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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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Love to drive - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I got this car for my wife, she loves it and I also enjoy driving it. I think next time we will get all wheel drive, it would be nice to have we live in upstate Ny and we get lots of snow up here. If u buy a vib u wont be sorry, its also excellent on gas.

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  First Car - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By minime716 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my first new car. It is great as it is an SUV with fuel economy. However it does need thinner tires as it slides with minor wet roads and snow. I have not driven in a full winter yet so not sure howthat will work. I hope it is good as I drive alot in the snow

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  Love My Aztek!! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By KC05 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased a 2004 Aztek and I absolutely love it. My husband and I looked at the Azteks in 2001 when they first came out and knew it was the vehicle for us, but have not been in the new car market until now. Despite what others say, I love the look of it, and so far we have convinced 2 other couples to buy one!

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  I LUV IT - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By mom - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I was reluctant to move to a minivan but with two teenage children the time had come. I have been delighted with the space, versatility (8 seats that can be used in many configurations including removal of six to convert to open space)performance and ease of handling. Very comfortable for drivers and passengers.

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  Awesome Vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Alyson416 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Even though I own a 2003, the Vibe is definitely an awesome buy. With rear seats that fold down flush with the trunk, and comfortable seats and reachable controls on the dash, this car is an awesome little SUW and Id recommend it to anyone!!!!

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  Good "Vibe"rations - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Frogzsong - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Love this vehicle! This has to be the cutest car Ive seen in a long time. Great Colors, super style. Gets a lot of attention on the road. Versatility of an SUV, but economical. The interior is comfortable for all passengers and the driver. Love the attention to detail and options. My Vibe is super looking, fun to drive and I am really enjoying it.

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  pontiac vibe - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By gmg - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Car has surpassed my expectations with a relatively inexpensive car. Very pleased

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  Vibe lover - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By RPrice2227 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I have a vibe and have in the past gotten 45 miles per gllon on a trip. We drove a 650 mile trip comfortably. I love my vibe is not a speed demon but has great peck up and is very responsive. Handles curves well. My wife drives 50 miles a day back and forth to work in it and feels secure. One plus it has a very reliable toyota engione which should give us many miles to come.

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  2004 pg gt2 - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By bone man - November 4 - 2:00 am

  For the money its the best kept secret $3000K rebate very nice car!

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  gtp - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By hoss - November 4 - 2:00 am

  great stuff from pontiac