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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  Back in a GTP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cudaboy2 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I was in a roll over accident in my previous 2000 GTP and survived with only a bruised arm. It gets my thumbs up on safety. I expect to have the same trouble-free reliability as my previous 2000 GTP. Love the new OnStar option. I am completely satisfied with this car. Cant wait for the new 2004s to come out, though I might switch to the GTO.

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  My G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Chitown Driver - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for after Oldsmobile went out of existence. I also looked at the Nissan Altima, but there was no comparison. The G6 had it beat by miles in style, comfort, and features.

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  2005 GTO 6 speed - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Car Crazy Dude - October 21 - 7:10 am

  Awesome car, always eager to drive it! Needs nothing else added to it from purchase. Love the IRS and the 400 hp 400 ft-lb torque!! Price to value is definitely unbeatable, Go GM.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By jla - October 19 - 11:00 pm

  As a former Grand Am owner, I have been looking at the G6 for quite some time. When I found a good deal, I jumped at the chance. This car is great. I drove it to my home town, which is 90 miles away, and it was both comfortable and fun to drive. When I first got it, I kept trying to think of places to go so I could keep driving instead of coming right home from work. My last Pontiac lasted me 13 years and Im sure this one will last a long time as well. Im a true "Pontiac believer".

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  Style & Comfort - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Halfpint - October 19 - 10:00 am

  My vibe was very helpful in my move to my new home. The foldable rear seats were a plus. The interior while sporty is also very easy to care for(just ask my nephew and the millions of things he has spilled). The gas mileage is also a HUGE money saver!! Im often complimented on its style. I find it sporty as well as comfortable. If youre looking for comfort as well as style this is the car youre looking for!!!

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  fast and fun for a family car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kcoffman - October 19 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our 004 Grand Prix GT2 but so far -- loving it!!!!!!!! Fast and nimble and oh so fun! A little disappointed in the information read- out screen (not enough info listed) and not enough cubbies or cup holders but still an awesome interior. We tried it out as a rental and really enjoyed it then we went out and bought the upgrade.

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  Best. Car. Ever. - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By selinamarie - October 16 - 5:01 pm

  For my first car, I chose this cute little 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. I had no idea what I was getting into- it was a Craigslist find. I started out with 140 k miles, and now it is at 151 k and still running pretty well. Several cars Ive looked at that are newer seem to have issues at this point in the odometer stats. The only major problem Ive ever had were the brakes as well as my gear shifter becoming loose. My CD player sucks, and the window motors are going bad, but this is an easy fix. The previous owners said this little champ got them to Arizona and back from New York!

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  310,000 km and no complaints - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Brian - October 16 - 2:40 pm

  I love my car. 13 years, 310,000km and no reason to even look at something new. This car runs perfect like the day it was new. New Brakes, Tires, Battery, AC compressor, Waterpump, tuneups but that is expected. Very reasonable and no complaints from me. 2.4 Quad 4 has done very well for me.

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  Basic Transport with attitude! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tundra88 - October 16 - 8:36 am

  My family needed to replace a very unreliable Volvo and decided to go with this Vibe. Toyota build at a GM price. Of course since the purchase weve had to deal with the gas pedal recall but otherwise its been flawless. During the recent Atlanta ice storm we parked my 4WD pickup and drove the Vibe. It was great in the icy conditions. Stability control is awesome! Good gas mileage, decent handling and (subjective) good looking. Everyone in the family loves driving the Vibe, its no race car, but then its not supposed to be...

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  Jones GP Review - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wanda Jones - October 15 - 11:06 am

  Had to replace transmission twice,other than that, Ive had good performance and reliability from the GP. Great looking car and very comfortable.