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:

• 

  Pontiac Bonneville - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By mike1969 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Lifelong Pontiac buyer that decided to by a "supior" German product. Needless to say I was very disappointed with my Passat, had owned Grand Ams for 15 years. Went back to Pontiac and fell in love with the smooth comfort of the Bonneville. This is the best car for price, style and comfort.

• 

  Can You Say .....Sleeper - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Bruce k - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Dont let the tame exterior of this car fool you. I am very excited with the performance and handling of my new GTO. This car drives like a true dynomo Everything from the the nice deep rumble sound to the wheels burning rubber. I also think that this car can be an everyday driver as well. Perfect combination for me!

• 

  Another Roadster at Our House - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Steve & MaryBeth - July 17 - 11:20 pm

  This car replaced a 2001 MR2 Spyder which repalced a Miata this is MBs car and she hasnt stopped smiling yet. Our first drive was to Mid-Ohio Races. There was a very nice surprise awaiting us. GM had a Pontiac corral there that we were invited to join. I own other sports cars,Porshce and a Corvette but we have never seen so much enthusiasm and passion for any car as the people that own the Solstice. This was exciting and very refreshing. We are looking forward to many fun miles with this car.

• 

  Fun to Drive Great on Gas - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Fun Car - July 15 - 5:03 am

  The Vibe is a great little car its fun to drive has a smart sporty look, and is great on gas milage. The large wheel base gives is a great ride and good handling. Its a soild tight car.

• 

  Fantastic Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By rick hughes - July 15 - 12:50 am

  Got a great deal on the car and could not be happier. Worth way more than what I paid. About 9000 miles on the car and no problems. By far the best car Ive ever owned. Great handling, greater power. I am costantly being stoped and asked about the NEW GTO. A friend has a 2004 Corvette and the GTO is pretty darn close in fun factor.

• 

  GREAT CAR - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Deedon - July 14 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS LOTS OF FUN AND HAS GREAT FEATURES. GAS MILEAGE NOT GREAT BUT IT IS A V-8. LOT OF PEOPLE COMMENT ON SEEING IT THAT IT LOOKS GOOD, BUT ARE SHOCKED THAT PONTIAC HAS A CAR IN THE PRICE RANGE OF THIS CAR. OTHERWISE HAPPY WE BOUGHT THE CAR

• 

  Fabulous Car! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By cuaak5 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Pontiac, I will always buy Pontiac

• 

  Grand Prix - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By smpf4 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall, I am happy with this vehicle. I have experienced a rattle in the power windows. Recently the air conditioning settings of 1 and 2 have gone bad. Worse yet, 125.00 to fix! The car handles well and gets good milage on the highway versus the city.

• 

  Above Average - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Phillip - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I traded my 1992 3000GT VR4 for this car and I have no regrets. The VR4 had more ponies and the All-wheel drive handles corners better but The GTP is very close to the performance and is no where near the high price of a new VR4. This car is awesome bang for your buck.

• 

  Fun Fun Fun!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Enfury8me - July 14 - 5:20 am

  I bought this car a couple of months ago on a whim and I absolutely LOVE it! Anyone who wants to laugh at it or make fun of me for buying it can do it but they dont know what kind of FUN they are missing! The vehicle is very responsive on curves and in the snow it goes thru any depth. We love all the room in the back because you can carry anything. Its just a FUN car to drive. We already feel like this vehicle is a part of the family!