontiac is going the way of the DeSoto, but decided to take up GMs offer on remaining Pontiacs. This is fun to drive, gets good gas mileage, and Im not worried about finding replacement parts, since its a rebadged Aveo. Wife likes it as well, and offered to give me her Jeep Patriot for it (I turned her down). All in all, a great and easy choice for me.

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  40 something and not dead yet! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ray B - August 14 - 10:00 am

  If your looking for a pure econo-box the Vibe is not a good choice if you remember the TR-6 and Devo read on! Remember when the road was open, top down, tunes cranked driving.Well, we have a chance again. The 4 cylinder is quick and responive, 29 MPG combined mileage, well built and solid with a minimal of body sway while zipping around back roads, plenty of room for 6 footers front AND BACK and most of all Toyota quality (built in co operation with GM). With a J. Geils blaster Moons and Tunes package you have an excellent choice for a commuter/second car. So, grab your favorite CD, lose the kids and the significant other and just drive one!

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  Pontiac Vibe Rating - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sally Lucas - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Looking for a car 4 door to hold at least 5 comfortable, and also with a back end or truck to handle a good amount of baggage. Didnt want SUV or minivan. This is a perfect cross between. The roominess is great! Gas mileage even better. Performance superb as well.

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  We are a Vibe Family - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By CEWitten - August 9 - 10:00 am

  My husband bought one the year before and I fell in love with his...now we are a two Vibe family.