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:

• 

  the wrong formula? - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By ex formula drvr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  bought car new and kept for 5 years with 94000 mi. Had too many problems that ruined the enjoyment of the car. Water pump, oil sending unitleak, pinion seal (2x), intake manifold leak (2x), radio volume control, rack and pinion/tie rod ends - all before I hit 60000 mi. GM should do a better job of making quality cars.

• 

  Good van when its not in the shop - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By Randy - December 15 - 5:06 pm

  Bought used in jan 2005. Replaced rdm the first month. Steering rack alternator head gaskets a/c compressor evaporator coil wheel bearings x 3, 2 instances of broken wires to speed sensors replaced fluid in rdm replaced actuator for awd function. Good thing I was able to purchase the extra warranty. 2 bad I didnt get the 4 year plan.

• 

  Very satisfied - 2007 Pontiac Vibe
  By tom - December 13 - 4:46 pm

  Very satisfied with this vehicle. Far better handling, acceleration, and fuel economy than my previous vehicle which was smaller and lighter. Excellent value.

• 

  LOVE IT! - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By michelle1981 - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my Vibe. Ive never had a problem with it. It is very comfortable and fun to drive. I have had it for 2 years and my next car will be another Vibe GT. It will not let you down!

• 

  A Great Value - 2004 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Russell Ruggiero - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my fourth Bonneville (1992, 1995, 2000, and 2004), which is the best yet. New sping and shock rates have made the ride as stiff an my 1999 MB C280 Sport. Great chassis, with good overall braking and straight-line numbers enable this offering to be a value class leader. My dealer (Perrine) is oustanding, which makes me want to buy from them. All in all, a great value in the $30,000 price range.

• 

  excellent vehicle - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By natcat - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2004 Pontiac Vibe in Lava Red. It is a 4 speed automatic. great car. the one think that made me upset is that when i first decided on going thru with itm i said i wanted a 6 disc changer. well they said the one i bought had one and when i tried it out, it didnt. well it turns out they are going to replace it for me. I like the interior the best. if it had a 6 cylinder i would be happier. thats my review. i give it 5 stars for excellence!

• 

  GREAT - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By fluter - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I loved my vibe and I hate I had to trade it in, but the dealership wouldnt work with me on getting an automatic. I have a left foot problem, and needed to quit shifting, but Im not giving up yet. The dealership I bought it off of is looking for a comparable substitute, Id be happy with another Vibe, as long as it is an automatic.I miss my Vibe!!!!I wish you could help me , but I guess youre not in a position to do that God Bless You for making my Vibe, it was ,and hopefully will be again.

• 

  2002 Pontiac Grand Prix SE - 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By rayandkim - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car, could be a little more comfortable for the 6 ft 3 inch person in the drivers seat as well as the passenger seating.

• 

  Car is Awesome - 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Tinya Blake - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I love this new car it is the nicest so far it is sporty luxuary and elegance rolled into one, I have all the bells and whistles and it was worth every penny !!!!!! It has a great sleek look , Awesome handling , Everyone who sees it says it is sharp I love my car!!! Great handling , rides better than the Cadilac CTS , which is what I origially was looking at !!If you are looking at this car get all the extras it is totally worth it I chose the Grand Prix GT2 !!!Awesome Keep it up G.M.

• 

  Great Wagon, Toyota Quality, Best Buy - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By NewPontiacOwner - December 13 - 6:26 am

  Fun to drive. Great build quality. Stylish. One great GM/Toyota joint project. I prefer the look of the Pontiac Vibe better than the Toyota Matrix. I like the newly design antenna just like those in BMW. It produces great power, handles very well. Keep up the good work Pontiac!