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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  Weekend toy - 2008 Pontiac Solstice
  By redsol - August 15 - 12:40 am

  My wife and I each have one, and they are toys for weekend use. Yes, the guy who placed the switches should be shot, but, in spite of al the complaints from magazine types, we can, with thought, place enough luggage for 2 for a 1 week trip. Just no big bags. There are plenty of storage slots if you look at it, even with the top down. Mileage is way better than EPA says. We get 25 mpg in town on both cars. The top can be a pain, but once you get a system, its pretty easy. It is a fun car, and handling is great. Took mine to Phx Intl Raceways roadcourse and had a blast. yes, the interior design team must have had a party the night before, but the fun factor outweighs the negatives.

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  6 is enough - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Tim K - August 13 - 11:20 am

  Solid automobile,,,,competes with a buddys 3 Series BMW, but thousands less....alot of people ask me about the car.....hugs corners, road and body.......big trunk for golf, etc....V6 delivers everything I need.....get 23 combined city-highway

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  2000 GTP - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Jim327 - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Car started out great, suspension soon rode like a 85 towncar, couldnt take a turn at any speed, very "floaty". Dealer said nothing they could do. Went ahead and installed all new suspesion, not a cheap thing. This helped. At 30000 miles, both outer tie-rod end went out. At 38,000 miles, both wheel hubs had to be replaced, due to worn out bearings. Trunk leaked, HUD went out for a while, driver window is intermitent. And now the plastic bolts holding the bumper on are starting to break, causing the car to rattle when going over any bumps. This car has 42000 miles on it. Will be the last American car that I buy for a long time. Unless it is pre 75.

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  Coupe is nice! - 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Steven Marvin - August 13 - 10:00 am

  I have this coupe Pontiac Grand Prix GT and believe me is really an exellent experience and a beautiful car to drive around. A real turn-head on the road!!!!!!

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  Mellow Yellow - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By DadMan - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Terrific ride, excellent sound system, cuts through snow like it doesnt exist, seamless transfer into AWD

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  BAD GTP - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Stephanie Emmons - August 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for the money! Initially I wanted this car for the exterior looks and the fact that it was supercharged. This car is a beauty both inside and out. The inside has all the bells and whistles. I love the heads-up display. This car is unbelievably fast and FUN to drive. It has been very dependable w/ very little maintenance considering it now has 86,000 miles. I had a Taurus SHO before and this GTP is much more reliable. Also, it has excellent gas mileage for its size and engine. This car definitely makes a statement!

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Tracy - August 13 - 1:56 am

  I was always a big fan of the Mustang until I drove this car. What a dream and it looks really nice to. I have heard the comment, "It looks better in person." So if you havent gone to see it or test drive it, it is an absolute must. Great handling, pickup is DEFINITELY there when you need it. I wouldnt trade it for a Mustang ever. I absolutely love this car.

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  This Car is a Wolf in Sheeps Clothing - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By GOAT Dude - August 12 - 11:43 pm

  The Holden boys get it. Big engine with great styling and quality goodies inside. No wonder Bob Lutz looked at this car and brought it to the states. Other than the Vette GM does not have clue when it comes to building a performance automobile. My initial thoughts about the car in 04 was that it looked like an extended wheel base Grand Am with a 5.7 liter engine which was just OK. By 06 the Aussie brain trust got it right. True dual exhaust, hood scoops and a 6.0 rocket engine under the hood. Mine is a red on red six speed pavement pulverizer. Gimme a break this is a 13 second car out of the box. Its a vette with a back seat and trunk with a high quality cowhide interior. None to the GOAT. RIP GTO.... The Pontiac / Holden boys need to develop a G8 coupe to compete with the 2010 Camaro and Genesis coupes. Hopefully GM will allow the boys from down under to make another great muscle car with a six speed and only two doors.

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  Still going strong - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kanreich - August 12 - 11:13 pm

  Have 130,000 miles on this car and havent had to do anything to it. Runs exactly as it did at 30,000 miles.

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  Solid reliable performer - 1999 Pontiac Bonneville
  By chev9644 - August 10 - 11:16 pm

  Just bought this car from my dad that he had since it was new. The only repairs done on it have been regular maintenance and recently the mass air flow sensor went bad. I just rolled over 200,000 miles and it still runs and drives great.