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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  2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - great! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By LJ - california - November 28 - 4:23 am

  Purchased used with only 12k miles. 2.4L (toyota camry) engine and 5 speed auto/manual a great combination. This is not offered on the Toyota Matrix. GT model rims/tires are nice, but noisy on rough roads and you feel the bumps. Versatility and appearance are better than average. Handling is excellent because of full independent suspension, wide/low profile tires and sport tuned suspension. I did my research and compared to Matrix, Versa, Mazda-3 and Fit - Vibe GT model won out for best combination fuel economy, performance and SUV type features in a compact hatchback. GM warranty a plus (100K powertrain). Mileage should be around 30+ on highway.

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  Love my Sol - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By rosebud - November 27 - 8:50 am

  I know, Miata keeps winning the performance tests. Well, theyve also had 10-12 years to get it right. the Solstice is the most highly tested new vehicle in recent years. if the 2006 was up against the 05 mazda, Sol would win hands down. Mazda knew Pontiac was putting this baby out, so Mazda beefed up the engine. Pontiac is doing that next year. Mazda hired the guy who designed the Solstice.. body change for Miata in the near future? This is becoming a true rivalry.

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  Almost Perfect - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Amdetsion - November 27 - 1:40 am

  After driving (2) GTPs and a Comp G my experience with the GXP is simply amazing. The GXP is truely a culmination. The Grand Prix is truly expressed through the performance and styling of this car the 08 GXP. If it had anymore technology or performance improvements it would exceed the already excessively designed and engineered German products. The car is precise and smartly cued with technology, comforts and prestige without the lavish and non-sensical over statements and cost common to many up level Euro-imps. I want to ride American and feel good about it. GXP is a very good feeling; especially when I remind myself of its price, operating and maintenance cost.

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  Nice Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Paul - November 26 - 10:03 pm

  I have had this car for about two years and the car has performed outstandingly. I bought the car with all the GTP options except the supercharger. I was planning on adding performance parts to the car, but I decided that the car was fine the way it is.

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  Its comfortable and affordable!!! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By snjmilly@aol.com - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my first mini van and I absolutely love it. We have taken it on several long distance road trips and the comfort and accessibility to the second and third rows is wonderful. I dont know who enjoys driving it more, me or my husband! It is very comfortable.

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  Dont underestimate me - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Aumsville RN - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The Aztek is fun and unsual to own. People look at it wherever I go. The comfort level is better than any other SUV type vehicle and not to be overlooked in the market place. It is functional for a family or for an individual, yet great for hauling groceries or home improvement items. Backseat room is more than adequate for a large man due to the headroom and superior legroom. That 5 can ride in comfort is one of the great features. A/C & heat vents directed to the rear passengers keeps everyone happy. The reclining rear seats allows for passenger rest where other models do not. The sound system is terrific!

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  worth the search - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By cc27 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  I have been searching for a car for nearly a year...wanting something that was highly rated by consumers, economical, safe and affordable with 2 kids in college. The Vibe was very affordable...a little better than the TMV price and it has been fun to drive. My husband and son rode in the back on a recent trip. Both are at least 6 feet tall and had plenty of leg room. The acceleration has been fine...better than my van that has 4 cyl. Having Edmunds research was a blessing in assuring myself I had found a deal in the Vibe. I have the FWD automatic model.

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  Best Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By SpiritwindJ128 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned,am very glad I decided on this!!

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  1995 grand am gt - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Adan Schroder - November 23 - 2:00 am

  great car great performace confort and relabilty aswsome car!!!

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  Unique Aztek Owners. - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By bossman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Having owned the Aztek for the last year and a half we have experienced a couple of computer problems which required the replacement of the component as well as a minor door problem. We have had as many approving glances as disapproving. We tow a 1500 lb. tent trailer and find that the vehicle handles well for long distance towing, long distance travel without the trailer is comfortable as well. We love driving the vehicle and would buy another.