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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  Pontiac Vibe w/ 148,000 miles - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By David Crump - March 8 - 3:43 pm

  The car has worked great for 148,000 miles. I totaled it out 2 weeks ago. I wanted the car to go 250,000 miles. I have had no MAJOR issues with the car. Normally I would see a clutch around 100,000 and new CVC joints around then from other cars I have owned. But no issues with the Vibe. Great Gas mileage, for the price and the cost it is better than the VW jetta TDI. I have had 3 problems with the car: 1. Three of the four door handles broke around 110,000 miles. 2. The transmission bearings went out at 38,000 miles. It would have been covered under there new 100,000 protection plan. 3. The back seat cup holders broke around 50,000 they are just made from cheap plastic.

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  great little car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By rgebo5150 - March 8 - 7:54 am

  Just got my G6 and so far its a good car. Only problems I have so far is my stereo cuts out alot and its just the front speakers that do this and the other is that if Im going 55 mph my rpms are at 3000. Is anyone else seeing this or is it just my little 4 cylinder? That seems high and would get better gas mileage if it was lower. Would love to hear if yours is the same way.

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  What a great car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Massage Tom - March 8 - 5:50 am

  I drove one of these convertibles as soon as I could find one and fell instantly in love. Had to wait six months to find one slightly used, but it was well worth the wait. Drove it 2000 miles home from where I purchased and it was a perfect trip. Great ride, great responsiveness, comfortable and much more economical than I would have imagined with such good performance. I get between 31 and 32 mpg out on the Interstate. The interior is very roomy for four with lots of leg room. I have driven sporty Pontiacs off and on over the years and this is the absolute best. I saved more than $40,000 by not buying a similar Lexus and have better ride and lots more room.

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  This car rocks! - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By ciahra - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with this car after reading review in 1995. Bought it used in 2002. Drove 90 mins to find it, and bought it days later. Power is incredible, handling is great after putting high performance tires on, corners well, brakes well, looks sharp. At 70K miles, car runs great. I am a firm believer in manual shifting, but this car has me thinking otherwise. Quick, responsive, comfortable, spacious. Best car Ive owned to date. Plan to keep it for a long time.

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  Decent Ride - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MSimon - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Good on the highway. Sluggish 0 to 50MPH. Well designed interior. Great for moving things or carrying loads. 200 watt stereo below average. Speakers vibrate. Omits sulpher smell when you floor the gas pedal. 28 to 30 MPG. Tires are wearing quickly. Original equipment Continental tires will need to be replaced at 35,000 mile, despite rotaing tires every other oil change.

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  Enjoying my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jtc37 - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my GTP last Novemeber and up until now it has met my expectations in every way!

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  my best car ever - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By philipbartlett - March 8 - 2:00 am

  as soon as I sat in my Grand Prix GTP I fell in love w/ this high performance machine{competition group}the steering is nice and tight and the powerfull engine in this car I have no problem whatsoever getting onto a highway or out of somebody ealses way. When I first came home with this car, heads turned to see this sharp car and other guys gave and still do give me the thumbs up gester. Ive owned the GTP since Oct.14th 2003, and still cant wait to get back behind the wheel, still to this day{Feb.16th,2004}

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  i love my GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Dawn - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I would not recommend swanson automotive, but i would recommend this car to anyone, i get more comments about it and I love it.

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  Great Aztek - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By kinserc - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Chassis! Styling is much improved over 2001. Im glad GM finally figured out that cladding isnt always the way to go.

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  Lots of fun - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By J - March 5 - 8:10 am

  The car is outstanding and lots of fun to drive. This is definitely a roadster true to its sportscar heart. It feels like and drives like the experience you are looking for. If you want something to turn heads and zip around town, this is the best bet for your money. Dont be looking for a daily driver or a traveling vehichle. You can squeeze golfclubs in if you buy a small bag, but dont expect to be carrying luggage or moving large items from home.