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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  Good Vibes - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By salukilover - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted this car every since the first brochure came out. Ive found my hatch remote unavailable and the middle compartment will not stay closed. It is made of cheap plastic and will not stay latched. To the dealer I go in less than 2 months to get the remote reprogrammed and the plastic compartment fixed. I drive 80 miles in a day and wanted an economical car. I fill up every 3 - 4 days because of the small tank and I dont drive 55. My paint is already chipping from the rocks. Suggestion: Get the clear coat put on your new car. Im still happy with my vibe. It is fun to drive and with having dogs, the hard plastic in the back is awesome!

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  Off the Beaten Path. - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Krovas - April 2 - 4:03 am

  Have had my 02 Aztek for a few months. Purchased at 54k for $8000 even. A few initial repair issues (wheel hubs/bearings) that the dealer took care of. Decent mileage overall for a vehicle of this kind, but truly excellent on the highway. Possibly the most comfortable SUV ever made; a four hour drive feels like a ten minute trip to the supermarket. Interior design more than makes up for funky exterior styling. Somewhat irritating hatch release mechanism. Sufficient power for itself, but I probably wouldnt try towing anything with it. AWD performance is terrific. Overall, its looks arent the Azteks only eccentricity, but Ill bet youll forget all about them if you drive one.

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  Great second car for seniors - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By J DICKENS - March 31 - 2:26 pm

  Good comfort for around town...Would not want to take a long trip as im a senior and want comfort.

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  All around good car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By tray - March 30 - 11:53 pm

  I have had my G5 Coupe SE for two years now, and have had no problems but one small wire chaffing for my a/c. It has been an all around good car. I do wish the seats were more comfortable, on long trips especially. The trunk opening could be a bit bigger. Overall its been a good car.

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  2004 Black/Black GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Rwelty - March 30 - 4:43 pm

  I keep havng minor things go wrong with it, like a noisy fan, or a broken door lock. But nothing major so far. No charge for any repairs.

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  So Far so good - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By cubsfan53 - March 30 - 2:03 pm

  Just purchased an 06 Montana with 46,000 miles. Took it up to northern Michigan, it averaged 24 mpg. The seats had some of the "water spots" mentioned in other reviews, used Tuff Stuff spray cleaner on them, and they look good. Lots of nice interior features. Hoping for the best!

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  Pleased so far - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By mmsphoto - March 30 - 1:00 pm

  I purposefully chose the 1.8l for its higher gas mileage and have been getting 31 mpg combined so far. I wish some of the upper models were avail with the smaller engine, 2.4 is overkill and eliminates the point of a small, efficient hauler. The main competition was the Astra and Im sad that the Pontiac isnt nearly as peppy for the same engine size and that it doesnt shift anywhere as smoothly. That said I like the layout of the interior a lot, everything is where I expect (not something I could say for the astra) and the price was sure right. The cargo area is great but really needs a dome light. I love that its ipod ready and the AC works like a charm. Its a very comfy ride.

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  Plan to own it a decade - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By MichaelT - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car in August 2000 and havent had a single problem with it. Mileage is as advertised, and power is fine. Survived a wreck with it when another driver turned out in front of us and the car took all the punishment. Dealer repaired it and it drives like brand new. Would buy another one when were in the market. Used the GM Card rebate program when we bought it and saved $3,400.

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  Not sure if i like it - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By tess - March 29 - 2:56 am

  What is that squeaking noise? I bought this car because I had a grand am and I loved it. Not sure if g6 can compare to my grand am. Sometimes when Im on the highway, its like, it loses power. Considering trading it in.

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  Best Bird yet - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Fredsbird - March 28 - 5:33 am

  I bought mine new and it has proven very reliable. It has a solid feel, great looks (mine came with a beautiful metallic blue paint and chrome wheels).I have had 3 birds of various gens and none have been good off the line at a light, but on the highway they are incredible. I first learned this when I found the passing gear going 80, it was like light speed kicked in. The gas mileage city/hwy is incredible. I had a weird noise in the engine but it went away, I believe it was due to my feeding it lower octane, stick with 93.