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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  My Trans Am - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Trans Am B - June 5 - 10:00 am

  A Trans Am is a great car for drivers that a really responsible and use caution. I love driving my car everwhere I go because it is very dependable and fuel effiecient. I think Trans Ams are the most popular car among U.S. consumers today. I think that they will bring these popular cars back out on the market soon because, people cant live without them.

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  Grand Damn - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By braves511 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. The saying Pontiac Drive= Love is def. true about this car. I have had mine for a month now and absolutely love driving it.

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  Hoodie - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Hoodie - June 4 - 12:40 pm

  This car is definitely a good car 2 pull out on any day of the week, would not say it is commuter friendly its a gas guzzler. All and all it is a great car would give a strong recommendation for anyone considering this car

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  GT Grand AM - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gemini40 - June 4 - 5:46 am

  Very smooth ride, perfect first vehicle. Good on fuel economy for a 175hp V6 engine.

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  surprise surprise - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By mel rosenberg - June 3 - 6:33 am

  i have this car a month now and wow am i surprised :) i owned a grand am and this car is no grand am.mine is fully loaded and has the pan roof-everyone thinks its awesome.so far everything works perfect and im happy.

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  2006 Montana - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By EJN - June 1 - 3:36 am

  Bought the vehicle out of state. The vehicle has been over all reliable in that no one has been stranded. Had trouble with the electric side door, the interior light control switch, rear wiper motor, not starting the first time with the ignition switch (software). Both sliding doors jammed on the bottom weather striping. Dissatisfied with the dealer and staff that services vehicles. They had to put the computer on the car (told them not to) and charge me to say the wiper motor is dead. My non mechanical wife told me that. Mad at my local dealer with the poor service and their technicians not following instructions. Have over 80,000 miles on the tires. Economy dropped with the alcohol gas.

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  Most fun for the money - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Big and Bold - May 31 - 1:00 pm

  I now own one of the most fun vehicles on the road. It is a great looking car in black that causes people to stare and ask what Im driving. It is fast and handles better than any other big car Ive owned. Ive owned a 300C and SRT-8 Jeep. I planned to purchase a SRT Charger or Challenger but was turned off by dealers over price. I drove the G8 and fell in love. It handles better, is almost as fast as the SRT8 and it more comfortable. It cost less plus, I dont see it everywhere I look on the road. OnStar is great with turn-by-turn and the layout is perfect. The G8 drifts great, pulls strong off the line. Ive suprised a few vehicles on the road who try and challenge the mighty G.

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  We love it! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Barryh - May 31 - 10:00 am

  We love our Vibe. Its fun to drive, great fuel economy, we are gald we got the "moon and tunes" package. I put on after market tires and wheels to enhance the appearance. Its everyones favorite to drive in our family. We highly recommend it or the Toyota Matrix.

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  Sporty yet classy - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Geoff GRB - May 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 04 Grand Prix recently and it handles like a dream. The car is so comfortable on the inside with a cockpit like design and the exterior without a doubt turns head everywhere. It has lots of power when you need but purrs so quietly it is easy for passengers to sleep on the longer drives. The wide design of the car makes it steering and handling on the road comfortable at any speed and the interior is spacious. I recommend this car to anyone who wants a sporty car as well as want to drive in comfort and class!!!!!!

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  "Simply awesome" - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Rob - May 29 - 6:43 pm

  I must say this car is "AWESOME" I traded my 2007 Toyota Camry for an American car?? What a great decision I am very happy with this vehicle. My 2007 Toyota they say is a great car I disagree I nothing but problems with my Toyota since the second day I owed it so who really says that Japan makes a better vehicle??? Not me!!!!! I think GM is and has come a long way and I am proud to own American once again!!!! GREAT JOB GM, I promise I wont ever leave you again!!!!!