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:

• 

  New Pontiac Owner, formerly Chrysler - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Anita - September 1 - 11:06 am

  I never thought of owning anything but top of the line Chrysler, my previous vehicle being a 1996 LHS, leather interior, etc. However, I had sore knees from them being against the dash all the time because I am so short. I love how the pedals and the steering wheel come to me on the Pontiac G6 and I can now drive in complete comfort with my legs and arms outstretched. I love the way it handles and its sporty look. After 20 years with the Chrysler dealership out of town, I am now converted to a dealer in my own town who showed me this great little GT and let me drive it - well, one like it. Loved it so much, had the dealer trade for one in a neighboring town (they had none left).

• 

  04 Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Goat - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car to own. Gear shift is not as smooth as the Vette or other sports cars, but is still good. Handles well on dry pavement, but gets loose easy. Not good in areas with snow. It is great quick and is truly a sleeper. Most people dont notice the car until they hear the rumble. This a great car for a mature adult. DO NOT BUY FOR ANYONE THAT IS NOT MATURE. Performance, as stated before, is unbelievable. This car rates well in its class, but dont think it is as fast as Vette or Viper. It can be modified to push 600 hp for $6000 at some custom shops. Thank you for your time.

• 

  Lovin It so far - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By lickiss - August 30 - 11:56 pm

  We recently purchased a 04 extended model and I love it! Its roomy and comfortable and is perfect for our two young children. The DVD system is great. Still trying to get the best gas mileage but its tons better than our old 95 Blazer. I do wish that it had more cubby holes and the climate station like my Blazer. Drives great, even my husband likes it and hes anti- minivan!

• 

  Wow What A Ride - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By ltlbt0101 - August 30 - 1:10 pm

  Thank You so much for making this van. Not only is it fun to drive, but the looks that this van gets and all the awes! I have had the van for almost a month now and cant find anything wrong, I drive a lot and back roads that wind the van handles very well and seems to form to the road. The traction control is another great feature the other day I found it to be very handy and I didnt have to kick it in, in just kicked in on its own. I have to depend on a dependable ride and I know that ive found it. Again thank you for such a great Van. PS: The leather interior is really sharp and all the extra features are wonderful.

• 

  Aztek Rules - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Claras GaGa - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Im a loyal Pontiac consumer...have been for the past 15 years. When I first saw the Aztek - first year of production - I wasnt impressed. Since that time my opinion has drastically changed! I love my 2003 model. Fun car for me and my family! Follow-up care at the dealership is, as usual, superb!

• 

  03 Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By goldie - August 30 - 2:00 am

  It is a minivan on steroids!

• 

  Beyond All Expectations - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By USA ZR-1 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I put a deposit down on this car 18 months ago without even seeing a picture of the new GTO. Were just thrilled with the actual vehicle. The fit and finish are supurb as is the quality of the interior. It is as exciting to drive as my first GTO was in 1964. The six speed is very smooth. The car is exceptional in all respects and Bob Lutz should be commended.

• 

  WOW - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By TJthrows - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Anyone who complains about this car must not have drove one. I bought mine and love it. Smooth but responsive ride and loads of power. Not many cars advise you to shift from 1st to 4th if you are not getting on it. Interior is superb. Exterior styling is sleek and looks great. I know it is not the eye grabbe the trans am was, but at every stop light, people stop and looks at what i am driveing. I have no complaints.

• 

  Excellent in all respects - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Pontiacowner - August 30 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe handles well, gets great gas mileage, is sporty yet has enough passenger and cargo space to move pretty much anything you want. Its comfortable and has lots of storage compartments.

• 

  Grand Prix - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 3Hendrix - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I own a red 2001 Grand Prix GT. I have also owned a 1998 white Grand Prix GTP and a 1988 Grand Prix. My experience with these cars is exceptional. My 1988 Grand Prix did have some trouble with quitting when pulling out into traffic but this problem was corrected in my later models. These cars are fun to drive yet practical on gas mileage. There exterior is sleek and sporty. I have one child and there was plenty of room for the car seat, toys, groceries, etc. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who likes to drive.