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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  Best Sub compact ever - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By KMMACK - February 2 - 8:03 pm

  The car handles great, even at high speeds its a smooth ride. I can pull a u-turn just about anywhere and park in the smallest places. When I baby it I can get over 35 mpg and so far I havent dropped below 32. When its cold out I can hear a rattle coming from the front passenger side, I dont know what it is but it hasnt been a problem. My car suprises everyone with its speed. Its no race car, but for its class its impressive. I can easily turn em over in second gear with 3 passengers.

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  So Cal G5 - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By James - February 2 - 12:30 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Mazda 3 for the new G5 with automatic tranny. Even the dealer asked me why I was trading the "great" Mazda for the Pontiac. But the Mazda was a piece of junk. Over $2k in repairs after warranty. So far Im happy with the little Pontiac. I like the black exterior too. I got the preferred package with the nice 16" wheels/ABS. But my gas mileage has been poor so far. Only averaging about 24 mpg. Maybe 30 on the highway. But So Cal gas stinks too. I would recommend the car for the reasonable price easily instead of the overpriced, underfeatured Japanese makes.

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  Great fun...for a weekend car.. - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Xtranaut - February 2 - 4:40 am

  If you have anywhere from 12 to 20k to spend on a very fun car to drive on weekends and have a blast. But as a daily driver, it drinks gas and SHOULD burn premium if you want the performance when you need it. 350 LS1 can easily achieve over 400 horses with minor mods. Nice low naturally rumble. You will need all new suspension by 15k miles - maybe earlier. Read up on it. Handles well for a legendary straight liner but its heavy. Tires at come with are 245s with bland 17" wheels. This car has a dorky design that you get used to. Some people justify it as "stealth" or euro. Live with it. They dont make em anymore although I hear they will be reincarnated as a 2011 Caprice.

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  Versatile, Economical, Fun! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Mike - February 1 - 9:36 pm

  This is the first vehicle Ive owned that I like even more now than the day I bought it. Great gas mileage, fun to drive and plenty of cargo space. I have not experienced any problems or concerns with this car, and it has a very solid, well-built feel. I am very satisified with my Vibe and highly recommend it to others!

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  killers gto - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By killer - February 1 - 3:30 am

  the gears are long 1st 20mph 3rd over 80, 4th over 120, have not tested 5th or 6th gear

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  RonKr Bonneville Review - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Ron K. - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Very tight suspension, great handling, very comfortable. A great road car, no fatigue after 12 hours behind the wheel, seats are first class-power adjustable leather buckets. Instrumentation first class. The compass and HUD features are excellent. brake rotors warped at 90,000 miles, replaced with new rotors which had to be machined again at 103,500 miles. New plugs at 99,000 miles after car was felt to be missing. Car spent much (about 1/2) of its life at 80-90 mph on interstates, with other half in the NYC area. Used synthetic oil after break-in, so no obvious wear.

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  Im spoiled now - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Builtforcomfort - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used. The dealer had purchased it in a Florida auction. The ride is smooth and comfortable, second only to an older Oldsmobile. The wide seats are extremely comfortable, with plenty of room in the back. It came with every option that Pontiac makes for this car, and Ive never had any trouble with any of them. I definitely prefer the power of the SSEi - I felt I didnt have quite enough power in the SE.

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  excellent - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By maryicelady - February 1 - 2:00 am

  my husband and i just love our aztek. my sister in law has one. my husband can get in and out of the vehicle very easy. he is very sick. we just enjoy riding in it. thank you.

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  My Review - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By mrgills - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. It is obviously not a high performance sports car, but it does have that feel.

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  Good performer for the money - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By paulg - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my fully loaded Nissan Altima V6 for a V6 Grand Am when I was forced to lower my car payments. I am not disappointed with this car, I like the 3.4 V6 in my Grand Am. I work in Sales and drive approx 30,000 miles a year. I would recommend this car it has been a good reliable partner on the road.