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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  Nice Little American Rice Burner - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Iroc1 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Vibe solely because it is a re-badged Toyota Matrix, and it has not let me down. The gas mileage average is about 20/26 (city/hwy)on 93 octane (even though the manual recommends 87, I get better mileage on 93). The ride quality is comfortable, especially on the highway, but There are minor creaks and rattles emanating from the rear of the car when driving over potholes or expansion joints. The engine is a bit sluggish, for my taste, but a K & N air filter and a cool air scoop have added some welcome ponies to my stable (I couldnt get the GT because Pontiac does not offer it with an automatic, and I am not the only driver in my household).

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  Best musclecar ever - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Frost7 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a black 97 Trans Am WS6 for the past year and my experience with it has been great. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and stylish sportscar that is all about having fun driving. The car is solidly built, hugs the road, handles like a dream, and can take off like a bat out of somewhere very hot. Ill NEVER sell this car, and its the one thing that makes the trip itself half the fun of going someplace.

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  personal ownership - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cheryl k. - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this lil car right from the showroom floor-I love the look, I love the ride and as fas as being dependable well no problems getting to or from where I want to go an in comfort too, as well as being a blast to drive. I am used to driving old muscle cars with big healthy motors mind you. Heat when I need it and icy cold when it is 110 degrees outside...I would not trade it for anything else

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  2004 Pontiac GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By William D3 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been impressed with the build quality, handling, and power of the GTO. I have driven G35s, BMW 3 series and Mustangs and the GTO is the best value for the money. Overall I am very happy with my vehicle purchase.

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mbkano - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have never been a big fan of 4 cylinder cars but the Vibe has a nice smooth ride. It also has good pick up. I especially like the good gas mileage. Its very comfortable on long trips. The Vibe has so much cargo space and yet its a small car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  awsome car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By missina - December 23 - 10:13 pm

  I was looking at the 06 vibe and found that I could get more for my money by getting an 05 even if it was used. This car drives wonderfully for me, although my only thing aganst it is that part of the roof rack was stolen off my car and it was way to easy for the person to take it (all they needed was a flat head screw driver) and now I cant find the part to replace it and the dealership said that we can "talk" about it.

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  My Fishing Family Loves My Truck - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By carol L Evans - December 22 - 4:16 am

  My husband and 2 boys are avid fisherman. who love to take my truck on their overnight trips, because the boys get to leave the docks and go back to the truck and lie down when the get sleepy.. we now also go to the drive inn instead of to the local movie theater, this allows kids to be able to move around while we are looking at movies, they take toys and food and moveies are now fun for them......

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  GTO is awesome - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Todd Bandrowsky - December 21 - 12:46 pm

  I took one drive in the GTO and loved it. Pontiac needs a new photographer because this car is absolutely gorgeous in person. It is beautifully understated and the interior is exquisitely crafted. If you drive to work in this car, youll immediately think your job is worth it. Few cars will cut you off while getting there, youll be able to merge by going faster than everyone, no more stuck on the onramp. Yep, this is a car that makes driving a sheer joy.

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  Awesome G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Klaus - December 21 - 3:26 am

  Fell in love with this car from the first time I saw it. Exterior lines, interior design and chrome-type instrumentation leave top-of-the-line impession normally reserved for $45,000 cars and up. 200 horsepower with 22/32 gas mileage is unbelievable and so far after 600 miles is right on target. Interior lighting/electronic controls enhance night driving . . . luxurious yet functional effect all around. Just cant say enough about this car; dont miss my "baby" Firebird at all (feel guilty Im not driving it more but its just a classic backup for me now). Recommend you step up and enjoy a whole new adventure in driving. Way to go GM!!!

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  Awesome - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GRF - December 19 - 3:20 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I sold my BMW 330i to get this car with no regrets. Its better than an M3. The quality of the interior, the power, handling (with some minor upgrades), and the ability to carry 4 adults in comfort. Ive put 20K miles on my car in the last year. I still get over 23 mpg on the highway and put down over 440 HP at the rear wheels (with a few small mods). Plus, you dont see yourself at every stoplight unlike some other "performance" cars.