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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  Expensive & frequent electronic repairs - 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Lola R. - April 8 - 3:20 pm

  Have driven this pre-owned vehicle for nearly two years and have had a number of electronic problems, all of which were fairly expensive to repair. The two front heated seats have now been fixed a total of five times - three times for the drivers seat heating element alone! It is comfortable, stylish and affordable and I enjoy driving it, but it has far too many electronic options, which makes it a very expensive car to repair.

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  Worth the wait. - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By Greg & Mindy - April 6 - 6:16 pm

  We purchased our G6 convertible in January 2008 and then patiently waited for warm weather to arrive. During that wait we found that the remote starter on our G6 works great from inside my office while the remote starter on my co-workers BMW would not work from the same office. The car is a joy to drive with the top up or down. Many co- workers thought it was a sporty coupe until the top folded into the trunk. We are pleased with the gas mileage we have been getting. No long trips yet but around town mileage is averaging close to 20 MPG. The trunk is basically useless with the top folded down but we knew that when we purchased it. We are very happy with our Pontiac G6 convertible. Enjoy!

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  Huge Fun to Drive - 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Naples, FL - April 6 - 4:13 am

  0-60 in under 6 sec, pretty impressive for a 4 door grocery getter. The engine makes beautiful music, unmistakable V8 growl from the tailpipes. Very responsive handling while not completely sacrificing a comfortable ride-the engineers found a good balance. Pontiac is marketing more stuff to the enthusiast lately, they can be proud of this one.

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  I love My G6 - 2008 Pontiac G6
  By HappyMama - April 6 - 3:13 am

  My husband bought me a 2008 G6 for an early Christmas gift. I love it. Its fun to drive. My kids even like riding in it. There is more than enough room in the front and back for everybody to ride. The trunk is also a nice size. The stero in it has a great sound. I love that it tells me the tire pressure and if there is ice possible. I love this car and will keep it a very long time.

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  Great Little Big Car - 2004 Pontiac Vibe
  By Larry VP, MN - April 5 - 1:30 pm

  Has a five speed manual with basic engine. With rear seats down, will take two bicycles and camping gear for a week. With front seat down will take eight foot objects like lumber or a projection screen. On interstate travel with the cruise on 70 MPH, delivers 40 to 44 MPG using quality regular gas. Roomy rear seat even for those over 6 foot. On interstate trips with two couples and all luggage inside is comfortable. Luggage did go to six inches from the top of the rear window. Mileage also 44 MPG under these conditions in the Midwest. Traveling near Breckenridge/Frisco, CO (continental divide) vehicle was underpowered going up very steep hills. Delivered 40 MPG. Great on snow.

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  great value - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By elmerstud - April 5 - 10:00 am

  the pontiac sunfire is a great car, first of all if ia american made thats a plus, second it isnt very pricey third this is a great car as is, or it is simple to fix up. i have added a bodykit to mine and got a paintjob and some rims and my car can be in the next fast and the furious.

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  I love my VIBE!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Vibe
  By klassykajun - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Sold my Firebird and bought my Vibe because of a knee problem. This little Wagon performs to the max on these hills of North Alabama. It is great to drive..very responsive. Gas mileage is great. I love the body style and everything about it!! Other than that, I wouldnt change a thing! Its the most FUN car Ive ever owned and I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to anyone. Its easy to park and performs beautifully in rainy weather. I LOVE IT!!! Will probably buy another one when this one wears out!!

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  GREAT Car - 2004 Pontiac Grand AM
  By Shaei - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Grand Am and I enjoy it so much more than the 1999 Grand Am SE. The power is exceptional! I wish that this car had better gas mileage but other than that Ive truly had fun with this car.

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  Goat - 2005 Pontiac GTO
  By Patrick Devenny - April 3 - 9:13 pm

  The new GTO is a big improvement from the 04 model, the 05 has a 6.0 liter v8 at 400 horses, this car really flys. its one of the best on the road and theres not many cars that will keep up with it

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  Good car. Room for Improvement - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By New Owner - April 2 - 7:46 am

  I really wanted an Acura TSX but admit that Pontiac discounts and low financing rates were too hard to pass up. When I test drove this car, I was impressed with its ride, handling, looks, and of course, price. There is lots of room for improvement. For me, 200 horses is plenty. The engine sound lame, however. There is too much lateral movement, especially at low speeds and the car could be stiffer. Way too much interior plastic. And finally, whats with the floor hump in the rear passenger area? Fuel economy is not bad. At 26 mpg highway, it is well below advertised value of 29 mpg.