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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  what a great car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By 07G5gt - May 27 - 1:46 pm

  i just bought the G5 GT with the 5 speed tranny and i love the car. the power its got the sound of the muffler when you hit the gas is the best. it rides so smooth and the cabin has very little road sound comeing in. the sound system in that car is very nice with the 10 inch sub in the trunk and the XM radio free for the first year. i got the orange sunburst color and people always are telling me how nice it looks. i found a nice car and im very happy with it good job pontiac!

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  Great lil wagon - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bigdan - May 27 - 4:06 am

  Have had my 05 Vibe for 18 months- great mileage-30/36 (5 speed). Used as a daily work vehicle. Very reliable. Need better seat back support. Love this car.

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  Excellent bargain. - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jocho - May 25 - 9:23 pm

  Great car. Gas mileage @ 65mph > 31+, in town, 22.5. Super ride, quiet, comfortable. Sunroof is extra-large. Exception bargain, if youre looking for a superior, comfortable, car that gets great mileage. Picked this one up used, 14,000 miles < $19.5K. List for a new one is over $35K. Thanks for earlier reviews, they helped make decision to buy.

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  "Sporty" family vehicle - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By BSTinman - May 25 - 8:43 pm

  The Torrent has been great so far. I was in fear that the engine would not be enough, but unless your into drag racing your family SUV I dont think youll have much to worry about. A lot of people complain about the steering but I drive 80 miles a day and its not an issue with me...rather pleasant. The comfort level is tremendous. Love it.

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  Great Package - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By CarBob - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Great all around car that is fun, capable, and respectable.

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  Love it - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Rara - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I really do love my Aztec. I think it is a very cool looking vehicle. I love the interior as well. I like the back lower window, making it easier to see small children walking behind the vehicle. There is plenty of space for the kids that I car pool around town. I love that this vehicle is not the same as all the others, I like to stand out and be different! Love it, love it. Great on gas too!! Ra

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  GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Memomcpa - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I love my GTP. Its just a fun car to drive. It the first time that I ever owned a car that makes me just want to hop in an go for a drive, for no reason.

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  Just Lovin It - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By mcml - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Actually I have a 2001 Aztec. But these same comments still apply to the 2002 model. Very smooth highway ride. Handling is very good for an SUV type vehicle. Large amount of cargo space. The strong low end torque on this vehicle is very apparent when climbing hills. Very good fit and finish to this car. I have not had one problem with it. The large amount of plastic trim actually complements the Pewter exterior color of this car very nicely. Of course the Aztec generates a lot of stares, but most comments about it have been very positive, especially once they have seen the interior.

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  Great car - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By chuck-98 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money! I only paid $16,500 for it. By far the best looking and most fun to drive for that kind of money. I bought this car new in 1998 and have only had it in the shop 3 times for minor work in 36,000 miles (drivers side mirror broke twice and one spark plug wire went bad). The performance of the car has been great. With intake and exhaust mods, it ran the 1/4 mile in 15.3 seconds. I get 28-30 mpg on the highway easy, 18 around town.

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  Great car, lots of power, fun to drive. - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jamie LinerMan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is great its a good handling car, very good pick up and isnt hard on the wallet. Only thing i would change is the quality of some of the interior pices they ratal a little bet at high way speeds.