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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  Still loving it after 6 years! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Cindy - August 4 - 11:56 am

  My husband and I drove into the dealership "just to look". An hour later we had a black Trans AM WS6. We had looked at BMWs but like my husband said, I didnt giggle when I drove it. That was in May of 2001. I am still loving every minute I drive it! It still gets looks and comments. The stereo is out of this world. One of best purchases we have ever made in our lives.

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  not a bad ride - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By someonebehindyou - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Not a bad car. Has 93000 miles and only things replaced have been alternator at about 80000 (seems a lot of them have this replaced) and wheel speed sensor at 37000 miles. Dash squeaks are annoying, but are hardly noticeable after driving for a while. Engine hasnt been touched, except for oil changes, and runs like is brand new.

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  What a shame - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By vegassam66 - August 2 - 2:33 am

  Just bought my first American car in 25 years and I come to find that GM is killing it. No wonder they are bankrupt. GM listen to your customers not the bean counters. I have just bought mine three days ago and an in love with it. The performace for the dollar is second to none, and I dont mind driving in rush hour traffic.

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  a big fan - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By quikie - July 31 - 10:26 am

  i am a big fan of the bonneville, the car is at 77k, and runs new and perfect, i did 120mph it the other day, car runs perfect

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  great suv - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Larry - July 31 - 6:43 am

  Traded in my Vibe for the Aztek. Great car for a great price. Rides great, plenty of room. Sits up high, great radio. Could not pass up the price. Always hated the look of the car. I have the rally package and love the car and look now. Great car, get one before they discontinue it. You will love the car and the price!!!!!!!!

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  water troubles - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By 1awsmgto - July 29 - 9:33 pm

  I leased the car for my daughter not knowing that I was leasing a swimming pool at the same time. On my fourth trip to dealer trying to get water leak/mildew smell taken car of. On my 12th GM car in the last 10 years and I am thinking about ditching this process. I am tired of the run around, Maybe some of the service reps should get the boot like what they have done with all the engineers. Just a wishful thought. I am at the point where I need to hire a life guard to oversee the water activities in the G6. Anyone else had this much fun with mold. Car is on the fourth trip to dealership with new seats,carpet , and been deionzed 6 times. Maybe GM and febreeze can make a commercial. Good PR...

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  a great car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By joey - July 29 - 3:06 pm

  Ii traded in my suv for the vibe. Its fun to drive with plenty of pep without sacrificing gas mileage. We travel with big dogs and camp often. There is plenty of room for everthing including 2 extra adult passengers. The best mileage I have recorded was 39 miles to the gallon! Normally I get at least 36 on the road. I have absolutely no complaints with this car. It is perfect.

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  Practical, Fun and Reliable - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By RAC - July 29 - 12:36 pm

  The Vibe was purchased for my wife as a station car and to provide cargo space for weekend errands. The ride is comfortable, smooth and quiet. And the car is surprisingly agile on the road - it handles better than we thought it would. The cargo space (which can be configured a number of ways depending upon back seat position) is especially useful for us - the tie down tracks are ingenious and will help you to secure your cargo. We do recommend the cargo mat, however, to help prevent cargo slippage. The Vibe is fun to drive, safe, pratical and so far, reliable. The fuel economy matters more to us than speed or power, which by the way, is fairly good nevertheless!

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  So far, very good. - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By syvmj - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Runs strong for a non-GTP GranPrix. Some interior build miscues but good paint and great styling. Long drives can be a bit uncomfortable especially in the back seat.

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  Mid Life Dream Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jammerman - July 28 - 5:03 am

  Saw the Grand Prix GT at Auto Show, loved the sportiness, but didnt buy - boy am I glad! When GM offered the employee pricing, discovered Pontiac had released a more sporty, upscale GXP - basically a GT with the V8 and all the sporty options (mags, chrome highlights, etc.) with the slightly lowered profile, this car screams speed! Everyone on my friends are green with envy. Nice throatty growl, instrument cluster well placed. TAP shifter makes it a fun cruiser.