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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  Some Good-Some Bad - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Terry Sack - October 31 - 1:53 am

  I bought the Vibe because I have had a Corolla with 270,000 miles on it with no problems. Must have gotten a lemon as engine went out at 80,000miles ($5000 and GM laughed at me---never another GM vehicle for me). Also replaced 2 catalytic converters---never did this before on the many, many cars I have owned. Check engine light has been on more than it is off. Noted others had tire problems--so did I. Tire shop said camber was off from factory. Other than the expenses above the car has been fun to drive and gets great mileage---lots of room. I will never deal with GM again, however.

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  I love my Pontiac grand Am - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Stephanie - October 31 - 1:30 am

  I have had a great experience with my 03 Grand Am. It is dependable and comfortable. I have been in cars that ride a little smoother, but I would have never known mine rode hard if I had not test drove another car. I average about 22 MPG in the city and it could be better, but I am happy because the V6 really feels powerful compared to the 4 cyl.

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  Alright - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Alright - October 31 - 12:06 am

  I like the Pontiac Sunfire, but my car has a stalling problem. Since Ive had this car, Ive had to already put in several hundred dollars into it, for Muffler, A-Arm on Front passenger side wheel, and still trying to figure out why it dies on me in the middle of driving. Other than that, I like the car. It gets really great gas mileage! 295 miles to a tank. I averaged about 28 miles a gallon. Its comfortable and has some get up and go. If you punch the gas, make sure your car shifts (I have an automatic) but it still tends to hit 6 RPM and not shift.

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  So Much Fun! - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By D Gearbox - October 30 - 11:03 am

  I drive a lake road to and from work every day, its like a road course, this car is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.

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  Amazing Power - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Henrey - October 30 - 3:46 am

  When i first bought my G6 i was amazed of the power this beast has, for the price paid it was well worth the money. Its V6 3.9 liter 240 hp engine is amazing. It is a fun car for the entire family.

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  Gotta Love It - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By CobraKiller - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, the only Mistake GM made is not making it after 2002. Little things that can be done to increase airflow, and it is so much fun. Sometimes I drive other cars/SUVs home but I always miss my TransAm. Replacing the factory Goodyear tires is a must, Firestone Firehawks are a must, better handling in the rain then the car did on dry pavement.

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  Grand Am GT1 SC/t - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mekaleka - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This black beauty looks fast, and it doesnt disappoint. Excellent acceleration, handling and braking. Gas mileage is good. I traded a 99 Malibu LS for this one...making me sorry I didnt buy this car sooner. I also own an 02 Alero GLS, which would seem to be almost identical mechanically...but the Grand Am feels like a different car altogether. Much sportier!

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  Review by RMH - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RHenningsen - October 29 - 6:06 pm

  This the third Vibe weve owned and each one has had exceptional gas mileage. The last Vibe got 30.1 miles per gallon for 29000 miles. This 2009 is averaging over 30 miles per gallon too. Repairs have only required service oil,filter,tire rotation and alignment on the 2006 model. The 2009 has only 3000 miles and has had no repairs as of yet. On the 2009 model I miss the carpeting on the deck in back the shade covering that area along with the intermittent window washer. Other wise the 33.2 miles per gallon on a recent trip is great. I hate to see the Pontiac line disappear. Maybe they will give the vehicle to Chevrolet for a boost in their division car mileage requirements.

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  Underrated - a fine automobile - 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
  By ROGER - October 28 - 5:33 am

  After nearly 10 years of service, it has never been found wanting. I average 24 mpg with over 107 k miles.

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  Fun Ride - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By CCrain - October 26 - 7:53 pm

  The first year I owned this car it was used as a daily driver. Now I have a company take-home so my GTP sits in the garage. The few times that I do drive this car are a blast. Car has good pick-up and is able to merge with no problems at all. The trouble I have had from ths car is both head gaskets had to be replaced, seems to be a common thing with 3.8s and the passenger side window does not want to work sometimes. Other than that, car has been a real pleasure to own and drive.