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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  High utility / low gas. Good looking. - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By arge - December 6 - 10:36 pm

  MPG 30.5 mixed. Comfortable, spacious, nice “tall” driving stance, solid feeling, good 4 wheels disk brakes, fun-easy to drive. Electric steering wheel is somewhat different but ideal for every day operation. All of the important features (especially safety) are there. Well thought out interior (including 120V outlet) and exterior (plastic molding are in the right places and may better resist winter salt). The engine is not too responsive when driven softly but wakes up when RPM >2000. BTW this Toyota engine is used by the Lotus Exige sport car. A fifth gear would be nice on the highway. My wife loves it. I take very opportunity to drive it.

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  My G6 -4DR 3.5L Engine - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Dawn - December 6 - 12:13 am

  I love this car. I did a lot of research before making this purchase, and drove a lot of cars. The G6 was fun to drive, had sharp steering, and was powerful. It has an excellent turning radius, and I love the styling. Im very happy with the purchase.

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  Love this car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe Fan - December 5 - 5:00 pm

  I love love love this car. This is by far the best auto purchase I have ever made. My husband and I both have one and love it. It is very reliable and nice on the pocket book. It is a little small if you have small kids with lots of stuff.

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  Great Car!!! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bonecruncher - December 5 - 2:16 am

  This car rocks!!!. I needed a car that was good for commuting through L.A. traffic 60 miles a day, but could also hold a wife, two kids, and a bunch of stuff, not to mention have a little zip and be fun to drive. This car was perfect. Great performance, gas mileage (avg. 26 mpg in traffic and hills of L.A.), versatility and looks. It handles like a go cart, but can still carry a ton of stuff inside. Very happy with my Vibe.

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  So far-so good - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Shangshang - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This is the first review of our (new to us) 1999 Pontiac Montana. We have a huge extended family and a total of 5 so far in ours. We are a softball/ baseball family as well and travel to tournaments. I will report our findings both good and bad as this seems to be a very solid van. By the way I am 62" @ 235lbs and I FIT IN THIS VAN! Woo-hoo..

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  Buy Something Else - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jayrod - December 3 - 10:00 am

  I totaled my 97 Camry and needed a car fairly fast, saw it, liked it, bought it. Fit and finish is pathetic, there is plenty of horses when I need them, however that comes at a fuel premium. Window motors, window switches, cup holder broken from normal use, Drivers window regulator, all had to be replaced. Leather is complete junk, sure if you dont sit in it, it lasts. I am meticulous with my car maintenance, however the engine makes ticking noise, burns oil, and the breaks squeek constantly, even when they are new. Its a shame Detroit cant figure out how to build a car like the Japanese, the Sweeds or the Germans. Im selling for a new Volvo.

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  gto - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By jszjd - December 3 - 10:00 am

  This car is a great modern update to a classic vehicle. A lot of power with excellent handling and cool interior.

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  Great little car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MGG - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Love this car. Wasnt sure when I bought it but I and glad to report that it is a wonderful and reliable vehicle.

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  pros and cons - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jjp - December 3 - 10:00 am

  great handling good gas mileage sport car feeling, good response comfortable seating, front and back if you are not over 62. three pontiac grand prixs owned in the family. a great coaster that saves gas.

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  Great American Iron - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Buddy04 - December 3 - 10:00 am

  The car really looks and runs great. Plenty of passersby comment on how nice it looks. I would have hoped for better mileage, but other than that, I have been entirely satisfied.