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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  An Excellent Choice - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By S Martin - February 17 - 12:30 pm

  I bought this car in Dec. 06 and never had buyers remorse. This car is very quick and my friends are impressed with the superb road holding. It also gets decent mileage (Im averaging 24 mpg city/hwy). The 6A is awesome (wont find that on Accord or Altima) and the trip tonic will hold gear even if you floor the throttle. 18" wheels typically scratch easily but the treadwall height on these tires is enough that the tires absorb impact upon curb contact. The 8-spkr Monsoon is awesome. Excellent cargo capacity with folding rear seats. No reliability issues so far - car has only needed oil changes and tire rotation. Heated seats work well and the two-tone leather looks great. Buy it

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  All around great - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rocketman - February 16 - 6:46 pm

  Only problem Ive had was the auto trans not shifting into the next gear at the end of a 550 mile trip, but that could have been the terrain. The seats are nice and hug you so that if you drive sporty you wont slide off on sharp turns. Tons of space if you need it. I got a loaded sun and sound, auto, preferred, monotone 08 Vibe for 18K out the door because they redesigned them for 2009 and pushing the 2008s out. Get a 2008 if you can! The MPG is great, really worth it because you get a nice zip without ruining your wallet.

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  NEW PONTIAC GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By ROBERT PERRYMAN - February 16 - 10:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE. ALOT OF POWER AND LOOKS. THE INTERIOR IS THE BEST LOOKING THAT GM HAS PUT OUT TO DATE.

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  Awsome New Ride, I Love It!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rachepi - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I had my doubts at first, but once I got behind that wheel for the first time, I knew it was meant to be! I fell in love with this car on site, fully loaded with all the extras that I wanted and then some. I converted rather quickly as I was set on the Matrix, but was treated much better at the Pontiac dealership, glad I changed my mind!

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  i looove the vibe - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By kapekitas - February 16 - 10:00 am

  it greeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!!!!!!! and i love it!!!!!!!!!!

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  Very Pleased with the Montana - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By BEEBOZ - February 13 - 2:00 am

  First minivan and I was quite surprised at how well it has done. Power from the 3400 engine is outstanding. Seats are comfortable and easy to remove. Gas mileage is exceptional (19/24). Great family truckster.

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  nice! - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By trunt ozares - February 13 - 2:00 am

  my first car and i love it. Great power. The engine could have been a little more technologicaly advanced.

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  Love my car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Cheryl - February 11 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my Pontiac Sunfire in 2003 brand new and I am still happy. The only repairs were minor with a gas cap and wire harness. The Sunfire is no longer manufactured. With high gas prices my car is perfect.

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  once again - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By h2osgto - February 10 - 10:13 am

  i have had over 400 cars numerous performance cars the 2004 GTO is one of the finer ones 60s performance,handles great,STOPS! styling grows on you get with the times A LOT NICER CAR THAN I EXPECTED

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  Ronnie Perry - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ronnie - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in Jan. 2003. It had 22,000 miles on it and now it has 25,000 miles on it. Its dark navy blue. It runs great, and gets 26 miles per gallon on the hwy. The cars performance is awsome.