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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  Look at me Im saving - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tahoe Trader - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  Just traded 07 Tahoe, thought the ride would be degraded but was happy to find this "sub compact" not small at all. Roomy and so much fun to drive, cant believe a 4cyl could have so much pep! All my SUV neighbors can laugh but Im laughing all the way to the bank. Excellent vehicle of choice with the changes taking place in our economy.

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  Love My Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jackiepow - September 14 - 10:56 am

  This was the first Pontiac that I ever owned, so I was a little apprehensive to look at them in the beginning. However, once I got inside at the dealership, I knew this was the car for me. I am 52" and this car fits me like a glove (it also fits my 61" husband). The manual height adjustment for the seats is really what sold me. It gets fantastic gas mileage, handles wonderfully, and its really quite roomy. I can see out of all of the windows and always feel safe.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Happy in Gainesville - September 14 - 6:26 am

  I have owned many Pontiacs from Trans Ams to Firebirds and this one is a pleasure to drive. Get great comments on its looks and when I open the hood, "WOW". Would buy one again unfortunately 2005 is the last year.

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  GReat performance great car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By David - September 14 - 6:13 am

  The GTO is a great car for a driver who likes to be comfortable, likes driving fast and doesnt care on getting the highest quality interior. If there was a short coming on this car, the crumby interior would have to be it

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  Mommas Silver Baby - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sportsfreak - September 13 - 2:00 am

  After 33000 miles this vehicle has proven to be very reliable. My ife and I have enjoyed it very much. we are planning on selling it to our son very soon and buying another GM vehicle.

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  So lucky I found this Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By onsteegirl - September 12 - 3:46 am

  I needed a great used car and my salesman found this one that had low miles, chrome wheels, and a sun roof. Sounds cheesy, but every time I see my car, I am stoked to drive it! Looks awesome and Ive gotten many compliments. Rides great, quick pickup when entering highways. Has a roomy backseat that my friends said was more comfortable than they expected.

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  2001 Grand Am GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By bnosyt - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. It handles great, has good acceleration, and is comfortable to drive. I only have 7400 miles on this car right now, and there is nothing to complain about. I would recommend getting the GT rather than the SE.

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  Attainable Dream Car! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By freddie01r - September 11 - 10:00 am

  No out of warranty problems to date and all warranty service was done well, thanks Pontiac!

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  best for the money - 2008 Pontiac Torrent
  By Snappy - September 10 - 2:30 pm

  I have been a sedan or coupe driver all my life, I also build and drive street rods, but this torrent is the most fun vehicle I have ever owned. I always am looking for an excuse to go somewhere. I have looked at other vehicles and it seems to me that this car offers a lot more goodies for the money.

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  Value and Style - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By jbanks25 - September 10 - 8:10 am

  When it was time to replace our 3 year old leased Malibu we wanted something with similar gas mileage and a little more style. The G6 fit the bill perfectly. 25 More HP than the Malibu, and 27.5 average MPG.