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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  HOLY CRAP! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Matt With a Trans Am - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. This is the best car I have ever driven. This is the best car I have ever ridden in. Need I say more? I will! This car has amazing bone snapping torque, face-lifting horsepower, and head turning looks. I have quite a few mods, custom rims and cowl hood. I dont get looks, I get stares. When I pull into the Jiffy lube to get oil changed, the mechanics line up to gawk at the Trans Am. SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!!

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  Sunfire - Great car, fun to drive - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By arf - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2003 Sunfire for my wife to use for her daily commute to work - 80 miles a day round trip. With 40,000 miles in less than two years it has run like a top the whole way. No mechanical reapirs have been necessary. It is driven 90% highway miles and gets from 31 to 33 miles to the gallon consitantly.

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  Sunfire made in Mexico no kidding,crap c - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lee Mack - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Sunfire. First the radiator, then the transmission, then the starter, electronics in the dash, trunk will no longer open, then the radiator again, then the slave cylinder,and now it starts and idals funny. Iam not impressed at all with this car, it is a total lemon and Iam not the only person that has had problems with their car as well, alot of other people have had problems as well.

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  In Love With My GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Lorraine Rosen - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is back! My son owns a Z-28 and is very impressed that Mom now has a Muscle car too!Its got the performance and handling to get out of its own way fast. Not since the 70s have I enjoyed a cars performance this much!Torrid Red and torrid fast!!!!!!!

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  Nice Car - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By ida - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I am only 19 years old and on my third car and by far this is the most outstanding car i have had. Best power, comfort, style. I feel like i am in an expensive sports car.

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  2004 Pontiac Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Robert Ludas - March 28 - 10:00 am

  This car performs very well. It is my first Pontiac, my previous cars having been Buick Regals and an Olds Cutlass Supreme. Appearance, handling, and general driveability are excellent.

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  Thumbs up for the G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By william - March 27 - 5:40 pm

  All in all the G6 GT is Americas best mid level sports sedan, crisp handling and quick acceleration, very modern dash lay out, very roomy, excellant fuel economy, the manumatic shifter is lots of fun, the sound system is awesome, deep bass and rich highs, I am very pleased with this car, look at same type of import sedans, they pale in comparison to what you get with the G6, the Pontiac G6 is the best thing GM has put out since the Corvette in my opinion

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  Options required - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Jon Franken - March 27 - 9:43 am

  I bought the 06, but I wanted one without those ridiculous "nostrils" in the hood. GM says no. Straight line fun all day and all night, gotta love that. I can only assume other reveiwers praising handling have never driven a car that handles. My wifes VW GTI runs rings around this on any corner and my old Subaru STI would embarass it on any road circuit. I love the noise, I love the power, but Ill be spending a lot of money upgrading the suspension using GM Europe parts, adding sat nav and upgrading the stereo. I like the simple styling and, once I get my 2004 hood (no fake nostrils), I think this will be the finest looking coupe on the road.

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  My Perfect Little Baby - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Kimberly Sigmon - March 26 - 9:36 pm

  My dad first introduced me to this car- he works for General Motors in Detroit, MI. I am so in love with it, and it is such a great price for what you get!!! I would tell everyone to get one!

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  20,000 dollar throw away car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By woody - March 26 - 3:46 pm

  Two months in to ownership had to replace computer module. Only 22 mpg should be better, front started rattling in less than one year. Went back to a Dodge full size truck. It worth the gas money do not buy this car!