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:

• 

  MADE IT TO 285,000 MILES! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By gabrielgata - January 16 - 1:07 pm

  I purchased my 2000 Sunfire about 10 years ago. When I bought it it had 65,000 on it, it now has 285,000! For the most part it has been a great car, however I have replaced.....fuel pump, clutch, wheel barrings twice, electrical problems, radiator twice, many break jobs, gasket cap, batteries, etc....but that is to be expected considering how many miles it has. Over all a good car. It currently needs $600 worth of work done on it so I am now looking for a newer car. This time around looking to purchase a Mazda or a Honda.

• 

  I love my G8, but hate Blaupunkt - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By L Wheeler - January 16 - 4:43 am

  For the money, my G8 smokes everything else in its class. It puts a smile on my face every time I put my foot in it. I test drove the Cadillac CTS, and really wanted to buy it, but couldnt justify the extra $10K.

• 

  Whoa!!! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By buzznode - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I just got my goat and shes a keeper. This vehicle is awesome. The performance is outstanding. Interior and exterior finishing on the car is awesome. The comfort level is very high. This car is most definately a winner on all levels. Sure, it doesnt look like the "old school" goats, but does it need to? I think not. Awesome. Simply awesome!!!

• 

  Very good value for the money - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By deyeo - January 15 - 10:00 am

  People like the design (including me). The instrumentation is well thought-out: easy to read and reach. The gas mileage is consistent and excellent. The use of space seems efficient. The interior is well planned and I can load a lot into it-- cargo as well as passengers (who are comfortable, they say). Handling is succinct and reliable. I travel a lot and can comfortably take everying I need for camping, cycling and any other activity I want to do.

• 

  MY SOL - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By solsticeSJA - January 14 - 8:23 pm

  This is the prettiest vehicle i have ever owned. It turns heads and gets smiles all the time. It handles better than anything Ive ever driven (and Ive rented some nice cars in Vegas) It has NO trunk space but if this is its only flaw at that price....you gotta have it.

• 

  09 - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By good value - January 14 - 6:00 am

  2.4 engine really makes a difference, a little roar under hard acceleration but overall quiet with a decent ride. Good value for a mini crossover. Better seats than before and improved driving position w/added tilt/tele. Brakes stopped ok. Should receive more attention this year from people of all ages because of value and utility. Definitely upgrade to the 2.4.

• 

  Hold onto this one for a long time! - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rbk - January 12 - 11:16 pm

  I drove this car for 220k miles, then handed it over to my 16-year old daughter. She is now 19, the car has 265k miles, and it drives great. Spent $1,900 to put a new transmission in it at 185k. Other than that its been relatively expected maintenance for more than ten years. What a great engine. You could probably shoot it with a shotgun and it would still run smoothly. After 250k, the interior began gradually deteriorate, but how can I complain. I went out and bought a 2003 Grand Prix to replace it, and have already put 190k miles on that one.

• 

  GMs Huge Mistake - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By GoBlue18 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the performance bargain of a lifetime. A car that out performs cars costing twice as much, along with its menacing head-turning looks, how can you go wrong? Anyone who has the means and the opportunity to own this car would be doing themselves a huge favor to check it out. Once you drive it youll understand. Why anyone would choose the uglier, boxy, slower Mustang is beyond me. GMs decision to end the Firebird/Camaro is a true shame. Pontiac is left with nothing but boring cars with body cladding.

• 

  Pontiac Montana 2000 - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By gvbradt - January 10 - 8:53 am

  After 6 six years, I really still love this van. I have 6 buckets seats so everyone has their own space and the seats are so comfortable. It still looks "new", not an outdated design. Great for piling in the kids and going somewhere and not having to worry about getting anything.

• 

  Not a bad van for its time - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By Dash9 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  We also had to have our head gasket replaced at about 70,000 miles. This was very disappointing! Luckily I caught it about 3 weeks before my extended warranty expired. Other than this major problem, the only other issues weve had are trim pieces breaking and dealing with squeaks and general fit-n-finish problems. The display of our radio just went out about a month ago. In all this vehicle was good in 1998; however, there are MUCH better choices available now. An updated model is due soon, but its basically the same van with only a few minor tweaks. Its not a new design. Check out the competition 1st. Rebates arent everything.