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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  Fantastic car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By mbkano - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have never been a big fan of 4 cylinder cars but the Vibe has a nice smooth ride. It also has good pick up. I especially like the good gas mileage. Its very comfortable on long trips. The Vibe has so much cargo space and yet its a small car. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Third one I have owned - Great cars - 2001 Pontiac Grand AM
  By ryanfamily - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I have owned three Grand Ams. Put over 100K miles on each one. Love them for reliable transportation and peppy performance. The quad four is as good as any foreign engine I have owned. I used to be a Datsun/Nissan owner and bought my 1991 Grand Am because I got a deal I couldnt refuse. Now I am hooked on this car.

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  awsome car! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By missina - December 23 - 10:13 pm

  I was looking at the 06 vibe and found that I could get more for my money by getting an 05 even if it was used. This car drives wonderfully for me, although my only thing aganst it is that part of the roof rack was stolen off my car and it was way to easy for the person to take it (all they needed was a flat head screw driver) and now I cant find the part to replace it and the dealership said that we can "talk" about it.

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  about to trade it after 1 year - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By madeline - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have the V6, almost all the frills. Fun to drive BUT horrible to maintain. Pontiac has been very accommodating with repairs but theyre needed so often. My car now has 42,000 miles - only put 6,000 on in one year. Beyond normal maintenance, I’ve fixed the compressor, head gasket, drivers side window (fell into the door), blinkers that quit on left hand turns, clock display that occasionally disappeared, brakes, and now it needs new struts (over $3000 in repairs on things Im told shouldnt yet be broken). Never dreamed I would want to trade it but now Im looking. Terrified of what I might have to spend to keep it.

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  Speed is the word - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By LV2XLR8 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I have put 30K on this car in the last 18 months. I drive from LA to San Diego at a typical 85MPH and the ride is great. I have raced others in this class and have yet to be run down. Took out a beamer 330 today from a stop light without breaking 6000RPM! Put aside a little nest egg to pay for the speeding tickets (got mine doing 71 in a 45). Just cant seem to help form pushing that little peddle down... For an additional 1500 get the GTP.

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  My Fishing Family Loves My Truck - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By carol L Evans - December 22 - 4:16 am

  My husband and 2 boys are avid fisherman. who love to take my truck on their overnight trips, because the boys get to leave the docks and go back to the truck and lie down when the get sleepy.. we now also go to the drive inn instead of to the local movie theater, this allows kids to be able to move around while we are looking at movies, they take toys and food and moveies are now fun for them......

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  GTO is awesome - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Todd Bandrowsky - December 21 - 12:46 pm

  I took one drive in the GTO and loved it. Pontiac needs a new photographer because this car is absolutely gorgeous in person. It is beautifully understated and the interior is exquisitely crafted. If you drive to work in this car, youll immediately think your job is worth it. Few cars will cut you off while getting there, youll be able to merge by going faster than everyone, no more stuck on the onramp. Yep, this is a car that makes driving a sheer joy.

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  Grossly UNDERRATED vehicle - 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Rmac - December 21 - 6:26 am

  I purchased this car with 87,000 original miles on it. As of Feb. 2007 the car now has 132,000 miles. The only repair expense Ive had except wear parts such as brakes, rotors, tires, etc. was the need to have the drivers window regulator replaced. The GT model comes more than well equipped. Gizmos a plenty and to date - none have broken.I find the performance of the V6 3.8 L engine extremely satisfying. Great acceleration and the trans is geared in such a way that it almost anticipates your request for more passing power. Frankly, I was impressed from the start. Handling for a car this size is quite good. And it remains a pleasure to drive.No complaints.

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  Awesome G6 - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Klaus - December 21 - 3:26 am

  Fell in love with this car from the first time I saw it. Exterior lines, interior design and chrome-type instrumentation leave top-of-the-line impession normally reserved for $45,000 cars and up. 200 horsepower with 22/32 gas mileage is unbelievable and so far after 600 miles is right on target. Interior lighting/electronic controls enhance night driving . . . luxurious yet functional effect all around. Just cant say enough about this car; dont miss my "baby" Firebird at all (feel guilty Im not driving it more but its just a classic backup for me now). Recommend you step up and enjoy a whole new adventure in driving. Way to go GM!!!

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  not too happy - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By KD - December 19 - 9:20 pm

  had to get a new transmission after 65,000 and I dont even drive rough