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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  Just an All Around Excellent Vehicle - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Andy - June 22 - 10:40 am

  Ive had my 2004 Grand Prix GT for only a week, and I absolutely love it. Purchased very clean w/ 80k miles. As a previous owner of both a Mustang GT and a Dodge Intrepid with a 3.2L V6, this 04 Grand Prix is right between the Mustang and Intrepid in size, so if you would like a sports car feel with room for kids, I highly recommend this car! Very tight suspension, very responsive. Excellent gas mileage, so far. I got about 24 mpg my first tank of gas in a mix highway/city driving, even while testing the vehicles capabilities. This car will effortlessly respond to any pressure on the accelerator, with seemingly no engine strain. With that said- it will also readily and gladly consume fuel

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  Great buy - 2008 Pontiac Vibe
  By Bob - June 20 - 1:03 am

  Lots of extras in the Pontiac version power roof, windows roof rails etc. Very peppy and fun and easy to drive. Bought for my teen who is a new driver and it has been perfect.

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  Best buy in 10 years - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By CML-FAL - June 17 - 7:36 pm

  First 1500 mile highway driving mileage per gallon was 31.1 mpg. Mileage town driving 21.2 mpg. interior room more than adequate

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  Excellent performace, cheap construction - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Raatracer - June 17 - 10:00 am

  After 90000 miles, reliability is excellent; performance is off a bit, but still good. Economical to run as it provides good mpg on regular gas. Door panels and control knobs are loose due to cheap materials and construction fit.

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  2005 evaluation - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Wildcat - June 17 - 4:40 am

  light at above 70mph. Vibration at initial startup from standing.Mileage excellent, Should be delivered with a floormat in rear. choppy ride.

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  Awesome - 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By jackmil - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car ive ever owned. When and if it ever dies ill definatly buy another one. I already have more miles on it then my last car when that died

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  good car - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Robert Prange III - June 17 - 2:00 am

  this is a relatively good car. i felt that the exceleration could be better but for a $10,000 car you cant complain. and you know its not a corvette or anything.

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  2000 WS6 Ram Air Trans Am - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By sprite - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Brings a smile everytime you look at it and drive it. Power and comfort with leather interior and 325 horspower. 500 watt monsson stereo with 12 disc changer and t-tops means nothing else comes close to driving enjoyment. Ignore automotive journalists who write poor reviews. This car is for people who enjoy driving, not over the hill automobile writers whos bones creak if they are not sitting in a BMW.

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  Looks good, thats about it! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Al209340 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  When I got my Sunfire I was really happy to get it, but since time as gone by, I have been disappointed with this car. One of the issues is the Headlights. They don’t put out much light when on high beam. This car squeaks and rattles down the road, and it has TONS of interior problems, including the seat not being able to adjust without breaking, and controls sticking. I had problems with paint pealing and problems starting the car. Plus this car bounces all over the place on uneven or bad roads. A person who owned a 1996 Sunfire told me not to buy Sunfire, now I wished I took his advice. He told me he just has had is 5th major safety recall notice on his 1996 Sunfire. Yikes!

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  Fun in the Sun - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Ragtopman - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I got a 99 Firebird convertable for college and this car is every young guys dream come true! This car, although not a V-8, still is a blast to drive. The top comes down fast and smoothly for cruising in the sun. Very recommended for people who want a fun car to drive.