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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  Fun car...quality build - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By joe mc - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Only 500 miles, but already I love it. Easy to get in and out of. Moonroof and tunes package is great. Corners well, and ABS brakes. Trunk area is easy to access with no lip to lift over. Day time running lights and automatic headlights. All of this with a Toyota engine and transmission.

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  So great I bought a 2nd one! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By crystal - May 19 - 8:53 pm

  This is my 2nd Grand Am. The first I had was a 2000, then we traded it in for the newer 2004 with V6. We love our Grand Am. Its a sporty enough car that you still feel young, but its big enough that it fits the family. The V6 option provides great pickup, and the car handles very well at any speed.

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  Love It !!! Sad It"sGoing Away.. - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Love my Aztek - May 18 - 8:43 pm

  First car I picked out myself and the best of both worlds. Easy to get in and out of and fun to drive. Aways asked by people how I like it and I am forever showing off the inside. The space is awsome. This is our second one and was sadend to hear that I wont be able to get my huband a new one for himself next year. We have a New Yorker that my husband drives but it doesnt get any miles on it if we are going together. We always jump in the AZTEK. Would really like to see a few more years of this car around. This year along in our small town we have gone from our Aztek driving the streets of 3500 people to seeing 8. Love my Aztek Sue.

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  Let the muscle car live.... - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Staab - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but fun with my Ram Air. Since Ive bought it, all Ive had to do is change the oil; and tires of course :)

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  Great All Around Car - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mortons - May 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car used (rental). To our surprise the four cyl. version was just as powerful at a lower price. Some of the interior bits are less than perfect (cupholders??), but shouldnt deter someone from buying the car if they dont have to have a drink with them all the time.

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  Loving it - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By phantom505 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is a nice ride for the front and back passengers. Nice style in and out. The V6 is good, but better yet with a little bit of tinkering with the intakes and exhaust. The only gripe most Grand AM GT owners have is the fact that GM decided to put a 4T45 transmission. The GT simply needs more. A manual would be nice too.

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  2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By TOM NIEZNAY - May 14 - 1:30 pm

  I love to drive my sunfire because it is great on gas and for a 4 cylinder engine it has a lot of power. The sporty appearance is great and it has a roomy trunk. The sound system with cd player is awesome. The automatic transmission shifts really smoothly. Best thing about GM cars is the transmission.

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  Highly Recommended GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By fredee - May 14 - 5:50 am

  Good power. Good mileage. Average over30 if you stay at the speed limit. Wish the GTP model was better identified from the exterior. Hard to tell it from any other Grand Prix.

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  Ugly Car but Fun to drive - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By GM Owner15 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had many GM cars in my life, and belive it or not this one drives the best. It has a very smooth ride, you site high off the ground and can see everything around you. steering is tight, and all controls are within reach.

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  American Beauty - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank Lewis - May 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most beautiful car ever GMC produced. I was always very cautious about buying GMC car. , but a latest show in Boston area expo this model strike me and I decide to buy one, Oh ofcourse I was looking at the Maxima 2004. I took it for a ride and I was not empress at all, all I can see is a big dash board in front of me, it reminded me like the beatle. I am amazed with this car engine power, performance, handling, taking off, stoping you name it, I fully enjoy driving this American Beauty.