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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  Very Impressed - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Norton300 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  The first time I saw the 04 Grand Prix was on the showroom floor of the local dealership while I was in for service. It was a GT1 (which I wouldnt have bought anyway), and I just didnt like the look of the interior. After eventually seeing a GT2 and a GTP with leather, my opinion changed drastically. I drove a GT2 and a GTP that day. I liked the way the GT2 drove, but it didnt give me that "wow" feeling as I drove it around. The GTP did just that. I love the layout of the vehicle, think it is very sharp inside and out, and would highly recommend taking one for a spin if you are in the market for a car like this.

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  GXP - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By dangerdarrell - July 19 - 7:00 am

  I have 1600 on my GXP now. Having problems with the clutch. 1st gear is too low (5 speed). I advise 6 speed for town. Clutch will be repaired under warranty. Love the car. I have owned many sports cars but none have gotten the so many compliments. Would buy another even after having the 1st gear and clutch problems.

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  ugly but awesome - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By potsie - July 18 - 11:23 am

  never intended to buy. dealer gave me the deal of a lifetime 15106.00 out the door, taxes license the works! I test drove the Aztek but really was looking at the Buick Rendevous. The ride in the Aztek was just as good as the Buick and $6500 cheaper. I love driving the Aztek and the pickup is great and the versatility is just what I needed. My son is 16 and cant wait to get his hands on it !!!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By RBM - July 18 - 4:06 am

  I am truly amazed with this car and all I keep thinking is I wish I could afford to buy another one. I have to work out an arrangement with my wife so we both get time with it. The car is so comfortable and familiar feeling that you dont realize how much you miss it until yoo get in another car. The ride is superb, the fit and feel of the seats is the best I have ever experienced and the power....wow. As others have said get one while you can, this car is fantastic. It turns as many heads as any sports car twice its price. Liquid Red!

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  My First non-Honda Car! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By trashfish - July 17 - 9:26 am

  Paid $17,400 out the door..auto & power locks, keyless, etc. no sunroof. I needed a car that could haul a lot if needed AND pull a small boat. This car has so far been great! Had a U-Haul hitch put on and it pulled my boat with ease. I threw a beach cruiser bike in the back with no trouble, plenty of room, didnt even put the front seat down! Had an antenna ipod adapter installed so I can play my iPOD...yay! ONLY thing I am not thrilled about is that I did not get white! This color (a blue-green) shows every speck of dust! And the Black-Charcoal interior is just dumb...draws heat and shows every hair, dirt , etc. I got cream seat covers and has made a difference.

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  love our "new"/used 2002 Thunder - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By royalfamily - July 17 - 5:36 am

  We recently purchased a 2002 Montana Thunder and its such a treat to drive, with the dvd, dual sliding doors, heated/power leather seats, rear ac/radio controls, etc., etc. The ONLY concern weve had is that the power sliding doors dont stop closing if a body is in the way..could see that as very dangerous for a smaller child. Also love the rear park aid warning signal!!!! This was a lease return with fairly low mileage and is in pristine condition. I find myself finding reasons to drive it! Anyone else have the Thunder edition package?

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sheriff - July 16 - 2:46 pm

  Ive been driving Corollas for the last 5 years and 2 months ago I replaced by 2000 Corolla with a 2005 Vibe, I have to say Im very happy with this car, its small from the outside yet roomy on the inside, Im 6-5" and have no issues setting in this car, traction is very good, fuel economy is very good too. I highly recommend this car to anybody, its a proof that GM can build good cars if they want to!!!

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  2009 Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By DaveA - July 15 - 9:46 pm

  The car is fun to drive. It used very little fuel. We have been getting 25.5 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the road. I was not sure about the car when we bought it but it has turned out to be an excellent car. The only con I have about it is the road noise from the tires.

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  best car out of 160 - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By jonna - July 15 - 6:16 am

  My husband and I have owned 160 cars in the 30 yrs that we have been married. The Solstice is BY FAR our favorite. We still have a Mercedes 560SL and and Infinite QX4, but I will NEVER let go of my little Solstice. Best fun for your bucks, well built and so far 10k miles worth of reliablilty. Good move Pontiac!!!! Nice to buy American again!!

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  Excellent - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By daf - July 13 - 10:43 pm

  Excellent car; great fun sporty little car for the price, with more rear room for kids and dogs etc than most convertibles; one of the best deals around, just not known really for unknown reasons.