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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  377 of 888 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Key Stone Cop - October 6 - 9:26 pm

  I have owned many cars including three BMWs and this car is more comfortable and drives as well or better than the 525 BMW.

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  Perfect for Car Lovers - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Murdernickle - October 6 - 2:00 pm

  This car is the best purchase Ive made in a long while. Everything about it screams comfort and fun. It hugs curves like no other and is always up for a little bit of free running. It really shines in the country on twisty roads, but its great for the city too. Awesome fuel economy. I get around for weeks on one tank of gas. I would recommend this car to any parent looking to get their kid a reliable, safe, but fun car in order to get them through college.

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  Good quality - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kotoja - October 6 - 1:36 pm

  Well is a good car. I enjoy driving my car. Is not bad as people are saying. It has nice handling. It responds nice on the street. Is also pretty fast

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  My 2005 Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Zach - October 6 - 11:10 am

  I recently bought a 2005 Pontiac Vibe. I have been driving it for a week now and I already love it. I get about 27 mpg and it isnt even broken in yet. The audio system in it is very good for stock. This car handles and accelerates beautifully. I like it and recommend it to anybody looking for a fuel saving zippy car.

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  Best in class! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By corey76 - October 6 - 1:56 am

  Simply put, I compared the Aztek to just about everything. It beat out all of its competition in so many important areas it was ridiculous! Well it didnt win in every part, but if it didnt win, it was an equal. Then with the incentives they are offering, it was the best deal! So really it was a no brainer! Anyway I have a 2002, Black with lots of options, I love the new style and I highgly recommend it!

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  2004 Grand Prix GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Chris - October 5 - 8:10 pm

  After 2+ years of owning this car it is still fun to drive and still looks fresh and appealing. The car needs a bit more refinement to compete against the best of its class, but the quality and reliability has been excellent. I will not purchase an import

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  I like my car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Cyndi - October 5 - 7:16 am

  I purchased the car in early summer. The AC and heat both work very well, interior is very comfortable. It is also a nice riding car, heavy enough to feel secure on the highway. It also has nice pick-up for highway driving. I now have about 10,000 miles and have had no mechanical problems. I am very happy.

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  This car SUCKS!!! - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jgonzfe - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Terrible car. I have never seen so many problems in other cars. Buyers beware!!!

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  A Good Purchase - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By JerryStar - October 4 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe 2003 model is the car that I chose. It handles well and is very economical. I have to drive long distances everyday and find that the Vibe saves me gas money. I recommend it to anyone interested in a vehicle that will get them where they need to go and will save them money at the gas pump.

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  Quality slips QUICKLY as car ages - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dood - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Well, brakes replaces... now intake manifold gasket is bad... at 37000 miles. This is becoming a very weak point in these cars. As the cars get older, their weak quality shows through -- typical for GM I guess.