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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  Aztek Review - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Lisa L - June 30 - 5:33 pm

  Just purchased this vehicle. We LOVE it. We were told that many people thought it was ugly - and weve actually had the opposite experience. I was stopped at a light the other day and a group of kids in their 20s said "Awesome Wheels!". I like the look of it and I like that it doesnt look like everyone elses car! People also said it is difficult to see out the back - it took me no time at all to get used to it. I have no complaints whatsoever. I completely recommend it and since they arent making them anymore - you can get a pretty good deal on them right now.

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  The Grandest of Them All - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kathy - June 29 - 12:00 pm

  This has been the grandest of all my vehicles. I absolutely love this vehicle. I actually get 27-28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. Outstanding vehicle, power in the engine is great. I love the hauling space with the fold down back seats AND the extra fold back front passenger seat. This was my first vehicle with traction control and what a difference that made this past winter when I was on black ice and didnt even know it. This car is definitely a keeper. I was so to hear that Pontiac Grand Prix was thrown to the wolves.

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  I love it! - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Andorbal - June 29 - 4:56 am

  Ive had this car for over two years now and have had no problems with it (which would be expected for a car thats only two years old!) It still drives like it did when it was new and Im amazed at the highway gas mileage! We just got a 2005 Subaru Forester and while I love that car and really like the all-wheel drive, my Grand Prix is still the car I prefer driving.

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  First Car - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Stephanie - June 29 - 1:23 am

  The new Pontiac G5 was bought for me as my first car. It rides so smoothly for a small car and i love it. My car is blue streak metallic and i live how in the sun it almost looks purplish! its fun and sporty and is great for anyone, especially teenagers!!

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  Keeping it until the wheels fall off!! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By bogey523 - June 28 - 3:16 pm

  I bought it new off the lot in 06. Now has 46K miles. Only problem was needed a new computer last week. Still under extended warranty for a few more months. Fuel economy great! Hit a deer in 07 and dented it up, got it fixed and back on the road. Since the trade in has gone through the basement, Im keeping her until the wheels fall off. Got a 1995 Isuzu Rodeo to drive in winter now. The Vibe didnt like the extremely rough winter we had this year, but who did?

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  Delivers On Target For Its Design! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By pearlsport03 - June 28 - 9:16 am

  Ok, I bought this as a lease return with 15k. But its GM Certified. Now, review for what it is, not for what is not. It delivers on every aspect of its designed mission. Its an AWD AT SUV/5 door lift back, with comfortable seating for 4 (5 if you have kids). Great space to load stuff with seats down. Peppy, quiet, nice handling, not too stiff or spongy, and fuel economy is pretty darn good for an AWD. Its easy to get between 25 and 30 mpg normal driving. Sound system/CD/MP3/XM is very nice, and On Star is a plus. Mostly Toyota Matrix twin, so I know its gonna be durable and last (parts will always be around). AWD w/AT will use more gas than 2WD, but thats expected. 2 Thumbs Up!

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  Still grinning - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By gearhead15 - June 27 - 4:26 pm

  I drove a friends Cadillac CTS-V and immediately decided that I had to have something that was close. I couldnt afford the Cadillac but with incentives and deals the GTO gives me 95% of the performance for 50% of the price. The GTO has excellent comfort and interior style to go with the power and performance. The exterior styling is on the generic side but at least it isnt ticket bait. I grin every time I drive it.

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  My G8 Toy - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Ken - June 27 - 2:06 pm

  Purchased this vehicle in February.I am thoroughly pleased with decision to buy it. This is the 1st Pontiac I have ever owned. Im looked at the BMW 3 series, Infinity and the Mercedes C300. The performance of this vehicle is stunning...it grips curves like like glue. The ride is even better than I expected for a sports sedan. The body style is an eye catcher and turn quite a few heads when I ride by. Thus far gas mileage is a combo of city-highway of 22 mpg Cons: would like to have had a home- link transmitter and better access to adjust the drivers seat.

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  My get away - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bob W - June 27 - 12:10 pm

  Rides and handles like a sport car. Pleased with the aerodynamics with top down. You can carry on conversation with passenger at high speeds with out yelling.

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  Front Drive Muscle Car??? - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BiggDee - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I acquired my 2000 GTP in Oct. 2003, and I was impressed at first. However, this soon changed whenever I had the oppotunity to drive real muscle cars. The Ford Mustang SVT, Mach I, F-150 Lighting, Chevrolet Corvette, all flat out blow the GTP away as far as performance goes. If your pocketbbok is limited then this maybe the car for you. However, if you want true performance, save your money and buy a real performance car.