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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  Great Little Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By John Garcia - December 21 - 7:40 am

  An excellent choice if youre looking for a fuel efficient sporty sedan that is reasonably priced, has lots of room inside and is a big step forward in build and quality.

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  the review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By joe cinotto - December 20 - 2:00 am

  this is a very quality vehicle if your wanting something that has some speed for its class but is still comfortable to drive

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  53 and my new muscle car - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By cness05 - December 18 - 6:36 pm

  This car is hot. Red 5.7 V8,6 speed trans with out the skip shift. It has great looks.drives like a dream,and more get up and go than my 72 Camaro had. But this cars ride is much better ,and will set you back in your seat very quickly. As far as fuel mileage it does not matter, what a thrill to drive. To sum this car up GM made a mistake dropping the Firebird and Camaro lines. I love this car and will keep it a long time. This car is priceless.

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  Firebirds and Camaro Live FOREVER! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By JoshSSMaro00 - December 18 - 11:06 am

  The Firebirds looks are Killer! I own a 2000 Camaro SS and the looks are a bit different, but same everything! The car is a BLAST to drive! It is now cheaper for younger buyers, the aftermarket is unbelieveable.. There are millions of Brands and things you can do for cheap also! (GM) My dad has a Z06 and i will say the vette is bitchen but i love my camaro looks.. But i want his engine and tranny!

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  Bought used with 7,000 miles - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By kev924 - December 18 - 6:18 am

  I bought the car used in August of 2012 with 7,000 miles. It was the best bang (horsepower) for the buck I found while car shopping. I use the car as my daily driver. Plenty of power for everyday driving. Passing people is a breeze. No mechanical problems to date.

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  Better Than I Thought - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ADB - December 18 - 4:23 am

  I have the 6-speed manual. IMO, its the only acceptable form of this car. The 3.9L is sufficiently powerful and the transmission has a wide spread of complementary ratios. However, first gear seems a bit short. You have to up-shift far earlier than one would expect. Overall, this car is great. Onstar, XM and the panaromic roof are neat gee-whiz features. The ride is firm but in no way harsh. The body is free of creaks and rattles (even the sunroof). Fuel economy is at 29mpg right now, which is far higher than expected. The clutch is smooth, if a bit long in travel. The seats are comfortable, rear legroom is impressive, and all the controls are logically placed. A well done car.

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  2004 Grand Am - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By wally - December 17 - 7:26 pm

  Purchased this car new in October of 2004. It may be one of the best cars I have ever had. Has been stone cold reliable, everything seems to last forever. With a V-6, I get 21 mpg in the city, and 27 on the highway. If you can find a clean one used, buy it. Car has original rear brakes and original tires! Unbelievable!

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  1995 Pontiac Grand Am 4 Dr. GT Sedan - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Jess - December 17 - 5:00 pm

  Bought as my first car. It was ok for the first year. Then, things started going wrong. The first thing was my headlight switch broke. That was $130. Then the headlights went out. Another $100. Then the brakes needed replaced. So there went another $80. The windshield ALWAYS leaks when it rains and my floor always looks like a lake. The transmission started slipping. Everything leaks (i.e. transmission fluid, oil). It overheats when i am idle. Now it needs a new booster for the brakes. And i always had problems with the ABS warning light. I will never have another!

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  The Mighty Vibe - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By CouldaHadaV8 - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is great! Weve had it for about 2 1/2 years and its running strong, even being driven by a teenager. We are pleased with the mileage, styling, comfort and power of this car.

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  2007 G6 3.5L sport package - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Bob - December 16 - 6:46 pm

  original owner, intermediat steering shaft,brakes and now in shop for intake gasket leaking oil. Its all covered but would be Pist if I had to pay out of pocket. Dealer set me up with a rental car and less than 1 day to fix each time. I like the car and handles good with good power. The 6 speeds are way over rated I have 4sp A/T and have logged 32MPG loaded down on our trip to Canada with A/C cranking (72MPH). All vehicles have issue just look them up. I work for import car company and they also have issues some worse some better. MPG on the imports are about the same give/take. With demand for MPG 8 speeds,dual clutch and more CVT transmisisons. Little improvement, heavy and big $$$$