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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  Fun, Good Looking and Great Value - 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Schoenerman - October 13 - 6:03 pm

  This car is vastly under rated from what Ive read. The value therefore is very high due to the relatively low trade-in values. I purchased mine 2- years used with 17,000 miles on it for under $17K. It has never had a problem - currently at 76,000 miles. The Buick 3800 V-6 is the best engine on the American market. All you have to do is change the oil regularly and this car will go and go. I love it.

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  One sick car - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By sic2001 - October 12 - 5:36 pm

  I have had my car for 5 yrs now and it is awesome! I have put all kinds of aftermarket bolt ons on and dynod at 379 rwhp. Its fast and has never left me stranded! Ive replaced the fuel pump myself within 2 hrs in the driveway and 150 for parts and find most repairs can be done easily and the info is excellent online. Put good shocks/struts on it, lower it, and youll keep up with the current M3 on twisties it handles so well. I have the navy blue metallic w/tan interior and people act like its a Ferrari no kidding. 7 yrs old and looks like it could have been released this year. Catalytic converters are covered under warranty for 10 yrs or 100,000 miles.

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  what i like about my car - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By roadgirl - October 12 - 3:50 am

  I really enjoy the way my carhandles and turns corners. It is so smooth and I like the size of the interior, the sun room is fantastic I had thought of buying a convertible, and when I got my grandprix gtp I learned what a combination of sport and luxury was. every one that sees it says how very nice it is and those that drive it tell me how wonderfull it corners , which I already know, and its not hard on gas either. I love it truly and would buy another and recommend it to everyone.

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  Vibe Runs Great & Great Deal! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By RobRWA123 - October 10 - 1:56 pm

  Weve had this car for about 10 days now, and love driving it. Had to search hard for the 1.8 L/5MT, but worth the waiting. For the Base model, you wont need the 2.4L engine, unless youre going to be towing something. Compared to our 03 Vibe w/AT (we gave to our daughter), this car is quieter (engine noise especially reduced, road noise only noticeable at highway speeds), has more power, is much more comfortable, much safer (more [6] airbags, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes and Stabilitrak), and more fun to drive. And gets better MPG (well over 400 miles on 1st tank, gets better after break-in period)! Highly recommended; the best deal out there for a "compact" car, doesnt feel like one.

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  Love it!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By ryguy76 - October 9 - 6:50 pm

  I just bought this car last week after test driving civic, accord, eclipse and Scino TC. I had a 2000 Grand Am and it has served me well. This car has more options for the money vs other makes\models and drives very smooth and has plenty of pep. So far, Im very happy with my choice!

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  Torque steer, If you say so - 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rapid City Ron - October 9 - 12:03 am

  First I feel GM should advertise this car, let its virtues be known to the public. This is no ordinary Grand Prix. I also own a 2000 GTP Daytona 500 Pace Car with an SLP Performance package. I feel it is far more desirable than an Audi or BMW and I have own both in the past. Performance and comfort are outstanding. Black in color is desirable. Mileage if you do 55 mph at speed is closer to 23 to 25 mpg. Love my Pontiacs. So far I have not experience torque steer in either GPs. I know what the experts say but...

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  Room for all - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By PracticalOne - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The best reason to buy this car is for the roominess. It may not be the sleekest design, but the boxy shape allows for plenty of room in the back seat. We easily fit three kids (including two in car seats). Very practical car. Fun to drive - have had no problems with it. It is our second one.

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  GTO new but Better? - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By GTO MAN - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The car is fun, fast, and sleek... only thing is people all think it a grand am, grand prix. Should have a better design, rear is cool, front lights and grill are basic! If you teast drive, the car it will feel like a race car! 2nd gear kicks hard, and 60mphs come super fast! Only thing I wish it had was more of that old bad a$$ look!

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  Sporty Fun - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By shilling - October 8 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Grand Am is a fun to drive responsive car that draws attention. For its size it is comfortable and provides ample leg and head room.

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  Best car that I have owned - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ROBERT - October 7 - 6:36 pm

  I love my Pontiac Grand Am its too bad that there not going to make any more Pontiacs. The car gets great gas mileage and it is very peppy especially when your passing someone on a two lane road. What I dont like about it it has to many cup holders and the rear cup holder that folds out you cannot place any cup in the holder without it spilling onto the floor.