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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  Old farts like it too - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By rebbullbro - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our new Vibe in February and are very happy with our choice. It is solid,responsive,fuel efficient and comfortable. This is a great "little big" car and a great value too. We got the FWD four cylinder automatic.

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  Great Value - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Abev107 - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall the GTP is a great value, but certainly not a value car. Why spend 8-10k more for other cars in its class when this car outperforms them. I bought the car with the competition group package; not sure if the other Grand Prix models perform like this one, but... I think the only thing that limits the speed that I take a corner is how much stuff inside the car I have that can slide around b/c I have yet to make the wheels squeal in a turn. Overall acceleration is excellent, standard radio is more than enough power and clarity.

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  Instant Smile - 2007 Pontiac Solstice
  By Mike - April 7 - 8:36 pm

  Having ordered this car in May, I just received it in Dec. All I can say is worth the wait. I cant wait until I can drive it top down in the summer. Did I mention the cornering ability is great.

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  My Vibe ROCK!!! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Jennifer - April 7 - 3:56 pm

  I originally bought a 2003 Vibe the year they came out, and traded it for and 04 GT. This is the best car I have ever had. I have 125,000 miles on mine and have only put 1 set of brakes, 1 set of tires and a battery in my Vibe. This car ROCKS. I will drive it until the wheels fall off and get another one.

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  Be Different - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Fred - April 7 - 9:00 am

  I selected this vehicle because it is like no other. Just about everyone drives a Mustang, if they want a sports coupe but I like to be different and this is just what this car offers. Combine this with more space for th driver and passengers and there is no comparison. Great Car fun to drive and well worth the investment.

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  Dont think I would buy another - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By eva Smith - April 6 - 2:46 pm

  We have only had our G 8 less then a year and our air conditioner went out. Of course the dealership said the condenser had a puncture and it is not covered. Also one on the handles has plastic peeling off already. For the price not happy.

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  In the shop - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By toddlori - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This car has had all sorts of problems from the moment we bought it. If it wasnt leaking oil, it was going through 2 (yes 2) alternators in a little over a year. Plus the stupid check engine light comes on all the time for no apparent reason (except to get us to fork over $80 to get it turned off). Basically its been a money pit. But hey, it looks nice.

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  Good with V-6 but go for V-8 - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Hadula - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Id owned a 2001 firebird and I think it took me one months time to regret my not going in for the V-8 engine. Not that the V6 was bad but it definitely lacked the vroom of the v8. Went on 1000 mile trips (one way) and this car was an absolute delight to drive. Among the most comfortable for long rides definitely. The seating is especially good for such rides. Had some problems with its brake rotors which had to be replaced at 10K miles and seemed like again around 18K miles. Was covered by warranty though. But would recommend it to someone looking for the best looking coupe there is.

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  My Favorite! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By ne14wood - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have never been happier with any vehicle! I had to have some service done on my Trans Am, but it was all under warranty! The bakes do have a tendency to squeal. The power is there whenever you need it. Mustangs dont have a chance! It is a shame that GM is discontinuing the Trans Am & Camaro.

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  Reliable and Economical - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By HAppy - April 6 - 10:00 am

  My fourth Bonneville. Each one has been troublefree.. one set of brakes and one set of tires in 80,000 miles -- no other out of pocket repairs other than oil changes