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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  Last of the classic Grand Prixs... - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Russ - March 5 - 2:00 am

  The GTP coupe is truly the last of the classic Grand Prix line.Nothing against sedans,but this is the best looking model since the 70s.At 3,500 lb it has the weight to match the 240 hp/280 ft.lb.supercharged 3.8L engine.Feels like the classic performance models of 60s.At 73,000 miles theres been no major problems except a dead battery and dry-rotted tires.Slight oil seepage but that happens at higher mileage. Gas mileage isnt that bad for a supercharged engine, using premium actually gives it better mileage, go figure. Nice leather interior, drivers seat is comfortable when finally dialed in. Overall a sharp, solid car.

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  My Latest Convertible - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By OldMGDriver - March 4 - 9:43 pm

  Ive had a 1958 TR-3A, a 1972 MGB and a 1988 Chevy Cavalier Z24 convertible in my driving lifetime and this is the best overall package in the bunch. The only drawback is the tiny trunk when the hardtop is stowed, but, for heavens sake, it IS a hardtop convertible! The thing must go somewhere! Fit and finish seems excellent. Several storage cubbyholes in the cockpit are very handy for stowage of manuals, remote controls and other "glove box" items. ONStar and XM radio are wonderful additions. The ac/heater vents have provided a perfect home for my Garmin GPS. Well see how she likes the trip up to our condo in Flagstaff.

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  Most fun car in 40 years - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By stephen larson - March 3 - 10:00 pm

  This vehicle hugs the road, has great visibility, no factory defects and is fun to drive

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  12,000 mile review - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By fladad - March 1 - 5:30 am

  I have had my Vibe since OCT and now have 12000 miles. Not one mechanical problem yet. The upgraded stereo-Moons and Tunes-sounds great. The car is nimble and quick for only 130hp. At 65- 70mph I get a true 34mpg with auto transmission. It feels bigger when inside than it really is. Unless you have GM card points and OLDs loyalty rebate, it makes more sense to buy a used one with 10-12k miles for about 12- 13000 dollars.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ken79 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a new 04 grand prix. This is the second one I have owned. It is a very fun car and has impressed me very much. It has a sporty feel and look to it with the power to back that look up. It also is comfortable and can make a nice family car. The price of the car by far beats Chevy cars and your getting the same engine. I think you get more for your money on this car anyway. My only negative remark from my experience is about my dealership. But as far as the car you cant go wrong on this one.

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  GM Hits Homerun - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jenkins - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Handling, attention to detail and quality, awesome power with Comp G,XM satellite, safety features including side airbags for front/rear seat passengers, sporty looks make this an unbeatable car at this price range! This is 4th GP Ive owned and by far the best of the bunch.

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  By Far, The Best Sports Car Under 45k - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By TomG - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Bright Red Trans Am in early August of 2000 after repeatedly test driving Mustangs, Eclipses, Celicas, and even a BMW 3 series. What I wanted was a sporty, fun, and fast car for around 25 - 30k. I have every option except for the WS6 package (3k for 15 horses?) I opted for the 4 speed auto rather than the Hurst 6 speed which I found to be clumsy with long throws and an imprecise feel, not to mention that horrid skip shift. The performance of this car is just unreal. I havent had any problems thus far in the 1.5 years that Ive had it. The Monsoon sound system is simply amazing. I would reccomend this car to anyone who loves driving.

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Will S. - February 28 - 9:10 am

  I have owned an Aztek AWD 4D for approximately 3 1/2 years. It has been reliable, fun to drive, convenient and fuel efficient. My dog loves the car, the back seats and plastic storage container in the back are easily remove to haul stuff. The sight angles arent great out of the back but are adequate.The car handles well and (knock on wood) in three years I have had 0 problems with it. Great for camping, fishing, moving, tailgating (huge plus) and other activities that guys love. Great for taking your dog on a long trip. I love this car and plan on keeping it for 10 more years. Its styling and interior grows on you and the front console is almost identical to my wifes Grand Prix GTP.

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  Its a contender - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kurt - February 28 - 5:43 am

  I bought this car used (15k miles) and have just put over 1000 miles on it in one week (vacation). Good performance from engine and sound handling dynamics. Fuel economy is surprisingly good; 23 city, 34 mpg on country roads at 60-65 mph, and 32 mpg at 78 mph on the higway, all with the AC running and 3 passengers. This vehicle is a HUGE step forward from past GM efforts, but it has room to improve.

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  Quite impressed - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By ryanjm183 - February 28 - 2:16 am

  Even with the unfair advantage the my wife was supposed to buy a truck for me while I was in Iraq this car has impressed me. Being in siding and window sales I lacked space and often bottomed out the suspension while carrying a lot of samples. It is also difficult to get a child restraint in and out of the back seat. All in all I would have to give my Firebird an excellent rating and would recommend it to anyone without infant(s) and/or sells siding. Ive only had it in the shop a couple times for minor repairs that I didnt have time to do myself.