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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  This Car Rocks - 2008 Pontiac G5
  By Linda - June 30 - 7:20 pm

  After reading reviews Im starting to think people just like to complain. This car is great! I have had mine for 2 years and other than one minor repair it has been extremely reliable. It is one of the smoothest driving cars Ive ever driven and everyone who drives it says the same. The interior is comfy, no noise, no rattles, not cheap. The back seat feels much larger than it looks and dips down giving more room for rear passengers. Battery is in the trunk, no big deal. You cant generally open the hood without getting to the interior either. Im only 52" and the seats adjust for short drivers perfectly!

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  12 Month Review - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By pdxbob - June 29 - 8:53 am

  I am in my 60s and have a degree in mechanical engineering. Bought this car new as a one year old model from the dealers lot. First, the price was incredibly good, with 3 rebates piggybacked. After driving it for 12 months, I have no problems with it, except for one thing, it started bucking when I floored the gas pedal above 50 mph. Before taking it in to dealer, I poured a can of fuel injector cleaner in gas tank, and voila, it is running better than ever. Canceled dealer appointment! Power is very adequate for every day driving, the 4 banger engine is willing and able to rev up as much as needed without getting noisy. Love this car for economy & fun of driving.

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  Read a review before you buy - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Corey - June 28 - 9:00 am

  I absolutely hate my G6 GT coupe. After 6 months the interior vanity light went out and the brakes started squeeking. I went in for an oil change and had the guy look at my brakes. I am currently at 32K miles. Apparently all my brake pads are shot and all my rotors need to be machined. For such an aerodynamic car, people always think I get such great mileage. I have the exact same gas mileage as my previous 4 door Jeep Cherokee - 19 miles per gallon. Also the sunroof rattles all the time.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By El Caballo - June 27 - 9:23 pm

  This car is very sporty in nature and drives very well. It has good handling for its size and retains its composure in tight situations.

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  Contented Old Man - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Heywood Wakefield - June 27 - 4:10 pm

  Ive had this 6-speed GTO for only about 600 miles. So far, it is just great. It handles well and accelerates well. The stick shift, while not totally sporty, is fine. Car feels solid. I bought this car because it is beautiful looking to me (it has a quietly strong appearance) and because I did want to get the most power for the money. It being 60% Australian and 90s-looking were not an issue for me. Yes, the trunk is small, the power seats are slow-moving, rear entry is difficult, and this is no mileage king. What the GTO is: a pleasure to drive, a great car for my 60th birthday, and something very special. This car puts a smile on my face. I love to drive again!

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  Blue GTO - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By torridgto - June 27 - 11:49 am

  This car is a screamer, I put a k/n CAI, and a borla exhaust in my car. Now it sounds great, it sounded good when i first got it, and could lay down some rubber but now i could burn the tires right off if i wanted too (not like i couldnt when it was stock). last year i went on a trip to Colorado and the ride just never gets old its such a comfortable ride i Just love this car. Everybody should have one!!

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  I love my Aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Texas Lady - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Height is perfect. Easy to get into and out of, yet tall enough to give good visibility. Turns on a dime. I like the heads up display.

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  aztek rules - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By aztek - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I am fascinated with my aztek. It really is the best on the road. Really, people are simply evil to say its ugly. We must take into consideration human nature: what you cant have/dont own/are to poor to own/ are to stupid to be original, then its ugly. ha, ha, ha! The truth remains: AZTEK IS BEAUTIFUL, that why I bought it. Good thing its also fully loaded, leather, sunroof etc.

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  Pedal to the Metal - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Karen - June 27 - 1:06 am

  Ever since I was 17 and drove a friends GT I had fallen in love. I then wanted a GTP and I finally got one at 22. It was actually a Napa Pace Car with decals and everything. It has Dale Ernharts Signature on the visor. Now I have Removed the Decals because the were Fading and peeling. And she looks as good as new. I love my GTP You step on the Gas and she goes. She also handles like a dream... I have NO complaints about me GP

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  Great Little Car! - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By rickston - June 26 - 6:10 am

  So far this car has been fun to drive. Very comfortable for a small car and great features available in this class. GM has definitely improved upon their product quality!