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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  Nice ride - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Eic - March 12 - 1:23 am

  My Solstice is my first convertible after years of dreaming of owning a convertible; of ANY kind. I have driven and researched many kinds of convertibles. The Solstice turned out to be a real deal on many levels; since Pontiac is no longer in business the 1st year production models became something of a collectors item, its fun to drive, easy to maintain and affordable. No disappointments. A cool car and I just love it in RED.

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  Give American a Break! - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Bryant - March 11 - 11:30 pm

  Granted this is a front wheel drive with 303 HP and paddle shifters on an automatic. But this is one fun car to drive, and on road trips, it is delightful. Even the fuel economy is good. First, it burns regular gas, second it has the fuel saving engine and at road speeds, 4 cylinders shut down and seamlessley start up again when you hit the accelerator. With Stability Control, Magni Steer, and Full Time traction control, Plus the fantastic Heads Up Display, this is a safe car to drive. Just listen to the sound of the Small Block V-8, and you want to ride all day. Gas mileage, I am heavey footed but still getting 25 in Hiway, and 17 to 20 in mixed. That is 400 miles on a tank of gas. Try it!

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  Best Muscle Car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Fast GTO - March 11 - 6:23 pm

  Quite frankly the most comfortable and best built muscle car you can get. Drives like a Bimmer and pulls like a freight train.

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  Buy this car! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By andrew - March 11 - 9:00 am

  The Pontiac G6 is amazing, bottom line. There is no comparison. I traded in my Toyota Camry in August 2005 for this car. I was very skeptical. However, I have learned that this is the better car. I dont keep cars that often, but I will keep this one. I drive like a MADMAN! The Camry couldnt handle me, but this car does well. The engine power is great and the brakes are even better. Even driving like this, I get the great fuel economy listed on the sticker. Not to mention, the fuel gauge is accurate, when it is full, it is on F, not two inches past F. I love the panoramic sunroof. I was skeptical because of what the journalists were saying, but now I know they just dont like US cars.

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  Good first car - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gruvygirl1 - March 11 - 4:00 am

  This was my first car that I bought used for $4000 with 107,000 miles. There were a few things that were problematic to begin with -- the drivers side window was difficult to roll down and the air conditioning only worked on speeds 3-5. Eventually, the entire AC system failed and had to be repaired, which did restore the 1-2 settings. About a year after purchasing the vehicle, I had to replace both the alternator and the battery. In the past year, I paid over $600 repairing the ignition switch and the security lock column, only to find that I needed to repair the computer system due to an engine leak, meaning another costly repair, so at 124,000 miles, we finally parted.

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  MY THIRD VIBE - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By Greg W - March 8 - 8:36 am

  This is my third Vibe. I like its looks and versatility. It is quite roomy for its size.

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  Very Pleased - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By TMilnamow - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is a small car with unique styling and a top quality drive train with a well thought out interior. Its way above the competion in styling. The only thing I dont understand is why I dont see more of them on the road.

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  I Loveeeeeee My Vibe - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Meee - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellant pickup when passing for a 4 cyl. Handling around curves is excellant. Smooth drive. Enormous inside, deceiving from outside. Plenty of legroom front and backseat.Cargo space goes from front to back with seats down. Great sound out of the 6 speaker system. Alot of fun to drive. Excellant gas mileage. Plenty of storage compartments hidden as well as open. Enjoyable moon/sun roof. Dashboard reminds me of an old GTO with the round chrome gauges. Bright orange contrast at night makes for great visability.

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  "Never buy a first year car" - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By Bartwod - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Aztek. It is easy to get in and to get out. I like the feeling of sitting taller than a car. The controls for the radio are in the steering wheel and it is easy to use. I do not like leaning over the back gate to load groceries and unload. I have had many problems that were quite expensive and was told by one service department person, "Well, mam, you did buy a first year automobile." Well, I love the car, but GM has not responded to any of my letters or emails about the problems. This is a wonderful car for those over 50 but GM brought out the Buick and stopped advertizing this car.

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  What a great car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By CliffSTane - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for six months now and have been very pleased with it. I drive 25 miles to work everyday so I already have close to 14,000 miles on it, and the car hasnt missed a beat. After a few oil changes already, the vehicle has been getting very good gas mileage on the highway as well in the city.