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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  Sporty!!! - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By Delaware Hobbs - August 10 - 6:16 am

  I knew as soon as I saw this coming attraction that I would have to hold off purchasing a new minivan until it arrived. I bought a Montana in 98 and knew that I didnt want another minivan unless it was another Montana. I was not disappointed by the look and style - Its the only truly sporty minivan as far as Im concerned. I didnt plan on buying leather this time but I felt the cloth interior just looked too cheap. It seems to handle fine but even though the engine is 3.5 instead of 3.4, Im not convinced it performs better than my old one. There are little things I miss such as a light in the glove compartment, aux pwr outlet up front, dash space, reclining rear seats, see below

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  Get Back into NASCAR - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Blacksheep - August 9 - 12:53 am

  This is my second GTP Supercharged. I had a 97. Reliability on both cars (97 & 05) is terrific. Having a fold down front seat has come in handy more then once. I replaced the mufflers with Flow Masters and new exhaust tips. $400 and the car sounds like it wants to go and looks better from the back. My son-in- law replaced the air filter with a K&N filter. My only regret is that I did not know a V-8 was on the way. Pontiac needs to get back into NASCAR. I plan to stay with Pontiac and if it goes the way of Olds I will leave GM. No matter what you do to a Buick it is still the car my 89 yr old father drives and many more like him. No thanks!

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  Great, fun car to drive. - 2006 Pontiac Vibe
  By Texmac - August 8 - 2:03 pm

  This is a great car to buy, I drive 60 miles a day to work. I just love the way it handles the road & hills.

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  I LOVE My 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP! - 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
  By 2005Wht-GldBonnieGXP - August 8 - 4:36 am

  Weve only had our Bonneville GXP for 5 weeks so far - but nothing has deterred us from loving this car as Pontiac did a wonderful job! It is such a shame to see the Bonneville line discontinued after 48 great years - but at least it went out with a BANG! So far, the only shortcomings are the lack of aftermarket performance items available for it and a little lower gas mileage than I expected. But we do drive it enthusiastically as it is just a blast and the exhaust note is incredible for factory-spec. The GXP handles exceptionally well for such a large sedan and yet offers great ride quality. Luckily, I found one of the last NEW GXPs with every available option in White-Gold Tricoat.

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  Fullfilled My Expectations - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Leanne - August 7 - 11:03 am

  Bought almost new, In total, i have put 110K on it. I have had almost no issues at all in the 6 years Ive had it. I still get 28 mpg avg. It has been a good investment; paid off 2 years ago and kept on going. For a 4 cyl. it goes pretty well, no trouble passing, and travels well at 60+. Had recent starter trouble, replaced it, no problem since. Also gas gauge seems to be off sometimes, but ive never had it looked at. I live in upstate NY, not great in snow, but not horrible, however RUSTED a LOT! Im not in love with this car, but I wasnt when I bought it. I wanted a little cheap car for lots of driving, got good mileage etc, and it filled my needs and was very reliable and fun.

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  Just a cool car - 2004 Pontiac GTO
  By lamadalton - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Great Car, does everything right. Sound is awesome, really adds to the experience of driving the car. This car begs to be driven. Torque up the wazoo, without high rpm driving, so it feels fast at all times.

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  My opinion - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By MyMy - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this cause my wife wanted it. It is a nice car but with two young kids it could use a little more room. Im not happy with the engine power but Im use to hopped up street/strip cars. The fuel mileage is nice and ride is about average. You feel the bumps but not too bad.

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  2004 VIBE GT - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By ray - August 7 - 10:00 am

  LOVE TO DRIVE GOOD POWER GOOD HANDLING, AND GOOD LOOKS.Interior fits good for large or small people. good leg room front and back seats.Only draw back I can see is its a little short wheel based for long ranged driving, say more than 100 miles.But I think it was engineered for everyday commuting.

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  The Vibe gives good Vibes - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Pontiac man - August 7 - 10:00 am

  We love our Pontiac Vibe. The only problem we have had is the a/c not getting cold enough unless it is winter time. Other than that it is fun to drive, maintenance free and a great value

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  I love my vibe! - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Little Country Girl - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely happy with my Vibe. I have never had ANY problems with it. I do the routine maintenence, like oil changes and everything works wonderfully!