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:

• 

  Fun to drive and turns many heads - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Jamie - December 22 - 12:56 am

  I recently bought a 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP Coupe and it is an amazing car. The street edition kit makes the car look wonderful and everyone notices it. The car is very fun to drive and handles very well on the road. Bumps are barely noticeable. The interior feels great too. If I want the car to accelerate quickly, it launches. The power is great. My only concern with the car is that it seems like it wants to idle rough a little bit at times. Im not worried the car will leave me stranded, but a brand new car shouldnt do that.

• 

  Pontiac: two words you lose - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GTtoGTO - December 21 - 10:00 am

  when i first bought my GP it had 106K on it and now currently has 184K the performance even with the N/A 3.8 is very adequate and can only be better from the aftermarket. Ive had a few issues over the last 4 years with it needed a new sway bar, steering rack, shocks, head gasket, intake gaskets. Ive had many vehicles with far less miles on them and far more problems. Even after it all the car was worth fixing the amount of fun the car offers far out weights the cost(did the repairs myself cost about $1200). I live in central new york and the car has no rust Amazing! it has hooked me on Pontiacs forever hopefully the car will last that long because Pontiac no longer exists if you can buy 1

• 

  I Love It! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By I Love It! - December 20 - 6:00 am

  I own an 05 white Sunfire and this was my first car. I couldnt ask for anything better. I absolutely love it. I handles beautifully and Im in love with the exterior. This is an excellent car for the money and I am proud to own it.

• 

  Car of my Dreams - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By spitfirefl - December 18 - 1:26 pm

  I am the original owner of my GTO and it fits me perfectly, It should have had two hood scoops, but it actually keeps me "under the radar". Great to drive, extremely reliable. Theyll have to pry it out of dead hands. Best car I have ever owned. If i get a new car, I will still have my GTO.

• 

  Loving It - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Doreen - December 17 - 11:06 pm

  It was inexpensive, fun, sporty looking, great on gas and a smooth ride. I cannot be happier with a car that did not break the bank to afford. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable, fun car with low car payments!

• 

  Just bought GP1 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By GPLARRY - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a new GP1 and was pleasently surprised. List was $23,490 and with rebates the purchase price was $17,700. The car rides great! 04 looks and rides better then previous models.

• 

  Finally - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By BJames - December 15 - 11:23 pm

  Pontiac gets it right this time. Really the Aussies do. Fast, refined, comfortable beast! What an American muscle car sedan should be. Can compete with the Euro boys and blow them away. Excellent build quality. I have a little over 1100 miles and look forward to driving it every single day.

• 

  Great Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Macadew - December 15 - 12:50 pm

  Outstanding vehicle for the price. Gas mileage is excellent, car rides well and very comfortable in front seat. Surprising amount of room for rear seat passengers as well. Quality has been super outside and inside. Only negative is noise generated by engine. Besides that everything is great.

• 

  Grand AM, this is a great car! - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chris - December 15 - 2:11 am

  If you are looking for something sporty looking with hood scoops that rides like you are floating on a couch cushion, look no further than the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am GT with a Ram-air V6. This car has excellent traction in the winter time. The engine performs astonishingly well when floored. The Monsoon sound system is of very good quality and if youre not a fan of traction control (as I am not), you can turn it off with the push of a button. Although my car is now 13 years old and barely has 81,000 miles, it is the best I could ever expect in a used sports coupe.

• 

  GREAT Car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By The MAN - December 14 - 4:06 am

  Great ride, very smooth and nice looking. Plenty of power, who needs 400 horsepower any way. I would recommend this car to anyone. Had 2003 Honda Accord and the G6 is much better. Better quality and smoother ride. Handling is great.