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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  Look at me Im saving - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Tahoe Trader - September 15 - 4:06 pm

  Just traded 07 Tahoe, thought the ride would be degraded but was happy to find this "sub compact" not small at all. Roomy and so much fun to drive, cant believe a 4cyl could have so much pep! All my SUV neighbors can laugh but Im laughing all the way to the bank. Excellent vehicle of choice with the changes taking place in our economy.

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  Love My Vibe! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By jackiepow - September 14 - 10:56 am

  This was the first Pontiac that I ever owned, so I was a little apprehensive to look at them in the beginning. However, once I got inside at the dealership, I knew this was the car for me. I am 52" and this car fits me like a glove (it also fits my 61" husband). The manual height adjustment for the seats is really what sold me. It gets fantastic gas mileage, handles wonderfully, and its really quite roomy. I can see out of all of the windows and always feel safe.

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  Great car - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Happy in Gainesville - September 14 - 6:26 am

  I have owned many Pontiacs from Trans Ams to Firebirds and this one is a pleasure to drive. Get great comments on its looks and when I open the hood, "WOW". Would buy one again unfortunately 2005 is the last year.

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  GReat performance great car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By David - September 14 - 6:13 am

  The GTO is a great car for a driver who likes to be comfortable, likes driving fast and doesnt care on getting the highest quality interior. If there was a short coming on this car, the crumby interior would have to be it

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  Early Solstice Review - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Billdaman - September 13 - 11:03 pm

  This Convertible has it all. To view this beauty from a distance with its flowing lines and growling grill tells you in your first glance that this car is destined to be a classic. Enough cannot be said about this car as an embodiment of a "has it all" modern roadster. Its interior is a beautifuly trimed cockpit with high quality fit finish and materials. This is a car that is the fulfullment of my dream to own a true performance roadster, that is most importantly American through and through. At just under 20 K there is NOTHING that can come even close. I have driven the Solstices competition from Honda, Mazda and BMW. They cant match this cars looks or performace at the price

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  Mommas Silver Baby - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By sportsfreak - September 13 - 2:00 am

  After 33000 miles this vehicle has proven to be very reliable. My ife and I have enjoyed it very much. we are planning on selling it to our son very soon and buying another GM vehicle.

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  The Grand Am - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By camaroj - September 12 - 8:37 pm

  Ive owned this car for a Year and a half it was pretty much immaculate When I bought it I happened to be the second owner in Its life time the pros: Its fun to Drive ,amazing on gas, reliable if well taken Care of , very stylish mines in white , interior is stylish ,has curb appeal , excellent sound system didnt exspect it to be that good, my complaints about this car is the front bumper is way too low to the ground and allways scrapes Its rusting Like crazy around Wheel Wells and on the rockers of the doors clear coat is chipping on spoiler and the most important thing remember to keep your oil topped off to the top twin CAM engines are notorios for that they burn oil Like crazy

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  Like the car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By sara - September 12 - 12:30 pm

  I never owned a poniac before. Im a jeff gordan fan hehe but.. This car runs very good 100,000 miles and no repairs yet. even drive 9 hour trips home and back. I feel safe in this car. I love the look, and think its a great car.

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  So lucky I found this Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By onsteegirl - September 12 - 3:46 am

  I needed a great used car and my salesman found this one that had low miles, chrome wheels, and a sun roof. Sounds cheesy, but every time I see my car, I am stoked to drive it! Looks awesome and Ive gotten many compliments. Rides great, quick pickup when entering highways. Has a roomy backseat that my friends said was more comfortable than they expected.

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  A big worry on wheels - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By think twice - September 12 - 3:00 am

  I bought this vehicle as a certified used product. Only one thing was for certain and that was problem after problem.The front end was basically replaced because of the severe shuttering. This included replacement of both front hubs and tie rods. Since replacement the problem has returned over about 5000 miles.The brakes also shuttered when applied.I had the brakes reworked with the same results.All work was done at dealership under warranty.Now my warranty has expired and Im left with a Very unreliable vehicle.I bought this van to travel with my family.Now I worry taking it out of my neighborhood. The ignition sticks, the drivers side slider door has to be slammed to close properly, the engine...