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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  Love it - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By red on the head - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Goodyear Eagle tires not round, blister on all four. Air distribution inadequate except on mid range and above.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rebecca Grohowski - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this car sporty looking, it provides a great ride. It is fuel efficient and for a small car seems very roomy. It has a lot of pep on the open road. I am short and find this one of the easiest cars to get in and out of with ease for all passengers as well as myself.

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  The best car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Mike007 - August 18 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Prix is a very fun to drive car. This car as really great horse power. Grand Prix rides well and the onstar is handy. It gets me where I Need to go in good time. I think it as a really sporty look for a four door. Every body just looks at you.

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  GTP Comp G - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTPcompg - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive!!! The only thing a can say to knock it is the car payment every month. The car I bought has every option that you can get. I would definalty purchase the XM radio option. I wish my other car had it.

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  2004 GT2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Fred Flinstone - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car via carsdirect.com (a great buying experience) and it was delivered to a dealer in my area. The car was perfect upon arrival. There was (and still is) zero defects with the car. Every part works. This is the first car I have ever bought that I can make that claim with. The car handles exceptionally for its class and is well powered. I have to say, I love it and so does everyone who has been in this car.

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  the best car i have owned - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By hotsnowfallsup88 - August 17 - 2:16 am

  I love my gramd am. Sure a few things have gone wrong but nothing serious whatsoever. The check engine light goes on whenever I drive over a large bump in the road but my mechanic just said thats because something is getting stress put on it and sending a signal to the engine saying it needs to be fixed when it actually doesnt. Pontiacs have a lot of computer codes inside of the car and thats why a lot of these reviews say "my check engine light is always on". Other than that I love this car. It has a Nice pick-up and has awesome fuel economy.

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  Vibes for you - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Helene Jacobson - August 16 - 12:20 pm

  Its a peppy smart looking car that is a cross between an SUV and a wagon. It handles smoothly on straight aways as well road construction surfaces. Great front window view. The back hatch door can be opened fully with remote or just the window can be open if you just want to put small bags in.This car is very roomy and seats 5 people very comfortable. Has great back seat leg room for tall people. This car does have roadside service coverage which hopefully Ill never have to check out,but at least its available. This car also has a great sound system.CDs play and sound like youre listening live. Free oil changes every 3 months is a great incentive also.

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  great vibrations - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By lovethevibe - August 16 - 4:36 am

  we have been very pleased with the vibe. we have two young kids and the vibe handles our family needs very well. flexible and roomy and very fuel effiecient - especially on hwy. the compact size makes the vehicle easy to park and maneuver in the city, but the vehicle rides solidly on the hwy. love the sporty styling. its a great- looking vehicle that still is useful for family. entry and egress is very good.

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  impressed - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By NewSunfireFan - August 15 - 8:56 pm

  I have never been a Sunfire/Cavalier fan thinking people that owned them did not know style. I dont think theyre the prettiest, however, Im now impressed with the way this Sunfire handles. Would prefer manual, but the automatic trans has pretty nice pull for 150 horses. Engines a little loud - especially compared to my GrandPrix, but turn up the 6- speaker stereo, take down the windows, throw back the sunroof and touring Europe - the perfect car for it. Im glad I bought it while here in Europe.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By coolmama - August 15 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its fun to drive, feels like you are driving a race car or you are in a cockpit. Looks great and I constantly have people telling me its a cool car. I have had no problems whatsoever with this car and it has 78000 miles and still going.