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 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Cilla - October 27 - 10:00 am

  My favorite car to drive, gets lots of attention

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  Lots of Power, Less $$$ - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By TireSmoke - October 27 - 10:00 am

  There simply is no way you can touch this level of performance for this price. The F-body twins blow the Mustang out of the water when it comes to power and handling. Its a shame that GM saw fit to kill them off.

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  THe Vibe GT Rocks! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By photeus - October 27 - 10:00 am

  After 60 days in the Vibe GT I am very happy with this car. The acceleration is great and it is a fun car to drive. It handles well, although you have to pay attention at highway speeds. The 6-speed gearbox is tight and it shifts easily. I have NAV, and the CD Changer and larger wheels. I find people staring at it all the time, maybe as it is Lava Red. A great buy at the price!

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  GTP COMP G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jshwarms - October 27 - 10:00 am

  The new GTP Comp G is by far the flag ship of the Grand Prix line up. This car is really at home on the highway using the vast power of the engine to pass with ease. Turn the traction control off and this bad boy can tear up its front wheel drive tires like a rear drive sports car.

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  Youll be impressed! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Trowbridge - October 26 - 6:50 am

  The greatest thing is power. First test drive hooked in less than one on ramp to the interstate. Excellent gas mpg 18/23 and with the power youve got this thing is sick. I changed out the stock suspension with the Pedders Street II and the ride quality is about the same but the way it handles through the curves is crazy fun. I cannot tell you how many times Ive had looks from people - every stoplight it seems, and even from Lamborghini drivers. If you havent bought one, and youre still undecided, you better try to find one that has less then 10K on it because once these babies are gone, theyll be talked about years from now, as the car that got away. Ive had it for 19 months, 0 shop time.

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  My most reliable car...ever! - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By T. Wambaugh - October 25 - 7:16 pm

  I bought this car new four and a half years ago. It now has 65,000 miles on it and all that it has required of me is to change the oil and filter. The original tires, brakes, even windshield wipers are still installed. The vehicle is garaged and run primarily on interstates at 60 to 80 mph. It gets about 30 mpg on the interstate. Around town, the mileage drops down to low to mid twenties. Although the depreciation rate is fairly steep on this car the actual dollars depreciated are far less than my wifes 2003 Lexus. The only complaint I have regards the Traction Control System; it is far to easy to spin the tires at take off on wet pavement.

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  Great sports car with room inside - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By anchorage - October 25 - 4:21 am

  2009 G8 GT owned 2 months 19K miles 6 tall 250 lbs male (me) This a great sports car. I bought it after buying and then having to sell an Audi S4 (I cant use a manual due to a bad knee). The G8 is very fast and has a great automatic transmission. The seats are great and the interior is large enough for adult people who are larger than a size medium, unlike most sporty cars. Factory autostart has a range of about 25 feet line of sight. This car would be perfect if it had 2 inches more ground clearance, AWD, and better visiblity.

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  Vivi - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vivi - October 25 - 2:50 am

  I love my Vibe. It is sleek and cute and I feel very comfortable behind the wheel. It is spacious but does not drive like a big car. The gas mileage is excellent.

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  Problems from day one...literally! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By From Atlanta - October 24 - 9:23 pm

  I loved the look of this car when I first bought it May 2004. Outside and inside had great looks, but found out how cheaply made it is over time. The dashboard is pealing up by the window, the bumpers are very flimsy...able to move when washing car! About a week after purchased i moved the seat higher and would not go back down. Car overheated 2 times within first 3 mths! Thank goodness for warranty! My blinker has been blinking for over 6 mths now non stop. The light isnt on, just the sound, the mileage display and clock/radio are messed up. The display shows distorted numbers. The gas mileage is horrible...about 220 miles per tank! My AC broke 3mths ago $1,000 to repair, not even worth it

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  Feeling tentative - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tentative - October 24 - 2:46 am

  Purchased 3 weeks ago and spent last week in the shop. Initially told the fuel pump was bad. Dealer ordered fuel pump. Now we find out there are 2 fuel pumps and another is on order. Looks like I will have spent 1/2 of my ownership in the shop. The car isnt even tagged yet! Hope I dont have a lemon...