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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  Fast, Comfortable! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By TOM - July 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is fast and comfortable. The front seats and lumbar in the driver seat is great and by moving the front up a little the back has plenty of leg-room as well. This car is fast as the wind! I love peeling tires at stop lights and out accelerating mustangs and other so called muscle cars. I bought my 2000 GTP with 78 thousand miles on it and have since put 14 thousand more on it and it still runs great!

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  The Best Car Ever - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Elizabeth P. - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my vibe! The moon and tunes package have made it a fun ride. The high rise seats are comfortable and the interior and exterior are sleek but sporty. Even without options the vibe is a good deal as much of the standard package is well-rounded. I love the versatility of this vehicle. You can move stuff inside and on top and the seating is roomy. Its like an SUV but smaller and more practical. Its also easier to park.

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  Dream car for under $29,000 - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Doug - July 30 - 3:40 pm

  Just got an 05 cyclone grey w/ 6 speed- -it rocks! Ive had Mustang GTs, a Z- 28, Grand National and other "enthusiast" cars, none are even close to a GTO in performance, comfort and overall enjoyment. Apologies are in order to the motorists Ive no doubt scared w/ the outrageous passing power and noise, but thats about the only downside Ive seen yet. It is also cool how much respect this car gets, lots of looks and compliments and people asking what 400hp feels like. Traction control and abs allowed for a real fun ride recently in the rain, which was a big suprise recalling other muscle cars complete inability on the wet. Gas mileage well over 20 on a recent tank w/ mostly hiway miles.

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  Finally, one of my own. - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By SpaceAce - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Grew up with my father buying a 1990 SE 2 door and 1995 GTP 2 door new from the dealership. He would let me drive them once in a while when I was good - a giant leap up from my Honda Civic stationwagon I was stuck with during high school. Just bought a fire engine red 4 door SE and it handles almost TOO well, like Im not supposed to be driving it, or I should be extra careful with it. Good times.

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  Best when comparing - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sweetmusic - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Grand am and my first 6cyl. I also bought it withe the SC/T hood. It is exteremly sharp looking and is one of the few in town, at least for the time being. I test drone cars like the 2003 TiburonGT, Stratus R/T and camaro, and the Grand am drove better and I got it loaded for the same if not less than those other cars.

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  Awsome, sporty, and perfect for teens - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Alex T - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My parents bought me the SE 4-cylinder after my other car broke down. This car is great to drive and picks up chicks left and right. I had to have the cruise control module replaced after the first 3k miles but have had no other problems. The wiring in the car is a little funny, so have any alarm or keyless entry system done by a pro. This car is very quick even for being 140 horse. Overall I love this car and would reccomend it to anyone!

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  Best Vehicle Ever! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Best Vehicle Ever - July 30 - 7:16 am

  You must purchase this vehicle! It is hands down the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have purchased brand new vehicles time and time again. This time I thought it would be smart to pay cash for a vehicle. The Azteks are priced low and literally the best vehicle I have ever owned. I work at a large dealership and it literally drives better than a brand new vehicle! Really reliable Ive never had a problem which is amazing with such high mileage. This vehicle is in showroom condition even the leather is like new. Pontiac really made a sound vehicle this time! Really pround of my vehicle, and enjoy driving it each and everyday! After getting out of new vehicles I look forward to mine! Buy 1!

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  2001 Bonney Super Charged - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Garv0516 - July 28 - 7:06 pm

  This particular car is my third Bonneville!! I have been extremely happy with my ssei!! I have had so many compliments on this vehicle that i cannot remember them all! I have had a few second looks as well. Im very sad that the prodution of the Bonneville has ended. My goal now is to own the last Bonneville produced in 2005...the GXP!! I have had very few problams with my particular model...except for the fact my heated seats have both stopped working at exactly the same time, so if anyone else has had this problem, please let me know what the problem might be (example..a fuse or whatnot). I have owned the 1989 Bonneville, as well as 1999 Bonneville, and now the 2001 Bonneville! Im happy!!

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  Great Car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Melissa - July 27 - 5:30 am

  Fun to drive and very practical. I wasnt wanting to pay $30,000+ for a full size SUV - this fuel efficient car makes for plenty of space. Feels very safe and solid.

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  My grand prix is sweet - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Brian123245 - July 26 - 2:00 am

  its hella fast and the laides love it