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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  be a patriot- buy American excitement - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By billd - June 26 - 3:23 am

  I wish this was a manual trans, but since that isnt possible. Still, the car is a blast to drive, and still gets about 28 combined highway and city. I actually like the previous/more curvy style, but this looks nice too. Large trunk and lots of interior room, but getting in and out of the drivers seat isnt as easy as my van was. Did i mention just how much fun this is to drive? I have a 65 gto convertible and a 78 formula firebird that get about the same MPG after years of work, but they still arent as fun to drive as this one is. If this was a 4 cylinder turbo with a manual trans it would be the best car i had since my 87 ford t-bird coupe.

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  Better than a Mustang - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOawaywego - June 25 - 7:36 pm

  This is the best Pontiac has ever made, it is so fun to drive and yet so comfortable to be in.

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  Awsome ! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Pammiesue1 - June 25 - 12:23 am

  I just picked up my new 09 . I love it ! Very fast, fun, and looks hot ! I had a Lexus RX 330 fot trade which I was very happy with, but this is the car . I like it better than my old Lexus IS 300 . Lots of room. Bluetooth would be the only thing I would like to have. It seems well built and sturdy . I am happy with my first American car ! 100% I would buy again

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  Love my Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Charles Goin - June 24 - 10:26 am

  Awesome car, handling is on par with my 97 328i it replaced. Horsepower is more than you could ever ask for. Fit and finish are the best I have ever seen from GM, especially in the interior. Speaking of which these are the best most comfortable seats i have sat in.. Add to that the limited production its like driving a Maserati or somethign equally as rare. You rarely ever pass yourself, and when you do its an occasion.

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  Best Car Ive Driven - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kriz - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome power, great styling. Look forward to next years GP!

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  Miss my Vibe :( - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By AMF - June 21 - 6:20 pm

  I got my 5 speed Vibe with 50K on it, only reason I got it was because it was a stick and got good MPG. After driving it 2.5 years I fell in love with it. Got rid of it at 112K because my fiance is 63" and there just isnt enough room for more than us in the car. Driving mostly alone I loved how I could reach EVERYTHING in the car with no problem. Auto headlights were great but wish there was a way to turn them off certain times w/o parking break on. The previous owner had cut a cheap outdoor mat to fit in the rear which was a great idea, helped keep stuff in place. All the little compartments were great. Never broke down or needed repairs. If youre under 510" you should love this car!

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  119,000 and still going strong - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2005vibeFWD5spd - June 20 - 12:13 am

  bought base model 5 spd MT new in 9-04. 30 mpg,city/hwy. as high as 34 mpg hwy. factory tires fine in dry/rain. useless in 1" snow. bought 4 snow tires. MUCH better. goes through several inches of snow. if it gets 12" deep, FORGET IT. (fwd model) only problems, fuel pump at 60,000 and intermittent hard starting when engine is still warm. wait 20 seconds with key still on and try again. may take 2 or 3 attempts. may idle rough for several seconds. i use my gears for braking when possible. still have factory brakes at 119,000. all in all, car is great! runs smooth and no leaks, overheating, ect. handling is great and it fits in small parking spots.

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  Practical, economical and lots of fun - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By smokiescat - June 19 - 10:16 pm

  A very nice way to put 14 minivan years behind me. Like minivans, my Vibe is practical and versatile. Unlike minivans, the Vibe is economical and fun to drive. But the Vibe GT is a few details short of perfect. I exchanged the 18-inch wheels standard on the GT for the 17-inch wheels optional on other models. I lost some tight cornering ability but gained a whole lot more in noise reduction and comfort. Blind spots force me to trust the mirrors more than IÂ’d like. I had back-up sensors installed to allay fears that I would back into something or, worse, someone, such as the grandchildren who live with us. I would have also appreciated an in-dash compass. Still a great ride and purchase.

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  Love it - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Pam - June 19 - 10:03 am

  I love my 07 Solstice it is by far the funnest and best car ever. I hear people are complaining there is no place for a cell phone. What the *&% # ??? I am in it to drive not to chat on the phone. Also that the cup holders are behind you is a complaint, there is one on the passenger side of the consol just have to look for it. Fun car and if your biggest concerns are a place for your phone and starbucks latte maybe you should stick to an SUV.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - June 18 - 12:30 am

  This is my 3rd new car, and best of the bunch. Much better than my Cavalier and Malibu. I am a union worker and only buy American cars. I dont understand people who live in America and buy foreign cars. Support American workers, buy American cars. You will like the G6.