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 was a great choice - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ingress66 - August 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had the car for about 2 weeks, but so far I am very pleased with it . My only issue is that I wish the base model had a little more horse power , but it wasnt enough of an issue to make me choose a different car. I havent driven in the snow yet , but Im hoping it goes as well as my first few weeks. Ive already put 1200 miles on it !

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  If it was a lesser car, Id be dead. - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By cant complain - August 8 - 11:03 pm

  I was recently hit by someone who ran a stop sign; t-boned the car, and it was slammed tail first into an electric pole. We walked away from the car with soft tissue damage; if itd been a lesser car, we would have been badly hurt. No side air bags--I LOVED my car. Filled up each Sunday, got me around for the week with 40 miles a day average, with manual transmission. Had a problem with the gas tank, but it was just an annoyance. Car was NEVER a headache. After 6 years, it still had a beautiful exterior, paint held up well. Seats stain a little too easily, imo. Drove well, only had to replace the clutch, NEVER had any serious engine problems. FUN TO DRIVE, just check my mileage, lol!

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  Wouldnt trade for the world - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Brandyrn - August 8 - 8:00 am

  I love this car! Problems, a few but overall meets all my expectations and have no reason to trade for a newer model. I get 28 miles on the highway and 14 in the city. I have all the options where most cars today have a few. Power seats,10 disk changer,heated seats,heads up display,cd/tape player, onstar, you get the idea. Chrome wheels were pretty but crap. Front lighter a waste but the car still looks new and rides great. Easily would buy another.

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  LOVING MY G6 - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Rhonda - August 8 - 4:53 am

  I had shopped for a Solstice...the interior was too small for my very tall husband. Out of curiosity, I test drove the G6 Convertible.. I drove it home that same night! I absolutely love this car! No complaints so far. I love the design inside and out..I am a very happy owner!

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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - August 8 - 3:46 am

  I bought a silver 05 G6 STD sedan 18 months ago and havent had a problem with it yet. The fuel economy is great, even though I only have the 4- speed automatic. The car drives and handles great-both in the city here in Washington, DC and on the highway on my way out to the beach or to Pittsburgh. When I first bought it, I couldnt stop staring at it. I still get compliments on the cars styling. If youre looking for something that looks great, is practical and economical, youve got to test drive this car. One note: I should have gotten the XM radio option. I had to retrofit an aftermarket unit, which doesnt look as clean as if I would have just gotten the optional radio.

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  GRAND PRIX GXP 2008-STILL THE BEST - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By awos - August 6 - 3:24 am

  Just an update on my 2008 GXP. I have 55,000 miles on it now and still running like new. Its hard to believe that most car mags blasted this car. This car will run with most sports sedans and knock the hell out of the rest. If you can find one thats been maintained, oil changes and the like, BUY IT. Im 6 3"" tall and 230 lbs and the leather seats are still in great shape. Why Pontiac was killed is a shame. Bring it back, somebody.

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  2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2dr Coup 2.2L4cyl - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Myra - August 4 - 10:23 pm

  When I bought this car, it only had 27,000 miles on it. I drive around 100 miles a day. It now has 165,000 miles. Runs like a new one. The only things I have had to replace is the cluster panel, the window motor & regulator and the switch module. Just had to do that recently. As for as the engine nothing, just the regular maintenance. My goal is to get 200,000 miles on it and I should be able to without a problem. I can honestly say it has been one of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  200k and going strong - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jazbo01 - August 4 - 6:33 pm

  Update to a review a few years ago..my GP now was 200,000 on it, no visible rust we have owned it for the past 100,000 miles and the only work done to it has been maintenance NO issues-ever starts and runs whether its 100* or -40*. I drove this car back and forth for training 800 miles a week in -20 to -40 degree winter and the car avg 28.3mpg over the 6 week time frame..unreal! I have no plans on selling this car until it rots out and then ill buy another one. Great car!

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  Grand Am Review - 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
  By M T Shipley - August 4 - 12:26 am

  Excellent selection for Quality, Safety, and Reliability. There are things I like about it more than other more extensive vehicles I have owned.

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  Missing my Bonneville - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ponti-mani-ac - August 1 - 3:53 pm

  After having 3 Grand Prixs, I went up to the Bonneville. Wish I had done it sooner. It was a fun to drive, comfortable, sporty, yet classy car. I got great gas mileage, avg around 28mpg. Never had any problems with it. I came out of an almost head on collision at 50mph, taking the brunt of the hit down the drivers side, with no injuries! Unfortunately it was totaled. Now I have a 2007 Grand Prix, since Pontiac discontinued the Bonneville; Bigmistake Pontiac! Would have bought another Bonneville for sure!