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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  Teriffic value - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Larry - November 3 - 7:03 am

  Update from 9-28:purchased (oem)19in rim & tire, fits perfectly into the spare tire well.R/R air pressure sensor failed, quickly replaced by Pontiac. Mixed very easy driving yielding about 21/22. We dont drive very much these days, so gas mileage not a problem. Fretted about buying an 8 cyl, did not need nor want the extra horses, it just drove better than the 6 cyl. Quieter & many options were standard. Apparently no insurance penalty for the 8 cyl. Love the overall quietness & comfort of this car. Rumor has it GM is ready to do away with Pontiac. Would not have purchased it had I known. If this happens I guess the 5 year 100k warranty will be worthless. Too bad, love the car.

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  nice car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By dave - November 2 - 7:10 am

  i bought the 06 g6 in 2007 it rides very nice a lot better than my girlfriends accord and my brother in- laws Camry. i travel 50 miles one way to work it averages 31mpg thats about the same as her accord with its 4 cylinder. i dont understand why it gets bad reviews

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  Sunroof - 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By sexxy1969 - November 2 - 3:16 am

  Ive own my Pontiac Grand Prix GTP supercharge since 2002. I bought it with 21,000 miles.

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  i love my car - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By kmae1223 - October 29 - 5:23 pm

  my seriously.... lets start here.. i bought a grand am and they lemon lawed it back and gave me a G6, i wish i could have just afforded this car from the get go.

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  I like it! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Frank Guthrie - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this one because of the good reviews and the fact I felt like I was actually getting a Toyota from General Motors. I liked the idea of the station wagon features and the advertised good mileage. Unfortunately, it was difficult to find Vibes at my dealer, and I had to settle for one that didnt have the anti-lock brakes and anti-theft deterent and side airbags which I really, really wanted.

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  Last Bird - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By SteveK - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Out of the 5 Trans Ams Ive owned this one is the best. Previous years, 1984, 1990,1995,1998 all bought new. I plan to keep forever as it is a 3rd car.

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  Unique, Reliable,Affordable - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By NEBTEK2002 - October 25 - 6:10 pm

  My wife and I loved the concept car and wanted the production model from Day 1. We test drove a 2001 GT,loved that one but resisted it until we could travel 30 mi. to see this "basic" 2002 with fewer miles and a lower pricetag. With Azteks, basic doesnt mean stripped. We dont have ONstar, dual A/C controls, power seats; but we do have most everything else. We used to be Chrysler minivan owners. This one is has a tighter body than any of the 3 Chrysler products weve owned. It rides better than the standard Caravan, handles better, and the transmission has none of the Chrysler "hunting" tendencies on long upgrades. Other than replacing a ruined tire, no repairs at all thus far.

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  The Black Bandit - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By 85th PS - October 25 - 9:46 am

  Have had my solstice for one year as of yesterday. A blast to drive and a very fun car. A great hit with girls. Seems to be a chick magnet. Get stopped wherever I am at and ask about the car. It is unit 000085 and love it. Would never sell it.

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  The swiss army knife of SUVs - 2002 Pontiac Aztek
  By Yellow Aztek owner - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Ive tried a little of everything in my Aztek... the AWD is really slick, and really keeps the car moving in the snow. The camping package now includes a sun canopy, and the aztek handles great on the curvey roads. The console/cooler is great because i can use it everyday for work. The styling with the 17" wheels is now outstanding, and its fun to have other aztek drivers honk and wave at you. There is plenty of room to swallow luggage, and the sliding cargo tray makes other SUV owners jealous. If you get Onstar you can call your friends on the road and tell them how much fun youre having! My Aztek has felt very solid over bumpy roads.

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  sunfireSE01 - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By beknj - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for 13 months now- bought it new and have 21,000+ miles on it. enjoy the "sun and sound" package (CD, sunroof) and the stereo sounds great. ABS and air conditioning were standard while traction control was standard with 2.2L 4-speed auto (have it also). For the money, this coupe delivers a handsome and reliable vehicle to those who want functionability without a $20k price tag.