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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  cool car but....... - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tom bellew - May 26 - 2:00 am

  have had problems with dome light.... it doesnt want to shut off

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  Montana, Big MO - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By jeep. - May 26 - 2:00 am

  The Montana overall has been a pretty good van. WE have realy enjoyed the great looks & stylish body design. The Koons dealership has been very helpful to me. I would give them an A raiting.

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  Vibe GT Smokes - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lynx01 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  I only have a couple of complaints about this vehicle. It is horrible in any sort of snow. I blame this largely on the standard issue tires which also have terrible tread wear. Am currently thinking about purchasing another GT. Will ask dealer to switch out tires to Continetal ContiExtreme Contact 205/55VR16. Rear wiper motor is too loud.

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  Awesome 2003 Fusion Orange SC/T Coupe - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By SunriseGSD - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Bought using GM Power Buyer internet deal. This car is a real head turner wherever we go. 2003 in Fusion Orange with 30th anniversary package. This 6 cyl has enough power to smoke Mustangs all day long. Not one ounce of trouble with this car. The fit and finish is spectacular. Proudly Made In America. Detroit stying and power at its best. I have always bought Fords, Im converted.

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  BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By BOB JONES - May 26 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR IS WONDERFUL. YOU GIVE IT SOME GAS AND IT FEELS LIKE YOU ARE IN A $40,000 VEHICLE. TO ANYBODY OUT THERE EVEN REMOTELY THINKING ABOUT BUYING A GRAND AM. GO FOR IT. THANK YOU LOUISIANA MOTORS INC IN LAFAYETTE FOR SHOWING ME THIS VEHICLE. I LOVE IT THANK YOU

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  THE BEST CAR THIS YEAR! - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ellissa kyle - May 26 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN.KEEP IT UP PONTIAC

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  Great Vehicle - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Mitch - May 25 - 4:16 am

  I have 122,000 miles in 4 years and still runs like new. Gas Mileage: 21/24 Handles the road like a smaller performance car and very comfortable on long highway drives. Front wheel drive is great in the snow. Inside cargo area is enormous (like a van). Tell everyone to "Kiss my Aztek".

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  Great Value - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By 2005Vibe - May 25 - 12:26 am

  I purchased the 05 Vibe loaded w/auto trans. I looked @ all the cars in this class including Matrix. For those of you who do not know, the Vibe has a the same Toyota engine & drive train the Matrix has. It was a joint venture between Pontiac & Toyota. You can buy the Vibe a lot cheaper than the Matrix. I average 32.8 MPG city/hwy. Try it, Youll like it! I do. No Complaints.

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  Its a good car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stezo - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive got a 1999 GT Coupe with all the options. Its running great. I havent had any problems with it at all and I drive it everyday. Its important to do your regular maintenance.

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  Its Just Awsome!!!! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By sandeep kaistha - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I brought this car earlier this year (used) and have already put in about 10,000 miles in about 4 months.This is a serious performance car and fun to drive.I have driven a lot of mustangs and camaros but "the firebird" steals the show.....