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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  Its Just Awsome!!!! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By sandeep kaistha - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I brought this car earlier this year (used) and have already put in about 10,000 miles in about 4 months.This is a serious performance car and fun to drive.I have driven a lot of mustangs and camaros but "the firebird" steals the show.....

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  G5 is a great car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Kim - May 21 - 6:50 pm

  What a fun car to drive! This is a nice car that is a 4 cylinder but seems like a 6 cylinder. It has a great suspension system and handles bumps and curves nicely! It doesnt hesitate to get up and go when necessary!

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  Best Kept Secret - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Peter M - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I replaced my FORD "91" Aerostar XL with the Aztec. Being a musician and daddy I needed all the room, (to keep my musical gear:(2 300watt PA speakers, 1 effect rack, 2 guitars, 1 full size keyboard applicable stands and my 3 year olds necessary toys and supplies to get around town while shopping with the wife)I could get. I looked around for at least 3 months and I stumbled on the Aztec. As soon as I sat in it I needed to take it for a ride and then I was sold. Its a working mans cadillac. I am glad I found it, really.

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  drive the heck out of it - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By captnjjpub - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my office on wheels at about 750 miles a week most cars get old I really like this van seats are comfortable (leather full power)not bad fuel mileage mid twenties average, great pickup, the only thing I dont like its a little touchy in cross winds at high speeds

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  Its a hot car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By purgmc - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I couldnt have been happier with this car for all the reasons listed above. Not only that but it was an eye- catcher too. Great looks, great price, reliable and fun to dirve, what more could you ask of a car.

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  Rating my Grand AM - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Grand AM - May 20 - 4:50 pm

  Other than a problem (on going) with computer saying "engine needs service, which can not be turned off, the car runs great needing only new batteries. Takes life out of them quicker in hot Florida.

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  first 1000 miles down - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By admonite - May 20 - 1:36 pm

  I love the car. It has excellent looks. Has the best quality feel of any car Ive owned American or Import. The power is excellent. I opted for the 6 cylinder and it is actually more powerful than I need. I took a drive this morning with 5 full grown adults in the car and it still pushes everyone back into their seats accelerating with normal driving.

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  Best Automobile Secret - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By ladywolve - May 20 - 6:13 am

  I bought this car as a basic model, as I personally didnt want all the hoopla. I cant say enough about this car. I traded my 2004 Mustang in (loved it too,just too low). I have moved with this car, taken extensive vacations in this car, and well, everyone is looking for a car that gets good gas mileage, thinking it never existed, well I still get 34 mpg. all the time! We always check this as it seems surreal at times.I guess all those Honda car owners are gritting their teeth now.

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  6CYL W ATTITUDE - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By MOOMAN - May 19 - 10:00 am

  6 CYLINDER PUTTING OUT 240 HP UNHEARD OF! CAR IS A ROCKET. GREAT HANDLING W LOTS OF TOYS

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  All fun, All the Time - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By soho - May 19 - 4:40 am

  I waited for 7 months to get my GXP. It was worth the wait. There is so much power for such a small car that I was really surprised. It truly is a sports car in every respect.