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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  Great Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By JP - February 12 - 8:26 pm

  The 2004 Pontiac GTO was built in Australia by a GM owned company called Holden. The car is well built with a tight body, a decent sport suspension which does make it ride a little rough and includes independant rear suspension. The car is equipped with the LS1 Corvette engine of 350hp which provides the GTO with good power. I chose the manual 6-speed for my transmission option. The interior is leather with bucket seats both front and rear. I have not had any problems with the car since I have owned it and I thoroughly enjoy driving this vehicle.

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  03 Vibe Reflections After Two Years - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By mhosbach - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Leased my Vibe shortly after they became available. The sporty looks and cross-over concept were what attracted me. Interior ergonomics are right on. Drivers seating is perfect. Cargo capacity is surprisingly large. Mileage is excellent, low 30s for my daily commute. Ride, handling, and brakes are great. A disappointment has been the 200 watt stereo. The door speakers rattle. In 30,000 miles, my Vibe has had no mechanical problems. A few minor glitches in the first year were probably "new model" type problems. Buy a Vibe! It has the right mix of cool style, features, and value.

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  Pontiac GTO excitement - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Les - February 11 - 12:03 am

  This car is a blast to drive; it is very fast, handles great, brakes are excellent and its comfortable, with plush bucket seats that support, interior finish thats well appointed. The value for the buck is terrific!!! Im very pleased with the GTO.

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  ! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tripleseis6 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A very fuel economic car,the ecotec engine feel like it got more power that the advertized 140hp ! im constantly getting around 27mpg in the city .

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  Good car for the price - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By 3rd grand am - February 9 - 10:00 pm

  This is my 3rd Grand Am that I have owned. 97, 00, and 04 models. I have been fairly happy with this car except for the wind noise from the window seals that the dealerships didnt seem to want to fix even though I had it in 5 times for the noise. This car is what you would expect from GM. Low grade interior materials.

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  Better Hardtop - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By WorldWalker - February 9 - 6:46 pm

  I have been looking for a HT/convertible since owning the Ford Sunliner. This car is so much fun to drive and I stole it from the dealer. It is fun to drive and great with the top down. Had a rag top and you guessed it, the top got cut and it rotted. So much for rag tops. Now I am so happy with my convertible and if it turns out to be lemon I dont care. I will love it anyway. My son and I love it and now he wants me to buy him one. The top movement is so smooth and no problems like the Sunliner had. Tubes/switches bad

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  Fun, Fun and YES Even Practical - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By 06-Sly-Fulload - February 9 - 11:23 am

  BMW, Mazda, Mercedes - you have a lot to learn...drove them first..BIGGEST disappointment-BMW...ugly & NO FUN.. buy one as a coffin maybe. Anyway..the Solstice is what a Roadster is supposed to be at a price that is right on. I got it loaded with the upgraded stereo - I like to say "I have a pair of driveable headphones" !! Just awesome stereo. Comfortable to drive, rips around any offramp - zoom zoom this...tried that with the Miata - almost wound up dead! Tonight I went to the post office picked up 3 boxes size of a briefcase cubed, went to the market - $140 groceries and I had room to store it all. Used front seat of course, but I never have problem putting stuff in the trunk. Its a HIT!

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  Great fun!!! - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Wayne B. - February 8 - 1:30 pm

  What a blast to drive! I traded an 02 Monte Carlo in for this car and quite honestly wasnt expecting to have the super fun that the MC afforded me but after driving this car for the last two weeks, let me assure you that it is MORE fun than MC, the longer wheel base must be the difference. Great acceleration, nice cornering, comfortable seating and my family of four fits in very nicely. Had a 92 Grand Prix for years and loved it, but I dont think Ill buy anything but Bonnevilles from here on out!

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  Things you should know - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Vicky - February 8 - 11:26 am

  I have owned two Bonnevilles and 2001 and now and 04. My daughter owns an 04 also and my mom owns the 01. The cluster has stopped working on all three of them. My transmission fell out at 42,000 miles. I have had other problems as well. I paid a lot of money for my car and feel like I was cheated. Other than all of the problems, the car is beautiful and rides nice.

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  Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By joselago - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Only one problem: Noise detected in HVAC system. Had something to do with the A/C. Replaced free at dealer (took 3 tries to get it right). Free loaner car from dealer. Roomy (Im 65 and fit easily) Overall excellent value.