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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  An Affordable 5 Series Beamer - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Beytmeta - August 31 - 11:40 pm

  The GXP is a serious American sports sedan that is a true competitor with the high priced over designed and excessively engineered German products particularly BMW 5 series. The 08 GXP performance handling, acceleration and braking is sweet and enjoyable without being too riggid or over the top. On road bumps the 08 GXP is a little untamed; instead of a smart, crisp "dip the 08 GXP sort of rolls over certain road bumps. This is not a problem persay. The tires are my only concern. 2 different sizes and no tire rotation and no spare is a real challenge. 08 GXP Smart, sweet, gorgious.

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  Recent Purchase and Happy... - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Yvonne - August 31 - 12:33 am

  We have found this van to have everything we were looking for. The front and rear heat and air adjustments are great. We are very happy with the comfort of all the adjustments over all.

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  good - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By propilot - August 30 - 10:00 am

  good handling. good engine and good all around car for anyone. kick ass car

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  GRRREATT G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By D. Cooper - August 30 - 12:40 am

  I Love My G8. I was waiting for the Camaro to come out but came across the G8 and fell in love. It looks means and corners great. Everybody asks me what it is or if its a BMW or Mercedes. I love the look of the interior especially the radio. We were driving a 2500 diesel so we chose the V6. But now I want the V8. So who knows I might be upgrading. Mines Black on Black.

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  Worth every penny - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rich - August 29 - 10:13 am

  Needed AWD due to living in Northern New England. Vibe was cheaper than Matrix with better warranty. Paid less than invoice. Needed versatility which Vibe had. People love the way it looks. Good value with Sun and Sound Package, AWD and Convenience package.

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  liquid silver - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By whitie - August 29 - 6:33 am

  all ok, A few dealer fine tuning under warranty, hope the bottom dosen!t fall out after warranty. Had 3 previous SSE v6 Bonnies without major repairs,keeping my fingers crossed on Norhstar v8

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  What a blast to drive! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By ilovmysolstice - August 27 - 9:33 pm

  Got the Solstice about 2 weeks ago and love it! I was going to sell it, but have decided that its not worth the extra cash to wait until next year to get another. The car handles as well as much more expensive sports cars, looks much better than most costing far more, turns heads like you wouldnt believe. I have had a few people follow me home to ask about it! The shifting is smooth and the throttle response is immediate. It could use a little more umph, but all in all is plenty quick. The people that havent heard about it cant believe what I paid. They usually guess in the low to mid 30s. Buy one!

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  The perfect car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mark - August 27 - 10:23 am

  I bought my first Vibe when they first came out in 2002 and after 36000 miles it has been flawless. Last year when my wife needed a car, we carefully considered Camry, Accord, Mazda 6 and Jetta but endded up getting another Vibe. Im perplexed by Edmunds luke warm review, while Jetta gets a glowing review?? The Jettas interrior and trunk is cramped compared to the Vibe, and the Vibe has better steering response and a far better base engine (I didnt want turbocharged). Edmunds says the Vibe is not "sporty", but I find it nimble and crisp, on par with import sport coups. The larger Camry and even Accord is not as nimble, but the Vibe has just as much interrior room.

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  Best car I have ever had - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Joanne - August 26 - 11:10 pm

  My husband and I purchased this car after I did lots or research. We went to buy the value leader but purchased this car instead. I am only five ft. tall and the adjustable pedals and seat are great for me. I also have the 17 inch tires.The ride is smooth and for a 4 cyl. the pick up is great. Every time my husband drives it he comments on the power. I also find this car to be very easy to park. I love everything about this car. My daughter drove it and also loved it. This comes from someone who buys a new car every three years. I hope to have this car awhile.

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  I love it! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Jen - August 25 - 10:23 pm

  I absolutely love this car! Everyone stops dead in their tracks and just stares! Everyone thinks its a Porsche...I think its a lot sexier than a Porsche personally! I get harrassed at stop lights, the gas station, you name it. I hope nobody else buys this car Im having too much fun showing it off to virgin eyes. :)