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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  2001 TA WS6 Convertible - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Chip - March 2 - 8:33 pm

  I have had this car for a few years now. Great car! Pontiac had to be crazy for stopping production. I have a 74 SD and this 2001. Love them both. Added a flowmaster for more growl and this car has the neighbors kids giving me the thumbs up every time it hits the streets.

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  Very Comfortable Car: a few design flaws - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By HK2674 - March 2 - 7:00 pm

  We just drove this car for a week and drove 3,000 miles in it (with our dog). It was a very comfortable, great car with a lot of room. We drove it from Nevada to Nebraska in rain, blowing snow, gusting winds and some black ice.

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  Great car, small price - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Hayley Adams - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car and I would still have it if it had not been totalled in a recent accident. It breaks my heart that I have to buy another car now! This car handles really well, is low to the ground, sporty, and gets good gas mileage. It was a highschool graduation gift and lasted me well through college. I believe that it is a good first car for teenagers or 20- somethings. It has a youthful appearance. I would recommend to anyone. Unless youre taller than 60"!!

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  Grand AM GT 6cyl - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By amanton74 - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Good for 4 years, then fuel injectors started breaking left and right. Constant electrical problems. AC compressor failed. Now having constant misfires.

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  love my aztec - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By jvruggink - March 2 - 10:00 am

  the ride is very smooth and easy to handle, rides better than my wifes town and country. the versitility is what I need in my job as a service rep. I am always hauling something or other.

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  The ugly duckling - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By steph - March 2 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I read many reviews of the Aztec. When we went to test drive one ourselves, we were blown away. Great car, fun to drive, plenty of room for a 8 year old, 90 lb. dog and all our stuff. People hate the way it looks, but we love it. Atleast its not a cookie cutter car that looks like every other one out there on the road. We bought the car loaded with every feature you could imagine and are always getting compliments from people who we show it to.. Go take a test drive. youll fall in love with this car too................

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  Best frist car ive ever had. - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BryceMan - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I love it!!! My 99 Grand Am has 98500 miles on it. Still purrs like a kitten. Looks brand new and I love it. Words cant explain how much i love this car. Its by far the coolest car at work. 99000 and still drives like a race car. There is nothing wrong. Its in perfect cond. And i got it for a steal. ($5.000) I would recomend This car to any kid or parent as a first car. Thanx..

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  Underestimated - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ghengis - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Under valued for its performance and raw appeal. The GTP has everything a yupie could want and your teenage son.

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  03 Vibe Base model AWD - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibeguy03 - March 1 - 5:50 am

  Great car, very reliable, easy to maintain. Great way to go without having to buy one of thoes stupid SUVs or minivans.

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  Ive had two, and no problems! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By chevygirlie - February 27 - 8:56 am

  Ive had two grand ams. One was an 03 grand am gt coupe, and the other was an 01 se sedan. Both have well over 200,000 miles and were excellent cars! Had a good amount of power with the 3.4Ltr 6cyl. Gas mileage was amazing! I live in Wyoming and they both got around in the snow VERY well. Never had any trouble with either one, I have since upgraded to an SUV, but I do miss those cars. I would highly recommend, they are cheap to buy, cheap to fill, and cheap to maintain.