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:

• 

  Another satisfied TeKKer - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By smiwee - March 10 - 1:00 am

  Bought in 10/01, taking advantage of low interest rates,rebates,etc. Had been looking for a year, running the gamut from Subarus, to GMC Envoy. Aztek presented the best compromise of space,low entry, power, comfort,towing ability, and lots of bells and whistles! ;-) Have had no problems whatsoever and continue to feel I made the best decision.

• 

  Nice Ride - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Vicki - March 8 - 7:10 am

  The SV6 is a very stylish fun to drive vehicle. The kids love the dvd system, and all the captain chairs and soundsystem. The low step in height is great. Front visiblity is perfect while not so in the rear(head rests get in the way) The power rear doors are great. The seats are super comfortable much more so than others we test drove.( My husband & I test drove them all I bet). We didnt mind them not being stow and gow as they were so much more comfortable. The only complaint is maybe power when on the highway fully loaded with people & luggage felt a little sluggish but other than that perfect.

• 

  Not Impressed - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Acrista - March 6 - 1:13 am

  Traded in my 08 Pontiac G5 (had tons of probs) for 09 Vibe bc of the wonderful ratings I had read on the 08s...wish I would not have. Has been a dependable car but I havent enjoyed having it since I bought it. Seems to be a step down from my car that I had previously. Road noise is terrible inside of car! Maybe I am just used to my super quite G5 (couldnt even hear it on while inside) but I have to continuously turn up radio as I increase speed so I can hear it. Odometer does not give me read out of how many mpg I am currently getting, how many miles I have until I am out of gas, or what % of oil life I have left. These 2 have been big adjustment for me!

• 

  My Wife LOVES her Aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By katycajun - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The Aztek, although considered ugly, has all the values my wife loves. It has the minimal equipment, PW, PL, CD, PS, PB, Auto, RWD, with none of the "un- needed" extras. She likes the versatility, fuel economy and handling, and the fact she sits higher up. We got it on sale for $16,900 at a promo on memorial day and got the luggage rack, and cruise control for free. I find it rides confortable, is one of the quietest vehicles I have rode in, and it handles great! Rear visibility is a little problem, but the price to quality ratio is excellent!

• 

  2002 Pontiac Grand Am SE - 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Joe - February 28 - 8:36 pm

  Just rolled over 100,000 miles and have only had to replace a window motor and fan switch. The front in rattles when going over rough pavement, but cant really complain about the car.

• 

  I love my car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stargrrrl - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for two and a half years and not once has it let me sit. I have never even had a problem starting, even in the dead of winter. It gets me plenty of looks and the pep that it has is just perfect for the daily driver that wants some speed! This is my 4th car and my favorite, I would definately recommend this car to anyone!

• 

  iN lOvE - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Valent1ne - February 25 - 2:00 am

  I just bought mine yesterday and put about 110 miles on it today on some great hairpin turns and it handles awsome. The stereo is great for a factory system. And you cant beat silver w/ tinted windows.

• 

  Fairly happy. - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By 2 time montana_owner - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Owned a 99 Montana that I traded because I had the infamous head gasket leak at 82k miles that cost $1200 to fix. Pontiac ended up reimbursing me for the repair. I bought the 02 with an extended warranty, though.

• 

  Go ugly early! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By miwright - February 20 - 2:20 am

  The Aztek was recently chosen as one of the ugliest cars ever built. I concur. It is also the most utilitarian car that was ever built. Parents always teach that its whats inside that counts. I have head room galore, unprecedented comfort, and radio controls at my finger tips. Add a heads-up display (nice for me, a pilot), a zip-in tent, sound system controls at the tailgate, an ice cooler for a console, myriad other creature features, and you have the best little house on wheels! I pity the man that looks only on the external challenges of this fine automobile and misses its inner beauty. My other cars are a Jaguar VDP, a 300ZX and a Lexus... guess which I like the most?

• 

  Great SUV Good Mileage Bad Reliability - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By maroguy - February 19 - 1:03 pm

  I have owned it for 2 years all out of warranty. I only have 80k miles on it. Getting sick of repairing it. Previous owner had rear carrier, more wheel bearings, intake gasket, anti lock brake harnesses, and the dreaded ac condenser all replaced under warranty at least.