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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  Much better than the old Grand Ams - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By plasticman - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in mid 98 right after it was introduced. I dont usually do that, since I like to give the manf. time to work the bugs out. I really like the way the car handles and the V6 has good power for a non- sports car. The only problem I have had is I had to replace the water pump at about 55,000 miles. The mechanic blamed it on the new Dexcool antifreeze.

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  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Fscottjr - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and it looks great in it,s victory red paint and chrome tech wheels. I had only one problem and that was with the drivers side window and the dealer fixed it right away. This car has an incredable feel to it and is a pleasure to take out on the road.

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  One BAD Bird - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By BIG_Bird from NJ - December 21 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Trans Am in 2002 and LOVE every time I drive it. It was my first sports car and will hopefully be my last. I put on a Powerdyne super charger, MAC headers, LT4 Hot Cams, 36 lbs fuel injectors, 58mm throttle body, and 3 T.V.s in it. This car has some serious horse power and is a head turner. The tinted windows give it an even better look. Im so glad I didnt get a Mustang. All my friends like my car and want to buy it. Too bad Im not selling it. I sure hope that GM is making some new ones even though they say theyre not. If you dont have one of these go out and get one. My friends have the mustangs and EVERYONE thinks my car was better even before all the work I did.

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  happy owner - 2000 Pontiac Montana
  By HAPPY OWNER - December 20 - 8:33 am

  I got this van two years ago because it was easy to get all my sport equipment into. I have had good luck with the van. It starts up every time on the first try. I have only had to fix a few small things. It handles well for a van. I like the larger engine it makes a big difference.

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  Happy - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By 26.2 - December 19 - 8:06 am

  My 1st American-made car purchase in 30 years. That, plus GMs pending doom made me hesitant about purchasing an 09 Vibe but glad we did. Traded the AWD of a Forester for the mpg of a Vibe. Very happy after the first month. The 1.8l with std transmission is a little slow off the line but has plenty of windup once you pass 3000 rpm. Nice quite ride. 35+ mpg highway. 28 mpg in town. Yakima canoe rack fits the roof fine.

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  its all good under the hood - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By cadkins1990 - December 17 - 3:40 pm

  she is a muscle car for sure its all to mean if youre stuck in a family car from the 20th century

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  The Vibe , a Great Little Car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Warren Curt - December 17 - 1:06 pm

  This car has all I am looking for with the current fuel situation. I replaced a V8 truck and have cut my fuel consumoption in 1/2. It cruises very well at 75 MPH. There are numerous storage areas. It has very adequate space for 4 adults. I like the styling better than its cousin the Toyota Matrix. I would recomend this car to anyone.

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  Awesome - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By DavidC - December 16 - 8:16 pm

  My first V8. Owned many 4 and 6 cyl and turbos. I Love it. Power at any time. Awesome sound under full throttle. Plenty of comments from bystanders. THey always ask "Is it fast?" My response. Oh yeah, plenty. The build quality is not typical pontiac for this is my third to own. Styling is sleeper which I like. Dont need hoodscoops and other eye candy. Glad there is not tons of them on the road which makes me feel lucky to own one. My wife even likes to drive it and she didnt care for it at first. I took the automatic because not interested in shifting gears anymore and can still get a nice chirp shifting into second gear. Way to go Pontiac with the GTO. Thanks.

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  G8 GT is Simply Amazing - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By JT - December 15 - 10:23 pm

  What a shame. GM finally gives us this wonderful car, and POOF, it is no more. I purchased my 2009 G8 GT in June of 2009 after much thought and consideration. I ended up choosing this car over the BMW 550i. I am simply amazed by the car. The stupid grin that refuses to leave my face when I am driving the car is priceless. At 64" and around 300 lbs, I find the car very comfortable. There is also plenty of room in the back seat. This car is all about the drive. It handles amazingly well, and the acceleration will astonish you. I never thought I would buy a GM product, but I am so glad I did. I am now a reformed brand snob. I love this car!

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By cneri - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Nice smooth ride, easy handeling.