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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  Miss my Vibe :( - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By AMF - June 21 - 6:20 pm

  I got my 5 speed Vibe with 50K on it, only reason I got it was because it was a stick and got good MPG. After driving it 2.5 years I fell in love with it. Got rid of it at 112K because my fiance is 63" and there just isnt enough room for more than us in the car. Driving mostly alone I loved how I could reach EVERYTHING in the car with no problem. Auto headlights were great but wish there was a way to turn them off certain times w/o parking break on. The previous owner had cut a cheap outdoor mat to fit in the rear which was a great idea, helped keep stuff in place. All the little compartments were great. Never broke down or needed repairs. If youre under 510" you should love this car!

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  119,000 and still going strong - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2005vibeFWD5spd - June 20 - 12:13 am

  bought base model 5 spd MT new in 9-04. 30 mpg,city/hwy. as high as 34 mpg hwy. factory tires fine in dry/rain. useless in 1" snow. bought 4 snow tires. MUCH better. goes through several inches of snow. if it gets 12" deep, FORGET IT. (fwd model) only problems, fuel pump at 60,000 and intermittent hard starting when engine is still warm. wait 20 seconds with key still on and try again. may take 2 or 3 attempts. may idle rough for several seconds. i use my gears for braking when possible. still have factory brakes at 119,000. all in all, car is great! runs smooth and no leaks, overheating, ect. handling is great and it fits in small parking spots.

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  Practical, economical and lots of fun - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By smokiescat - June 19 - 10:16 pm

  A very nice way to put 14 minivan years behind me. Like minivans, my Vibe is practical and versatile. Unlike minivans, the Vibe is economical and fun to drive. But the Vibe GT is a few details short of perfect. I exchanged the 18-inch wheels standard on the GT for the 17-inch wheels optional on other models. I lost some tight cornering ability but gained a whole lot more in noise reduction and comfort. Blind spots force me to trust the mirrors more than I’d like. I had back-up sensors installed to allay fears that I would back into something or, worse, someone, such as the grandchildren who live with us. I would have also appreciated an in-dash compass. Still a great ride and purchase.

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  Love it - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Pam - June 19 - 10:03 am

  I love my 07 Solstice it is by far the funnest and best car ever. I hear people are complaining there is no place for a cell phone. What the *&% # ??? I am in it to drive not to chat on the phone. Also that the cup holders are behind you is a complaint, there is one on the passenger side of the consol just have to look for it. Fun car and if your biggest concerns are a place for your phone and starbucks latte maybe you should stick to an SUV.

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  Love it! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By jimaztek123 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I love my Aztek every time I go to the local home improvement store. One of the main reasons I bought it is the low, wide cargo space. Can fit 4x8 sheets flat! Its certainly the best value in its class. Yes the back end is ugly. Guess thats why theyre not flying off the lots. No homeowner should be without one though! Its also inexpensive enough that I dont sweat banging it up a bit.

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  Galexy Silver - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By thundercat - June 18 - 2:00 am

  I was at the dealership getting a headlight replacement for my 96 Grand Prix, when I saw it. The sky reflected against its Galexy Silver finish. I peared out the corner of my eye at its glossy black tires in contrast to cold & very smooth polished alloy wheels. "What a sexy looking sedan." I thought to myself. Test drove it and never got that pitiful headlight replaced. Even though, I only had one year left on the loan, I just had to tell thundercat 96 good-bye. Ride is excellent for freeway traveling and seats all passengers comfortablely on extended road trips. Minimal jarring felt from imperfections in the road, if any. Smooth cushy ride.

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  Good car for the money - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Greg - June 18 - 12:30 am

  This is my 3rd new car, and best of the bunch. Much better than my Cavalier and Malibu. I am a union worker and only buy American cars. I dont understand people who live in America and buy foreign cars. Support American workers, buy American cars. You will like the G6.

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  Dont buy - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Peter - June 17 - 11:33 pm

  When I first got this car I thought it was great but then I had to replace my gasket intake, check engine light sensor, fuel sensor, oil sensor, front bearings (2x), Turn signal fuse (2x), my LCD of my cd player went out, speakers went out, Lights go out frequently, starter, been through 3 batteries, Brake system repairs, cooling system repairs, and hazard warning switch. What else can I say? I will never buy a GM car.. looking forward to pruchasing a japanese car.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BJ - June 17 - 8:43 am

  THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CAR---NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER!!!

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  overall performance - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By faynor - June 16 - 12:46 am

  this vehicle has been one of the better cars i have owned - have had only one problem, that being a rear oil seal - which was covered by the warr. - has very good gas mileage 29mpg on trips - is comfortable - and still is a good looking car