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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  Comfortable car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By midliferacer - January 24 - 10:00 am

  One of the best handling cars I have ever driven. Acceleration is great. Seat comfort is excellent. Only trouble I have had in 4 years is the computer control module for the transmission. It had to be replaced at 37000 miles. Since it was so close to the end of warranty, GM contributed a portion of the cost to replace this item. Exterior styling still attracts attention, even after 4 years.

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  This car is crazy - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By TROI - January 23 - 2:06 pm

  I love this car there is only one down side to it.That is that there are only two seats.

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  Nice Car - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Art Phippsa - January 23 - 11:43 am

  The way this car handles,rides and preforms makes it a thrill to drive. The interior is very comfortable and just adds to the fun. This car can compete with any of the imports that Ive had over the last 10 years.

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  The greatest secret of all - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By D - January 23 - 6:36 am

  This car is fabulous. Everyone stops and stares as I drive by them. Great car for the money. Such a good value.

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  GP/GT is an Awesome Car. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frankie T - January 21 - 2:33 pm

  My Grand Prix is a 2007 GT model with all the options. The Monsoon Stereo with the Six CD Player has been a pleasant surprise. The Monsoon system has Great sound and Balance. I have the Purple Haze Metallic paint with the Sun Roof and Custom Tail pipes. The cars appearance is a Head Turner. The Remote Start, Heated seats and Dual climate control are Great during the Winter Months. The 3800 Series III is an extremely reliable engine. In combination with the Eaton Generation V Supercharger and Electronic throttle control you always have instant Power when you need it. I really like the interior with the stitched leather seats and a Real Cockpit feel for the driver. Much better then the G6.

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  Good Choice - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By eyc51k - January 19 - 6:33 pm

  I bought two vehicles in 07 this G5 and a mid size SUV. I drive 135 miles daily and picked this G5 over the smaller foreign brands for my commute. I am an old man compared to the kids driving this car. Have been driving 40 years and owned as many vehicles. I love this car all around.Handling, ride, and mileage obtained. At 80 MPH I get 30 MPG and at legal speeds on the interstate as high as 37.7 MPG! Power is good. Love the XM & seat comfort setting as low as it can go. I am 5’ 11” 215lbs and perfectly comfortable driving three hours daily. Good choice no regrets at 22K and climbing fast.

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  Best Pontiac in ages - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Sweet G6 GXP - January 19 - 1:03 am

  My wife and I just purchased a 208 Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe. It by far is the nicest Pontiac I have ever owned, and is the nicest GM product I ehave ever owned. The new GXP appearance package sets the styling off, I have gotten looks by many people driving close by on the street. The car does well in everyday driving, quiet, smooth, solid; and can take off at the light with the best of them. The 3.6L VVT and 6 speed auto is seamless. Keep up the good work Pontiac (GM)

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  Grand Prix GPX - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RichInFla - January 17 - 6:16 pm

  Quick, agile, fun to drive! Garners plenty of looks, and glares from other drivers when you beat them off of the line!

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  You Auto Goat Buy One! - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Jim P. - January 15 - 9:10 pm

  I like the style better than the 99 Camaro I traded. This car looks great in my garage, and goes like a demon on the street. Traction control is almost idiot-proof on wet roads. I will not drive in snow, so it will stay off PA roads until April. I have put 1100 miles on it in the 3 weeks I had to drive it!

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  Great car! - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dadga567 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Great daily vehicle. Good on snowy and Ice, excellent handling and acceleration. The leather was great and the inside looked cool. I would buy another