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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  Not much to complain about - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By aaronstoke - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my GTO for a little over a month now and have read a lot of reviews. Its discouraging to read many of consumers negative low-blows to this GTO, but then again, I have seen just as many positives from people that actually own them. Everyone has an opinion... I am sufficiently satisfied with my GTO. Performance- wise...couldnt ask for more. Exterior, I could agree that more could have been done, but then again, if GM built the car to have louvers, scoops, vents...etc then what would car owners get to add?? I look at my GTO as a blank canvas for me to custom. GM did the hard part by installing a killer interior with performance that sends riders to the chiropractor.

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  Sweet Car! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By ScottB305001 - March 3 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun to drive and it gets alot of looks from the ladies.

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  Great Family Van - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By DRP - March 3 - 10:00 am

  We have had the van two years now and put nearly 40,000 miles on it. It is comfortable for our family of five and is also economical to operate. Fuel economy is about 17/24, City/Highway. I have not had problems with any of the major systems. The following were fixed under warranty: Back up sensors in rear bumber, one heated seat element,cover for garage door opener in console(twice). Most of this was fixed while I was in for an oil change and was not terribly inconvienent. I have used a Thule storage box mounted to the roof racks on several occasions with no problems or discernable loss of mileage or handling. This car has met my expectations of GM quality and value

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  Believe the Hype!! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By powrtrippin - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car in Jan 2003.. Test drove the 240hp Accord and the Altima. Both impressive but neither pushed my back against the seat like the GTP. Being quite roomy and packed with options didnt hurt the decision either. The only thing that I was concerned about was the price. Luckily, there was a $3000 rebate and my wife gets the GM discount. That made my choice the easiest thing Ive ever done.

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  best car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By trunt ozares 1 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  best car in the world because its big and powerful. could use a better stereo.

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  Manual Transmissions Are Better - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By garfieldfreak_69 - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I learned to drive a maunal on my car. I first had a 1997 Grand Prix. I loved it because it was big and easy to drive, but now I love my 1998 Grand Am because its just right. Its not tiny and its not too big. Its also loads of fun to shift through town. My car only breaks down because my cousin owned it first in New York and never washed the under carriage.

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  one year 30,000 miles - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Scott - February 27 - 4:10 am

  I have owned this little gem for a year and have just turned 30,000 miles on it yesterday. This car is very fun to drive and is dependable. The only trouble I have had is that the center caps on rims came off. GM will only pay for them once, then you are on your own. (16.50 a piece) Also some sensor that controls the electronics went out. That means that I did not have any ABS, Traction Control, stabili-Trac. Covered under warranty. All in all this car has been great. I consistently get 30 MPG.

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  Love my G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By moNique - February 27 - 3:53 am

  I love this car. Have had no problems and great gas mileage 24/30+..:) Great design and great to drive. The extra air bags make me feel so safe with my year old daughter! I would love get another one in the future but Pontiac is no longer with us, and i have a feeling this car will last me a long time and the last model (10) will be to old!

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  The Best Car Ever. - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MrMartin - February 25 - 6:20 am

  This car has been in our family since 1997, and has been through 11 Wisconsin winters, and all of our lovely weather here, and still runs like a top. Weve never had any major repairs other than standard maintenance. Has held up through one adult driver, and two teen drivers and shows no signs of stopping. It now has 136,000 miles on it and still looks good and drives great. I would not trade this for any other car, its just too good looking and reliable, and have no bad comments to say about it.

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  Completely Satisfied - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By FIREems71 - February 24 - 3:30 pm

  I am really going to miss this car being on the market, maybe one day it will make a come back like the T-Bird