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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  REALLY FAST - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By LILGTO04 - February 18 - 10:00 am

  ITS FAST AND IS COMFORTABLE. CHEAP ON GAS LOW PAYMENTS.

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  Rylies GT - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rylie - February 18 - 10:00 am

  I love my car, I would buy another one!

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  Quick and Rock Solid - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Gran AM Owner - February 16 - 4:10 pm

  I own a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE V6 and i am so glad i bought this car. It has been very good for me its quick really quick and with the stuff i do to it im surprised it hasnt broke in two. It hasnt had any problems except last week the fuel pump went out which for your information is really common for Pontiac Grand Ams Chevy Malibus of 99-03 and Olds-mobile Aleros its just a chronic problem just like nissans and brake failure anyway my dads slammed the car into a curb going 40 in ice and nothing happened to it didnt even get out of alignment tell me one car that does that i could keep going on but i dont have enough space but for quality and performance this is the best car.

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  Wow. Awesome car. - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Snowman - February 15 - 3:10 pm

  Much much better than I expected. Tried ALL midsize cars, both foreign and domestic and this was the clear winner. Fast, quiet, handles excellently at both high speed and low. Tracks very well. Excellent stability system and the brakes drag you to a stop faster than an aircraft carrier landing deck. If you have a bias against the Pontiac name, I suggest you try this car. My Saab-loving wife drove it once and decided that this was the best car going for the price -- 27,600$ with leather and airbags and a few other toys.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Seth - February 14 - 2:13 pm

  This car is great! I sell Pontiacs and this is something that is an easy sell. The car rides like a dream with comfortable seats and awesome power. I love the look. I smile every time I get out of it.

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  Our Aztek - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By j321979 - February 11 - 10:00 am

  We love our 2002 Pontiac Aztek. Love the preformance and versatility of our vehicle. Had a playstation 2 put in. Highly recommended!! Great vehicle for those who want a SUV for the price of a mid-size car!!!! The rear seats are great!!!

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  My 1996 Grand AM GT - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BLHall - February 11 - 10:00 am

  No major problems. Great Car!

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  Value - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Richard Papp - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Only owned this vehicle for a cople of months, but enjoying it tremendously. I have owned almost every model of Pontiac over the years, and this one rate high. For what I paid (under 12K$), this is more car than any other brand out there. Performance and driveability are exceptonal for this class. I dont know how EPA mileage ratings can be so low-I routinely get 7.6L/100 KM in the city and have never used more than 8.8L/100. Highway drops to 6.6L/100KM or better. There is no comparable value on the market.

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  Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By uskiwi - February 11 - 10:00 am

  The Vibe is great to drive. When I dorve to Canada, I got 36 mph gallon which I thought was terrific.

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  Last year 2008 GP GXP goes out Winner! - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 69Judge - February 8 - 5:30 pm

  These GP GXPs are a terrific value right now. Very stylish inside and out. It is a blast to drive the V8 is strong and produces a great exhaust tone on the road, it handles the road with ease all instrumentation is easy to read and driver friendly. Everyone loves te suede leather bucket seats they are really comfortable. I have plenty of head/leg room. The 18 inch rims really make the car stand out in the parking lot. The GXP makes driving fun again, sporty with V8 power to match and all the extra options youd expect from a luxury car. The 05-08 GXPs(14,800) are one of the automotive industrys best kept secrets!! Im very, very happy with mine.