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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  2006 Grand Prix GT Supercharged - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dcole08 - January 16 - 3:49 pm

  I have had this car for over 2 years now, and I must say I love it. I honestly dont know how I stumbled upon it because I was initially looking for either a Maxima, or a Charger. Somehow I stumbled upon this car and it is awesome. It looks awesome and turns heads all of the time because it is different. Mine (all black with black interior) is rare where I am and I havent seen one like it around. People love riding in it, and my wife loves to drive it. Its very comfortable to drive, and I have never had any issues with it. The 3800 motor in it is a legend in the car world, and mechanics salivate when they see the 3800 v6 it wrapped with headers and a supercharger.

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  1999 Sunfire with 2.4L engine - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Nice - January 16 - 8:00 am

  In the ten years Ive had the car, I had not not have any major problems. It has 135kMi In fact, so far it has all been maintenance items (oil, brakes etc).Very impressed with the reliability of this car.

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  Pontiac Lover - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Frank N - January 13 - 3:00 pm

  The vehicle is very stylish inside and out. It is a smooth ride and good fuel/mpg. You get alot of features for the price (memory settings between 2 drivers). Its also roomy inside and plenty of trunk space.

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  I Love My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mandy Ethridge - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my 2003 Pontiac Vibe. I couldnt afford an SUV and didnt want a car. The Vibe was the perfect pick. I am so glad they came out with the Vibe. I had to wait three months to get my Vibe because they just came out and no one in my town had one yet. The wait was worth it. Ive never owned a standard and it is sooo easy to drive. I would suggest anyone to get a standard they are so much fun, and the room is great too! My husband tented the windows, put a stereo and amp and new wheels on it and my ride is sweet. I coulndt be happier! The gas mileage my car gets is also very good and with gas prices going up it is going to be a wise investment.

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  A wonderful car... - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By eliseb02 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  My sunfire is compact, fun to drive. It looks nice. Its good on the road.

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  Va Va Va Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By jude - January 13 - 10:00 am

  i have had my vibe for one week and so far i think this car is awesome ! i can drive for hours and be totally comfortable. it handles very well and has great pick-up. great gas mileage. thanks pontiac.. i am very impressed.

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  First AWD Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cheetahchip - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Didnt really get to drive it in the snow yet, but it handles very well in sleet and in the rain. Cant get my knees positioned right though without hitting the steering column. Needs more room there. Windy conditions make it hard to steer properly. All in all it is a fun and really nice car though.

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  BEST CAR - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By VIBER - January 13 - 10:00 am

  HANDLES EXTREMELY WELL, GREAT LOOK

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  Grand Am SE1 - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By krosshammers - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Well this car I havent had any problems with since its purchase. But I do think the dealership should have checked the car over before handing the keys over to me. After a week I checked the engine to find it was almost empty. Not acceptable! Although the staff was very warm and friendly they do need to pay attention to detail.

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  Pontiacs are Awesome - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Hoggatolluh - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my GP GT and I love it! I am a hardcore Pontiac person. Styling is beautiful. Handling is unbelievable. Power is there. Seats just hug you when you sit in them. Pontiac is designing and build some of the most aggressive and beautiful designs, people should take note.