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:

• 

  Firebird - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Adrian2004 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Incredible handling of road, great acceleration and continued high speed, turns in a dime and stops better than other cars tried. Will make heads turn as you drive by.

• 

  Good Performance - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By BREXSIS - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The Pontiac aztek is very sensable buy and very comfortable,amazing fast also good interior lighting,

• 

  Surprising Performer on All Fronts - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Steve - December 29 - 2:00 am

  After having done time in an overpriced and overrated Volvo, I bought the WS6 due to its appeal. I love the engine, handling, interior, and styling. But be careful, this car can get you in over your head quick! The pleasant surprise has been the cheapness to own (not insurance,though!). The 22 mpg fuel mileage is respectable for what it is - a V8. Better still, with 85,000 on the odo - it has only needed brakes pads, battery, tires, and light bulbs. This was a welcomed change from the Volvo that started to come undone at 50,000 - nice going GM, my faith in domestics has been restored!!

• 

  Aussies Rule - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mustangterminator - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Took delivery this weekend and havent slept since. Fantastic car!! This is an affordable,QUALITY, sophistaced hot rod. Forget the understated looks... its suppose to be that way. Just like the original. I added an aftermarket cold air intake and stage 1 chip to boost the HP to 455. Interior is far superior to any US built GM car, except possibly the Cadillac line. Save enough on the car to afford lots of tires and tickets. Gas isnt an issue with an average MPG of 20. Also very pleased with the interior room, as I am 63" and 280lbs.

• 

  Fun car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By CarolD - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive. Performance is very good for a 4 cylinder. Its a nice family car with sporty looks. Rebate make it a nice alternative to many smaller compact cars.

• 

  I love my Pontiac - 2009 Pontiac G6
  By jitensha jin - December 28 - 9:36 pm

  This is my first convertible. I love the hardtop convertible. Cant figure out why GM chose to drop the Pontiac line.

• 

  A Few Problems! - 2007 Pontiac Torrent
  By Sandra Opsal - December 28 - 10:56 am

  Ive had my Torrent for 3+ years and its been fairly reliable until recently. Had a problem with stabilitrac and traction control lights coming on, they had to replace a valve (dont have paperwork in front of me). Just returned from a 500 mile road trip and stabilitrac light just came on again. Also car sounds like a plane ready for take off - transmission? Will be bringing that to dealership tomorrow. No extended warranty. Hope the powertrain warranty covers it. Have 48,000 miles on it and this could be the first serious problem Ive had with it. Otherwise, have enjoyed driving it. Wish mileage were better but it is good on long trips and better in summer (21-22) than winter (19).

• 

  verry fast - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By e. m. - December 27 - 2:56 am

  no complaints except it could have a little better suspesion and a better stereo

• 

  got to love it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By steve - December 26 - 3:20 pm

  fun to drive easy handling good on gas especially on highway. plenty of pep but not overpowering. only feature didnt like was the on and off dash lights.

• 

  Does not dissapoint - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Roger Kirby - December 25 - 6:30 pm

  I have dogs, large dogs and need to haul them around. That was the first criteria on buying the car. The dogs love it, the way it is designed they can easily hang their heads out of the window. The second was fuel economy which is good. The last reason was a car which I would find satisfying and on this score it has exceeded my expectations. Our family has a Civic, a Honda CRV and a Mustang Convertible (its a large family). This car is everyones favorite, because of its versatility. The Mustang makes a good second car, however it gets left behind for long hauls, shopping trips, taking friends out etc. The car does everything very well, without trying to the best in any one feature.