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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  Replaces a BMW for half the price - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Terry - September 16 - 9:33 am

  I bought this car to replace my troublesome BMW M3 and to be able to give the family more room. Well I can honestly say its done this and more! The car is great, and seriously CAN NOT BE BEAT for the price! $65,000 for a comprable 5 series BMW or $29,000 for one that can spank it and has more room. This is what I call a "no brainer" Keep up the great work GM!

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  Great Car! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Brad - September 16 - 9:26 am

  The Pontiac G8 is a Very Fun Car to Drive. Is Comfortable and is a great car to take trips in. The car runs effortlessly has no trouble passing or leaving other cars at the lights. Damn shame GM killed it in the states.

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  Love it - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Kathy - September 15 - 1:06 am

  I picked up my new G6 GT a few weeks ago and so far I love it. Ive had several people comment on it and usually find someone looking at it when parked in a lot. I love the styling of the new coupe, the telescoping steering wheel and the Monsoon Sound system...GM did a great job designing this car although the side mirrors are a bit small.

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  2005 Sunny - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Blaine - September 13 - 7:23 pm

  This is the most bang for the buck. I really do enjoy driving and being noticed in my car I love it...Dependability and Reliability!! Test drive one youll like it

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  best car on the market. - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By yikes - September 13 - 7:00 pm

  test drove G8 and test drove 2010 Camero enjoyed G8 more. great handling,very roomy, plenty of power for v6, got premium package, cant ask nothing more out of this car.

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  Thumbs Up - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By TChicago - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I waited until I got some miles on my new GTO before submitting a review. I now have over three thousands miles on the odometer and I have not had one problem or any squeaks/rattles with this car. The car is very quick (I have the automatic) and comfortable. I can drive the GTO like a regular car 98% of the time (freeway commuting) I even have room for a babyÂ’s seat in the back. When I want a sports car all I have to do is hit the throttle. This is the best car I have ever had in my driveway. I think the GTO most practical sports car on the market. I made the right choice.

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  2005 GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By peterpoway - September 11 - 7:10 pm

  I just bought a 2005 GTO and have had it for about a week and it is great. I had a 1994 Z28 6spd. before this, and the GTO is more refined and considerably more powerful. This car is fun to drive, sold and begs to be flogged.

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  My new G5 - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Karen P. - September 11 - 2:10 pm

  I have had my G5 for two weeks now and this is an excellent vehicle in so many ways! I had the Vibe before this and the G5 has a lot of zip and is GREAT on gas! The black interior is very sharp and the bright yellow paint provokes all kinds of comments from people when I drive around. I have the 1st one sold in my small city and I couldnt be more pleased!! I choose to buy American made vehicles, have driven in similar sized imports that belong to friends and this GM car is FAR superior!! The 12 months of XM, music downloads and cool interior accents are just an awesome bonus!!

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  Great first car!!! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Tj Keen - September 10 - 1:17 pm

  I bought a 04 Grand Am GT1 Coupe a few months ago, and so far besides a few issues it has been very reliable for me. I bought it with just over 100,000 miles, and the fuel pump went around 103,000 miles but $250 I think it was isnt bad. Now at almost 105,000 I had to get the ignition switch changed because the car wouldnt turn over a couple times. All in all I love this car, Ive always wanted one of these since I was a kid lol. It is a blast to drive I havent driven it in the winter yet obviously but hopefully it is as good as people are saying it is. The one thing that kind of bugs me is the turn signal ticking when Im not using it. But that doesnt bother me as much because I either have the radio turned up or the windows/sunroof open or both. I do also love the fact I have Sirius XM as well. I can now listen to hard rock music besides just alternative crap around here by Chicago. But overall Id recommend this car for any first experience drivers who are looking for a affordable sports car.

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  Never any Problems - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ksm - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have always loved my pontiac... have had it for two years, have driven it all over (absolutely love it on the highway) and find myself easily accelerating, turning, and simply buzzing about town. I never have problems getting around in snow and my children are always saying "Go faster!" I got premium wheels on my car with a maroon shiny finish that gets a weekly car wash (It shows well)... Used to drive a Bonneville, dont like the new style.. this styling fits my personality entirely!