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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  Love my Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Brandy - March 28 - 10:06 am

  I love how I can fold down the back seats and fit almost anything in this small car that has so much space and room. Plus I am very tall and wanted something that had plenty of leg room for the driver and all the passengers, this has it. Lots of room for a car!!! The vibe has good fuel economy and plenty of room! I love it.

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  We love our Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Rob Lightcap - March 27 - 10:00 am

  My family and I are very happy with my 2001 Pontiac Aztek. It has been driven alot by this family with 3 kids. To date, the only problem weve had with the car was a stuck rear lift gate latch. My wife loves it so much she wants to get one of her own.

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  Get ready for some REAL FUN!!! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By rob rog - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had more fun in such few miles than I ever imagined. If you want power, speed and control, this is your car!

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  It has been a dependable car - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Suzy67 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used in 97 and wasnt sure how good it would be in the long run but was pleasantly surprised. I have had to have the fuel pump replaced,the alernator belt replaced a couple of times, and the egr valve replaced. That is it for major work. I read a couple of reviews that dogged this car and had to respond!! It has done me well! It has been an overall great car for me an has held on to is resale value well. I would reccomend it to anyone.

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  Lauras review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Laura - March 26 - 11:23 pm

  Needs cup holders in the back seat. also I have noticed that when you turn the steering column pops. I only had 25,000. miles on the car when this happened. the dealership said there were a lot of problems with this in a lot of there Pontiac made cars. Other than that I love my car, its very sporty but I can still carry my kids with me.

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  Sallys Ride - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Sue the car - March 26 - 3:40 am

  So far we like everything about the car. The super charger is great for getting out on the highway.

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  Best Car Weve ever owned! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - March 24 - 7:02 am

  This is by far the best car weve ever owned. 220k and still great. Only repairs have been brakes, battery, serpentine belt, wiper blades and tires. Regular maintenance important, done with tranny fluid at each 50k, plugs at each 100k, same with coolant. Oil and filter every 5k. Still have original alternator, a/c unit (no recharge needed on freon), muffler system, hoses. Stock radio w/ 5 cd changer blew after 3 years-replaced with after market. Almost 10 years and this car is still going. Hope to get 230k then its time to retire the Vibe....with tears in my eyes then I am sure.

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  GTO - Outstanding value & performance - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Dave McCloskey - March 24 - 5:30 am

  The press has hammered the GTO design from day one. Personally I dont think they get it. In my opinion the GTO exudes American muscle and the same time has an understated Euro look that will hold its visual appeal well into the future. The fact the car is made by Holden in Australia only adds to its value and appeal. The GTOs fit and finish is far better than its American competitors (Mustang GT, Charger) and is equal to Japanese sports coupes I have driven in this price range. Performance on the other hand is no contest. This car will get it done!

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  Pontiac Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By courtney92381 - March 23 - 12:00 am

  I absolutely love mine. I bought it in June 2009 and could not be more happy. Will be buying another when its time to trade this one in for a new model. Love its capacity and room. It has all the luxury of a big SUV but in a smaller package.

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  Great Car - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Hawkeye84 - March 22 - 7:10 pm

  Great styling and fun to drive. Pleasure to drive. Doesnt generally get the full 30 mpg on the highway, but very close.