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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  Going to a minivan :( - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jenn - December 27 - 5:23 pm

  My husband bought this car for me right before we got married. It has been a very reliable car, but the traction control system has been a bit of a problem in the snow. Most cars come with a button to turn it off, but not mine. So I have been stuck in an inch of snow. No fun! It is comfortable and fun in the summer. I would like to keep it but due to a growing family I am not able to.

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  AWESOME - 2009 Pontiac Solstice
  By Tari - December 25 - 3:20 pm

  After a summer of not enough time to drive this incredible machine I am sad to say I am taking it to the dealership to have it buffed out, oil changed and tuck it in for the salty months in WI. This car is what you want it to be.. pedal to the boards and 10mpg or out on the interstate getting 40 mpg. I had the power up pkg added and will never regret it. The GXP model is def worth the little extra. My other half just got the 2010 Camaro he ordered so now were a transforming couple! LOL He got the 426 hp SS...it goes without saying an incredible car that doesnt disappoint, accept finding a place to really open it up!

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  Been Everything I Wanted...Almost - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By nickf1995 - December 25 - 12:42 pm

  This is the car that I wanted since 7th grade, and finally this past May I had the opportunity to purchase one! I absolutely love the styling, particularly on the exterior. The pearl white shimmers in the sun and is gorgeous to look at. The tan interior is great as well, although I have been a bit disappointed with some of the material qualities, particularly on the ceiling panel and dashboard. I bought the car with 63,000 miles and have put on another 3,000 to date. Other than a couple of major repairs up front (engine mount and instrument panel) this car has been practically problem free. I love the power and handling and plan on keeping it for a very long time!

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  Love this Car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By puddles027 - December 25 - 5:43 am

  I bought the G6 on a whim. I hated my Sonata, the paint was peeling all over (it was only 2 yrs old). So my husband and I went looking on a gloomy rainy day, and found my car that I so love!

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  Great Van -few problems - 1999 Pontiac Montana
  By mare - December 25 - 3:06 am

  I love my van. Had trouble with intake gasket at 75,000 replace for under $500. Routine maintenance and fuel pump. Rides well and comfortable. I drive my van to work and on long trips with extended family. We have put carrier on top and loaded it full. It is still running strong. Could not ask for a better minivan.

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  Bless my SOL - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By 1 Bad nanr - December 23 - 3:26 pm

  I have looked at this car for some time and finally bought one. It is my mid life crisis car. The 2.0l turbo is a kick in the pants. There have been many posting on the interior and use of to much plastic which does cheapen the apperance. The manual trasmission seems very smooth within the first 3,000 miles on the car. I have owned a few sports cars over the years, but this by far, is the funnest car to dive that I have owned.

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  Awesome Care! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Breck - December 23 - 1:13 pm

  This car is great. I havent owned an American car in more that 15 years. I love the sound of the engine when you start it up. None of my Japanese cars ever sounded like that! It has great pickup and pretty good fuel economy. Its fun to drive. The inside is comfortable and the service I get from the dealership is awesome...free oil changes as long as I own it. I got the car loaded with everything and still got a great price with the employee pricing. I could never have gotten a Japanese car with all the features for the price I paid.

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  1998 Bonneville SE - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Canicuss - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I ran into a man who traded his 98 Bonneville for a newer Bonneville and was sorry he had. We both agree its a reliable car, stylish and fun to drive. Ive only invested in routine maintenance and havent had any problems mechanically and the body is sound.

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  GREAT NEW DESIGN -THATS A BLAST TO DRIVE - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By djrlw - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Lives up to drive excitement. Excellent proformance & handling with many great features. I test drove many other cars in this price range and found this to be the best buy and most fun. I even drove cars almost $5000 more and found the proformance and handling superior with the 2004 Grand Prix GT2

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  Loved my Lincoln Town Car but this car rocks! - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By LimoBarbie - December 22 - 1:20 pm

  I love our new Solstice--wish it wasnt winter in Illinois but we wouldnt have gotten this kind of deal in the summer! Got the car for less than sticker and traded on of my Lincoln Town Cars for it. It handles and corners on freakin rails and makes this 49 year old feel young again and the car has a huge "Hey Baby" factor! Hubby got it for me for my 49th birthday and I love it to pieces, I still have my stretch limo and my other TC for when I need a bigger car, but I love buzzing around in this one. Will be taking it to FL in January for the fun of it--soft luggage fits in the trunk with the top up but nothing with the top down. Its ungodly fast--the cops are hating me!