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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  We Love This Car! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - November 23 - 10:36 am

  We bought this car after struggling to find a fuel efficient wagon-esque vehicule. We looked at everything on the market, and nothing else (but the Matrix, which is kinda ugly) came close mileage-wise. Its sporty, fun to drive (Im 36), great looking, with surprisingly large storage given the size. No problems at all after 8K miles.

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  luvmytek - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By orangefire - November 22 - 10:03 pm

  I bought my tek because i was tired of my Hyundai and was on a limited budget. I did my homework on the vehicle: GM was offering 4,000 rebates, plus one for 1,000 that the dealer didnt tell me about. Total vehicle price out the door 18,000. For the space, handling, comfort and compliments that this vehicle gets, you would think that I paid over 30,000. Aztek is Pontiacs best kept secret. I love this car so much that i will trade my other Hyundai and get one for my wife before all of the 05s are gone.The equinox (aztek replacement) cannot hold a candle to this vehicle in style, features, or PRICE. My mom has an 03 trailblazer (she paid 32,000 for it) that isnt as roomy, versatile or good on gas as my tek.

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  Had one, BAD IN A CRASH - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SephirothJenova - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I had a brand new 2004 model GTP... Got into a crash at 35MPH and burned instantaneously! I think this car needs to be investigated for safety issues!

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  I love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By jenny - November 21 - 2:06 am

  Sporty and comfortable! I searched for such a car for 5 years. When the G6 came out, I was smitten. Love the energy and sunroof. It;s great to have a stylish American car!

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  Fun to drive - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gurgstar - November 20 - 4:43 am

  I leased a 99 Grand Am SE for 3 yrs. and was very happy with the car. The V6 engine was powerful, and this car really came packed with a lot of features for the price (power windows/seats, steering-wheel radio controls, cd player, cruise-control, etc.). My only complaint is that the car handled poorly at high speeds (it seemed to have a mind of its own). In the 3 years that I owned it, I had hardly any service problems (a couple minor things that were resolved with 1 trip to the dealer).

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  2008 Pontiac G5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By SUnny2735 - November 19 - 7:40 pm

  This car is good for someone buying their first new vehicle. Other than that stay away from this car. The inside is plastic, and feels like its going to fall apart. The handling is crappy and that is putting it nicely. It is supposed to have about 148 HP but it feels like 100. The suspension is terrible. The road noise is outrageous and the radio signal is bad. You get static all the time.

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  Indifferent - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By Bryan Wisconsin - November 19 - 10:00 am

  First of all, we like it because of the distinctive styling. Everyone we know has a Caravan and we wanted to be different. The Caravans were nice and truly Chrysler did "think of everything". However, the power of the Montana is much better. Highway speeds are very manageable and comfortable. My biggest problem is the workmanship. Sunglass Holder, Cig Lighter compartment, etc. Also, tires have 37K miles and they need to be replaced. They are cupped. Ill be happy when I have new ones. It has been in the shop several times. Thank goodness that Gustman in Kaukauna is such a good dealer.

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  Soltice is Superb - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Roadster 4 50 years - November 18 - 12:36 pm

  Vehicle is everything I expected. Driving position is perfect, There are no comfort cupholder or storage issues for us that critics write about. There is plenty of storage room for creative people. This is "A ROADSTER" not an SUV. Handling is better than cars costing double and triple- and I own such cars. Instrumentation is excellent and engine maintenance the easiest on any car Ive ever owned, and I still own 18 vehicles, 7 of which are classic vintage British Sports and GT cars. I recommend this car to Anyone interested in fun . It has Flash WITH substance and delivers great smooth and quick (for its class) automatic performance at a reasonable price.

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  Not ready to let it go - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By linder24 - November 17 - 9:30 pm

  This has been a great car for me, fun to drive and gets great fuel economy for a car this size. Ive looked at new cars, but I just cant let this one go yet.

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  RELIABLE - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MATT - November 17 - 10:36 am

  Very reliable, takes a lot of abuse.Underated and under appreciated. Gas mileage is a little dissapointing.