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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  I love my 99 Trans AM! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By MSPOOKIJO - March 1 - 4:33 pm

  Ive had my Trans Am for almost 9 years. I have 225,010 miles on it and I still love it! I am going to have to get a new car within the next couple of months because Im on the road so much and I need something with better fuel economy - if they still made them Id get another one though!

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  Its a great car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Brian Faust - February 29 - 2:20 pm

  I test drove the new GT Mustangs then decided to give the GTO a shot. Wow.. what a car. The quality of workmanship from the quality paint job to the stitching on the shifter boot and all points in between makes this a superior vehicle. The suspension is tight and handling on windy back roads is excellant. You will feel any rough conditions due to the stiff suspension. Breaking distance is good and acceleration through the gears is awsome. The Blaupunkt sound system is is top notch. The only negatives I have are the wheels are just so so..Im definately going to upgrade them and the trunk space is tiny-- golf clubs bearly fit.

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  2000 BONNEVILLE REVIEW - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By kimmyb - February 28 - 10:00 am

  We were exceptionally pleased with the quietness and handling with this car. Also pleasantly surprised with the mileage we are getting 28*29 mpg highway.Very impressive for a 3.8 Liter engine. It is better on gas than our 1997 Lumina was!

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  back to my youth - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By tony - February 28 - 5:33 am

  just purchased the vehicle. one word to expain it, awesome. first timr behind the wheel i smiled and thougth about my youth when i owned a 1971 chevelle 454. not only does the gto sound better, it also does everything ten times better than my chevelle. for the price in this day and age, best buy possible keep your foriegn sporst cars and even the new mustange, 3000 over sticker. the GTO is back and better than ever. pure american muscle and sound.

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  favorite car in 26 years of driving - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Scott - February 28 - 3:36 am

  Ok, i have had a lot of cars! 3 brand new ones and 25 used. This is my first Pontiac but I have had many GMs. The first time i drove it i new i was going to buy it. Sounded good, seats and interior are like a cockpit of a jet plane. The only negative is its really hard to accelerate without the front tires breaking loose. This is my favorite vehicle of all time. I would highly recommend this car to anyone that likes a sporty sedan with a great motor, great looks, great comfort, and a great exhaust sound.

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  Great - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By jstar - February 27 - 4:10 pm

  I bought this car a little over a year ago and I love it. I have 150000 miles on it now and have never had a problem except replacing the alternator. I hope the newer Grand Prix is just as reliable because I think Im hooked on Pontiac.

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  Perfect to Me - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Shanes Silver GTO - February 27 - 12:36 am

  I only want to say that I am 100% satisfied with my 2005 GTO 6.0 liter. I drove alot of performance cars but always came right back to the GTO. Many dont care for it and thats fine. Everyone is entitled to say what they want. I just plan LOVE my GTO.

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  Great underated sport luxury car. - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Paladin - February 26 - 4:26 pm

  This car is fantastic! GTP has power, rides smooth like a $50,000 luxury vehicle, best standard features. A bargain out there! I have owned a Porsche, Corvette, Trans Am, this car is great!! Looks great drives great.

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  Best Car Ever Made - 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Janice - February 25 - 8:23 pm

  The 2008 Grand Prix GXP is a blast to drive.this is my 4th Pontiac and are the more reliable cars on the road. Had a 98 Grand Am with over 250,000 on it when I sold it and it was still running a of 2 years ago (lost track of it). I love the power when you step on the accelerator you can feel the gs pulling you back in your seat.S for winter driving I had no problems in the 2009 winter here in the North Idaho. Put 4 studded tires on and went everywhere in 12" of snow and ice. The exterior could use a little more chrome here and there.

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  Still going! - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jodan29 - February 20 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough how I love my 2000 GT and will miss it when I retire it. Almost 300,000 miles and the trans is just starting to worry me. I drive 52 miles one way to work. Have had my share of problems, some covered by warranty others not. Still has the original exhaust and engine. Dont like that the black is a matte black with no sparkle; shows scratches too much. Interior has held up great. All I can say is if you keep it maintained it will not disappoint you. Sad to see Pontiac go under. :(