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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  Good Vibes - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Mike Buchner - December 2 - 6:03 am

  The Bonnie Gxp is a blast to drive. With the sweet sound of its pipes, I feel like it;s 1965 again. It has good power,could use more torque down low, but its a dohc engine; and really starts to cook @ about 3500-4000 rpm.I love the styling. Looked at the Chrysler 300; but couldnt handle the cheese grader front end. And please; the Toyota Avalon is just plain ugly! The Bonnie has a busy interior, but I love the red dash at night; XM radio is fantastic. Gas mileage is only ok but it is a big heavy car with a v8. But like the man said "I feel good when I get in, and I feel good when I get out" If your looking for a larger car that handles like a BMW;w/good power;nice ride,big trunk; GXP!

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  Excellent Purchase - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stan - December 1 - 8:33 am

  I drove the GXP for a couple of weeks and thoroughly enjoyed the 303 hp and all the gadgets this model comes with. However, with gas prices high, I opted for the 260 hp v6. Still plenty of power and the car is nice looking with comfortable seats.

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  Love it!!!! - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By dgmyr1 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my third bonneville and is by far the best car I have ever driven!! It is extremely fun to drive! It handles well and responds when you press the pedal unlike other cars that I have driven. With it being low to the ground it is also safer to drive as I found out when I hit a patch of wet pavement with my last Bonneville (balding tires my fault)and spun off the road (at 70mph) but the car and passengers were quit safe. My first Bonnevillewas over 200,000 miles when I sold it my second 80,000 after 4 years when I sold that. No problems!!! Great cars!!!! Looking forward to my next Bonneville!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Fun so far! - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By funsofar - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought car from son 47000 mil. He had it for 3 month. Insurance to high. Switch for fan speed n/g, clutch on a/c compressor noisy except when engauged. Will take advice and change fuel filter. Brakes noisy.Fuel milage 18 in city.

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  The Grand Car Grand Prix - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Thom Morrison - November 28 - 10:00 am

  For the past five years I have driven the Prix line Pontiacs as my company cars.I have had a total of eight in five years 75k and on to the next car.Excellent on gas,fun to drive,great traction on snow or wet pavement.I have driven just about everyones mid-size as rental cars but can not wait to get back to the airport to pick up my Prix!

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  Nice for what it is. - 2009 Pontiac G3
  By Small town fool - November 23 - 8:33 pm

  Tried to get a Vibe but for the price, this was better. Great handling and fuel mileage.

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  Home Depot Fun Runner - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Rycknj - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I dont have a family, but my first fixer upper home. I havent found anything yet that I cant get into it. I have the moon and tunes package which is great around town and on the road. The car is comfortable on long trips and my mileage is 29 city and 33 highway. I think thats because my average speed is 85 MPH on the highway. Love this car!

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  nice car - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Raymond Presley - November 22 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Grand Am is not a race car by no means, but handle well and is fun to drive. It is also stylish, conformable quality automobile at a good price, especially with the $6000.00 + rebates from Pontiac.

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  The Great One - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By douglasrmyers - November 21 - 6:33 pm

  GTO is by far the best car I have ever owned. Fast, powerful, comfortable, handles and rides beautifully. There is nothing else like it.

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  Solid Comfort - 2006 Pontiac Torrent
  By Stewart Williams - November 21 - 11:23 am

  It drives easily and offers a very comfortable ride. I especially enjoy driving it on long trips. It seems to ride most comfortably when its fully loaded with cargo and passengers. Its V6 gives me plenty of power to ease onto Interstate highways and it climbs over the mountains of Western Maryland with ease. The 5 speed transmission is the smoothest shifting one Ive ever experienced. I would rate the Torrent as a very good vehicle, but Pontiac would do better by not using so much cheap plastic around the dash area. Also, the front seat cup holder and emergency break placement are very poorly designed.