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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  Nice design but poor quality - 2001 Pontiac Montana
  By Dan_golfer - May 1 - 8:10 pm

  We like the performance of the van. But we do not like the braking. The pedal feels like it goes to the floor and the van takes forever to stop. Original tires only last 20,000 miles or less. We have had numerous repairs like: Air conditioner, Torque converter, Intake manifold gasket, power door, computer replaced, stereo replaced, and worn out brake rotors after only 40,000 miles. Make sure you buy the extended warranty, because I think you will need it.

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  I LOVE my Trans AM!!!!!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By MSPOOKIJO - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Trans Am for 5 years and I LOVE it; the only way I would trade is for another Trans Am.....and they quit making them!!!! :( I hope they bring them back, and soon, Ive got 145,500 miles on mine but cant think of anything I would replace it with.

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  THE GREAT PEOPLE TRANSPORTER - 2004 Pontiac Montana
  By FAMOUSA - May 1 - 2:00 am

  I DID NOT THINK I WOULD LIKE A MINIVAN;BUT THE MONTANAVISION IS VERY PLEASING AND FUN TO DRIVE . ESSPECIALY WITH THE FAMILY ON BOARD. I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN.

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  Fantastic car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By obiwan - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is so much better than anything Pontiac has ever produced. Plenty of power on tap. Superb handling. Well appointed interior with top quality materials. Fit and finish is above and beyond any GM car Ive ever owned.

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  Nothing but problems - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Dam Grand - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive but the car had problems from the beginning. The tires went flat. Radio stopped working. Cooling system had several issues, the last being a leaking intake manifold. Drivers side power window need replaced. And several other little things.

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  They got it right - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By The Rock - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Finally, a roomy car with style, class and a manual transmission

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  Fun little car - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Alyson - April 30 - 10:30 am

  This is a great little car. I like that the inside is significantly larger than the outside appears. It is quite peppy and comfortable. I typically drive between 500 and 1000 miles/week, and I love the gas mileage I average (31-33mpg). I bought mine with all of the bells and whistles that Pontiac offers - upgraded sound system, roof, leather, etc, but would like to see seat warmers and electric seats.

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  Truly is driving excitement. - 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By tony n. - April 30 - 12:03 am

  This is my third Pontiac. i owned a 1996 Bonneville and a 1999 Grand Prix. By far the 2007 blows them away. With just the base model the performance is awesome and the ride could not be better. You will know in minutes of driving one that you are in a solid and reliable automobile. I could not be happier.

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  Love my GP - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By kness - April 27 - 8:10 pm

  This is a great car !! I have the 40th anniversary edition and have had zero problems with it. Very reliable, extremely fun to drive.

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  Love my Vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By nettied - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Vibe for a little over a year. It has been nothing but fun, fun, fun. Ive driven it everywhere from the mountains to the beaches and no problems. Great cruiser, plenty of space, fits an eight foot ladder and a 6 foot teenager. When you see another Vibe on the road, owners wave at each other. Get the stereo package - a must for traveling. Fits in compact parking spaces - great for city parking and driving. Dont hesitate - highly recommended!