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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  One year Follow up review..... - 2005 Pontiac Montana
  By J.Briscoe - April 6 - 9:46 am

  This is a follow up to our SV6 purchase in July 2005. The car does not always start - dealer found no problem with this - still happening. Tires are worn after a year - seems you are to look inside the door and not read the tires for the correct pressure. The radio switches channels without catching all of the stations on its own. Brakes are worn and noisy. The air had to be recharged - was not keeping the inside cooled down.

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  STD Vibe w/ 5-speed - 2003 Pontiac Vibe
  By cgello - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The Vibe has been a great addition to our family. Very SUV like yet economical likes its Corolla cousin. With the seats folded down I actually fit a twin sized mattress in the back. Great job Toyota and Pontiac!

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  My Review - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bizich2484 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love-hate relationship with this car. Ive only owned it for a year and have had to bring it back to the dealership 6 times to get various parts fixed. I used to drive a Bonneville and I really miss the V6 that I had in that car. I do not plan on owning this car for much longer, I spend a lot of time in my car and I need something bigger and has more features.

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  great little car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By neopopper - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Since we bought this little car in may of 03, its been absolutly wonderful. It has pep, style, economy, and fun to drive. I have yet to find a complaint. To anyone looking, this car is gold.

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  Made in USA - 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
  By Bob_96 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Bonneville, the first was a 96. I try to buy American products because I think its important to this countrys long term health. My 96 was 95% domestic (USA/Canada) while the 02 was 85%. I loved my 96 and when it was time to replace it, the choice was between the 02 and the 03. The price difference was less than $100 but GM made standard features in the 02 optional in the 03. The 02 ended up being a much better value.

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  love my aztek - 2003 Pontiac Aztek
  By Barbara - April 5 - 8:23 pm

  Overall, this has been an exceptional SUV. I bought it when it had 35,000 miles and now it has 146,900 + miles! I have had a few problems, but who doesnt on an older car? Of course, I didnt buy it for its looks! People laugh at me, but now they think Im pretty smart.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Pontiac G6
  By Disappointed - April 5 - 5:00 am

  I bought my G6 new and hadnt had any major problems so far, although now after 4 years, the paint is chipping on the radio, small problem, but the radio isnt getting good reception on AM and the CDs are getting stuck. The huge problem is this week - hottest week of the year - the compressor went out on the A/C - unbelievable at 4 years old. Im wondering what is coming next. My brakes act weird at times also, like when Im going 50 or so, it is grabbing when I brake. Theres a lot of info in here about bad brakes on 2006 G6s.

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  Pontiac Owner - 2003 Pontiac Grand AM
  By PA - April 4 - 1:53 pm

  We have had this car for a little over 2 years now. Nothing major as far as repairs, but did have to get the thermostat replaced (covered by warranty).

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  Power - 2006 Pontiac GTO
  By Patrick - April 4 - 6:56 am

  I have driven 3 suped up mustangs during the 90s, I have driven many other fast cars as well, this is by far the beefiest damn car I have driven by far, and for $31,500 (my purchase price) who can beat it? I can stay up with all those fancy European sport cars for half the price. The only thing I would change is the exterior styling could be a bit more refined. The interior is gorgeous and comfortable. This is my households 3rd vehicle, so I dont need to much trunk space, I purchased this to commute to work with on nice days and for performance, period, all without taking out a second mortgage.

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  I love it! - 2005 Pontiac G6
  By Sgtickles - April 3 - 11:50 pm

  This is my first brand new car and I absolutely love it. I like that it has the look and feel of a fun, sporty car but the convenience of a sedan. It is very spacious, handles really well, and is so much fun to drive. I would recommend this car to anyone.