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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  First performance car! - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By gto400 - May 3 - 12:53 pm

  From the day I bought my 06 quicksilver GTO had a smile on my face everytime I get behind the wheel. I like the fact that you do not see one on every corner and get a wave from fellow GTO owners on the road. Averaged almost 25mpg and 400 miles to a tank when I drove from New Mexico to Michigan.

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  Last Model Sunfire Out with a Bang - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jonny - May 2 - 9:50 pm

  The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire was definitely one for the books. With lots of economical problems with the cars history (the older 1990s models and early 2000 models) I expected some high maintenance work. However, I was disappointed at that end. The cars economical ability is standard. Change bulbs when burnt out, fill gas, change oil. The performance is also outstanding considering the heavy body style. With a 2.2L Ecotec engine backed by a 4 speed Automatic Transmission (I also drove a 5 speed manual) you will get the power you need to steer through tight corners while still being able to utilize the agility of the power-to-weight ratio. All in all, a fun car to drive.

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  awesome - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Vibe - April 29 - 11:26 pm

  I love this car! It handles well in the snow, you can haul anyting from a recliner to a table, and can even fit my 6 5" brother in it. It feels like an SUV without the high gas mileage. The only thing I regret about this purxchase is not getting ABS.

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  I love my Tec - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Alex - April 29 - 9:50 pm

  This is a reliable, fun vehicle. It is probably the best new vehicle I have ever purchased for the price I paid. I paid $21,000.00 for a very well equipped mid size SUV that has plenty of room for 2 kids, luggage and even a mid sized dog.

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  I love and would buy it again - 2003 Pontiac Montana
  By Trisa - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a great van and it has been a dream with the little one in the family.

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  Great car with 1.8L Auto - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By toomuchcar - April 29 - 3:53 am

  Bought this car for my Daughters first car. Looked at all the competitors, and this 1.8L auto is a great balance of utility, safety, fuel efficiency and handling for the money ($1500 rebate at the time). This toyota based car has reliability and same solid drive train I enjoyed with the Toyota Corolla that traded in.

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  Pontiac GTO - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Matt Jackson - April 29 - 3:36 am

  The gto drives unbelieveably smooth and firm for as much horsepower it has and for being a sportscar. It drives similar to my mothers cadillac sts 06. The response is awesome, and i like how they made it a 2-door not like the dodge charger which is a 4- door and i dont like it.

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  Hate it! - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By hate it - April 28 - 6:53 pm

  I bought my G6 in May, since then it has been in the shop 4 times and its only early June!! It only starts when it feels like it!! I have have brake problems as well, the rotors got warped within the first 2 weeks and they squeak all the time. I am very unhappy and am trading in for a Corolla S. GM should stick to what they know, trucks!

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  Fantastic - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Bri - April 28 - 12:20 pm

  I love this car. It handles great and I get much better gas mileage than what the dealer and websites all say. I have been averaging about 34miles/gal. The cars design leaves little to be complained about and its very reliable.

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  So glad to be rid of it!!!! - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By stlbluesfan - April 28 - 7:13 am

  What a piece of crap. Bought it used in 2007 with 34000 miles on it. Nothing but problems. Replaced the steering column after 1 year ($570), went through 2 sets of rotors (could not be turned, had to be replaced), front sway bars bad, wheel bearings bad, wouldnt start most of the time on first try, check engine light on intermittently, transmission starting to hard shift, sliding door stuck open more than once, rear windshield wiper motor burnt out, much much more...too much to keep listing here. All with only 86250 miles on it and regular service and maintenace. Traded it in on a 2007 Honda CR-V and could not be happier. Will never buy another GM product!!!