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 New Sunfire! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Debbie - January 1 - 11:00 pm

  I had a 1996 Sunfire for almost 10 years. It had 235,xxx miles on it when I traded it and it still got 32-41 mpg and loads of pickup!!! I loved the little car - had very little problem with it, but "her" age made me want to get a new car. So, I now have another blue Sunfire - stick shift like my old one --- and I wouldnt change a thing!!! I love it! Pontiac has done well by this car -- its so cool --- even by a 54 year old standards!!! Thanks!

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  back to GM - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By dnance64 - January 1 - 8:26 am

  Just traded in 2000 MB ML320. Liked styling, financing and colors/options. A little noisy on the some back roads and my boys wish for a center arm rest in back seat. Still breaking-in so performance and mpgs still not really tested. Looking forward to lower maint. and fuel prices, and more self maint. This is my 1st GM in over six years and Im happy so far.

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  Vibe Lover - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Martin - January 1 - 3:53 am

  I bought this car when I lived in Texas and was attending college in Pennsylvania. I went from a Corolla (which I loved) and wanted something with much more people and cargo space without compromising fuel efficiency. With this car being built by Toyota, it finished my decision. We have had no problems with it whatsoever and it now has 96,000 miles on it!!!

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  Great style at low price - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By STEVE HECKMAN - December 31 - 7:03 am

  I was a car critic at a very early age and continue to be years after graduating from GMI [General Motors Institute]. The last Grand Prix is very distinctive which is a real plus compared to generic "non-style" from Toyota and other mass marketers. The GP also has a strong V6 that delivers excellent fuel economy without being a slug like many of its competitors. Mine has a tan interior which remains cool even on the hottest summer days with the sunroof wide open. On winter days the heated seats react quickly and also serve to relieve muscle strain from shoveling snow. The seats are very comfortable even after a 500 mile drive. After 46k miles I have no complaints, only praise.

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  $ for $ Blows All The Others Away - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By jsjax - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I went on the car lot with no intention of buying a vehicle. As a matter of fact, I drove a Pontiac Vibe, but wasnt too impressed. I then saw an Aztek, and told the salesman I wanted to take it for a spin. WOW! I was impressed. So impressed I drove it home, showed my wife, she liked it, and did a deal in a matter of hours. Drove out with a FWD model w/ moonroof, stereo, A/C, power everything for UNDER $20k -- Drive out price!! Ive driven SUVs that cost twice as much that are far less impressive than the Aztek. Sure, it looks a little different, but once you get behind the wheel, youre hooked!

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  good car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By tom harris - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I like this car very much. yall do some good cars.

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  gto is great - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mr borla jr - December 31 - 2:00 am

  the 2004 gto is much better than any import it has that new age american style mixed with the muscle car feel

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  good VIBErations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tubesfan2 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Only 1 month old, my vibe is so versatile. Can haul kids n stuff or cool cruising car. Good gas mileage and build quality. The under shifter storage door should be sturdier. Loads of room, this is like a mini-suv. You sit up high: the window sills and roof height are the same as my toyota pickup, but the car looks so compact. Great styling, I think its better looking than the matrix.

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  Overall....good - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ATLien - December 31 - 2:00 am

  Very satisfied overall. can get 400 miles per tank when traveling. some paint chips off front and back bumper. May be covered by warrenty.

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  Opinion - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By alky - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This my second Grand Prix GT, I previously had a 2001 GT which was a great vehicle. At first I wasnt that thrilled with the new design, but when I test drove one, I was sold on the performance and handling. The new series 3 engine has better pickup and smoother acceleration than the series 2. The interior is more of a cockpit feel which is great. My vehicle that I bought came with chrome rims which do make a difference in the overall appearance. The cargo space is larger and the handling is nice and tight. Overall if you are looking for a good solid vehicle in the midprice range this is one you should look at.