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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  love our "new"/used 2002 Thunder - 2002 Pontiac Montana
  By royalfamily - July 17 - 5:36 am

  We recently purchased a 2002 Montana Thunder and its such a treat to drive, with the dvd, dual sliding doors, heated/power leather seats, rear ac/radio controls, etc., etc. The ONLY concern weve had is that the power sliding doors dont stop closing if a body is in the way..could see that as very dangerous for a smaller child. Also love the rear park aid warning signal!!!! This was a lease return with fairly low mileage and is in pristine condition. I find myself finding reasons to drive it! Anyone else have the Thunder edition package?

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By Sheriff - July 16 - 2:46 pm

  Ive been driving Corollas for the last 5 years and 2 months ago I replaced by 2000 Corolla with a 2005 Vibe, I have to say Im very happy with this car, its small from the outside yet roomy on the inside, Im 6-5" and have no issues setting in this car, traction is very good, fuel economy is very good too. I highly recommend this car to anybody, its a proof that GM can build good cars if they want to!!!

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  Do not buy - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Erin - July 16 - 9:23 am

  My bought my G6 based on my husbands friend who loved his. I test drove mine and loved it. Two week later the problems began. In the two years I have had it the whole front end has been replaced (steering rack, steering column, struts, brakes, tires, some kind of suspension links and clear coat just to name a few) and still can not find the problem. I could not take it anymore I finally traded it in for my Jeep. Save your money and the problems.

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  2009 Vibe GT - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
  By DaveA - July 15 - 9:46 pm

  The car is fun to drive. It used very little fuel. We have been getting 25.5 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the road. I was not sure about the car when we bought it but it has turned out to be an excellent car. The only con I have about it is the road noise from the tires.

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  best car out of 160 - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By jonna - July 15 - 6:16 am

  My husband and I have owned 160 cars in the 30 yrs that we have been married. The Solstice is BY FAR our favorite. We still have a Mercedes 560SL and and Infinite QX4, but I will NEVER let go of my little Solstice. Best fun for your bucks, well built and so far 10k miles worth of reliablilty. Good move Pontiac!!!! Nice to buy American again!!

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  Worst car Ive owned. - 1995 Pontiac Grand AM
  By P - July 14 - 8:26 am

  Bought used with a little over 80K miles on it. Has had nothing but problem after problem since the week I got it. Needed to be in the shop for something at least every other month, at times it would be every 3-4 weeks. Had at least 4 different problems at various times that caused the engine to over heat. Transmission has needed to be replaced, now needs a new head gasket along with some other issues. If not for a used car warranty wed have payed double what the car is worth for all the repairs, as it is the out of pocket repairs cost about the car price over the last 2 years. The plastic inside the car rattles loudly when driving over 40 mph. Horrible car, I will never own a Pontiac again

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  Excellent - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By daf - July 13 - 10:43 pm

  Excellent car; great fun sporty little car for the price, with more rear room for kids and dogs etc than most convertibles; one of the best deals around, just not known really for unknown reasons.

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  Love this Car - 2000 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Rob - July 13 - 1:23 pm

  Bought this car new in 2000 and has had few problems, minor work here and there, now has 190,000 miles on it and doesnt burn any oil. This car handles real well and is fun to drive. Every once and a while the windows stop working, but a well placed hit can get them working, mind this cars mileage, and it gets 25 miles per gallon, so okay. The electronics are starting to go, but it is 8 years old, so not a problem. I would recommend this car to anyone and would probably buy another. The stereo system is amazing as well.

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  Just the facts, Maam - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By wf - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Been an Aztek admirer since inception, but waited for refinements. If you dont need third row seating, more than 3500 lbs tow, traditional SUV badge, ordinary horsepower (much more than sufficient for my needs), and normal ground clearance, this is for you. Throw in decent mpg, great build quality and radio, HVAC, and reclining rear removable seats, and the Azteks perfect. Pet peeves: Rides a little floaty, though I do push it when rounding a corner with good feedback; wish the exterior door handles were like the Vibes. Is owning living up to the wanting? YES!! Overall, a pleasure to own and drive, with decent insurance premiums.

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  Beautiful but poorly designed - 2006 Pontiac Solstice
  By CB - July 11 - 5:33 pm

  I loved this car the first second I laid eyes on it. My first problem began at 3500 miles and the latest just started at 22,000 miles. The list of items that have required service on the car: radio, leaky trunk, frayed convertible top, noisy top after replacement, a/c (3x), rear differential (still makes a LOT of noise), stuck accelerator. This car is beautiful but the engine, transmission and basic build are EXTREMELY problematic. Pontiac will NOT stand behind their product and have given me nothing but grief. Please think twice before buying!