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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  A Great Little Car! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By slayer - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I love this little car! I did get the 2.4 Twin Cam 150 HP engine and the sun- roof and hi-powered stereo. I have had no problems and this is definatly an underrated vehicle in my opinion. It is alot of fun to drive and really runs well.

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  What A Car Is Meant To Be - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By longGone - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several sports cars and this by far is my favorite. From the quick and nimble handling to the snap your neck torque off the line, this car is a winner. The Hurst 6 speed and ram air are great additions and the sound system is incredible. Pop the T-tops and cruise.

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  Great Car - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By RodL - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Car! Replaced my 1999 Grand Am GT with this car. Very dependable. I receive many great comments on the look of the car. Many passengers are suprised by the great interior room.

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  What an improvement!!! - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By blackbirdw68 - February 4 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a 96 camaro, and i gotta say WOW this firebird is such an improvment over my last car!! The performance package is awesome!!! Dual-exhaust - body kit - high performance shocks/springs. Everyone mistakes me for a TransAm cuz i almost sound like one (stock!) and look like one. its great except when they race me with their GT mustangs and beat me- hey dude this v6 almost had you!

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Ron c - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the power the GTO has. It has a stiff sports car ride and corners well. I am 60 and have plenty room in the back seat. I wish I had some more trunk space. I like the "plain" design because it doesnt attract attention until I leave a light.The 17 inch wheels are a standout.Its really a nice toy.

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Steel Lifter - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I love the power the GTO has. It has a stiff sports car ride and corners well. I am 60 and have plenty room in the back seat. I wish I had some more trunk space. I like the "plain" design because it doesnt attract attention until I leave a light.The 17 inch wheels are a standout.Its really a nice toy.

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  Grand Prix GTP - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Frank & Denise - February 4 - 10:00 am

  The Grand Prixs style, performance, options, and comfort are excellent. Its my second Pontiac vehicle and I never had a problem mechanically with them. Only problem is storage area in the front of the car, but its worth it.

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  3 Day Review - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By forgop - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Just leased a Grand Prix 3 days ago. Nice car for the money, at least with the rebates and GMS pricing that was available to me. Had it not been for being so upside down on my trade, I could have done a 2 year lease with 15k miles/year for just $200($24k MSRP). Definitely has the Pontiac ride, having leased a 99 Grand Am as well. I think the 3800 engine is perhaps one of the best out there in the midsize market. Very well equipped car for a base package. Roomy interior with lots of trunk space.

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  best car ever owned - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By sonja - February 3 - 9:46 pm

  i have had chevy 2-10 4 x 4 trucks, and i still love my truck for winter time. in the winter time the pontiac is in garage on dollies, along with our restored 1968 camaro. on dollies. then we dirve the chev trucks, and only use pontiac g8 for summer time. it is so comfy, fun to drive, supper fast, i have to watch myself. with the speed all in all wonderful car. my love was mustang convertables about 1966 or so, i had a 2004 mustang convert 5 speed, for 3 years, got tired of shifting, and clutch was all screwed up. so my husband got me the pontiac g8, and i am in love now. you couldnt get it away from me. even the birds love my car for their dropings,

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  How much can on person smile - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By sweetface - February 3 - 6:30 pm

  When I went to a quarter mile track near where I live and I heard and saw one of these beautiful sleepers go down the track, I had to have one. Luckily only 2 months later there was a beautiful Cyclone grey one in mint condition ( you could eat off the engine) sitting in my garage. I have loved getting up every morning since knowing that I get to drive it every day. Its powerful, comfortable and the most fun automobile I have ever owned. I cannot stop smiling every time I get behind the wheel. What an awesome car!