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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  Great after 7 months - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By kselbig - May 7 - 4:56 pm

  Posted earlier, loved it then, love it now. Very disappointed that Pontiac will be going away. Buy one of these cars if a car for you is not just a means of transportation. It is a blast to drive, even in V-6 form. I got the upgraded interior and 6 disc CD player. I have received as many compliments about this car as my 2000 Corvette, maybe more.

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  Good Vibes - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Ang - May 6 - 1:40 am

  Was skeptical at first as it looked really small from the outside. My husband said "get in and try it out". Once seated in drivers seat, I was hooked. There is a lot of room in this car. I was impressed. The car has a lot of zippiness and it fun to drive. Purchasing gas is also sweet. I can go 7 days on a tank of gas (back and forth to work (60 miles a day) and tooling around town). Very impressed with that aspect. Stereo has nice sound. I like the storage system in the back of the car for shopping. Backseat is roomy for a 6 person to sit comfortably. All in all Im very happy we purchased this vehicle when we did.

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  "LOTB" 2K2 WS.6 A4 by Larry - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Larry - May 5 - 1:23 pm

  The 2002 model year is the last year for the f-bodies, therefore, I bought a 2002 Trans Am WS.6 before they become scarce. I loved the looks of Trans Ams and especially WS.6 models. This is my 4th f-body, previously owned 1988 Camaro 5SPD.[305v8], 1994 Z28-6SPD., 1995 Trans Am-6SPD., 1996 Z28-6SPD. and will say this is by far the best in looks, pure speed, handling-(275-40ZR17 wheels and tires sure help) and getting a thumbs up from other motorists. I was looking for a 6speed but got a great deal on an auto[4L60E] in arctic white that I couldnt pass up. Interior has fighter jet cockpit sensation, 500 watt monsoon audio. Got 25mpg-Greenville NC. to Erie PA. No problems as of 30k miles.

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  Awesome All Around!!! AAA - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By tc122196 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Aztek used with over 40,000 miles on it. But it still runs as if its brand new. I have never had so much fun driving a vehicle. Its as if people that drive an Aztek have a group all of their own. I recently had a guy come up to me at the mall while my husband and I were putting our purchases away..he put his arm around me and said You like yours as well as I like mine? I said oh yes! Other Aztek- ians wave when you pass..complete strangers! Fun Fun Fun!!! Our next vehicle is already decided to be another Aztek!

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  little but reliable - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Juan-Carlos - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought it second hand and they kill me with the financing because was my first car but is a honest little car with attitude (the tail is so nice)and run ok, normal wearing, just need care.

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  GTP 40th Anniversary - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Matt Garrett - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great car, I really enjoy the 40th Anniversary features (two-tone leather, dual power seats, dual zone A/C). Should be a collerctors car in a number of years

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  You wont regret it! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GMinTheDriveway - April 30 - 3:23 pm

  This is not your fathers GTO. This is a modern muscle machine - a 2+2 Corvette with an added stealth advantage. Some criticize the so- called "jellybean" styling, but inside and out this is a beautiful car with power to spare. The clutch is pretty heavy for stop&go driving, but the 400 lb/ft of torque allow you to simply ease out the clutch without touching the gas. Go ahead, it wont stall like a gutless high-revving VTEC. This is pure adrenaline in a sophisticated touring package. In the words of Ferris Bueller "it is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend you pick one up"

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  Good Changeover - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dave Baker - April 28 - 8:56 am

  Weve owned a Caravan (V6)for the past 18 years and decided to try something with better gas mileage. So far we are very pleased with the switch. The Vibe seems to be comparible on interstate as far as power goes, gas mileage was 34 mpg on our first road trip and the passenger and driver compartment was more comfortable than the van. There was actually more leg & foot room. The only downfall is the cargo space but we hope to take advantage of the roof rack for that. Finding crossbars for the roof rack on a Vibe seems to be a challenge. I should have gotten a Vibe years ago.

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  Fun in the sun - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By wlmbrm - April 27 - 5:43 am

  Ive only had my Sol for about two weeks now, but what a fun two weeks it has been! This car turns head and elicits comments EVERYWHERE I go. From a pure driving standpoint all I can say is WOW, she hugs the road unbelievably well, accelerates like a bat out of you know where, and handles like a dream. Monsoon sound system totally rocks and enables you to blow a bunch of the teenagers away (or at least keeps you from having to hear their stereo blasting!)

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  The Best Car for the money - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Kevin - April 27 - 2:46 am

  I love this vehicle. This having been the fourth vehicle Ive ever owned, Ive always purchased vehicles of this size. This ones the best. I love how it drives on the highway, and yet is still fun to drive in town as well. Not to mention that I look good driving it. I was skeptical at first about the fusion orange color, but now I love it.