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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  my G6 - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By roger rue - July 12 - 9:06 pm

  I love my pontiac G6. After driving my car for a couple of months I would continue to buy pontiacs for the rest of my life if they keep making cars like this one.Its got a great stereo, its responsive, gets good gas mileage, lots of looks.

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  great value - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By docV8 - July 12 - 4:30 pm

  I had to go a ways to find this car, but it was worth it. I was looking at this or a BMW 545, and this took the cake (yes, really). Interior feels wonderful, exterior is beautiful. Power is everywhere. Despite what journalists are saying, torque steer has not occured yet, but for one time when it was floored at 10 MPH on uneven pavement. All I had to do was hang on tighter. Rear drive cars will break traction and get all twisted up (slip/regrip/lurch)if you floor it on uneven pavement, so whats the big deal? I guess some self proclaimed enthusiasts like to kick out the rear end around corners, but if you ask me, Id rather stay pointed where I want to go. Back seats are great too.

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  Amazing great car - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Jerzy Banasiak - July 11 - 10:00 am

  One day I drove with my family and we met on the road Pontiac Aztek : "wow, look this what the car" said my wife, "wow" I said, "wow" said my son. We ware so fascinated so I follow Aztek for a while until we found it was Pontiac. Now we have it and we love it. I dont understand critics and the people who can say is awkward or ugly. No, it is very nice car, just different. Look at streets all cars are about same , Aztek is different.

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  Fun - priced at unbelievable price - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Teresa - July 10 - 7:53 pm

  looked for a fun convertible - fair weather car! the price was right the looks are classic sporty - loads of fun to drive satelite radio to boot! would recommend to purchase this vehicle

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  My Azteka - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By lspeegle - July 9 - 7:33 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle and to date have had no problems. I replaced the battery after three years and factory tires after 75K miles. It has good pick-up and a lot of fun to drive. It has 80,500 miles on it and I have yet to replace the original brakes. I get from 27-29 MPG on the highway. I really like this car.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Car lover - July 9 - 5:03 am

  This car is the most fun to drive I have ever driven in 50 plus years. It has all the options that I want or need except a compass and I can get one of those lots of places. The seats are totally comfortable. It has great pick up off the line. The sound system makes me feel like I am in a concert hall. I love this car!

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  GXP Rocks! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By birdman64 - July 7 - 12:16 pm

  This is one of the most rounded cars Ive owned. I have had 5 Corvettes, ranging from c4s - c6s. And far the money, you get an awesome vehicle! I am very impressed by the gas mileage I achieve, I am averaging 27.5! Now keep in mind, this is a V8! Very responsive! Very quick for a midsize sedan. I love the looks and stares I get from others that wonder what im driving. Most people have not even heard of a GXP!

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  Supurb - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By karfreek - July 7 - 10:00 am

  This has got to be the best car I will ever own. I have put 24k on it in just over a year and I have have no complaints. The interior is well thought out and built with no squeeks or rattles. Some more storage for the front seat occupents would have been good. The car now has 98,000mi and is going strong, I have no doubt that I could get this car to 250,000mi. The car can move, the Supercharged 3800 has endless power.

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  Dont overlook the Aztek - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Germanshepmom - July 7 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the aztek because it fit my needs but i have found that it is a great ride. It handles like a dream and is as silent as the dead. No rattles or squeeks. I read a great deal about the car in many reports and web postings and i found that the poor reports were unwarranted. I dont find it ugly at all and the report that found it to be small and cramped is simply wrong. It has more room than any other suv i test drove. The only advised i can give is try it for your self dont let some sad sack tell you its a bad vehicle. Oh and you have to get the tent WOW what aa great time

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  what a car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By ilovemuscle - July 7 - 10:00 am

  Not only is this car fast and powerful, but it is one of the funnest cars I have ever driven. There is no other car u can get for 30 Gs that gives you the speed, comfort, and nice interior of the Pontiac GTO.