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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  2000 Pontiac Bonneville SLE - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By BJ Baker - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I love my Bonneville!!! Exterior styling is awesome for a 4- door.

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  Good car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By vengland - December 14 - 4:23 am

  I bought my grand am in June of 2008 with 114,000 miles on it. I had one problem when the gas cap didnt get tightened up properly and the car wouldnt start. But I have had no other problems with it. Its reliable, gets ok gas mileage and I would buy another one just newer next time. I am a big fan of GM products and this car is great. I love the way it looks and the sound system is awesome.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kathy - December 12 - 9:56 am

  I absolutely loved this car. I bought it used a little over 2 years ago. It is very spacious inside - I am 6 tall and my husband is 61" and there is plenty of room without feeling cramped. This car has been extremely reliable and awesome on gas. I averaged about 28-29 mpg, city. Put me on a highway and I was always well above 30. This car has also proved itself to be very safe and solidly built. My car was recently totaled (someone pulled out in front of us while we were going 55 mph). The damage from the crash did not go past the front door, and we all walked away unharmed. I will be replacing it with another Vibe shortly

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  Explosive GTO !!! - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GTO 05 - December 11 - 8:36 pm

  Since I purchased the car I look forward to driving the GTO on a daily basis. The vehicle has awsome torque on the take off, and pass ability. I have the six speed manual, the gears shift smooth and compact. Handling is above average holds very tight on curves, yet comfortable on long trips. Stability could be a little better.

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  Highly Recommend - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By rcl76 - December 10 - 9:23 pm

  I have had this car for a good month. Is way too much fun to drive, and I am getting 24.0 miles per gallon city (5 speed manual). I usually get 3 or 4 questions/comments a day on the car, especially with the top down. I would do nothing but recommend the Solstice GXP.

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  Solid - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kurls1800 - December 6 - 12:50 pm

  My GP has given me 5 years of great service . I did have a front rotor warpage issue early on and just decided to replace them. Otherwise, just change the oil and other common maintenance. Sad to see Pontiac end its production of Grad Prixs. Love the Pontiac red dash lights.

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  Great performance and mileage - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Montana Owner - December 6 - 12:03 pm

  Excellent acceleration beyond what the horsepower rating says. Maybe its due to the torque. Handling is great too. No problems with reliability or anything else. Mileage is super compared to the performance too. I got 26 mpg with 4 adult passengers with luggage on a long trip, and 27.5 mpg on a solo trip when I set cruise control at 60 mph.

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  Simply an Awesome Car, made for driving - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Aka - December 5 - 1:46 am

  I chose the V6 3.6 because it is absolutely strong and fast enough from me and I dont need extra 110 horses in the stables... The car is simply a fun car to drive, easily comparable with BMW driving qualities and performance. The gear is great, sporty if necessary. The engine has plenty of torque and it pulls great almost in any situation. It is huge on the inside, plenty of leg room for everyone. The luggage space is also huge and can carry two strollers easily. I highly recommend it for people who like a sporty, yet family friendly car. one warning, the base models dont provide extra gadgets or sophisticated hi-fi, it is quite basic, I like it that way, except for changing the speakers.

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  Great - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Shellsea - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car so much. It is very comfortable and drives excellent. No plans to get rid of it !!

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  Great car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Amanda - December 2 - 9:00 am

  This is the 4th Sunfire I have owned. I have loved everything about this car. Due to a recent accident I no longer have this vehicle, which is why I am writting. My husband and I hit a telephone pole at approx 50 mph and even though the car suffered major damage we both walked away with only a small bruise. I am very happy with the way the interior of this car stood up. A lot of times you see cars that completely fall part this car is amazing! I just wish they still made them so I could have another new one.