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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  Very nice! - 2005 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Austin - June 26 - 7:10 am

  Well, this is my first car in my life. I have had it for a day, but oh my, is it awesome. It looks GREAT at night! It accelerates very well, and you feel really sporty in it. Sound is great from engine and also stereo sound is good. Definite buy.

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  be a patriot- buy American excitement - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By billd - June 26 - 3:23 am

  I wish this was a manual trans, but since that isnt possible. Still, the car is a blast to drive, and still gets about 28 combined highway and city. I actually like the previous/more curvy style, but this looks nice too. Large trunk and lots of interior room, but getting in and out of the drivers seat isnt as easy as my van was. Did i mention just how much fun this is to drive? I have a 65 gto convertible and a 78 formula firebird that get about the same MPG after years of work, but they still arent as fun to drive as this one is. If this was a 4 cylinder turbo with a manual trans it would be the best car i had since my 87 ford t-bird coupe.

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  Better than a Mustang - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOawaywego - June 25 - 7:36 pm

  This is the best Pontiac has ever made, it is so fun to drive and yet so comfortable to be in.

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  Awsome ! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Pammiesue1 - June 25 - 12:23 am

  I just picked up my new 09 . I love it ! Very fast, fun, and looks hot ! I had a Lexus RX 330 fot trade which I was very happy with, but this is the car . I like it better than my old Lexus IS 300 . Lots of room. Bluetooth would be the only thing I would like to have. It seems well built and sturdy . I am happy with my first American car ! 100% I would buy again

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  Love my Goat - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Charles Goin - June 24 - 10:26 am

  Awesome car, handling is on par with my 97 328i it replaced. Horsepower is more than you could ever ask for. Fit and finish are the best I have ever seen from GM, especially in the interior. Speaking of which these are the best most comfortable seats i have sat in.. Add to that the limited production its like driving a Maserati or somethign equally as rare. You rarely ever pass yourself, and when you do its an occasion.

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  Best Car Ive Driven - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Kriz - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Awesome power, great styling. Look forward to next years GP!

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  A decent car - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By SAMANTHA - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This has been a very reliable car although there have been a few minor problems, I have had to change the front brakes and replace a belt, my emergency blinkers dont work my automatic locks no longer work either,and one of my fog lights is missing other than that I drive the car a lot and it had been very good i hardly ever have to put oil in it and it is excellent on gas mileage.

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  Good job - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By JAEB - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Montana and were very happy. Its the family car driven by my wife, and it works perfectly for our needs. No reliability problems and a good feel of quality throughout. Not so happy about the depreciation, but ours is leased with a favorable residual so thats no problem for us. Dealer OK, but we really like the car

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  cheap muscle - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By George1 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Ram air last of dieing breed. Best preformance car less than 30K. Next best car starts at >$50k. Almost 1 yr old20k miles and no problems

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  Good car but theres better out there - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By mtnbiker44 - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Its a nice little car, but the quality could be better. Our company has leased many of these cars and we have had numerous electrical and brake problems. Other than that, not a bad little car. Personally I would get a Saturn, Honda, or Nissan instead (If I had to buy one).