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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  Mine is actually a Manual - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Clay Garland - September 1 - 9:23 pm

  Stunning car. I was in the market for a new car, and I was shopping at the Nissan dealership because I loved my G35. Next door, there was a Pontiac dealership, and I remember being enamored with the the styling of the G8, but when I had first seen them they werent available in a manual which is a deal breaker. Well, the GXP was out, and it was available in a six speed, and it was incredible. I walked out of the dealership with the new car that day. It was White, and traditionally, Id never have purchased a white car, but I didnt care. This was the beauty with the beats under the bonnet.

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  Panoramic Roof is a GREAT invention - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Gigis Master - August 31 - 4:36 pm

  Gigi (my G6) and I have been crusing Central Jersey for 6 months and so far, Ive loved every minute of it. In my heart, Im a convertible driver. I feared that the panoramic roof wouldnt feed my need for wind. The reality has been the reverse. Due to the multiple settings, Ive been able to open the roof at lower temperatures and get my fresh air fix. Im sure Ill have a bit of lust in my heart once Pontiac launches the G6 Convertible next year, but right now, Im enjoying the cruise.

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  MY BEST BUY - 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
  By PELIKEN - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. It has been a dream to dive, has cost me next to nothing in the way of repairs beyond normal maintenace. Love the well configurated snazy red light dash.

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  Solid For the Money - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By michaelJ - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Below average gas milage in the city, even with 5-speed. The severe body roll of the GT, mentioned in the review of SE, is minimal for the SE. I noticed MUCH more body roll in other car makers comparable models eg. Neon, Nissian, Cavalier (it is similar but definately does NOT drive the same,). The Cavaliers steering is not nearly as tight or responsive, and most of the standard features on the Sunfire are NOT standard on the Cavalier. This car had a better turning radius than the others above.

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  Reliable Pontiac - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By barrys42 - August 31 - 12:46 am

  Ive had 3 Grand Prixs before purchasing this one 6 1/2 years ago. This has been by far the most reliable American car Ive had. The only things Ive had repaired was a faulty ABS sensor (under warranty) and replaced the fan motor. Evidently there is a small discharge hole that can clog easily and rust out the motor. The performance of the Grand Prix is great for such a heavy car. A heavy car certainly helps for stability and passenger protection. My MPG averages about 19-20 in city driving and gets around 30 on the highway. MPG has improved with time. The interior leather is cheap but comfortable. The Heads Up Display is such a great item I dont know why its not offered more.

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  2006 GTP - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By as - August 30 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had this car almost a year now and I have no regrets. This is my first Pontiac and I was very, very hesitant about buying it. I had problems with Ford, Dodge, Mercedes, Jeep, and Chevy in the past but none with Honda and Toyota. I test drove my G6 GTP and felt it offered the most for the buck compared to Honda andToyota. I was just worried about reliability. So far, not one defect or problem! I have aready recommended this car to a few people. Not the best car in the world but possible one of the best well rounded cars for $24,000 and 0% financing. I use it M- F for work and my 06 Vette on the weekends. Great combination for under $78,000!

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  Excellent buy - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LS - August 30 - 12:30 am

  The Grand Prix has always been one of the cars that Ive liked, so i decided to give it a look wheni was in the market even though this was its last year. The drive is assurred, and fun, with ample power. i like the aggressive styling, and the quiet cabin. the interior is a tad bland, but everything else makes up for it. the drivers seat is nice and comfortable, and envelopes you in the seat. it feels like it has more than the 200 HP that its rated at as its quick out the gate, and its mice to have the power when needed. Good MPG, in my first 1K I avg 23MPG in the city, which is excellent for a V6. bottom line, is that I think that Ive made the best decision, as this was a great value.

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  Great Car. - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By kenny - August 27 - 6:36 pm

  I purchased a sleek black beauty G6 GT Coupe about 2 weeks ago. I chose it over a accord coupe, altima coupe and a Mustang. This car is a head turner and is so fun to drive. Just took it on a trip to Florida and had so much fun driving it.If your looking for a nice sporty coup that avg. 31 mpg on my trip to Florida at 75mph. this is the car for you. I know I made the right decision. Also not many on the road like the other coupes. everyone loves it.

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  Very Very Pleased - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Jay Francis - August 27 - 2:23 am

  The great thing about the Bonneville, although I am sure GM wont like to hear this, is that it depreciates quickly, such that you can pick up a lot of car for not very much money if you buy used. I am very happy with this car. It does everything I expect of a car. Interior...the well around the console has a plastic that will tear easily, they could have done a better job. Also, although I havent experienced it with this Bonneville, you have to be aware of a GM flaw with a failing head gasket that allows water into the engine. Its a quiet enough car, I put on the new Goodyear Assurance tires. Stereo system is good. The Bonneville cost me $17,000 used, with leather interior w/ 10,000 mi

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By secman - August 26 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this car for one reason - gas mileage - and so far it has been great, but still disappointing. I do mostly highway driving and so far, I have averaged 30.85 MPG over the first 2500 miles. This is great, but not the 34 MPG EPA estimate for an automatic Vibe. My only other complaints are that the seats are not as comfortable as they could be (they could use a lumbar support), and the side mirrors are pretty small. But now for the good: Fun, fun, fun to drive...great pickup in low RPMs. Large windows in the front and on the sides (great sight lines) Great stereo (Monsoon package) Great interior space for a little car Great height for a little car Good handling 0%/72 mos