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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  Trans Am - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By blk2000ws6 - August 15 - 12:40 am

  I own a 2000 Trans am WS-6 and it is a great car it handles very well has awesome power and I have never had a bit of trouble from it.

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  Best car for a college student. - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tjcollinsku - August 14 - 7:06 pm

  I am a college student that lived about 200 miles from home an this car got me through with no problems. It as plenty of room to move tv, sound system, computer, and all my cloths. I love the power of the GT but wished Id went for the GTP. Ive done several long (500+ mile) trips and there is nothing more comfortable. Handles great in the snow, no problems driving through western Pennsylvanias 5 inches of lake effect snow. Only had a few problems. Alternator went out at 75,000 miles, need new brakes at 80,000 miles and I just had to replace the water pump and hoses at 95,000 mile. All in all I love this car and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Orange GTO - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Kevin - August 14 - 3:30 pm

  Very nice ride which offers comfort and performance. Fun to drive and lots of second looks from car enthusiasts. Suspension is well tuned. Huge brakes are an advantage when you are thrusting 400 HP around. Style is good but could have been a little better when compared to some of the alternative vehicles but once you sit in this car and feel the thunder underneath and accessibility of controls you will be hooked. This car blows away my Z-28s and Formula Firebirds not to mention the Ford Mustangs encountered. Hope to see the GTO return. Early rumors indicate that it will be reproduced on the Australian Z body platform as will Camaro. GTO, fuel for the soul.

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  Keep it till it dies - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By GT4me - August 14 - 12:00 am

  Purchased my Vibe GT new, it now has 74,200 miles on it after owning it for almost 6 years. Its always been great on gas (I currently average about 26 mpg), big on room, and fun to drive. Want a Toyota Celica GTS with dirt cheap insurance and way more room? Get an 03 Vibe GT, they share the same drivetrain. Versatility and endurance are defined by this car. I work in outside sales and drive all day every day for my job. Never had any problems with mine. Changed the tires, brakes, and oil and thats all. Had a speaker go bad in the passenger side front door that was replaced under warranty. No moonroof leaks after 6 years. Required the least maintenance of any car I ever owned.

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  15 months and still Love it - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Rod - August 12 - 11:23 pm

  I have had my G8 GT for 18 months and it just gets better. In the late 60s O had a Plymouth Road Runner. The working mans inexpensive Muscle Car. No the in thng is a Performance Sports Sedan. The G8 GT is the Road Runner of Sports Sedan. It is a car that the Poor working Slob can afford and have a Performance Sedan that may not be as plush as a BMW 5 series, but in performance, it can hang with it.

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  Pretty to start - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By Driving Dad - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this new and enjoyed it greatly. This was our 2nd choice, the honda van was not available at a reasonable price. The initial ride, power and economy were as promised. The dealership offered the car at a reasonable price fully optioned. Now with 130,000 miles it is long in the tooth and not aging gracefully. Even with careful maintainance there are too many nickle and dime problems. Warrenty repairs: trip computer, radio, seatbelts, power door, power window. Non Warrenty repairs: Intake gasket at 70k (900.00 repair avoided using 2.00 can of stop leak , still holding at 130k), c/v joint, a/c compressor, air shocks, brake calipers & rotors.

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  I like my wheels.............. - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sparkyjo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my car for 2.8 years and it has been an awesome vehicle. As a single mother with 3 kids it was what I could afford at the time. No major complaints, just wish it was a little more roomier in the back as the kids get bigger. Its great on gas, looks great and handles awesome.

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  Im a Tekkie!! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By BluegrassGal - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love my new 2004 Pontiac Aztek. It is loads of fun to drive and has lots of room on the interior. Were going to have kids real soon so this is the perfect vehicle for us...

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  Just bought a 2005 - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Starcraft - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased a new Vibe (18 miles) and I couldnt be happier, well unless it had a lot more power. Its fun to drive, and the base stereo is more than adequate. Options: Power group Aluminum Wheels Fusion Orange

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  Falling apart - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By spiffy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had the transmition replaced twice, alternator, water pump, air compressor, brake callipers, starter, etc...all replaced at least once in 2 years. I could go on forever. The thing falls apart. I will never buy a ponitac again, and i wont let anyone i know get one either. warranty was good but my car was in the shop more than i drove it.