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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  love my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By charles dorman - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I leased this Vibe because I wasnt sure if I would like it....But it turns out ....I LOVE IT.......I plan on upgrading to the AWD for 2004 IF the resale is good on my 2003

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  I love my Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By sunnioscar - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I am so happy with my new Vibe. I am glad that I bought it instead of a used Camry which my plan. The control of the car along with the great view of the road from the drivers seat....PLUS the great crash ratings sold me. My last car was totaled by a driver who hit me from behind while I was stopped at a light.

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  It works for me! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Juicy - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The one thing I like about my vibe is gas. With the raising price of gas, it only take about $20 to completely fill my car up, about 13.5 gallons.

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  Grand Ams Turned To Junk Cars - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Better Unknown - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Due to a severe vibration in the right front of this vehicle that Pontiac could not figure out where the problem was, I sold this vehicle for a Honda. Gas mileage was also unacceptable.

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  black on black - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By marlins 9397 - October 1 - 2:00 am

  1st time Pontiac owner. Extremly happy from the time I walked into the dealership to driving my GT2 home. What a machine. Thanks Pontaic!

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  First time SUV Crossover owner - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By cacique40 - September 29 - 7:20 pm

  This is my first SUV crossover that I have owned and I am very pleased with the performase of this vehicle. It has plenty cargo pace (for my familys needs), and the rear passenger area is big and confortable too (according to my wife). I like the way it handles and the fast acceleration it provides (I am no F1 driver, mind you). My previous car was a 1999 Grand Am, and I loved it until the day I sold it. I am looking forward to own this one for at least 10 years!

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  Loved it but ready for something new - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By airiel13 - September 29 - 6:07 am

  Ive had this car for nearly 4 years! And Ive replaced just about every important part needed for the car to run!! Ive spent over $1000 on my car, not the best but if your willing to have to fixer upper buy this car!! Plus the interior is poor quality, and why brown???

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  My Silver Bullet - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Cheryl Williams - September 28 - 3:46 pm

  It drives so smooth. Hugs the curves. Quick power, going into manual with a flick is nice. Dont miss the clutch at all. Im very tall, for a woman (6 ft) and Im very comfortable, good leg room. The dashboard has a cheap plastic look. Other than that I love the car

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  The All New G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Chris Earley - September 28 - 3:10 am

  This G6 is the best car i have ever had. It is really fun to drive. When you step on the gas then the other cars should just say bye-bye. The interior is the nicest and most creative there is out there. If your ready for a new car or ready for a change in your life, then the G6 is just right for you. And lets not forget that sunroof. What more is there to say about that sunroof. So if you want to stand out and let people notice you then do what you have to do to get this G6.

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  The best car Ive ever owned,however, - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By godawgs2013 - September 26 - 11:03 pm

  This car is great except it leaks in the back floor board.When we bought this car we were not aware of the leaks. We have tried to figure out where it is coming from.If you buy this car ask the owners if it has had problems with leaking.