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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  Gas hog - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By RJ from California - April 6 - 9:40 am

  This car looks great from the outside but is a bit cramped inside. I wish it would have come in a 4 cyl. so the gas consumption would be less.

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  Love the Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tony - April 4 - 8:56 am

  This is my second Grand Prix. Owned a 2001 and then bought this 2004. I travel a lot and end up renting many different types of cars. The Grand Prix is by far the best car you can buy for the price. I look forward to my next one. The current car I have is a fusion orange GT2. Ive owned it for just over a year and have put 30,000 miles on it. It had 20,000 when I bought it. I havent had any mechanical issues with the car so far. Ive only had it at the dealer once and that was for a splash guard to prevent water getting into the car from the under carrage.

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  1 after purchase thoughts - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Matt - April 4 - 6:40 am

  This Car is still a head turner 1 yr after purchase, great styling, although the front end of the car is cute (not aggressive). Fun car on open roads, performance is good, would like a little more zip. Comfortable for a 2 hour drive, nothing more. Interior styling is average with cheap looking dash and door materials. Overall the concern to buyers is (practical). You cannot even haul a load of groceries. The car is always fun to drive and I anticipate this to be a body style that time does not dull. The aftermarket parts are becoming more prevalent and you can easily customize engine and styling to your liking. Rear wheel drive is always fun.

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  One Awesome Ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By coolone - April 4 - 3:33 am

  I cant say enough about this car. When I walked into the detail bay to pick him up I almost fell to my knees when I first saw him. It is plainly one of the most beautiful cars I have seen. The fit and finish were excellent. Handling was great and response was good. Definitely a 10 in my book.

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  Vehicle performance and reliability - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jimmy129 - April 4 - 1:13 am

  Purchased my 2004 in 2008, from a local auction with 104k. It has 192k on it. I have gotten excellent service. Oil changed every 3k miles at dealer. All maintenance done at dealer, the usual wear. Travel south 3x yearly, without problems. Very reliable vehicle. GM stop making, why. Would or will purchase another and keep current.

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  Outstanding Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By StealthG6 - April 3 - 3:16 am

  Owned this 2.4cyl G6 for a little over a year now. I cannot count the times people have commented on how clean and sporty it is. It turns on a dime! Very low road noise, comfortable seating, especially in the back lots of leg room! Dash has a sweet design to it. I have all black interior with the chrome bezels on vents and dash. 169HP 4 banger gives me plenty of power if I need to punch it to get on the interstate. Gas mileage is great. Have not had 1 issue with this car yet. Very impresed with the quality and craftmanship that went into this car, it is a base model but youd swear it looks like you payed more!

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  GREAT FAMILY CAR - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By TARA - April 2 - 10:00 am

  IVE HAD MY AZTEK FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR. IT IS COMFORTABLE ON LONG TRIPS AND IT DRIVES VERY SMOOTH.

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  GTO...YAAAH...THE REAL DEAL - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By GTOGRRR - April 2 - 10:00 am

  The GTO is the real deal....a wonderful car...no problems after 6000 miles...good on gas....comfy...interior cabin quiet....a lot of bang for the buck...styling is subjective...i think its "gorgeous"....

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  Love Trans Ams - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By ShellsSSR - March 31 - 9:30 pm

  I have been driving a Trans Am since 1981. My first one was a 1979 4.9 gold one that was 2 yrs. old when I bought it. My best and favorite one! I drove it for 200,000 miles and had the engine rebuilt. Loved that car. Drove it for 17 yrs. Then ordered my 1997 Trans in 1996, then my 2000. Ive been giving her a rest because now I also own a 2004 Chevy SSR. I really like vehicles. We are G.M. people only because of my brother, Mike, who worked for them before his sudden death in 11- 05. Miss him severely. I used his gm discount on my 2000, so I probably will never let this car go. My car is very clean,never in any kind of crash, babied like no other (except the SSR) and only has 50,000 mi.

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  Weve had ours for 8 years now.. - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By oldies4me - March 31 - 8:59 pm

  Still low miles, but we can really Haul in it- we should have a SUV!- I mean 25 gal water, a cooler, tools, clothes, bedding, two dog kennels (in back seat of course!) and other stuff for going to our lakelot half the summer.. We had experience with the 3.1 v6 in a Corsica which went well over 100000 miles,; this one has about 80000 so far (retired; dont drive a lot anymore).. The nice surprise was fuel economy- 37 on a trip going 65-75 mph most of the way. Solid, great handling, loves to cruise at 70+.. Trouble? None- just did brakes first time. If I could find a cherry GTP coupe Id keep it as a collectible!