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:

• 

  Great Car Fun To Drive - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By huffdaddy - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This car has been great thus far. It has plenty of power and handles great at tight cornering. I like the sleek design and quiet ride it provides.

• 

  The Ugly Duck - 2001 Pontiac Aztek
  By johnnyl - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Thats really a Swan. Fun to drive. I can give sports sedans a run for their money. Great get up and go. Excellent features. Love both the interior and exterior.

• 

  money pit - 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
  By MsLundquist - November 17 - 2:00 am

  we have never had a worse car. constant breakdowns, new transmission, suspension problems, window motor, leaks of every kind...i could go on and on. This car is truly terrible

• 

  heads turn - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By carol51 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is garage kept, and used only in the spring and summer which is why the mileage is so low. The color is pewter, the interior is black leather. It is an automatic. The only problem is the insurance because my son is on the family insurance policy. He is 19 and even though he doesnt drive it, the insurance company lists him as as occasional driver. It is the best sports vehicle we ever owned.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Great Car - November 16 - 4:00 am

  Great car, bought it with 17000 miles on it, now have 133000 miles on it, never broke down and runs great. One of the best cars Ive ever owned. The 2.4 liter engine is absolutely reliable, fairly fast, and decent on gas. Highly recommmend Pontiac, especially Grand Am.

• 

  Still Love it - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Lloyd - November 15 - 6:53 pm

  Its been a year and a half. Had only one problem,pass side door lock stopped working. Car is a blast to drive. Dont care for the blaupunkt. Should have bose system. Otherwise very happy with car.

• 

  Great runabout - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Remi - November 15 - 6:20 pm

  We switched from a 5th wheel to a motorhome, and needed a small car to tow behind. The Vibe combines the japanese reliability with american style. It is fun to drive and great on gaz compared to my GMC 2500. The interior is roomy and flexible - I can put my bikes inside, which I could not in the Toyota Yaris I considered. The seats are comfy and the controls are well placed. I bought a set of 15 Inch Corolla rims along 195/65-15 snow tires - they fit perfectly - and I am having fun in the snow. With the various rebates, the Vibe came in at a lower price than the Toyota Matrix. This 57 years old owner is fully satisfied with his new toy!

• 

  Not what I thought it was gonna be... - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Aysha - November 15 - 11:46 am

  I do lots of driving I put over 50000 miles a year due to work...I put over 100000 miles on my 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. Decided it was time for a new car, went with the Bonneville. I enjoyed the car for like the first week, then came the unreal amount of creaking in the dash, a weird thunk in the rear everytime I go over a bump, broken horn, and broken heater... this car is not what I expected...only have 15000 miles on it. The car had good power when needed and looks good but thats about it. I cant wait to get out of my Bonneville.

• 

  Hate to Sell - LOVED THIS CAR - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By vibe06 - November 15 - 10:00 am

  Best car ever owned. Unable to drive anymore - health issues. This VIBE is without a doubt everything anyone wants in a car: good mileage, sporty, hauls a great deal, safe, comfortable and simply put you cant kill it. Particularly great for college kids.

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Nicolas Olano - November 14 - 8:43 am

  For overall convenience, economy and satisfaction, there is no better car on the road. Oh, and buy standard shift.