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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  Aztek Excitement! - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By RandyP - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Before I bought the Aztek I compared it to several other FWD SUVs. I found it had more room, both passenger and cargo, than any other SUV, a bigger engine than 90% of the others and got better gas mileage than any other SUV in its class! If you have never driven one do yourself a favor and just drive it before you buy anything else.

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  1998 SSEi - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By RyanMac - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The Bonneville SSEi is just an amazing piece. Its very quick, handles well, and is completely loaded with every option. It also looks mean and catches eyes everywhere I go.

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  Why I Love the Aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By garthodinson - May 29 - 10:00 am

  My wife has a bad back and had a hard time with other cars we tested. She loves the seating and since weve gotten it takes it on long rides, leaving me with the Firebird:( It has performed wonderfully in the snow and it is a great vehicle on trips. We also love camping in it. When my wifes lease on the Firebird is up she plans on getting an Aztek also!

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  The best of the best - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Ruhappyim - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I am not a car person, but let me tell you this is the most fun, comfortable, easy to get into,dependable car I have ever owned.Have had it for way over a year now and normally I am looking at other ones n wishin I had them by now. But this car I plan on keeping until the legs fall off. Just give one a test drive and you also will be hooked!!

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  Great Ride - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By HotRod - May 29 - 10:00 am

  Excelent SRV! It can do alot of hauling without a problem. The cargo area is great for do-it-yourself types. The ride is smooth and long distance driving is easy and very comfortable, especially with the 6 CD changer in the dash. I have had only minor problems (ex: visor clip broke). The gas milage averages 19 in the city and 25 on the highway, try to get that in any AWD SUV!! Aztek is very stable and excelent in snow! 4 Star rollover rating and front and side airbags for great safty. There is even a internet group to bounce questions off of and there is a rally every year for AztekOwners!

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  The Best Pontiac around! - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By yugoman50 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the smoothest riding, most comfortable vehicle on the market. rear seats are easil removed for pickup- truck size hauling, tailgate has built in seatrests, rear stereo controls are great.

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  Aztek - take another look - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Bill Duffy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my Aztek, its so quiet and smooth. Has plenty of options, and I get 24 MPG. Stereo pumps out some fine tunes and bass. Best car I have ever had!

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  Dont know what theyre missing - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By BrianS - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I never intended to buy an Aztek. But, after taking one for a test drive; the low noise level, comfortable seating and smooth ride made my decision. Typical issues seem to be the rear hatch not opening properly and the BCM (Body Control Module) causing unusual problems. Both of these items are well published, and easily fixed. I havent personally experienced either one. The Aztek is incredibly versatile. Packages are designed specifically for many outdoor activities - including tailgating. (The rear door drops down pickup-style and has cup holders). Anyone considering an Aztek should drive one - otherwise, they dont know what theyre missing!

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  Screw the Critics - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Kdavis324 - May 29 - 10:00 am

  The Aztek is the best SUV on the market, I drive from SC to NY 2000 miles round trip, at least 3 times a year with my family and the comfort in this SUV is un-comparable to any other. The cargo space allows for 3 suite cases and a cooler without impeding the visibility. Gas mileage is about 30 highway and 22 city. The Sound system is perfect and this thing is built to last for years. To every critic who has slammed our beloved Aztek, shame on you for being just another cow in the heard.... One last thought, if the Aztek is so unappealing to the eye, why are there so many copy- cats out there.

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  2000 Bonneville - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By jim - May 29 - 6:50 am

  I have used it to travel between WV and FL for 7 years. Excellent gas mileage, reliability and comfort. Absolutely no major problems- no major expenses.