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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  hot american car - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By 1stMB - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Sharp and fast. Bought for my wife, and WOW. Big roomy interior, and very comfortable seating for adults and kids in back. Cool appointments--handier than my MB! Lots of "go-faster" parts avail., not that Ill be buying them-- she drives fast enough already......ha ha

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  A Far Cry from Driving Excitement - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By LCS - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new car and I was very excited, but in the past 3 years, Ive had too many problems to list. I held onto the car since I had an extended warranty, but when they refuse to honor this telling me that a water leak isnt a manufacturers defect, that is where I draw the line. Too many problems and poor customer service! Driving excitement? I think not!

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  Dollar for Dollar-Cant be beat!!!!!!!!! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By dougie - July 6 - 7:00 am

  I got rid of a Hemi-Ram to get this car-3.25 a gallon gas will do that! The gas mileage is great for a big car, and it has plenty of power, plus the 3800 v-6 is a great engine, will last forever! The car is a blast to drive, I am 68", and I have plenty of room. The backseat is a little tight, but you cant have everything. My wife has a BMW, and we both enjoy driving this Grand Prix much better than the BMW, which costs over double! Great design, fun to drive, good gas mileage, and super dependable!! Take that imports!!!!!!!!!

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  this is a keeper! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Shirley B - July 6 - 1:36 am

  Love this Vibe. The arrangement of the drivers seat is first time I have sat comfortably to drive. no leg fatigue. It handles wonderfully, and has plenty of pickup and go for me! I drive in excess of 65 miles each day, mostly freeway and my gas consumption is an average of 34 mpg. Mostly it is closer to 35mpg. I cant help but wonder why they are not advertised more. (but then, I found mine from just seeing an associates new purchase in the parking lot.) The only thing I might change is in the area of the arm rest console. It sets just a little too far back to be convenient for me. I am totally satisfied with this purchase. I plan to keep it a long time. Very impressive little vehicle

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  Surprise Contender - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Dj1ofDet - July 5 - 10:16 pm

  Originally I was interested in the 2008 Mazda 6, but was convinced by my wife to check out our GM discount. After being 2000 miles into driving my 2008 G6, I am completely satisfied. Not only did the G6 offer more features for the price, more incentives, and similar styling, the G6 performance (3.5 L V6) blows the Mazda 6 away! This is a crazy fun car to drive, with lots of "off the lot" performance and options to offer. I only wish I had purchased the GXP model for the body kit, sun and sound package for the moonroof, and leather for heated seats. GREAT VEHICLE!!!

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  Great sporty little hatchback - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Driver - July 5 - 9:03 pm

  We bought our 2003 Vibe Gt with 35,000 miles on it. This model was hard to find! Very few of the higher level car were out there. we have enjoyed it for over two years now, never having a problem. Lots of fun to drive, quick and tight. We added 18" wheels, sporty exhaust, and tint. I hope to drive this for at least thee to four more years. The only complaint is lack of good lumbar support in the drivers seat.

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  Everything you could want in a crossover - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Dandy Don - July 5 - 12:33 pm

  We now have over 117,000 miles on our vibe and the only thing we have had to repair aside from normal maintenance is that the drivers side window came out of its track and I had to pay $40 to have them quickly go in and set it back up. I replaced the plugs at about 110,000 miles and they looked kinda dirty...amazing isnt it!? I use it for weekly hot dog cookouts at my work for 200 people buying 15 cases of pop, 50 packs of Hotdogs, 50 buns, cookies, chips etc. which all fit nicely inside while I average 30 MPG + combined hwy/cty. Good stereo (get the moon and tune pkg. with the sunroof and 6 speakers w/250 watts)and an amazing amount of room inside in something only the length of a Corrola.

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  junk - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Chris - July 4 - 11:03 pm

  Had trouble from the start. security light shuts down the engine. car wont start. tow about 17 times since I bought it in June 08. fuel went frame squeaks. not dependable

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  Zachs opinion - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Zach Rubenstein - July 4 - 11:13 am

  The GTO is fun and exiting to drive especially taking turns with out using breaks and just downshifting. This car is excellent for pontiac fans who want a big v-8 with a back seat. They will also know that it will knock off the competition with the charger and the corvette.

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  Love This Truck - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By JT - July 4 - 12:16 am

  I cannot say enough good things about this vehicle. My wife normally doesnt care about a vehicle as long as it runs. She saw a used one at the dealership and loved it and she wouldnt look at anything else afterwards. Hard time finding them but we love it and wouldnt give it up. Gets better gas mileage then my 2003 Ford Taurus SES and both have a 6 cyclinder. Roomy and lots of comfort. Love the split seats and how easy the old up and / or come out completely. A lot easier then removing a bench seat from the mini van. Just cant say enough about this vehicle. Thought about getting a second one for me but dont want two of the same vehicle. Too bad Pontiac discountinued it.