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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  Fun to drive - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Carol VK - May 5 - 6:30 am

  I have owned this for 2 and a half years leased it and will purchase it out right at end of term. my 6 foot six husband has more head room in this than in our grand prix we had before. easier to take out a stroller of.

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  AMERICAN SUPER CAR - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By FXDOC - May 5 - 5:33 am

  I HAVE THE SSEi AND LOVE IT.

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  Refined Muscle Car Defined (2006 GTO) - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Tom Miller - May 4 - 4:53 pm

  Love my 06 GTO. Truly a refined modern muscle car with comfort. I now have 64K miles on my black/black Goat (have both factory options: 18"wheels and 6-Speed manual trans). First thing I did was replace the stock shifter with a HURST billet short throw unit (chrome flat handle/black knob). Other upgrades include a VOLANTE Cold-air intake, Magnaflow cat- back exhaust system, 180 degree TStat, E3 Sparkplugs, MSD plug wires, Royal Purple synthetic lubricants throughout and Diablosport tuning. The original 400HP/400TQ is estimated to be about 445HP/450Torque. Current best fuel efficiency is 28.51 MPG at 75mph sustained on a 1,360 highway trip. I average 19-20 city and 25-26 highway!

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  A Great Steal - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By clarkb2999 - May 3 - 7:03 am

  After rebates, paid just under $14K. For that amount, it is a great car. It is responsive and engergetic in everyday driving, quick when pushed. Individual Map lights are absent on the Base model, which most base Korean cars have. Base stereo is weak. Still a bit too much hard plastic on the dashboard, though the layout/ergonomics are FAR improved from the previous generation. A generally great car, and even without the insane deal, I would happily drive it over the boring 4 cylinder versions of the Camry, Accord, Altima, or Mazda 6.

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  My Blue Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By BlueGoat FL - May 2 - 10:00 am

  The torque...the speed...the handling...Need I say more? This car pretty much has it all!It is by far the coolest and most fun car I have ever owned. I will admit the exterior styling is a bit lacking but once I got behind the wheel none of that mattered. The car speaks for itself.In mine opinion its destined to become a classic.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By me8976234 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is excellent.It is reliable and good on gas.

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  style, zip, and economical - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By shamus55 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Great fuel economy can be found on the 2005 Pontiac G6 GT. This sporty mid- size consistently averages 30 to 32 mpg. The car has plenty of pep when asked and handles the road tight and crisp. The sport suspension is a bit stiff but is expected. The rear seat leg room is spacious and the new panoramic sunroof is an absolute must have option. (It is like driving a convertable with the windows up when the roof is fully opened). The leather seating option includes all the bells and whistles to satisfy even the most demanding buyer. The G6 GT is a pleasure to drive and well worth the price tag of $28,000.00 fully equipped.

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  Mustangs? Where? - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Meti - May 2 - 9:16 am

  Its just nice to be one of the owners here. I love this car to death and anyone can talk smack but for $29k I think its worth every cent. I drove it from Lansing, MI to Miami Beach, FL. This was a good ride fully loaded. That is 4 ppl with full truck and even back seat floor with bags. Rear fender was covering tire more than 1 inch. Lovely car.

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  last of the great one - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Keith Feemster - April 30 - 11:36 am

  This car puts a smile on my face everytime i step into my garage how all the body lines go together from front to back. Performance far better then the mustang. How the car handles it self when going through corners and when you go straight and mash down on it picking up speed in no time.

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  fabulous car - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By netkenv - April 30 - 2:00 am

  LS1 engine with ws6 package outstanding ride & handling, absolutely NO problems with car. not a rattle or a noise whether your doing 30mph or 70mph down the highway. Tap the gas pedal and your passing at 90mph feeling like your winning nascar! great car.