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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  I Love My Aztec - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By jenal - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I love it! It is the best automotive purchase I have made yet. My family and friends enjoy it as well.

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  ram air fun - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Linda Dalton - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I really love this car! It is the most fun to drive automobile I have ever had the pleasure. I am the daughter of a car salesman and have had many cars but this is by far the best! Only problem Ive had is the front headlight has had to be adjusted twice.

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  POS!!!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By lane1085 - January 24 - 5:07 pm

  bought this car almost 2yrs ago and have had nothing but trouble. number one it WONT drive through snow, 2 ive replaced the brakes twice, the air conditioning quit working, the tires though brand new wont hold air, the whole brake systems keeps locking up and has been put through diagnostics at two different shops and cannot find whats wrong, the panoramic sun roof leaks and is factory, the sun roofs drain drains in the drivers side floor, the doors leak,there is an oxygen sensor that we cant find that is bad, the flat piece with the speakers on it in the back window rattles, the 6 disc skips cds, and finally the roof supports that frame the windows are huge and create massive blind spots!!

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  Couldnt ask for more!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MonGre - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is a dream. Both inside and out!!! Eats up most cars on the road, looks great, and a steal for the price I got it for!!!

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  Another GM Loser - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Garry - January 23 - 8:33 pm

  We have had this car for just over 2 years. Ever since we hit 34,000 miles we have had security system (Passlock) failures. The car has left us stranded 3 times and required being towed to the dealership. We purchased the overpriced additional warranty at time of purchase....and Im sure we will get our moneys worth in GM repairs

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  Great Car! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By lw - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the looks of the VIBE! Its fun to drive! Sporty looking! I appreciate the leg room and ceiling room that is given in this car....much more than I expected!

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  Very Happy - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Lax Dad - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Liked this car for a while. Happy w/redisgn features (same-color body molding). Bought silver grey metallic - it was the only one on lot with the features I wanted. Ended up being best choice, everyone loves the refined look. Rides great, mileage is very good and stereo system is one of the best stock sounds Ive heard (better than my friends BOSE). Its different - that fits my personality to a "T". 17" 5 spoke rims look great. Was one of the first in my town to have one and now I see them everywhere. I guess thats because it is a great value. Oh yeah, I got the $24k Aztek (after negos/rebates/etc - including $2k GMCard incentive) for $15k!

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  04 GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By jimibeaudry - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive at any speed. I have a good feeling that this "down under" car will keep its value. A very impressive car.

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  Not reliable at all!!! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Drive it - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a piece of crap!!! GM knows this car is crap and will settle suits. Within 20K miles this was replaced: tires, full brakes, intake manifold gasket, all fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel sensor, turn switch, window regulator, power steering pump, and belt. It might be fun to drive but it will be in the shop all the time… and that’s no fun. I have heard that the newer models are even worse. GM produces throw away cars.

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  Enjoy your GTP - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Peter jones - January 21 - 4:00 am

  Handling is excellent, the styling is most attractive particularly from the side and front/three quarter views, I love the rush of power in the midrange when you feel the superchargercut in... it really is a fun car to drive.