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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  Second Time Around - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By cnote - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 GP three years ago on a new Avalanche. Loved them both! When gas got crazy I sold the truck and went back to a GP. Always been a solid ride with no major problems. Still turns heads with looks and sounds.

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  love this car - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By BurkeinVA - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 97 and after 7 years I have had only 1 problem (transmission). It handles well and seats passengers comfortably. My biggest complaint would be the service I received on it at the dealer, they couldnt seem to get it right the first time. Despite my issues with the service department this car has been a dream, Im sure going to miss it when I get a new car.

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  WS6 Supercar - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Grant Easton - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun, fast, and reliable. The exterior is a work of art (and somewhat weird science with the WS6 package). Getting into the car can sometimes be a chore, but with the T- Tops you can just jump in and out of the top (haha j/k). Since Ive owned it over the past year, the only problems Ive had were to tighten a headlight and change a bulb, nothing exactly serious.

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  Sweet Ride!!! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Penny Pontiac - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I have the navy blue metallic model with the chrome rims. It is so much fun to drive and the stereo is pretty sweet! I love the XM ready radio because it displays the artist and the song title. I also have the sunroof which adds to the fun! The car is great on fuel and its easy to maneuver through traffic. I couldnt have picked a car thats more perfect for me! This car is perfect for a female college student!

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  Great Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Z94 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I have two Pontiac Vibes. I have a 2004 and a 2005. It all started when we got the 04 for my wife. I liked it so much I bought a 2005. The mileage is fantastic on both, They are both FWD only.

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  Another Transmission - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Suza41 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new -- loved it, till 08/24/04. Transmission died in local dealers service lane. And I do mean died. Only 31,500 miles. While working on the car service mechanic discovered deteriorated Wheel bearing, more money. Sure am glad I bought that extended warrenty everyone told me was a waste of money. Bought this car because of the handling and interior size, I am a short woman, but like to drive a mid-size car.

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  last but not least - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By scott - June 27 - 8:46 am

  Pontiac seems to be on the right track.This car is affordable, fun,and sporty. As a coupe model in black this car looks right.

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  The way to go - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jeremy - June 27 - 2:50 am

  I love this car... if you know how to drive and use a stick I can cruise past BMWs or Lexuss like they were standing still. People complain of body roll but if youre smart and dont take an inside lane youre fine... besides when you roll up in alloys and tints you dont need an $80,000 car to get the girls

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Joe S. - June 26 - 11:16 pm

  The Vibe was a replacement for a Forester Subaru strictly for economic reasons. The Forester was a bit thirsty especially on city driving. Have had the Vibe for over 4 years during which time the car proved to be a true work horse that demanded little if no maintenance at all. Still on original tires and brakes after 40K miles.

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  Fun in the sun - T.J. - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By TERRY - June 26 - 4:33 pm

  i like every thing about this car the top is so simple to operate its silly i cant believe some people have trouble with it , from what i have read. the only complaint i have is the noise from the trans. when changing from 1st threw 3rd the owners man. said its normal i hope so; cant bleive no one else hasnt noticed it.