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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  Pontiac G5 - Not bad for GM - 2007 Pontiac G5
  By Roger Fitch - December 25 - 10:06 pm

  Car has enough pep. Interior is simple and clear to understand. Exterior is cool. I have only driven 250 miles. So cant talk about reliablity etc.

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  BMW 4 Less! - 2009 Pontiac G8
  By Carqwik - December 25 - 4:36 pm

  The car Pontiac should have always had! Its a true American (despite Oz origins) sport sedan that can run with most of the imports costing up to twice as much. Yea, its not a lux mobile, but the V8 power, the acceleration, the handling (surprise - it has excellent road manners), and the perfect size makes it an excellent value!

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  Plastic Fun - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Boss - December 25 - 1:06 am

  The 05 G6 is a nice ride. Its sleek and refined body make it appealing to look at while its chasis and supension make it smooth and fun to drive. The only concern I have is the amount of hard plastic throughout the cabin. In all I enjoy my G6 and am content with my purchase

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  Absolutely love my Vibe! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Kira - December 24 - 4:23 pm

  I now have 161,000 miles & still drive it everyday. Been to Florida & Wisconsin several times, never any problems. Great gas 34mpg hwy. Replaced battery, brakes, tires only. Hit a deer $4000 damage to front end, it stopped in a straight line, no-one injured except dead deer, was amazed. Only problem Ive had is the gas door broke off at hinges recently. I would buy this car again today if I could. So much storage space. I have slept comfortably overnight in this car many times because you can fold the seats down flat & make a bed on top. There was a recall on front side windows for loose bolt replacement, work completed for free, no problems since. No recall on gas door yet,I reported it.

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  Nice Little American Rice Burner - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By Iroc1 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Vibe solely because it is a re-badged Toyota Matrix, and it has not let me down. The gas mileage average is about 20/26 (city/hwy)on 93 octane (even though the manual recommends 87, I get better mileage on 93). The ride quality is comfortable, especially on the highway, but There are minor creaks and rattles emanating from the rear of the car when driving over potholes or expansion joints. The engine is a bit sluggish, for my taste, but a K & N air filter and a cool air scoop have added some welcome ponies to my stable (I couldnt get the GT because Pontiac does not offer it with an automatic, and I am not the only driver in my household).

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  Best musclecar ever - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Frost7 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a black 97 Trans Am WS6 for the past year and my experience with it has been great. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and stylish sportscar that is all about having fun driving. The car is solidly built, hugs the road, handles like a dream, and can take off like a bat out of somewhere very hot. Ill NEVER sell this car, and its the one thing that makes the trip itself half the fun of going someplace.

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  WS6 Great show piece - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By DaBattMan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt planning to buy a car when I walked onto the lot. But his one sold me even before I saw a salesman. I Love this car. Its my baby. I havent had any problems with it that I couldnt fix with a screwdriver or for under $200.00 (regular maint). It turns heads. Every one is watching you. Perfect for the summer with the tops down. A must have. Too bad they went and canceled this model. It is a beauty.

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  personal ownership - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cheryl k. - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this lil car right from the showroom floor-I love the look, I love the ride and as fas as being dependable well no problems getting to or from where I want to go an in comfort too, as well as being a blast to drive. I am used to driving old muscle cars with big healthy motors mind you. Heat when I need it and icy cold when it is 110 degrees outside...I would not trade it for anything else

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  Satisfied but could be better - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By BigDogDad - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Pleased with the features,space,seating&comfort. Engine is just NOT powerful enough for the size of this van. Sluggish on accleration& VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE. Rear a/c roars like a beast. Exterior paint job has flaws from factory(not a quality paint job) & front wiper system is just awful, because snow & ice accumulate but have nowhere to go, causing the wipers to freeze up in inclement weather. But overall despite the flaws, we are pleased that it offers enough space for our family, friends and gear, and has a comfortable ride.

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  2004 Pontiac GTO - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By William D3 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have been impressed with the build quality, handling, and power of the GTO. I have driven G35s, BMW 3 series and Mustangs and the GTO is the best value for the money. Overall I am very happy with my vehicle purchase.