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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  Why the GTO is a sleeping Giant - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mock52 - August 9 - 9:20 am

  In, my opinion the 2004 Pontiac GTO is very underestimated. The Car exudes inpressive performance for the price and the interior is spot on. There is no other way to discribe it. Many people argue that its not a muscular as they wanted. My question to them is have they actualy driven one? Now i agree that it seems as thought it could have a faster 0-60 time or that the engine could have put out more, but and this is a big but if you could ever take one out on a track you would see where Pontiac was trying to go. It seems as though you and the car are comunicating with one antother. It was one of the best track cars for the money i have driven. It gets a big two thumbs up from me.

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  Fuel Pump, Electrical - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ERIKKK - August 9 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car used, with 62,000 miles on it, after i hit the 63,000 mile mark i started having this goofy electrical problem where i would start the car and the radio, Dash...etc...wouldnt turn on. I am able to cope with it, usually it all kicks on about 1 minute after starting. 2,000 miles later the fuel pump went out. I love the car, but the problems are starting to irritate me. The car handles very nicely, accelerates very quickly and is a comfortable, sharp looking ride.

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  like it alot - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By fran nardone - August 6 - 3:33 pm

  I like the g6 very much.I previously owned a grandam that I also liked. But the g6 I have to say is so much nicer. It is so much better on gas, faster,and has alot more room inside,especially the back. lots more leg room and so much more comfort.I notice a big difference in the quietness of the car inside when i am driving.I would buy this car in a second again. Very fun to drive.

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  My birdie - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By hitman - August 6 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is if you dont have one GET ONE!!! This is the best car Ive ever owned. You will never find more bang for the buck and I think it looks way better than a camaro. Never had any problems with it, and it turns heads everywhere. It may only be worth $20 000 on the market but soeone is going to have to dish out a lot more than that to take it away. The last new ones are WAY too expensive. Wont be letting this go unless someone is willing to pay what I think its worth.

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  Love my car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JRHD - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Owned my car for 2yrs & 2.5 mnths - over 57,800 miles on it! Holds up well in an accident. Use KN air filter for a little extra hp. Cant wait to get another one!

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  Does what a GTO should - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Darrell Burns - August 6 - 8:13 am

  Kept driving past the dealer looking at it. Put off driving it for a couple of months, but after a test drive the car sold itself. The 2006 GTO is well styled, extremely solid, very comfortable, and handles smoothly. The interior is attractive, yet appropriate for a muscle car. I drive it daily, and the only negative aspect is fuel economy. I get 16.5 based on half highway, and half stop and go driving. As far as the small trunk goes, this car is built for driving, not utility.

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  Life is better now that I have this car - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Dave - August 4 - 11:36 am

  I test drove all 4 of the reasonably- priced hard-top convertibles. Mazda was too small, Chrysler was not good, the Eos is worth a look but to get one with all the great features the G6 has would require spending about 3K more. I loved the G6 during the test drive but some of the negative comments I read in professional reviews were discouraging. After buying the car, I know those comments are unnecessarily over-critical. Comments on the lack of trunk space when the top is down are silly. It’s a “hard-top”. Where else does one expect the roof to go? Many people have commented on the ‘poor quality of interior material’. I don’t get it. The interior is just fine. I highly recommend this car

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  The Best Yet - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Headhound - July 31 - 1:16 pm

  I evaluated the V8 versions of Audi A6, BMW550, Hyundai Genesis, Lexus GS460, Nissan, and Cadillac before I bought. G8 drove better, handled better, and accelerated better than the others. Traded in my BMW540 and am very happy with my choice. Superb acceleration, superior handling, great braking, over 21 MPG on regular gas, comfortable seating, and roomy trunk for half the price of the competition. Only car I have ever had where I did not wish I had more power.

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  full of zip and cute - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tami - July 31 - 2:00 am

  The car handles well, parks easily and looks sharp. I do not even mind filling up my Vibe at the gas tank... I like this car alot!

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  love it - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By kyle - July 31 - 2:00 am

  great and fun and better than other cars