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 Got Outclassed...By itself - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Seth - September 4 - 10:33 am

  I got a lease and I just recently turned it in and got a new lease on a Pontiac G8. And man, everything the GP does right, the G8 does so much better and all the flaws from the GP vanish. But this is for the GP, though. The Grand Prix is a great car just to push the the limits. But when it comes down to business, it did terribly. I bumped my head in the back, causing the sunroof to get dislodged. I had a headache and a car repair bill. I was so mad. Also annoyances include archaic stereo system that looks like my old 1998 Grand Am. Its ugly inside and out. I was not satisfied at all.

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  Whitetrees Review - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By whitetree_5 - September 2 - 3:56 pm

  This car is lots of fun to drive, but completely impractical. I put this car through heavy use, but even taking this into consideration, the car is unreliable. Parts break on this thing left and right. If you want this car, be warned, it is beautiful but very high maintenance.

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  Great car, if it would quit breaking - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By prettygtp - September 2 - 5:57 am

  I bought this car with 113,000 miles which is lower than any other car I have owned. In its defense, I bought it from an auction so who knows how it was taken care of. But it ran great! It was super fast. Then things started breaking, exhaust, window switches, suspension, leaky valve covers. I had a bad feeling but never wanted to sell it when the transmission decided to blow. The first gear totally destroyed itself. Will not own one of these again, going back to my mustangs which get 200,000 miles on them before they go out.

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  Loved it! Sporty and Fast! - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By tamklo - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Very sporty, fast (v6) and comfortable. Sport interior package and v6 engine is a must.

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  EXCELLENT VEHICLE - SPORTY AND FAST - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sunlady - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Excellent! Fast v6 engine, sporty inside and out, the GT is the hot one with the duel exhaust pipes and spoiler, fog lights (4 front lights), and excellent sound system! The GT sedan is the best performing vehicle of the Grand Ams. Fast and Fun!! Very durable and comfortable. Door Slams and horn sound are tough (not whippy like some other makes). Takes off fast with that v6 roar!

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  AWWWWSSSSOM! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By deacon1 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Fun to drive. Been all over with it. Fantastic handling etc. I average 22mpg. Great to haul with too. I have the FWD GT model. Ask me what my next vehicle will be? Another Aztek!!!! Great comfort with seats, everything within easy reach.

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  Dont waste your money on the imports. - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By markaw3 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This car has it all,roomy, good handling great stereo, excellent GM build quality,good gas mileage,color choices,super bargain from dealers who helped me find every discount that was available. Power package is worth the money. Lookad at Matrix but not the same bargain and so much uglier in a blah way. Toyota engine tends to drone on though at least has some pep.All thats unknown is long term reliability but so far its ahead of my previous Nissan (various electrical problems never found by dealer).If this car had Saturns dentproof panels it would be just about perfect.Anyway ,buy one ,you wont be sorry.

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  Santa Barbara Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By curtchester - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  Initially, a problem with car wandering under all road conditions. After replacing Continental tires, problem solved IF front tire pressure 38 and rear 36. Now handles perfect with neutral steering. Otherwise, absolutely no complaints.

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  Better than Basic - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jello - September 1 - 10:56 am

  I bought this car as basic transportation 2 years ago, and it has exceeded my expectations. I average 34 mpg with my 5 speed, and have gotten over 40 on the highway. The car is cheap, and cheaply built, and I miss my Avalanche for durability and quality, but I love the gas mileage and the small size. Even as small as it is, we never have an issue getting all our stuff in it - even when taking three boys to their football games. Several of my friends have Vibes now, too, after seeing all the things I do with mine.

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  True drivers car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Vikont - August 31 - 9:53 pm

  The review is actually for a Canadian version of Pontiac G6 SE with Performance Package (3.5L 224-hp V6, hydraulic steering, fog lights; ABS, curtain-side airbags come standard). Purchased just a month ago, and I still cant get over a very competent sporty ride, solid build, just the right suspension, firm cornering, and loads of torque for sudden acceleration. Very roomy too, and all controls are nicely placed. The car is a pleasure to look at and a joy to drive!