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:

• 

  The G8 is great! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By G8Keeper - June 6 - 7:03 pm

  This car is simply an amazing value. It is extremely powerful, roomy, suave and tons of fun to drive. Its family friendly too! Go buy one, what are you waiting for!?

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Maximillian - June 5 - 1:46 pm

  Six months ago I purchased my 2004 used Sunfire. It had 26,000 miles on the odometer. No regrets. Great car. Extremely reliable. I would recommend it to everybody. Very cheap to buy if buying used. Bang for the buck when compared with other cars in its class. Extremely economical. The front cateye looks goes great with the car. IÂ’ve heard a lot of bad things regarding the pre-2003 models. I guarantee the past 2003 are completely different. I can only conclude that people who experience problems with 2003, 2004, and 2005 models are cars that have been in an accident and that have been not been properly repaired. If you buy it and it hasnÂ’t been in an accident you wont go wrong.

• 

  Excellent Car for the $$ - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bryan Park - June 4 - 9:43 pm

  I reluctantly bought my Pontiac G6 after my wife talked me into it. I didnt even want to test drive it. It looks like a small car from the outside...its not. Im an above average sized guy (64"), and I fit just fine. In fact, in most other cars I jam the seat all the way to the back. Not in the G6. I actually have to move it forward some. Inside the car is comfortable and somewhat stylish. The car rides amazingly well. Theres only one word to describe it...smooth. It steers well, drives smoothly, and gets over 30 mpg. All in all, this car should rate above every car in its class for its style, comfort and its affordability. Finally, an American car to compete with the Japanese.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jessyr - June 4 - 1:00 pm

  I just got my G6, but I love it soo much. I previously had a Sunfire, so for anyone that would be a big step. Its a beautiful car for the price.

• 

  Love my Vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Hawkybaby - June 2 - 9:26 pm

  I just got my Vibe about 2 weeks ago and it is a dream! It is a 2005 and is pretty loaded. I got the monochrome color package in the Fusion color scheme. It looks awesome and turns a lot of heads.

• 

  I have it - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By TINKER - June 2 - 7:00 pm

  I bought it in dec 04 drove to flo from ontario I love it it feels high class and sporty all in one I am a young mom and didnt want a van I m too young for that this is perfect 4 me

• 

  After 3 months - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - June 2 - 3:56 pm

  I have had my G8 GT for almost w months know and the more I drive it the more I love it. Getting use to where all the switches are and comfortable with it. Only big expense besides gas has been a oil change. 8 quarts of Mobil 1 are not cheap. The more I drive this car the more impressed I am with it. Merging into freeway traffic can be almost frightening. Any thing more than 1/4 throttle and you are going from 45 mph to 80 mph in about two heartbeats. Even after 3 months it is still hard to get more than 16 mpg. I think that has something to do with that thing Pontiac puts under your right foot. It keeps sucking your foot to the floor and putting a smile on your face. LOL

• 

  keep it for life - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By derek16 - June 1 - 5:50 am

  I have had this car for about a year now and i love it! When i first got it the temp. gauge went out so i returned it to the car dealer ship. They tried to fix it but the just broke it even worse and the broke the gas gauge. But i know when im gonaa run out. It is in the shop because the air conditoner compresser fell off but what can u expect. Every car will need work done to it eventualy. I have treat this car like crap and it has only broke down onec. Everyone says that it is good on the snow but i have ran into many curbs and bent the rims. All in all this is the best car that i have had and i plan to switch to the torrent when this one goes out. Very roomy. Hope this was helpful.

• 

  Best Grand Prix Ever - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By DrDre413 - June 1 - 3:13 am

  As the 3rd time owner of a grand prix, I must say this is the best one ever. I had an 01 GT, and 03 GTP, and now an 06 GXP. They just keep getting better. This is just a great car all the way around. Acceleration is great, looks are nice too, and interior is much better this time around. Pontiac really has a winner with this one. Keep up the good work!

• 

  Perfect - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Patrick - May 31 - 8:33 pm

  Absolutely a blast to drive. The power is always on tap, and the acceleration is fast yet smooth. The car sticks to the road very well, and though the suspension is sporty, its not overly stiff or uncomfortable. Some controls take a bit of getting used to, but after a month its not a problem.