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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  Happy in all areas but one.... - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Marianne - November 20 - 8:36 am

  This is a great car for the money, with all the features I wanted (and then some). The only complaint I have is that I find the gas mileage to be very poor. I do mostly city driving, and I am averaging 16-17 mpg. I previously had a Toyota, which did so much better in that area, but this is certainly a much sportier car. Not really sure why such bad gas mileage.

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  The Australian M3 - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By BRMike - November 20 - 4:20 am

  I had named this review the American M3, but that would not be entirely accurate. I purchased my GTO late in the 2004 model year when GM was offering great incentives. The GTO has been a joy to own. I now have just under 21,000 miles on it and I couldnt be happier. This car has plenty of power on tap, yet can achieve over 30 mpg on the hwy. (6- speed manual). Around town, driven with care, I average 21 mpg. The interior is among the finest GM offers with a clean design and rattle-free construction. The handling is decent for a car this size. The car offers a comfortable ride and feels solid, as it should with the weight this car packs. Overall a nice, clean powerful car.

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  Glad I choose this one - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By ccsr - November 19 - 9:43 am

  I purchased this car to replace a 2003 Mazda 6 w/ 190K miles. I can not get over how happy I am with my purchase. Who said base model cars have to be stripped down or cheap? Not this one! The car handles like it should cost more and its so quiet and torquey you wont even realize youre blowing by posted speed limits like its nothing. Although I bought it used with 15K miles on it, I still have the remainder of the factory warranties and a vehicle that in my opinion outperforms the Mazda in all aspects it makes me dread driving my wifes boring 2007 Toyota Camry. If anyone is in the market for a solid built midsize car dont neglect checking out the G6, it will surprise you.

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  Montana is Horrible - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By Tina In TN - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Engine failure and complete lock up at 65,000... Lemon is an understatement!

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  We Be Viben - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By M.Krey - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is comfortable and fun to drive. We own a 2003 Vibe GT, that my husband drives, and I had to buy a second Vibe in order to get driving time! The interior has enough room for the 3 Greyhound dogs that we have.

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  HOT PERFORMER AND FAMILY CAR - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MTINDYFLINT - November 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY FOURTH GRAND AM, AND THEY ONLY GET BETTER. THIS IS THE SECOND CAR I BOUGHT THAT HAS NOT HAD TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER FOR CORRECTIVE SERVICE.THE OTHER ONE WAS, YOU GOT IT, A GRAND AM.

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  grandprixgtp - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By brent123 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  great car but needs some redesign

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  POOR RELIABILITY AND COSMETIC PROBLEMS - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By DISAPPOINTED - November 18 - 3:46 pm

  SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING THE GAS AND ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON, A CLIP ON THE FUEL HOSE MISSING. HAD WATER COMING IN THE OVERHEAD LIGHT CONSOLE NOW I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION, PROBABLY THE TORQUE CONVERTOR. HAVE EXPERIENCED A GRINDING NOISE IN LOW GEAR, PRESSING ON THE GAS AND THE VAN DOES NOT MOVE, WHEELS SPINNING WHEN GOING FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD AND CLUNKING FROM TRANSMISSION WHEN GOING FROM HIGH TO LOW GEAR.

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  Rear Wheel Drive "Dominator" - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JPK - November 18 - 2:50 pm

  I have almost a year of experience with my 09 G8/GT. I am 63 years old and have owned many vehicles. My G8/GT has more bang for the buck than any of them. I get many positive comments on this vehicle for its looks and the way it goes down the road. Many of these comments are from people (including women) who have very little interest in cars. People ask me all the time, what is it. I have had NO problems with this vehicle. This car is quiet and smooth as a big Cadillac under normal acceleration. Get on the"Loud Pedal" and it will definitely put a smile on your face. The head and leg room (front and back seats) is very good and the seats are very comfy.

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  this car rocks the asphalt - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By llDavell - November 17 - 10:00 am

  So fun to drive i bought mine off of my neighbor the car is just to fun to drive. Mine is LOADED leather seats sooooooooo comfortable of course i had to add my own system and a few other mods.