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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  CLASSY FUN CAR, BIG INSIDE AND SMALL OUTSIDE - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By JOHN TINGLE - April 8 - 11:20 am

  All black with taupe interior stands out a the best looking combination for this vehicle. Good high seats and large glass area is a winner. Extra large and handy hatch area is another plus to consider. Being05 vehicle still has refined feeling with smooth six power. Typical gm negatives such a having to change the secondary shaft 2xs as well as the rack and pinion steering noise, all under warranty thank goodness. Dash electrical issues at 80k including losing trans lights and odometer lights. Styling looks better with age as newer vehicles are looking weird and have little window area thus providing safety issues as well as visual threats. This is my 2nd aztek which my family has grown to appreciate even more over time. Have offers for $5500 plus whih would make this vehicle a good value over the long run. John T.

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  Amazing - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Jimmy T. - April 8 - 7:30 am

  The Pontiac g6 sedan is just plain amazing, i have many other vehicles and many convertables, but no car that i own is as fun as this. Its sleek, affordable, quiet and all around great car to own, the moment i saw it in the showrooom i fell in love, it has great options like a panoramic sunroof and heated seats, i love my new pontiac g6.

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  Reliable fun car for the price - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By luckyintx - April 7 - 5:33 pm

  my 1995 Grand Am was bought brand new 09/95. The olive green metallic color was beautiful, still havent found a car with that nice a shade of green. Overall the car was used to go back and worth 30 minutes on highway miles to work. went many long distance vacations in it ( above 400-500 miles) 2-3 times a year. The only major problem that the car ever had was the overheating problem that this car does seem to incur a lot Ive noticed. But mechanically it never gave me any other problems. admitting the car was ugly without the spoiler, I loved it Changed oil every 3K, kept it clean, and ended up having it 7 years at 168,000 miles. One of the best vehicles I have had, still miss it!

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  Toy Fun Car - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Chuck - April 7 - 12:00 am

  I picked up my Sly Solstice last week. It is all that I expected. It is fun to drive and handles fantistic. It certainly gets the looks . It is a head turner. It gives the appearance of an exotic expensive sports car at a bargain price. Very happy with this product. Why is GM in trouble when you have models like this coming out.

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  good grandam - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By gmguy - April 6 - 5:46 pm

  Very solid car that runs great, only problems so far were covered under warranty. The starter was getting weak, and it is fine since replacement. Also, the a/c compressor was starting to lock up, causing the belt to smell, it is also working great since replacement. Overall a good looking and comfortable ride we are happy with.

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  Reliable, economical car - 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Karen - April 6 - 3:43 pm

  Ive had this car since it was new and have never regretted the purchase. It has only required general maintenance and some tires, belts and hoses - which dont last forever. The only thing I dont like is the fact the engine runs hot when driving slow in heavy traffic - this car likes to keep moving.

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  Speed Racer - 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By morpheus - April 6 - 10:00 am

  i like this vehicle but it is allittle to slow but i still like it.

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  Little Things - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By beach - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Previously owned 97 model, this model not as good. Fit and finish disappointing especially around sunroof. Blew out a engine drain plug in first year, but overall reliability was very good. Performance of the car was great, nice ride, terrific power and good handling. Car was surprisingly good in snow and very good fuel economy overall. Just a lot of little things that make the car disappointing for what you pay for it.

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  Most Versitle in its class - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Dragon1976 - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The Aztek is one of the best veihicles Ive ever driven, Or probably ever will.

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  Awesome - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Eve - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This vechicle rides like a car, turns corners just excellently! Decent gas mileage for an SRV! It is not an SUV! It is so comfortable and comes with standard options that you would pay for extra!