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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  performance bargain - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By challenger340 - August 10 - 8:56 pm

  Purchased my 05 Quicksilver GTO in May 2006 with 3200 miles for $25,000. I am really, really pleased with the performance, handling and comfort of this Austailian/Chevrolet/Pontiac automobile and am convinced that a car with similar qualites from Mercedes or BMW or Nissan (M45) or Chevtolet (Corvette or SSR)would cost upwards of $45,000.00 - $60,000.00. I belive that it compares very favorably with the SRT- 8 Charger and 300C SRT-8 which cost arouind $ 10,000 more and can out perform some even more expensove cars. Its a pretty unique and rare vehicle that not many people know about or want but in summary, to drive one is to have to buy one, buy one before theyre all gone, trust me.

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  2004 pontiac montana - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By William McEachern - August 10 - 8:00 pm

  Things that were replaced as to date. diodes for heater 5th speed. Rubber patch under windshield to stop noise. balancing of all tires alignment 4 wheel a thermostat failed complete mirror for left side door installed new patches to stop buzz noise in windshield replaced bug deflector warped replaced wiper arm and set wiper timing. complete painting of both rocker panels for surface rust found no primer under paint. removed windshield for air noise still not corrected yet.

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  Why the GTO is a sleeping Giant - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By mock52 - August 9 - 9:20 am

  In, my opinion the 2004 Pontiac GTO is very underestimated. The Car exudes inpressive performance for the price and the interior is spot on. There is no other way to discribe it. Many people argue that its not a muscular as they wanted. My question to them is have they actualy driven one? Now i agree that it seems as thought it could have a faster 0-60 time or that the engine could have put out more, but and this is a big but if you could ever take one out on a track you would see where Pontiac was trying to go. It seems as though you and the car are comunicating with one antother. It was one of the best track cars for the money i have driven. It gets a big two thumbs up from me.

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  Fuel Pump, Electrical - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ERIKKK - August 9 - 2:40 am

  I bought this car used, with 62,000 miles on it, after i hit the 63,000 mile mark i started having this goofy electrical problem where i would start the car and the radio, Dash...etc...wouldnt turn on. I am able to cope with it, usually it all kicks on about 1 minute after starting. 2,000 miles later the fuel pump went out. I love the car, but the problems are starting to irritate me. The car handles very nicely, accelerates very quickly and is a comfortable, sharp looking ride.

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  ONE OF THE BIGGEST MISTAKES EVER MADE!!!! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By scholar65 - August 8 - 12:14 am

  I am not one to write reviews but I have to write a review on this car. I hate I ever bought this car. Unreliable is an understatement. After about 3 months the car began to shift hard. Had that fixed (so called), and about 9 months after that it is doing the same thing. Had brakes and rotors done on a car I havent even had over a year. My rotors were rusted for some reason. I have a camry that Ive had for 10 years and never experienced rusted rotors but I digress. Point blank, stay away from buying this car. It is a POT (Piece Of Trash)

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  like it alot - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By fran nardone - August 6 - 3:33 pm

  I like the g6 very much.I previously owned a grandam that I also liked. But the g6 I have to say is so much nicer. It is so much better on gas, faster,and has alot more room inside,especially the back. lots more leg room and so much more comfort.I notice a big difference in the quietness of the car inside when i am driving.I would buy this car in a second again. Very fun to drive.

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  husky-mobile - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By excal - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the vibe mainly to take my two huskies for their walks in areas less populated. It is the first "car" I have bought in years. I have gotten used to trucks.

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  My birdie - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By hitman - August 6 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is if you dont have one GET ONE!!! This is the best car Ive ever owned. You will never find more bang for the buck and I think it looks way better than a camaro. Never had any problems with it, and it turns heads everywhere. It may only be worth $20 000 on the market but soeone is going to have to dish out a lot more than that to take it away. The last new ones are WAY too expensive. Wont be letting this go unless someone is willing to pay what I think its worth.

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  Aztec is a lost treasure! - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Pashka82 - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have had an Aztec for just about a year now and it has been a blast. The car is responsive, easy to manuever, and I have never seen another SUV or Van or crossover of the two have such a tight turning circle. The power is adequate when you need it. The ride is smooth as they come and good enough to support the better looking Buick Rendezvous. Yes, the looks are not great, but they wear on you. What is great is the interior design: lots of storage space, no driver is too tall to fit in and five adults fit in with plenty of comfort. Aztec is great and I highly recommend it!

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  Love my car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JRHD - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Owned my car for 2yrs & 2.5 mnths - over 57,800 miles on it! Holds up well in an accident. Use KN air filter for a little extra hp. Cant wait to get another one!