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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  Florida brings out best and worst - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By jerry clevenger - August 9 - 8:26 pm

  I like the cars responsiveness to the throttle, it is almost intuitive. I like the size of the car in a metro area. My wife drives it most of the time and really looks sporty in the red car with chrome wheels and sunroof open. I dislike the poor visiibility out of the rear window and the difficulty getting into the back seat. It needs a bit more head room back there. There have been absolutely no mechanical problems. The red color makes it hot to touch in the FLorida sun. The car is hot inside when you get into it. It needs heavily tinted windows.

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  So UGLY-its CUTE - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By dogd923 - August 9 - 5:50 pm

  Just bought this 02 Aztek,and I love it.The dealer gave me a great deal on it, since he thought it was so ugly, he didnt want it on his lot. It is roomy, and very easy to drive. Plenty of cargo/storage area, and the rear seats lift out like a mini-van.This is very helpful for moving large objects, or transporting a huge dog, as I do.A very versatile, and unusual vehicle. The AWD version (which I own) gives you the SUV you need-I live in CT-plus minivan type room-all wrapped up in a unique package.

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  I Love My Car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ProudPontiacOwner - August 9 - 3:13 pm

  My car gets GREAT gas mileage - 34 mph hiway, 24 mph combined (city/hiway). It is has a manual transmission. In the 10 years Ive owned it, Ive replaced the brakes (once) the tires (once) the battery (3 times) the alternator (once) and a belt and hose - ie, very low maintenance.

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  Bills review - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By William Weirich - August 9 - 7:50 am

  This is one one the better cars I have purchased in the last 10 years. Drives great, great takeoff, handling is perfect, and the comfort of the interior is excellent.

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  AWESOME AZTEK!!! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By JulesWahl - August 7 - 10:00 am

  My Ford Focus was having serious engine problems (only 40k mileage) and I wanted to upgrade to an SUV. Test drove many SUV products. It is an extremely solid vehicle, Roomy, amazingly comfortable seats (lumbar supports-awesome!)Seats flip forward and come out of the vehicle with ease...Interior is well designed and beautiful. Accessories are incredible and many different packages to choose from. Gas mileage has been really good, I was very surprised. Safety features are fabulous. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  A reliable Muscle Car built to last - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Goat-a-roo - August 7 - 7:56 am

  Ive had my Goat (or ROO since it was built in Australia!) for 20 months now. In that time I have put 40,000 miles on it. (I know! Its a LOT but Im in sales & I like to travel). Its amazingly easy to rack on miles in this car because it is SO much fun to drive! The car is built SO STRONG!! Not a single rattle or anything at 53K. And she kicks the tires just as she did the day I brought er home. It is important to note that the reliability of the GTO is fantastic. I have had ZERO[0] problems. It always starts even in the coldest of winter. I cant recommend this car enough. Pure muscle & torque. And I average 25 MPG on the highway in a muscle car!!!! (long trips). Dead serious!

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  I love my birdie - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By KELI JONES - August 6 - 1:13 am

  This is the second firebird i have owned the first was a 1996 had alot of problems with that one but the design and handling made me come back to the firebird. I have also owned 2 cameros they do not hold a candle no comparison. I love to just drive with the t-tops off. This car is great. And this car is 5 years old but looks brand new. Only 41000 miles. Holds up great. One day maybe they will build a car that will compare for the money. Gm really screwed up by stopping production. What a shame. They are bringing back an old gto. But stop making the best car they had. I question common sense there its a shame. And by the way i drive a bird because that is what i like not because thats all i can

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  Im done - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By neveragain - August 4 - 2:40 pm

  Well, I love the interior and the sound of a V8 and that’s the extent of my love affair with this car. I have been towed to the dealership twice. Steering issues at the shop three times. Two additional home steering repairs. Serpentine belt tensioner rod broke… towed again! Multiple broken rims and blown tires… low profile and Michigan bad combo. Average MPG 21. Not great, since I drive 90 miles round trip to work daily, of which about 70 is hwy. I am actually paranoid when driving it now waiting for the next break down. I owe $11g on this beautiful heap and gotta get rid of it! Thanks Motor City!

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  Vehicle Good, Service Stinks - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By Wonder Woman - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Purchased with 58,000 km (Canada). We also purchased warranty to cover electronic gizmos. Biggest problem, power sliding door. Took to be serviced, dealership claimed the motor was dead - replacement cost $1,800Cdn or cut the power cables. What about the extended warranty, oops, not covered. Surprise. We cut the cables. A few weeks later someone pushes the door open button and surprise, the motor is running. Probably not a motor problem but a problem getting power to the motor. Too late now, the cables are cut. Other than this weve done some normal maintenance, but nothing major. Did replace one of the headlight covers. Now has 107,000 km.

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  Beauty is only skin deep - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By yesbill - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My first look at this vehicle consisted of a four letter word and no way hoe say. Here we are at the San Diego auto show earlier this year, I lose my wife among the throngs of people, I consider this my chance to check out the Porsches, then I hear "Oh Bill look at this." I turn around and see this thing. Heres Angela sitting in an Aztek. Its black, its angular, its so different. She says sit so I sit. My GOD what perfect seats. The look outside is perfect. The front cockpit is extraordinarly ergonomical!!