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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  Amazing American - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By dealernut - June 27 - 7:03 pm

  Amazing american craftmanship. I love the car in every way. It is an eye catching beauty.

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  scared in snow! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By scared in snow - June 27 - 3:06 pm

  We just bought a 2009 awd vibe for my wife. We live in Denver and had a good size snow. She called from work her 1st day driving this vehicle. It slid all over the place!! could hardly stop at stop signs & would just slid when turning! So i drove it when i got home, she was right! I do realize it is light but even with the "snow feature" awd kicked in, it was scary. The tires are very good--low profile, perhaps if we changed to regular tires? any Thoughts?? Very disappointed in Denver.

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  review and corrections - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Marcel - June 27 - 4:16 am

  Nice car. Rather heavy, but that doesnt seem to bother the 3.9 engine. O correction to the reviewer who listed horror when the vehicle continued to crank after the key was let go because the system incorporates an electronic monitoring of the cranking system. It is designed to continue cranking after the key is let go until either 10 seconds elapses or the engine starts. Overall, the car has had a few major issues. Front Brakes continue to warp despite 4 rotor replacements and new pads. Radiator Leakage Steering column (popping) (known issue) Smaller issues are: radio keeping flipping between radio and CD on its own (usually when the radio signal call sign has a * next to it

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  35 months of observation - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe - June 26 - 10:06 pm

  Very reliable. Good gas mileage. Lots of interior room for luggage and cargo with rear seat backs in down mode. Never returned to dealer for warranty work.

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  Aggressive! - 2008 Pontiac G8
  By Scott - June 26 - 9:53 am

  I traded in my 2006 CTS-V for this car. While the V was definitely much faster, the G8GT is very aggressive and a very comfortable sedan. Overall, only a slight concession at half the price. I frequently travel I75 in Florida, this car cruises VERY nice at speeds of 80-85 mph. I have driven this car in excess of 120 mph a few times and it stills tracks nicely without vibration or float. Cars are my weakness and have had many - this 2008 G8GT is probably my overall favorite. I have removed all the badges on the car and people often ask what kind of car it is. "that looks great" and "I never heard of that" are usually the comments made. Lots of bang for the buck!!!!

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  Decent overall, but has some problems - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Ken Y. - June 25 - 3:26 pm

  My girlfriend purchased her 2001 sunfire in July of 01. This has been a very reliable car, but it has had some recurring problems. Brakes - The front rotors have been replaced 3 times and I have having them replaced again this weekend. Every 15k miles, the brakes begin to pulsate and need service. The rotors can only be turned once, after that they have to be replaced. This is a horrible problem that is present on many GM vehicles, including the sister car the Cavalier. Build Quality - The fit/finish leaves a lot to be desired. Parts look very cheap and after 25 - 30k there are a lot of rattles etc. Overall the car has been very reliable and has never broken down in 95k miles

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  Get a G6 and live! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Marc B - June 25 - 2:46 am

  I just bought this car to improve my MPG for work and play. Advertised at 20 City and 30 Hwy, this is a solid car that is fun to drive so far. I am about 61" and can sit very easy in the front or back. Zippy V-6 will make you drive more aggresively if you are not careful...life is short, live it! I got mine well equiped for under 20K.

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  Vibe does it all very well! - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By Lisa - June 24 - 3:13 pm

  I have the 1.8 L Base model. It was inexpensive. I average better then 33 mpg with mixed city/hgwy driving. Its also comfy and roomy. People comment on its good looks. Good stereo, AC, and cargo area. It also pulls my 1200 lb boat package. This vehicle suits all of my driving needs, and does it quite well. I have been thrilled and very happy with it.

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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Pontiac G6
  By Very Happy - June 24 - 12:20 pm

  I am totally pleased with this car! The looks are fresh and cool and the preformance is way beyond my old Grand Am. The car feels solid and is realatively quiet on the road. Also the controls and buttons are well laid out and easy to operate on the go. For the price, the amount of features and innovations is impossible to beat. Also, given the size of the car, it is incredibly roomy in front and back. The driving position is higher, and the dash is lower and pushed back giving great visability. What a great step up in all aspects. The warranty is nice too. Ask about Pontiacs new policy with 5yr bumper to bumper.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By eddie gomez - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Bang for my buck, endorphin inducer, im am very happy with my purchase