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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  brought me back to Pontiac - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By old max - March 11 - 12:16 am

  A couple of years ago we traded in our 1993 Grand Prix for a 1997 Nissan Maxima. The check engine light came on, was told it would cost many $ to replace O2 sensors. Drove directly to dealer and traded in for an Aztek. On the plus side-typical excellent Pontiac driver layout. Minus-really sluggish 3.4 v6 compared to the Nissan engine. But it uses regular fuel vs premium. Would I buy another Aztek? You bet!! Now, if some dealer will only take my 1999 Maxima in trade so I dont have to fight with my wife over who gets to drive the darn thing!!

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  Good Bargain, Reliable. Style - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By big-G - March 9 - 10:26 pm

  I bought it with 94,000 and now have 115,000. The 2.4L DOHC 4 cylinder motor has great low end aceleration and great high end tourqe. No maintenance other than routine and an 0-2 sensor which was only 70 dollars and isnt an urgent problem. The car does have the tendency to overheat after longer rides with the A/C on, but what car wouldnt after so many miles. The exterior is very sporty looking and stylish for the price. The interior is comfortable but can feel a little cramped for the front passenger. Also, the car could have a little higher quality door panels etc. they tend to rattle and may feel a little "cheap". decent stock sound. great handling and cornering. Awesome speed for its class.

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  I love this car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By pam - March 9 - 9:40 pm

  What sold me on this car was the hardtop convertable. It performs amazingly well for the price. It has great pick-up. I love the sporty look inside. It does look plasticy, vinyl inside the door instead of leather trim. But where they chose to cut corners in order to acheive the affordable price was right on. It rides smoothly. The retractable top is so cool. The only thing I dont like about it is you have to hold the button in until it is complete, and the placement of the button is overhead by the map light. So you have to hold your hand up. It would be much more comfortable if the had it by the gear shift. And there is absolutely NO trunk space when the top is down, minimal when it is up

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  2004 grand prix GTP CompG - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jason0214 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this car it has more speed then my BMW 330i. I had bought it for my wife but now I gave her the BMW so I could have the CompG. If you buy this car I am sure you will be happy. GM did a great job talk about a car being REBORN.!!!!!

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  the best little car ever - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By airgun25 - March 8 - 1:36 am

  This car has been the best economy car i have ever owned. It has the power the comfort and the looks. It is well built car and good on gas I have been getting almost 40miles to the gallon, great car for students and adults a like. If you are looking for a nice fuel economy car that has the power, comfort and looks this is the one I would choose.

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  G6 - myBest Pontiac yet!! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By giarc4 - March 7 - 7:50 pm

  Handling is tremendous, the car really holds most any curve thrown at it. The 3.5L engine easily hits passing gear on the highway with respectable fuel economy. The passenger view from the backseat of this car should be that of a car twice itÂ’s size. The G6 is flat out a GREAT PACKAGE.

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  Solstice - Great Design, Good Performnce - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Don R - March 7 - 7:06 pm

  This car is an excellent value. At about $23,000 loaded its got the looks, the performance and the styling that made GM great in the sixties and seventies. Its fun to drive. Excellent pick-up and acceleration. The steering is tight. Love the 18" wheels. At 63" tall, I was very comfortable in the drivers seat. Lots of room for a small car. Very little wind noise due to the aerodynamics of the hood, the higher door height, and the rear truck lid design. Top plus is the clamshell design of the rear trucklid. All controls are within easy reach with great visibility. Above average sound system with XM radio for the long trips.

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  One great car (3.4 L V-6 GT1) - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By OPstud326 - March 7 - 5:50 pm

  So I have to say this car rocks. I did a little modifying to the engine like put in a better air intake, put on high performance tires, and a different exhaust. The manual says that it started with 17 hp but with all my work it is probably around 225 hp now. I have ot say it is super fast. It is auto but when I drop it into first and work it like a stick I can pull a 5 second 0-60. My top end I actually beat a v8 camaro from 60-120. It is a great ride. The only complaint is in the manifold the gaskets keep breaking. They are cheap and plastic surrounded by metal so they will break in all of your cars promise. But take good care of ur car and I guarantee ur car will return the favor. Good buy

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  formula review - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By SunsetHawkSelena - March 5 - 2:00 am

  comfortable, 29mpg on the highway with a 6speed, faster than most anything on the road, a real looker

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  The Grand Am GT is AWESOME!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tweety - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle drives like a dream. Its very easy to handle.