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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  This is what Ive wanted a along - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By Paul - October 21 - 1:50 am

  Magazine reviewers have lost the perspective of being an actual owner of the car. This car makes me feel 25 years younger and, for the first time, strangers actually look at what Im driving. Even had a couple take a picture of it! It handles like better than any car Ive EVER driven, accelerates on a touch, and stops evenly and when I want it to. For a big guy like me, its comfortable and reasonably roomy (for a roadster, that is).

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  Performance, Luxury, & Practicality - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Pont E. Ac - October 19 - 5:36 pm

  The GXP is a beautiful blend of performance, luxury and practicality. Excellent design. Great acceleration - runs like a bear. Great "throaty" sound - it is obvious it is a V8. Wonderful handling. Very smooth ride. Plenty of room. Easy access to the back seat. Comfortably holds 4 adults - fifth one if needed. Huge trunk. Stops on a dime. Gas mileage is only negative. However, gas mileage dramaticaly jumps up after about 10k miles. Now getting between 23-25 mpg on highway - overall average is around 18 mpg. Mileage drops to about 7 when rapidly accelerating. I would buy this car again in a second.

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  Great Bang For The Buck! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By BigAl - October 19 - 9:10 am

  I have owned many new cars (including many foreign makes) over the years including 3 previous Pontiacs with few issues. The difference between the G6 GT and the G6 GXP is night and day. This car has it all - power, comfort, style(Street Version), fun to drive, decent gas mileage, and so far very reliable. All this at a price with the GM and Dealer discounts well below similar offerings from Toyota, Honda, et al. Only concern is the perception that with GM dissolving Pontiac as a division the normal depreciation will accelerate greatly but as long as this car delivers I will have it a long time.

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  Cant GM get it right - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By TOm - October 18 - 11:50 pm

  Looks good fun to drive; Many problems 1) pass lock 2) brakes 3)water pump 4) fuel pump If GM would make cars that did not continually FAIL. They could make money on selling cars. Brakes - were bad from fac. they didnt even clean the disks ( still greasy) ; Pass lock may have worked it they lubricated the cylinder: Water pump - they put this on the timing chain- Very bad design! Fuel pump - in the tank Very bad design. I think GM could design a good car they just chose not to!

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  Your Best Value SUV - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Mary B. - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I test drove approx. 10 SUV vehicles and found this mid-sized SUV to be the best value for quality. Most SUVs including compact SUVs came in at a higher cost with less to offer. Unlike many other SUVs this drives very smooth and has sure footing. My package included a power sunroof, power windows, keyless entry, V-6 and a BEAUTIFUL, SPACIOUS, Practical, interior. I found the 2003 exterior a definite improvement and have had several people already compliment its appearance.

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  96 4dr Grand Am GT, 2.4L, 5-speed - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By RavynX - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car now for almost 4 years; I purchased it back in 2000 @ 72k miles (its now at 115k miles). It has basically been my first car ever and its been a blast for this first 2.5 years. Thats when trouble started to hit near 90k miles. Ive replaced the transmission AND then fully rebuilt it a year later; also master and slave cylinders went out on me recently. Coolant leaks and water pump failures. Replaced the alternator twice already and many more repairs. Ive basically spent over $5000 in repairs this year. Im planning on selling it for a more reliable car in the next few months. Other than that, it has a great ride, nice sound to the 2.4L engine, and good seats.

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  Love my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By KathyB - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I researched this car for two months before I finally bought one. I fell in love with the way it looked while I was test driving some Fords. I thought I might be less than satisfied with a 4- cylinder, but it more than makes up for that. It handles great and is fun to drive.

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  2004 vibe replaced a gt mustang conv ? - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gonz - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this vibe replaced a 97 gt mustang conv for fuel mileage and dependability dealership sucked but overall pleased with purchase and value

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  Good Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By timmarcy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  After 7 months and 12000 miles I’m still glad I bought it. Had some serious fit & finish issues (listed below) but for the price (after rebates) I defiantly got my moneys worth. Very sexy looking car! Alot of fun to drive! Recommend the GTP with Monsoon sound system. Yes, I would buy again.

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  GTP Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RE - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The GTP is a great car. Ive only had it for 2.5 months but I really love the car.