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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  bargain of a life time - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By renter2 - August 28 - 9:40 am

  Purchased new 09 of 2008, after 64 months of ownership, this vehicle has been nearly perfect. We only drive it 2 or 3 times a month. Averaging 20.8 mpg over the last 3800 miles of mixed driving. Current mileage is 23,600 mi. of old folks driving (treat it like we paid for it).Over our adult life we have owned 30+ new vehicles, & 10+ used. From Acura to VW, including a few hp & luxury types.maybe it was just good luck but the gt does everything very well.I have read the first drives of the new chevy ss, & it sounds like an excellent car, but the msrp is nearly 47k with the fuel usage tax penalty.I will keep the gt thank you.

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  Nice - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By David Fellows - August 27 - 2:00 am

  This car has all the right options and performance of a higher end import. If you want to buy an American sport sedan instead of an import this is the car to take a serious look at. I personally think its the best looking car on the market for under 35k.

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  My GXP - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lostrebel - August 26 - 1:46 pm

  Pure performance from a 4 door sedan. Not for the weak of heart or forearm. Once we mastered the torque steer the car is a complete joy to drive. Superb handling and braking under all conditions.

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  Mecanically sound GrandAm - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Allen59 - August 26 - 10:00 am

  My wife drives this car daily... It gets about 27 MPG regardless of how you drive it in the city (I have a heavy foot) Interstate is 32 MPG And it has excellent pickup at all speeds (3.1 V-6) After over 3 and a half years we have put 50,000 miles on it and have never experienced a mecanical problem. This car handling is exceptional in turns with the Firestone 720s Very reliable car.

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  Amazing car - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By BONNE FAN - August 26 - 12:30 am

  Absolutely amazing car especially the SLE with all the creature comforts. Steering Wheel radio controls and leather make this car extremely comfortable on the inside while the 205 HP V6 under the hood is more than enough to throw you back in your seat or squeal the tires. Overall it is a very good mixture between sport and luxury and in a 4 door package to make a sport luxury sedan. I have owned 4 of these cars over the last 12 years and I still have all of them if that isnt reliability IDK what is. These engine are bullet proof and currently I have 275,000 miles and still going on my car and it still runs like brand new no ticks or knocks or squeals or anything Best engine EVER!

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  The muscle car lives....but its GM - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GhostOfDeLorean - August 25 - 3:50 pm

  Bought the car because of the engine and cockpit interior. Yes, its dated, but the 3800 will run forever. I have the GTP Comp/G and its a head turner! Fast off the line. Have to watch over torquing into curves. TapShift is ok, but could live without. Has every option. Too bad it does not come with heated mirrors. The bad: N85 five-spoke chrome alloy wheels are crap. Nice looking but the chrome is bubbling off after three years and breaking the seal. GM will only supply reconditioned rims. Will never buy a new GM product again.

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  Love my Azzie! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By LORIE - August 24 - 11:00 pm

  My Aztek has been the perfect vehicle for me out all the vehicles I have ever owned! Its not a girlie (mini-) SUV, but handles like a car. I love the interior because its easy to clean up spills. (My three teenagers and I live in the car!) It is easy to handle, doesnt sit too high or too low, sporty, converts easily for more cargo space, and I easily put my 7-8 foot fresh cut Christmas tree in it! Its been the best investment Ive ever made in a vehicle!

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  Dont miss out on a great bargain - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Fran - August 24 - 1:30 am

  The Torrent is a great little SUV for women. Enough space to carry just about anything, but handles like a compact, that fabulous Pontiac power steering and transmission. Pontiac is the true signature American car; sharp style at first glance, muscle when you need it, smooth ride, fun and always dependable. I have done weekend driving with the Murano and the Jeep Liberty and the Torrent beats both no contest. It has all the classic benefits of a Pontiac: fast start, stylish interior and exterior, affordable price (at $26,000 it is $12,000 cheaper than the Murano) and great on gas. I get 27 miles to the gallon, and it only takes $61.00 to fill up the tank. I love this car.

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  Needed instead of Wanting - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Steve - August 23 - 1:30 pm

  Got a very economical car in this era of rising gas prices. I got a great price for everything that came on this Vibe. Anyone needing an inexpensive car that is inexpensive to run then check out the Vibe. I went with the FWD instead of the AWD. I drove both, about the same feel supposedly a little better mileage with the FWD. Lots of head and leg room. Im 62 and there is 6=7inches of headroom to spare.

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  The Best - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sarah - August 23 - 11:06 am

  This car was perfect for my teenage driver, encouraging safe driving, since it has a not-so-extreme power supply. it also handles very well, perfect for the inexperienced driver.