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:

• 

  765 of 888 - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By 765 of 888 - March 22 - 4:33 pm

  Well Pontiac outdid themselves with this car. Not only is it a beautiful looking car with a great comfortable interior. I have two kids and possibly a third. I know I can fit all three seats in the back seat with no probs. The best thing of all is the power this car has is unbelievable and Ive yet to push it because of the newness of the car. (no kids during testing) Its sleek,comfortable, and rides like a dream. I cant give this car a perfect 10 because I dont know how reliable itll be. As far as gas I give it a 10 because I knew what I was getting into buying a V8 and I think its getting pretty good mileage for a beast of a car. I highly recommend this car. U wont be disappointed.

• 

  Loving it - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Ben - March 22 - 3:33 pm

  I have driven Pontiac grand am before but I finally got my Pontiac grand prix after I lost my previous car. Since I got this car I love it more than any car I ever had. It drives so smooth and less external noise. The I felt in love with it the very moment I saw it. I am hoping to keep it for a very long time.

• 

  GT Oh G8 - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By GT Oh G8 - March 22 - 7:40 am

  Lots of LOOKs for this Very Very Red GT G8. Great ride, quiet, loads of fun, quick, agile, giant back seat - leg room and then some. Wonderful gas mileage - 18 mpg plus. Nice Blaupunkt stereo SiriusXM Radio is great. I really like the OnStar for handsfree calling and directions when needed (you get to talk to a REAL person).

• 

  Ive become a promoter - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By massimport - March 21 - 8:36 pm

  I love this car and still love it after two years. I bought it used (9000mi) and have doubled the mileage without a single problem; other than having to replace the mirror because of my own stupidity. It has room for anything - Ive loaded dressers, trees, moved an apartment, and more in this car. Great gas mileage. Once this one gets to be too old, Ill buy another!

• 

  The last GM vehicle I will ever own. - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Wally - March 21 - 12:33 am

  43,000 miles: 2 oil leaks (oil pan gasket & lower head gasket), 1 power steering leak (w, 1 transmission leak (cooler hose). I purchased this vehicle brand new. It operated fairly well for the past 2 years, until May of this year, when I noticed an oil leak. Fortunately, it was still within warranty so I had it fixed (oil pan gasket). Recently I noticed another oil leak, and transmission leak. I brought it into the same dealer that repaired the oil pan leak. They informed me that my lower head gasket, and power steering pump are now leaking. How strange that all these leaks occur so near to the 36,000 mile mark (warranty expires). Never again will I buy GM!!!

• 

  Still Love the Ride - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Bob B. - March 20 - 12:43 am

  This is my second car, and my second Pontiac, and Im going to stick with them. V6 has good power, but very smooth. Only downside is the gas mileage could be better with todays prices.

• 

  overall satisfied with vehicle - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Paul the GT driver - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car sight unseen as one of my companys cars that had gone off lease with only 31K in miles. Overall I am very pleased with the car, but honestly I only got it because of the great deal on it. A sedan is a sedan is a sedan is a sedan. I have had it for 10K, and am very blessed and thankful to not have had any of the issues that many others have posted. Only issue I have had was with the tires.

• 

  Power everywhere in my 2002 TRANS AM WS6 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By 02silverbullet - March 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a true high performance vehicle, you have to check out the WS6 Trans AM! My car has the 6-speed tranny and the evil 5.7L LS1 V8. GM rates the horsepower at 325 and torque at 350lbs. I have seen dynos that show 310-320+ horsepower to the rear wheels. This means the car is actually producing 360-375 HP at the flywheel. The car has very comfortable seating with lots of front leg room but not so much in the rear. My car also gets on average 20 mpg in the city. Not bad for a hot rod. One thing that I really like about my car is that its a very rare car.

• 

  Good car, but too small! - 2009 Pontiac G5
  By cchhr - March 19 - 9:23 am

  I just got my Pontiac G5. When I test drove it, I should have listened to my legs! Im a 511 woman, and I cant wear heels when driving because of the lack of leg room. I have to push the seat all the way back. But the car is a lot of fun to drive, the gas mileage is incredible. A great buy if youre a shorter person. The interior is a little cramped, and there isnt much room to put anything, but once you get used to it, its not that bad.

• 

  Great car! - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Cheesy Chic - March 18 - 2:40 pm

  I commute several miles each way and this is the perfect car for me! Its very roomy and comfortable! Not to mention not that bad with gasoline. The interior is what amazes me each time I get into it! I had been driving a smaller model car and this is like driving in a dream after hitting all of the bumps in the car!