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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  Great Ride! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Two Face - August 25 - 9:30 pm

  I love this car! I bought it as a program car, and I have loved it ever since. I have only had one problem that was covered by the warranty. I bought it at 17K miles and I now have 107K and it still has the same get-up-and-go. It has plenty of room for me and my family, and good trunk space. This is as about as good as you can get for your money.

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  Love it, Love it, Love it! - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By nanalehew - August 25 - 3:03 am

  Ive been driving a 1998 Dodge Ram truck for 10 years purchased new. Never minded the 17 mpg till last year driving 40 miles one-way to work everyday. Finally decided it was time to look at fuel efficiency. Did all my research and honestly I reluctantly purchased my Vibe just because I really didnt want to drive a car again after driving a truck for so long. I have about 12,000 miles on my Vibe now after 6 months of ownership. Never had less than 30 mpg off the dealer lot. Average 30-35 in combo driving. All I can say now is that I LOVE MY VIBE! Roomy, fuel efficient, smooth riding, no mechanical issues so far. Road noise is a little more than expected, but no complaints. LOVE IT!!

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  Lets go somewhere - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Dan - August 23 - 10:30 pm

  Had an03 BMW 325i that I drove to 100K miles, then an 08 Accord V6 that I hated from day 2...their cylinder deactivation was very noticeable, and now have 2K miles on 09 G8 GT. Have the same feeling for the G8 that I had for the BMW...lets go somewhere! Dont think I will ever get tired of that sweet engine rumble. Lived in Australia for a few years as a teen and admired the Holdens back then so great to have one stateside now. Im in sales and live in my car. Very impressed with interior ergonomics, sound system, seat comfort, and low interior noise level on the highway. Way to go gm. Wasnt sure I would ever buy another one. Now if this car just got the hwy mileage of a vette.

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  noises inside - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By lco - August 23 - 9:50 pm

  I love my car, but not long after buying it things started rattling inside. My husbands Pontiac does that, too. Does anyone else think the interior of Pontiacs just doesnt hold together very tightly?

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  Pure American Muscle w/ a Plush Interior - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Nick - August 23 - 4:26 am

  If you are looking for a car with great performance and a reasonable price tag, look no further. The 2005 GTO is nicely equipped with an LS2 400hp engine, and a very "plush" interior. It has the best of both worlds, Performance and Comfort. ...And the truth is that the GTOs naturally aspirated engine will smoke an 05 GT and keep up with an 04 Mustang Cobra!

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  Grand Prix GT - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By swimminomar - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I have just purchased this car about 3 months ago. After these 3 months I have found the Grand Prix very exilerating and enjoyable to drive. While it is also very flashy and a powerful car with a great build and excellent fuel efficiency!

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  Love my tek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By florida guy - August 18 - 2:00 am

  I have been wanting an Aztek from the first time I saw one. So I am now the very happy owner of a 2003 Aztek. It is roomy, fun to drive,and has some of the coolest gadgets. If you are thinking of getting any other suv, try the Aztek out and see for yourself. You will love it too.

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  Second Time Around - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jake - August 18 - 12:16 am

  1-12-09 replaced 03 Vibe with 09 AT Pwr Pkg msrp 19,480 due to adv deal I couldnt refuse, 11,913+tax/title; 2000 under invoice, 1500 rebates, 3000 GM Card (upped from $1850 by GM offer), 250 dlr coupon. Free Garmin GPS. Sold 03 33m miles for 9,500. Only issue so far is a few rattles. Less engine/road noise than the 03 and many extra safety features - 4 whl disc ABS, Stab Ctrl, 6 airbags. Just enough bigger than the FIT to be practical with nearly same mpg. Getting used to electric power steering but that is the current trend. Drive by wire seems no different. Just as comfortable, no harder to see out of than the 03 - got to use your mirrors. Hope to keep this Matrix twin 10+ yrs

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  Pontiac/Toyota Made A Winner - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By OustedSoul - August 17 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I wanted SUV cargo space without buying a gas guzzling SUV and the Vibe fits our needs to a tee. There is lots of head, leg and arm room. Plenty of cargo space. And we are averaging around 31 mpg. We got the Moon & Tunes package (which really really rocks), the Power Package and the Safety Package with Side Air Bags & ABS. The car is very fun to drive and we havent had any problems with the car at all (No vibrations, Nosies, Etc.) I highly recommend the Vibe to anyone looking for a great family car that is fun to drive, good on gas and has lots of cargo space.

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  Great Car to Own, driven 25000 miles. - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By WestWorth9 - August 16 - 5:16 pm

  My Pontiac is a standard coupe with options. It has remote start (great for winter for heat or summer for A/C) built-in antenna, painted alloy wheels, full power seats, windows, doors, etc. Body on outside is great. The interior is overall good besides a little rattle of the smallest, imobile vent in the dash that is intermittent. Everyone loves my car but Ive seen the same frame on the reliable, world famous 2002 Impala. That is not a bad thing at all, the interior is way different! I cant be more annoyed by prissy-foot drivers saying, "too much torque!" IT IS A PONTIAC!! THEY MAKE ALL CARS FASTER!! My Pontiac NEVER got stuck in the 2009 winter storm of Seattle!! 8" anywhere!!