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:

• 

  Good Vibes! - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By W Barnes - June 8 - 11:50 am

  A really great car to own and drive! Get lots of compliments, especially about the color (stealth grey, really a greenish, sometimes bluish) that changes depending upon the light and time of day. Would buy again but next time with stability and traction control (wanted this time but price with all options was just too high). If you are looking for an auto with a high seating position, gas economy, ample cargo space and options, a little more ground clearance than average, an alternative to an SUV and style, this is it! (If GM/Toyota would make the changes below the car would be near perfect.)

• 

  Fun, waiting for sun - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Bruce - June 8 - 9:50 am

  I have had my Solstice for several weeks and truly enjoy it. The cars build quality is the best Ive seen in an American car. It handles extremely well and has more than adequate power. I test drove a Porshe Boxster, Mini Cooper S convertible, Mustang convertible, but decided to buy the Solstice instead. Im not sorry. The car is gorgeous, particularly with the top down and is very fun to drive, especially on twisty roads. It is a bargain at the list price, but many dealers are charging much more.

• 

  Great machine - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dave - June 7 - 4:53 pm

  I have only driven the GT for 3 weeks, am very excited with all aspects of the vehicle. Sound system (monsoon) is superior, seating is similar to my previous Firebird, which is no longer produced. Adjustable pedals a plus, very smooth ride with excellent gas mileage (30mpg) on the interstate. My Fusion orange color turns heads. Plenty of rear seat room.

• 

  Glad I bought it - 2010 Pontiac Vibe
  By budman - June 7 - 3:13 pm

  Really like the car. Rides nice, handles better than expected. Got 35.5 MPG on 600 mile trip. Have 11000 miles on it and no complaints. Used Clunker money, GM rebate and GM card rebate. Paid 9900.00 for a new car. Thought that only happened to other people.. Plus GM 5 year/100,000 mile power train protection.

• 

  The G8 is great! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By G8Keeper - June 6 - 7:03 pm

  This car is simply an amazing value. It is extremely powerful, roomy, suave and tons of fun to drive. Its family friendly too! Go buy one, what are you waiting for!?

• 

  Finally Paid Off - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Lance - June 5 - 4:40 pm

  I bought my 2004 with 24,000 miles on it. A factory exhaust system was installed. Good car until the 40,000 mile mark. Took it in for my routine oil change, and was told that there were particles of metal in transmission fluid. I did a trans flush and added Lucas Trans Lube to it. It took 2 full flushes to get all of the metal out of the system. Now at 88,000 miles, I was told, again, by a new mechanic that my trans fluid needs to be changed. The manual calls for 1 trans change at 100,000 miles. This would now make it 3 flushes in 88,000 miles. Check gas cap and check eng light came on at 65,000 miles. Computer says theres a leak in the exhaust manifold. Trading in before I dump money in it.

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Maximillian - June 5 - 1:46 pm

  Six months ago I purchased my 2004 used Sunfire. It had 26,000 miles on the odometer. No regrets. Great car. Extremely reliable. I would recommend it to everybody. Very cheap to buy if buying used. Bang for the buck when compared with other cars in its class. Extremely economical. The front cateye looks goes great with the car. I’ve heard a lot of bad things regarding the pre-2003 models. I guarantee the past 2003 are completely different. I can only conclude that people who experience problems with 2003, 2004, and 2005 models are cars that have been in an accident and that have been not been properly repaired. If you buy it and it hasn’t been in an accident you wont go wrong.

• 

  Excellent Car for the $$ - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bryan Park - June 4 - 9:43 pm

  I reluctantly bought my Pontiac G6 after my wife talked me into it. I didnt even want to test drive it. It looks like a small car from the outside...its not. Im an above average sized guy (64"), and I fit just fine. In fact, in most other cars I jam the seat all the way to the back. Not in the G6. I actually have to move it forward some. Inside the car is comfortable and somewhat stylish. The car rides amazingly well. Theres only one word to describe it...smooth. It steers well, drives smoothly, and gets over 30 mpg. All in all, this car should rate above every car in its class for its style, comfort and its affordability. Finally, an American car to compete with the Japanese.

• 

  Awesome Car - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Jessyr - June 4 - 1:00 pm

  I just got my G6, but I love it soo much. I previously had a Sunfire, so for anyone that would be a big step. Its a beautiful car for the price.

• 

  a four door mustang? - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By big bill - June 3 - 10:53 pm

  I traded in a 2008 mustang GT with about 6,000 miles on for the G8 GT. it has nearly the same acceleration (but not the same exhaust note), much more room, and a less tacky (but still not sophisticated) dashboard. I like this vehicle but there are a lot of things done wrong - see suggested improvements below.