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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  Reliable fun car for the price - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By luckyintx - April 7 - 5:33 pm

  my 1995 Grand Am was bought brand new 09/95. The olive green metallic color was beautiful, still havent found a car with that nice a shade of green. Overall the car was used to go back and worth 30 minutes on highway miles to work. went many long distance vacations in it ( above 400-500 miles) 2-3 times a year. The only major problem that the car ever had was the overheating problem that this car does seem to incur a lot Ive noticed. But mechanically it never gave me any other problems. admitting the car was ugly without the spoiler, I loved it Changed oil every 3K, kept it clean, and ended up having it 7 years at 168,000 miles. One of the best vehicles I have had, still miss it!

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  Toy Fun Car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Chuck - April 7 - 12:00 am

  I picked up my Sly Solstice last week. It is all that I expected. It is fun to drive and handles fantistic. It certainly gets the looks . It is a head turner. It gives the appearance of an exotic expensive sports car at a bargain price. Very happy with this product. Why is GM in trouble when you have models like this coming out.

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  Reliable, economical car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Karen - April 6 - 3:43 pm

  Ive had this car since it was new and have never regretted the purchase. It has only required general maintenance and some tires, belts and hoses - which dont last forever. The only thing I dont like is the fact the engine runs hot when driving slow in heavy traffic - this car likes to keep moving.

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  Most Versitle in its class - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Dragon1976 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The Aztek is one of the best veihicles Ive ever driven, Or probably ever will.

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  Awesome - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Eve - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle rides like a car, turns corners just excellently! Decent gas mileage for an SRV! It is not an SUV! It is so comfortable and comes with standard options that you would pay for extra!

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  Excellent - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By Judith A. Johnston - April 5 - 6:10 pm

  This is my first van. I usually had trucks and am so impressed with this car that I would buy another one. I can haul my pets and the animals that I rescue in comfort and I have plenty of space.

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  Pontiac G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By JP - April 5 - 8:56 am

  I havent had my G6 long, but I love it. It is really fun to drive and very comfortable. There is ample leg room in the backseat which is nice for passengers. I love the iPod jack and the chrome trim. They remote control start is a plus too! I wish it had better gas mileage...but I think everyone wants better gas mileage these days. Great car, I would recommend it. I wish there was more storage space though or a bigger console. Not much room for storage in the car, but the trunk is big.

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  Hey Its A Pontiac! What Can I Say? - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By evnsptc - April 5 - 5:26 am

  I ordered this car brand new to my specifications (Special Edition GTP, Navy Blue, Graphite Two-Tone Heated Leather, HUD, Moonroof, I also got an extra set of 3 Spoke Polished Aluminum Rims to go with it) I love this car and will keep it forever!! It has 17K miles (I barely drive it, its my pride and joy!) Its been a great car to me! Very comfortable, enjoyable/head turning, reliable and it looks great doing so!

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  Awesome set on wheels - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jfunsch - April 3 - 9:16 pm

  I have owned my GXP for two mos. now. Absolutely love it...its power, performance, ride, style and I could go on and on. Its comfortable sporty ride translate to a very responsive vehicle in all speed ranges. And I havent even hit on the power to pass or accelerate...Boy, when I stand on the throttle the V-8 jumps to life and gets you were you were going, NOW!!! My step-daughter says, "maybe we shouldnt have gotten him such a powerful car" That says it all...I have almost 2500 miles on it. It is an incredibly fun luxury sport sedan. I love the Onstar and XM satellite radio..already have paid to extend the free trials on both for at least a year.

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  Great little car - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Ride - April 2 - 11:03 am

  I now have over 171000 miles on my Vibe. I have done my own oil changes sense I bought it. I replaced the front rotors and brake pads at 120000 miles. The only issue ever has been the check engine light is on and it is a possible of 4 issues but it still runs excellent. Front drives seat had a spring break and now there is a tear in the fabric. Out side of these items this has been a great car. 3 out of 4 of my family cars are Pontiac. We also have an 05 Sunfire and a 98 Grand Am GT. This Vibe handles well. Decent pick up for a small 4 cylinder. Plenty of head room for a 62" tall driver. Nice fuel economy on it. I still get about 28 MPG with it.