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:

• 

  Awesome - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By GRF - December 19 - 3:20 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned. I sold my BMW 330i to get this car with no regrets. Its better than an M3. The quality of the interior, the power, handling (with some minor upgrades), and the ability to carry 4 adults in comfort. Ive put 20K miles on my car in the last year. I still get over 23 mpg on the highway and put down over 440 HP at the rear wheels (with a few small mods). Plus, you dont see yourself at every stoplight unlike some other "performance" cars.

• 

  Steering System is Defective - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Murrysville - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Dependability is a problem. Brakes had to be replaced at 35,000 mile - most of which are highway. The Steering rack had to be replaced at 44,000 miles and GM offerd insignificant assistance. There is a TSB on the steering shaft, but only if you know it is there will they do the service. Rear Rotors have failed at 44,000 mile. I love the drive of the car, gm needs to improve on the quality. Lastly the sun roof had to be repaired twice and finally replaced altogether.

• 

  An owners perspective - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By Reddemon - December 19 - 10:00 am

  The acceleration and smooth shifting 6 speed are incredible and have to be experienced. I find myself turning down the stereo so I can listen to the exhaust note while running through the gears. The leather seats and trim are luxurious and comfortable but that’s where the impressive interior stops. The stereo isn’t very clear and not very loud (even for factory). Also the Heat/AC knobs have that cheap, fragile feeling. The steering column is plastic and pops out of place when being adjusted (tilt/telescope). Over all it is a great ride and way too fun to drive. I just wish people would go to the dealer and stop chasing me down to look at it!

• 

  Nice! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Snark - December 19 - 10:00 am

  An excellent little car for very little money. Lots of room for people and cargo, stylish, comfortable, and fun to drive. Those who gripe about its snow performance are themselves to blame for not sticking on a decent pair of snow tires. Colorado winters are no problem with the right tires. Thoughtful interior, great gas mileage. If you dont care for pretentious luxury but want a very nice car, this is a great pick. Yay for Toyota reliability.

• 

  silver g.a. - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By fbharly - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned car for 17 months. So far it has served me excellent.

• 

  2009 Pontiac Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By hauppa - December 19 - 8:26 am

  Car is great looking and is great on fuel as well. The lights go on automatically when it gets dark and with the sun roof the Gt 2009 Pontiac Vibe is an eye catcher. So many people stop and look at the Vibe. Has so many neat items that all work very well. AC works great, heater is great, wiper at the rear window is great, heater in the back window is helpful on a cold day to see things with the rear view mirror. Has a great radio and a jack to enter ones own music. Well all I got to say it is a great or nice car for almost anyone.

• 

  My "Grand" experience - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By wicked_666 - December 19 - 2:00 am

  This car takes abuse like a massochist. It feels like a tank and rides like a magic carpet. Its pretty quiet inside with the windows up, even at ridiculous speeds. The engine is quiet and the stock exhaust sounds pleasant. Gas mileage is not exactly stupendous but its not a compact. Power when accelerating and overall breaking adds to the total driving feel of this sport sedan around turns or navigating through morning traffic. The interior leaves a bit to be desired as far as the appearance. The radio,giant A/C knobs,light switch, and tiny glove box are not only a bit retro but annoying and repulsive to look at.

• 

  What a beauty! - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By Shawn - December 18 - 3:30 pm

  My wife and I love the Solstice. It is a great looking car but NOT an everyday car. Great for weekends and nice days. Automatic transmisions are sorta rare--but we found one and it is nice to have. The car handles extremely well and like all the other reviews state--it gets TONS of looks and stares. Upgraded rims are well worth it becuase it makes it look even sportier. Indeed, they are hard to find, but orders for 2007 can be placed--and I have heard that will have an extra 60 horse. For the price--loaded and upgraded rims, I beleive the car is well worth it.

• 

  I will be passing this vehicle to my daughter - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By pilotauto - December 17 - 6:28 am

  I have 380,000KMs on er and the Aztek runs like a top,it has been very reliable and comfortable to drive,and gets great gas mileage..I have nothing bad to say about this vehicle,it has been a very,very excellent family, as well as sporting, outdoor activity type vehicle.This vehicle has been top notch in any way you care to mention...and I like the fact it has unique styling and doesnt lo0ok like everything else out there..I hope my next vehicle will be this awesome!!! I wish they still made them,Id get another but all wheel drive...even though the 2WD was great in the snowy icy,and wet conditions.

• 

  i love my G6 GT! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By amc - December 16 - 6:13 pm

  i absolutely love my car! this is my first car that i cant find one real thing that i dont like about it. my husband has never liked any of my cars but he refuses to drive his if im not using mine. the pick up is great and the outside is just beautiful! the car rides so incredibly smoothly too. you cant ask for a better car.