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 G6! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Tiffany - August 28 - 12:23 pm

  I got my G6 in January 07 and have loved it since. Its fun and easy to navigate. I think its extremely roomy inside, especially in the backseat. The only problem that Ive had is during on of our snowstorms in February I slid into a snowbank and about 5 MPH, and it shattered my bumper and radiator. Granted it was cold out, I think the construction of these parts could have been a bit more withstanding to such a small incident. Otherwise, I would highly recommend Pontiac to anyone I know!

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  Warning to other potential owners - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By echocheckin - August 27 - 11:22 am

  I bought my 2005 Montana used 4 years ago and actually loved it during that time, but in the last 2 months, Ive put over $4000 into it in repairs which seem neverending. Overheating was the initial problem and Ive had coolant leaks fixed, a new water pump and thermostat put on. The problem continued and Ive ended up with a leaking head gasket, then the battery died and now it has electrical problems. Door locks have never worked properly, the temp gauge sticks so I dont even know anymore if it is overheating. I love it for comfort and roominess but Ive lost all faith in it, and I only have 72k miles on it and drive it gently. Ill be trading it in as soon as I can get to a dealer.

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  Great choice for the price - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By Tim - August 27 - 10:33 am

  I finally bought this car after reading reviews and staring at pictures of it over a course of 2 years and its precisely the car I wanted. Coming from a 2003 basic model of a Saturn Ion its a huge upgrade and great for someone my age (22).

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  Awesome! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By stlembach - August 27 - 9:36 am

  Unbelevably awesome! The fit and finish of this car is so solid, you would think it was built in Germany. The motor pulls very hard on demand. Yet can be mild bopping around town. The engine management system is seamless. A drivers car!

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  great college/college grad car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By midwesterner - August 27 - 12:13 am

  I love this car. I use to drive a hyundai tiburon which looked great but drove awful. After test driving 8 cars I had to have the grand am. It drives so smoothly and sometimes i dont even realize i just went around curves. My gas mileage is 24 mpg (both city and highway miles) while my old car (a 4cyl.) was only getting 27. I also love how the radio stays on after you take the keys out. Before I get out of the car I leave the cd playing my favorite song and eight hours later I turn on my car to find my favorite song. I just got a chance to drive it in the snow and it handled really well. I was worried because i hate antilock brakes in snowy weather.

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  Great car overall - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ToddF - August 26 - 2:56 pm

  I have owned this car 3 1/2 years and driven it 25,700 miles, mostly to and from work. I love it. It has been trouble free, except for a few blown fuses (turn signals and lighter). For the price, I couldnt ask for much more. My complaints about the car are very cheap upholstery(even for a cheap car), lousy cup holders (worthless for anything other than a 12 oz can) and for me the seats are uncomfortable on long trips (although they are fine for short trips) I do avoid taking this vehicle on long trips because of the seats. The car has developed a few squeaks and rattles in the suspension. Overall, though, I love this car and plan to keep it for as many years as it remains trouble-free

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  used - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By guyver53402 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  just bought a used aztek awd, went to minnesota and back,820 miles, quiet and comfortable. I like the cargo capacity and rear bench room for my 3 kids. 23mpg doing 74 mph ave. Anyone having mech probs. I am going to get a extended warranty because of my past experience with american vehicles

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  96 Grand Am - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tanner - August 26 - 2:00 am

  When i first bought this car is was not sure how it would work out but in the end i feel in love with this car. It has been a good sturdy car that has lasted me longer than i expected.

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  Sad end of an era - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By psuturt;e - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought my TA in 9/01. Mine has the famed WS6 package, definately worth the extra cost. Great looks, decent interior (still has GMs plastic-itis), and most importantly,unsurpassed performance. I drove several mustangs, from the V6 putt-putt-mobile to the GTs to the Bullit, all claiming headsnapping acceleration and power. Although impressive, headsnapping is a joke; and the TAs 0-60 time proves it. I have yet to find a high volume production mustang that can catch the TA, more or less keep up with it. Its a shame GM marketing has let this car reach this point. Truly the end of the affordable sportscar/muscle car era. Glad I got mine before theyre gone.

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  Great Car/Fun to Drive - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rick Zitarosa - August 25 - 11:40 pm

  This car is used for commuting and social functions with family/friends. Great utility, economy and purpose in design, sporty appearance and very "fun" to drive. Many owners of more expensive "crossover" vehicles are shocked at the reasonable price. The Pontiac Vibe is a definite winner and it has been pleasurable to drive and completely trouble-free for the 13,000 miles I have owned it so far. Ideal as a commuter, work or family car, it has something for everyone.